Los Angeles Angels: Five Bold Predictions For 2014
By Jason Gold
Feb. 21, 2113; Tempe, AZ, USA: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (left), first baseman Albert Pujols (center) and outfielder Josh Hamilton pose for a portrait during photo day at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
3. Josh Hamilton Won’t Play More Than 81 Games
Josh Hamilton, despite struggling in his first season with the Angels in 2013, has been one of the best players in baseball over the last six seasons. Moreover, he has been relatively healthy over the past four seasons, only missed an average of 23.75 games per season, which isn’t terrible considering he’s been known as an injury prone player.
With that being said, I think this is the year it all goes downhill for Hamilton. Last year with the Angels he played in 151 games, the most in his career, and only hit .250 with 21 HR’s and 72 RBI’s. It’s probably not a good sign when you play the most games in your career and have the worst output of your career in the same season.
To be frank, when Hamilton signed with the Angels I thought it was a terrible fit. He was perfect for the Texas Rangers because of the way the ball flies out of the ballpark and the alley gaps in Arlington. Angels Stadium doesn’t provide you those same luxuries. However, I don’t think Hamilton’s production is the issue this season. No, it’s his health. I have no inside information on Hamilton’s health but I just have an inkling that he’s going to be ravaged by injury this season and that he’s not going to play more than half the season in 2014. Obviously this would be a huge blow to the Angels chances of making the playoffs, something we’ll get to in a little bit.