SP Jered Weaver
SP Scott Kazmir
SP Joel Piniero
SP Joe Saunders
SP Ervin Santana
RP Brian Fuentes
RP Scot Shields
RP Fernando Rodney
RP Kevin Jepsen
RP Jason Bulger
RP Matt Palmer
C Mike Napoli
1B Kendry Morales
2B Howard ("Howie") Kendrick
3B Brandon Wood (or Maicer Izturis, but both will make the 25 man roster)
SS Erick Aybar
LF Juan Rivera
CF Torii Hunter
RF Bobby Abreu
DH Hideki Matsui
C Jeff Mathis
UT Maicer Izturis
OF Gary ("Still Have 2 Years Left") Matthews Jr.
OF Reggie Willits
Conceivably, Palmer might not make it, but it is highly unlikely after his capable performance in both starting and relief roles in 2009. Everyone else pretty much has to make the team due to salary reasons, past performance or lack of options.
I would imagine the final roster spot will go to an infielder, possibly Freddy Sandoval. With GMJ and Willits already on the bench, and with a nominal outfielder (Matsui) serving as the primary DH, there does not appear to be any room for a Chris Pettit or Terry Evans to make the team (as much as fans - and I'm sure the Angels' front-office - would love to see GMJ replaced). With either Brandon Wood or Maicer Izturis as the only spare infielder, it would seem prudent to have one more infield option available.
The Angels could also go with a 12th pitcher. While the marginal value of a 7th man in the bullpen is low, it seems all the rage these days in MLB, and I could definitely see a Rich Thompson or one of the Rodriguezes starting the season with the team.
What all this means is that there is likely to be little drama in Spring Training in Angels camp. The team is basically set. While I'm not confident that the team is good enough to fend off the Rangers (barring a breakout performance by Wood), it is what it is and now is the time to hope for the best.
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