The Angels were confident the addition of Torii Hunter would upgrade their offense sufficiently to compete with the heavy lumber in Detroit, Boston and New York -- as long as their pitching remained top caliber. That plan has taken repeated hits this spring with injuries to their top two starters (John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar) and to two relievers (Chris Bootcheck and Scot Shields). Lackey and Escobar are out until May. Bootcheck and Shields should be ready soon after the season opens. But the Angels might find themselves relying more than they planned on an offense built around a jam-packed outfield (Hunter, Vladimir Guerrero, Garret Anderson and Gary Matthews Jr.) and the continuing development of young players like Casey Kotchman and Howie Kendrick.

ROTATION:

1. RHP Jered Weaver

2. RHP Jon Garland

3. LHP Joe Saunders

4. RHP Ervin Santana

5. RHP Dustin Moseley

The offseason addition of Jon Garland in a trade with the Chicago White Sox looks prescient now that RHPs John Lackey (strained triceps) and Kelvim Escobar (shoulder inflammation) will open the season on the DL. When those two are healthy and leading the front of the Angels' rotation, it is one of the strongest in baseball. The Angels will have to make do with a lesser group until those two return, most likely in early to mid-May. Top prospect RHP Nick Adenhart could force his way into the season-opening rotation, allowing the Angels to leave Dustin Moseley in the bullpen as their long reliever.

BULLPEN:

RHP Francisco Rodriguez (closer)

RHP Justin Speier

LHP Darren Oliver

RHP Dustin Moseley (if not starting)

RHP Rich Thompson

RHP Jason Bulger

Once a bedrock of strength for the Angels, there are reasons to be concerned about the bullpen this year. RHP Francisco Rodriguez is motivated for a big season with potential free agency looming next winter. But RHP Scot Shields had a rough second half in 2007 and has followed it up with a sluggish spring. He is likely to open the season on the disabled list. Speier is a strong setup alternative. But injuries in the rotation (and to long man RHP Chris Bootcheck) could cut into the bullpen's depth and force the Angels to open the season with some inexperienced arms (Bulger, Thompson and/or RHP Darren O'Day).

LINEUP:

1. 3B Chone Figgins

2. LF Gary Matthews Jr.

3. RF Vladimir Guerrero

4. DH Garret Anderson

5. CF Torii Hunter

6. 1B Casey Kotchman

7. 2B Howie Kendrick

8. C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis

9. SS Erick Aybar/Maicer Izturis

The addition of Torii Hunter and continued development of young players like Howie Kendrick and Casey Kotchman could make the Angels' offense very deep. Angels manager Mike Scioscia plans to rotate three of his four everyday outfielders (Garret Anderson, Vladimir Guerrero and Gary Matthews Jr.) through the DH spot to keep veterans Anderson and Guerrero healthy and productive over the long haul. Though both have balked at the idea of more than occasional DH duty, the plan is intended to avoid the October doldrums that have led to early playoff exits in two of the last four seasons. Erick Aybar and Maicer Izturis have big shoes to fill (offensively and defensively) in replacing Gold Glove SS Orlando Cabrera. Look for them to share the position. Young Cs Mike Napoli and Jeff Mathis will likely to do the same behind the plate.

RESERVES:

C Mike Napoli/Jeff Mathis

INF Erick Aybar/Maicer Izturis

INF Robb Quinlan

OF Juan Rivera

OF Reggie Willits

A weakness much of last season, the Angels' bench could be stronger than it has been in years. Juan Rivera returns healthy after missing most of 2007 with a broken leg. He could force his way into the lineup often, much as he did in 2006 when he set career highs across the board (.310, 23 home runs, 85 RBI). Reggie Willits was a catalyst for the Angels' offense early last season, getting them through a rough patch when Garret Anderson was injured and Rivera absent. Pitching injuries could force the Angels to open the season with a 12-man pitching staff, cutting into their bench.

ROOKIE WATCH: RHP Darren O'Day was barely on the Angels' radar this spring after making Class AA for the first time at midseason last year. But the sidearmer from the University of Florida has pitched well this spring, and few hitters have had good swings off him. He could force his way into the bullpen picture.

MEDICAL WATCH:

3B Chone Figgins (left hand cramp) left the March 24 game. He is day-to-day.

OF Gary Matthews Jr. (sprained right ankle) left the March 24 game. He is questionable for Opening Day.

RHP Kelvim Escobar (torn labrum in right shoulder) was shut down from his throwing program in late March. He might be facing season-ending surgery.

RHP John Lackey (strained triceps) was shut down in mid-spring and could be out until late May.

RHP Chris Bootcheck (strained oblique) is not likely to be ready for Opening Day but could be back soon after.

RHP Scot Shields (tightness in his right forearm) likely will open the season on the disabled list, and he'll work his way back in extended spring training.

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