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Barring injury we can see twenty of the twenty five playoff roster spots definitely filled for the Angels:
4 Starting Pitchers:
Jered Weaver, Matt Shoemaker, Hector Santiago, C.J. Wilson
7 Relief Pitchers:
Huston Street, Joe Smith, Kevin Jepsen, Fernando Salas, Mike Morin, Jason Grilli, Cory Rasmus
2 Catchers:
Chris Iannetta, Hank Conger
3 Outfielders:
Mike Trout, Kole Calhoun, Collin Cowgill
4 Infielders:
Albert Pujols, Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar, David Freese
The five remaining spots are up for grabs. Which men are taken depends on a philosophical approach to each series...
DESIGNATED HITTER:
C.J. Cron or Efren Navarro are the choices. A perfect platoon here, in fact.
BULLPEN QUESTION:
The Angels may opt for eight relief pitchers. Which of these two is more important:
A) Joe Thatcher as a lefty specialist to get one critical out (which he hasn't necessarily shown is a slam dunk) or
B) An innings-eating mop-up man like Wade LeBlanc (also a lefty) in case of a starter meltdown in a series where it is best to not tax the best arms in the pen?
THE FOURTH OUTFIELDER:
If Josh Hamilton is in shape, the Angels will likely include him and Cowgill will be the fourth outfielder. If they do not include HamBone, look for the Angels to take Tony Campana.
THE BACKUP INFIELDERS:
John McDonald and Gordon Beckham are the likely backup infielders.
Who else is there?
PITCHERS: Michael Roth is a lefty and can eat innings. Vinnie Pestano appears to be ready for prime time.
HITTERS: Brennan Boesch won the PCL batting title but didn't really do much in the MLB and was given some chances to late this season. Grant Green is a below average glove but is at least average with the bat.
UTILITY: Campana is your go-to pinch runner and John Buck is your third catcher.
My Prediction: The Angels eschew an eighth reliever for the short ALDS and take Cron, Navarro, Campana, McDonald and Beckham. If Hamilton has improved he goes in place of Campana on this list.
Who would you pick for the postseason roster? Who would you leave off? Why?