Major League Baseball's version of Christmas Day is finally here.
On Monday, the Angels will kick off the 2016 season with an Opening Day matchup against the Chicago Cubs at Angels Stadium and fans will get their first look at Mike Scioscia's 25-man roster in a game that actually matters. And even though it's just game No. 1 of 162, Opening Day has the honorable distinction of the most optimistic day for all 30 teams in any baseball season as everyone starts out even at zeros in both the win and loss column.
To prep you for the big day, we've put together the following guide of what to what for on Monday:
New faces
The Angels added three players expected to play a prominent role in the team's 2016 season. Third baseman Yunel Escobar, shortstop Andrelton Simmons and left fielder Daniel Nava will make their regular season debut with the team come Monday.
As major additions to start the Billy Eppler era for the Angels, the new faces have been brought in to address many of the problems that plagued the team throughout last season including production from left field and solidifying the leadoff spot in the batting order. So far, Nava and Escobar put together great springs at the plate and Simmons has already shown his sure hands up the middle as a perenniel Gold Glove candidate but pressure will be on each player to show up when it matters in the regular season.
End of an era
When Garrett Richards starts the game on Monday, it will be the first time in over six years that the first pitch of an Angels' season was by somebody other than Jered Weaver.
Weaver struggled with both his velocity and injuries this spring and much has been made of the team's need to transition to a new No. 1 starter. As for Richards, he very much looks the part of an ace with his fastball topping out at 100mph multiple times this spring and a repertoire of wicked breaking stuff.
Three in a row for Trout?
No one enjoys Opening Day more than Mike Trout.
The Angels' All-Star has homered in each of his last two Opening Day appearances and will be looking to make it three on Monday.
Your destination for Opening Day coverage
As always, FOX Sports West is your destination for all things Angels and Opening Day 2016 is no different.
In addition to full coverage of the Angels game with the Cubs starting with 'Angels Live' at 6p on FOX Sports West, we'll be providing fans with behind the scenes glimpses and exclusive Opening Day content on social media including a Facebook Live broadcast with Hector Santiago as we ride with him to the ballpark on Opening Day. (Subscribe now on our Facebook page to be notified when we go live and have your questions ready)
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