With November beginning LA Angels should give thanks.
Despite the final results, the LA Angels have a lot to be thankful for in this season. From another awesome year from Mike Trout, to a break out year by CJ Cron. Cam Bedrosian realizing his potential and Albert Pujols still going strong.
In 2016 season there were many things to take pride in as LA Angels fans despite a below .500 record. The Angels had a few hot stretches during the season and the men most responsible on the offensive sides were Mike Trout, C.J. Cron, and Albert Pujols.
Mike Trout had another MVP-Caliber season in 2016. Trout finished with a .315 batting average smacking 29 homers and driving in 100 runs. In addition Trout stole 30 bases and scored 123 runs while sporting a .441 OBP due in large part to 116 walks. Trout’s WAR (Wins Above replacement) of 10.6. Every time the Angels seemed to need a big play either offensively or defensively Trout seemed to come through.
Albert Pujols followed up his 40 homer and 95 RBI season in 2015 by hitting 31 homers while driving in 119 runs. Pujols also raised his batting average up to a respectable .268 for the season. Pujols had four walk-off hits including a two-run homer vs. Oakland in late August after the bullpen blew the lead. He was also a leader both on and off the field.
C.J. Cron his best season in the majors of his young career. Cron finished with a .278 batting average with 16 homers and 69 RBI’s. This is despite being on the disabled list for five weeks due to a broken hand. When the Angels floundering in August Cron came back and provided a spark as the Angels won nine of their next 12.
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Yunel Escobar was an unsung hero as he came over in an off-season trade. Escobar provided stability at both third base and as a lead-off hitter. Escobar hit .304 with five homers and 39 runs batted in. It seemed like amidst every Angel rally Escobar seemed to be involved. He also play adequate defense.
Finally Jefry Marte also had a standout year setting career highs in every category. Marte hit .252 with 15 homers and driving in 44 runs. Marte was a pleasant surprise in 2016 and has the Angels excited for him to play a full season in 2017. Marte played well at 3B and 1B and even got into left field in the final months of the season. If Marte can play left field well enough the Angels would love to get his bat into the line-up on a regular basis.
On the pitching side, Matt Shoemaker broke out of an early season slump. Despite having a below .500 record Shoemaker still had an outstanding season finishing 9-13 with a 3.88 ERA. Shoemaker gave the Angels stability in the midst of chaos after three of their starters went down with season-ending elbow surgery.
In the bullpen Cam Bedrosian had a breakout year going 2-0 with a 1.12 ERA in 40.1 innings. He also struck out 51 batters along the way. He became the set-up man and even closed a few games before succumbing to a blood clot in his arm.
So as you can see there was still a lot to cheer about in Anaheim.
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