Toronto Blue Jays look to stop skid against surging Angels

Across the Diamond

Despite the big names atop their batting order, Los Angeles has not won by producing 10 runs per game.  Their team batting average of .232 ranks them 27th in all of baseball, while their 30 home runs rank them 21st.  They also rank 2nd-last in team OBP (.288) and dead last in team SLG% (.349).  If there’s one hot team for the Jays’ rotation to face, I suppose this would be it.  Yes, we’re reaching for positives here!

Mike Trout remains the big fish in this lineup, and has opened the season with a .291 average including 10 home runs and 21 RBI.  Albert Pujols is a shell of his former self, but remains a legitimate threat and has managed to piece together a .231 average thus far with six home runs and 14 RBI.

David Freese, Johnny Giavotella and Erick Aybar round out the infield, with Aybar’s .285 average leading the pack after a disappointing start from Freese.

One area that the Angels continue to seek stability at is their 1B/DH compliment to Pujols.  Matt Joyce has hit an ugly .143 with one home run through 105 at bats, while the young C.J. Cron has barely managed to climb above the .200 mark.  Marc Krauss is currently getting his shot at the job, so keep an eye out for him towards the bottom of the order.

Next: Game 1: Sanchize looks to step up