Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Baseball

Prospecting:
Minor League Affiliates - AAA: Salt Lake Stingers- AA: Arkansas Travelers- A: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Cedar Rapids Kernels - Rookie: Orem Owlz, Mesa Angels

The Angels possess more high-end talent in the minors than any team in baseball, which should begin paying dividends in 2005. With his ability to hit for average and power combined with his plate discipline, Casey Kotchman is the best prospect in the minors. He batted .224 for Anaheim but could start at DH in 2005. Dallas McPherson led the minors with 349 total bases and a .670 slugging percentage last season while hitting .317-40-126 between Class AAA and AA. His only weaknesses are a high strikeout rate and defense. Ervin Santana missed most of last season with elbow tendinitis, but was dominant in his limited time at Double-A, posting a 3.30 ERA and 9.9 strikeouts per game. His slider is untouchable, while his fastball hits 96 mph. Kendry Morales, signed out of Cuba, is big-league-ready and could spend time there as a DH/outfielder.

Erick Aybar, an acrobatic shortstop with plus speed (51 steals), led the minors with 189 hits and hit .330 with 14 homers in high Class A. Jeff Mathis struggled with the bat in Double-A (.227-14-55), but the athletic catcher improved his defense and should rebound offensively. Jered Weaver was the top collegiate pitcher in 2004, winning the Roger Clemens Award, and has plus command of four pitches and the ability to work hitters. He could end the season in Anaheim. Brandon Wood, the Angels' top draft pick in 2003, may eventually need to move from shortstop to third base, but he showed a quality bat last year, hitting .251-11-64 with 21 steals in low Class A. Alberto Callaspo jumped a level to Double-A and made the transition to shortstop. A contact hitter, he batted .282 with 15 steals.