2007 Angels Projected Lineup
2007 Los Angeles Angels
Batting Order
1. CF Gary Matthews
2. SS Orlando Cabrera
3. RF Vladimir Guerrero
4. LF Garret Anderson
5. DH Shea Hillenbrand
6. 1B Casey Kotchman
7. 2B Howie Kendrick
8. C Mike Napoli/Jose Molina
9. 3B Chone Figgins
Figgins held the leadoff spot last season, but hit only .250 there. Matthews looks like a better choice and will get a chance to prove his career year in 2006 was no fluke. Juan Rivera is out until midseason with a broken leg, so the outfield ranks are suspiciously thin. Kendry Morales and Robb Quinlan could see some time at first base. The development of Kendrick and Kotchman is essential to the Angels' improvement on offense — look for both to be hitting higher in the order later in the year.
Rotation
John Lackey
Kelvim Escobar
Jered Weaver
Ervin Santana
*Bartolo Colon
Joe Saunders
*Joe Saunders is expected to hold down a rotation spot until Bartolo Colon returns from a rotator cuff tear, in late April/early May. Also, monitor Jered Weaver's progress--Weaver is making steady progress in his recovery from biceps tendinitis, the Angels conceded the possibility that the second-year right-hander may miss his first regular-season start.
Closer: Francisco RodrÃguez
