Projections from A to Z for 2013: H-M

The third installment! This one will be featuring an impressive group of Angels, including two more newcomers. As always, I'll post my methodologies for each player in the comments section. But so as to not procrastinate, let's get on with the show!

To kick things off, it's the Cyborg himself, Tommy Hanson!

TOMMY HANSON, STARTING PITCHER

G	GS	IP	W	L	ERA	WHIP	CG	K	BB	H	ER	HR	K/9	BB/9	H/9	HR/9	K/BB	ERA+
32	32	210.2	13	10	3.59	1.25	1	196	73	191	84	22	8.4	3.1	8.2	0.9	2.7	112

I like what I see. Not exactly stellar numbers, but steady, reliable, and fitting for a number-three, or number-four should Jason Vargas slot in ahead of him. I fully expect Cyborg to become a quick fan favorite with numbers like these; shoot, I'll probably buy me a Hanson jersey if they sell them here soon enough. Anyway, the 210 2/3 innings he's slated to pitch are encouraging, shaking out to an average of 6 2/3 innings per start. Another innings-eater. Me gusta.

Next, it's DESTRUCTOBEAM TIME! CLEAR A PATH!

CHRIS IANNETTA, CATCHER

G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+	BABIP
125	401	62	99	12	2	16	48	54	112	2	5	.247	.341	.407	.748	107	.302

Even in spite of the low-ish batting average, I like this line for Iannetta. His OBP is still quite encouraging, and the sharp increase in playing time implies he'll be largely injury free (although I'm not sure he'll be COMPLETELY free of injury). I do like the looks of this for Iannetta; if he can stay clear of the injury bug, he might get even MORE time behind the plate, which will certainly make those counting stats look nicer, and if Bourjos has that projected season I updated last time around, Iannetta may reap some benefit of that and increase some of his rate stats.

Time for some space-age fun with Kevin Jetson...er, I mean JEPSEN. (Sorry, can't help myself there.)

KEVIN JEPSEN, RELIEF PITCHER

G	GF	IP	W	L	ERA	WHIP	SV	K	BB	H	ER	HR	K/9	BB/9	H/9	HR/9	K/BB	ERA+
59	9	52.2	4	3	4.10	1.37	1	49	20	52	24	3	8.4	3.4	8.9	0.5	2.5	98

He put everything together in 2012 and did quite nicely, putting up what I think was his first true, quality season in an Angels uniform. I expect a slip, but not a HUGE slip. He won't be the Kevin Jepsen that made us tear our hair out in 2009 and 2010, but he's not going to be the magical bullpen savior he was in August and September of last season. The 98 ERA+ suggests he'll be a league average reliever--and you know what? I'm okay with that. Reliable arm.

Will this be the season Howie finally wins his batting title?

HOWIE KENDRICK, SECOND BASEMAN

G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+	BABIP
148	568	70	161	34	4	12	68	30	109	14	5	.283	.325	.421	.746	105	.331

Looks like what we've come to expect of Howie--but a .331 BABIP suggests he's getting a little lucky this season just doing what he does. Is he starting to slip already? If so, not in 2013. If the entire AL second base crop takes a crap at the plate like in 2011, he may wind up an All-Star again. Aside from that, though, he's looking like the Howie we've grown to know. If he bats in the two-hole, expect his rate stats each to jump 20-30 points. I have him in the sixth spot, though, between Mark Trumbo and Alberto Callaspo. He's seemed pretty comfortable in the sixth spot throughout his career, so don't mess with a good thing.

Finally, the bullpen's newest mad dog, Ryan Madson!

RYAN MADSON, RELIEF PITCHER

G	GF	IP	W	L	ERA	WHIP	SV	K	BB	H	ER	HR	K/9	BB/9	H/9	HR/9	K/BB	ERA+
58	52	70.2	4	2	2.67	0.98	39	79	17	52	31	5	10.1	2.2	6.6	0.6	4.6	151

Expected widely to become the closer, either at the season's start or within a week or two of Opening Day, I would LOVE these numbers from Madson. His numbers as a closer in more hitter-friendly Philadelphia were certainly encouraging, so in pitcher's-haven Anaheim, I expect him to THRIVE. Look at that WHIP! Lowest in the bullpen, and even lower than any of the starters project to have. The K/BB ratio is sexy as well. Good stuff, Madson. I expect great things.

Coming up in the next installment will be Albert Pujols, Andrew Romine, Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo and Jason Vargas!