Everything you need to know about the Angels spring training in 2016

It has been a long, hard winter for Angel fans. Hopes of acquiring a superstar left fielder were dashed and fears that the prime years of baseball's best player will be wasted away by our misguided owner are all but confirmed. But today is not a day to grumble about our underwhelming offseason. No! Because today ends the longest part of the year for us all: the offseason is over and spring training is here! While none of you need me to tell you why today is the best day of the year, read on for a catch-all on the Angels' 2016 spring training.

Where

Tempe Diablo Stadium, located at 2200 W. Alameda Drive in Tempe, AZ, is the gorgeous facility that houses our Angels every spring. The stadium is just a 15 minute drive from Phoenix, as this handy map will show you.

Important dates to know

TODAY - Pitchers and catchers begin their work outs

February 23 - Position players report

February 24 - First full squad workouts

March 2 - First spring training game vs. the San Francisco Giants

March 31 - April 1 - Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium

April 2 - Freeway Series at Angels Statium

April 3 - Final exhibition game vs. the Cubs at Angels Stadium

April 4 - Angels home opener vs. the Cubs

Positional Battles

While the starting line-up appears all but set, there will be no shortage of competition for the bench and pitching staff to keep us engaged all spring long.

Back-up outfielders

While Daniel Nava has not been officially named the starting left fielder, he is as close to any outfielder on the team not named Mike Trout or Kole Calhoun that is virtually guaranteed to make the team out of spring training. He certainly shouldn't take that for granted, as there will be plenty of guys looking to take that job out from under him.

Craig Gentry, the 32 year-old with a career OPS+ of 86, appears to be the front-runner for the fourth outfielder job. As a plus-glove at all three positions, he can provide value as a late-inning defensive sub for Nava and a pinch running specialist. Minor league free agent Rafael Ortega brings a similar skill set to the table, though at age 24 he provides much more upside than the veteran Gentry. The recently released ZiPS projections actually peg Ortega as the Angels' third-best outfielder going into this season, predicting a 1.5 zWAR on the strength of 10 defensive runs saved. We should temper our enthusiasm, however, as Ortega would have to hit much better than his projected 75 OPS+ to earn enough playing time and provide that kind of value.

Gentry heads into spring as the favorite here, as his veteran status and career .274/.354/.366 line against lefties makes him a suitable platoon partner with Nava. If Ortega, owner of a whopping 6 MLB at bats, can re-capture his early minor league upside and flash some on-base talent (he owns a career 11% walk rate in AAA), he could make the decision a tough one.

Utility guys

Cliff Pennington is most celebrated around these parts for simply not being Taylor Featherston. On paper, he won't provide any more value to the Angels this year than Featherston did last year, though his veteran know-how will hopefully lead to less cringe-worthy moments than we saw from the mis-cast rookie last season. He has also posted a walk rate above 10% last season, so he won't be an automatic out when he happens to get the occasional plate appearance.

Pennington has a two-year contract, making him a virtual lock to make the squad. Competing with him for playing time as the 25th man on the roster will be Rey Navarro, a 26 year-old slick-fielding short stop who had his first taste of the big leagues last year with Baltimore. Jefry Marte, a corner infielder who made his debut last year with Detroit and showed some promise by slugging .413 in 90 PA, will compete with Ji-Man Choi to fill the void left by Albert Pujols the first month of the season. The rule 5 selection has yet to taste the big leagues but has shown a sharp eye in his minor league career, with a .404 OBP and 13% walk rate.

Marte's power and ability to play third base will give him the edge over Navarro and Choi heading into spring, though Choi has also played a bit of left field and bats from the left side, making him a tempting option to keep around on a squad that is deficient in both of those categories.

Starting rotation

The spring battle destined to get the most attention will be who comprises the starting rotation after ace Garrett Richards. Declining former ace Jered Weaver and re-habbing lefty C.J. Wilson are the elder statesmen of the staff, making it all but a given that veteran-friendly manager Mike Scioscia awards them both spots in the rotation, regardless of their spring performance. Both are in the last seasons of their contracts, providing plenty of motivation to show they have something left in the tank. Hector Santiago, entering his third year with the club and earning All Star status last season, seems likely to earn spot in the rotation short of a disastrous spring session.

Andrew Heaney is the favorite for the fifth starter spot, though in a just world he would be granted the designation as the #2 after posting a 3.49 ERA over 105.2 innings as a rookie in 2014. Tyler Skaggs will be taking the mound for the first time since his 2014 Tommy John surgery. The team would be wise to take their time with the 24 year-old lefty, making him a long shot to start the year with the big league club. Matt Shoemaker took a step back after a great 2014 campaign, looking to re-establish himself as a solid mid-rotation arm. Nick Tropeano is the least likely to win a spot here, though most projection systems peg him out-pitching the rest of the rotation thanks to his promising SO/W ratio last year, though those numbers are likely to drop with extended exposure to major league hitters.

Bullpen

The area of the team that is most up in the air would have to be who fills out the pen after relief aces Huston Street and Joe Smith. Fernando Salas makes $2.4 million and has been a favorite of Mike Scioscia's the last two seasons, so he is safe. Holdovers Mike Morin, Cory Rasmus, Cam Bedrosian and Jose Alvarez will join newcomers Al Alburquerque, Rob Rasmussen, Deolis Guerra and Christian Friedrich for the other 4-5 bullpen openings. Also, don't discount at least one of the runners-up in the rotation battle sticking around in the pen.

Schedule

The Angels will play 36 games this spring, with nearly all of them broadcasting on FSW and AM830.

Date	Opponent	Location	Time	TV/Radio
3/2/2016	Giants	Scottsdale	12:05 PM	FSW, AM830
3/3/2016	A's	Tempe	12:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/4/2016	Cubs	Mesa	12:05 PM	FSW, AM830
3/5/2016	Mariners	Peoria	12:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/6/2016	Royals	Tempe	12:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/7/2016	Reds	Goodyear	12:05 PM
3/7/2016	White Sox	Tempe	12:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/8/2016	D-Backs	Scottsdale	11:10 AM	FSW, AM830
3/9/2016	Dodgers	Tempe	12:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/10/2016	Giants	Tempe	12:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/11/2016	Dodgers	Glendale	12:05 PM	FSW, AM830
3/12/2016	Giants	Tempe	12:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/13/2016	Rangers	Tempe	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/14/2016	Reds	Tempe	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/15/2016	Mariners	Tempe	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/16/2016	Indians	Goodyear	1:05 PM	FSW, AM830
3/17/2016	Rockies	Scottsdale	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/18/2016	Royals	Surprise	1:05 PM	FSW, AM830
3/18/2016	Rockies	Tempe	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/19/2016	Brewers	Tempe	1:10 PM	FSWI, AM830
3/20/2016	Rangers	Surprise	1:05 PM	KTXA, AM 830
3/21/2016	Brewers	Phoenix	1:05 PM	FSWI, AM830
3/22/2016	Bees (AAA)	SLC	3:05 PM
3/22/2016	A's	Tempe	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/24/2016	White Sox	Glendale	1:05 PM	FSW, AM830
3/25/2016	A's	Tempe	1:05 PM	FSW, AM830
3/26/2016	Padres	Tempe	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/27/2016	Padres	Peoria	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/28/2016	Cubs	Tempe	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/29/2016	Indians	Tempe	1:10 PM	FSW, AM830
3/29/2016	Padres	Peoria	1:10 PM
3/30/2016	Indians	Tempe	1:05 PM	AM830
3/31/2016	Dodgers	Los Angeles	7:10 PM	PT, AM830
4/1/2016	Dodgers	Los Angeles	7:10 PM	FSW, AM830
4/2/2016	Dodgers	Anaheim	6:05 PM	FSW, AM830
4/3/2016	Cubs	Anaheim	12:05 PM	FSW, AM830

Roster

It should be a crowded locker room the first few weeks of camp.

#	Position	Player	DOB	40-man?	2015 Club
-	RHP	A.J. Achter	8/27/88	No	Rochester (AAA), MIN (MLB)
This waiver claim is likely AAA bullpen depth.
62	RHP	Al Alburquerque	6/10/86	Yes	Detroit (MLB)
The veteran fireballer hopes to find a spot in the pen and earn the whole sum of his $1.1 million dollar deal.
86	RHP	Victor Alcantara	4/3/93	Yes	Inland Empire (A+)
Ranking fourth among Angels prospects according to Baseball America, this hard thrower should start in AA.
48	LHP	Jose Alvarez	5/6/89	Yes	Angels (MLB)
Useful swingman likely to make the squad.
68	RHP	Cam Bedrosian	10/*2/91	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
Still trying to translate minor league dominance to big league consistency
-	LHP	Tyler Deloach	4/12/91	No	Arkansas (AA), SLC (AAA)
Soft-tossing lefty will likely fill out the Bees rotation.
-	LHP	Christian Friedrich	7/8/87	Yes	Omaha (AAA), Kansas City (MLB)
Former first-round pick will look to catch on as a LOOGY.
62	RHP	Deolis Guerra	4/17/89	Yes	Indianapolis (AAA), Pittsburg (MLB)
Rule 5 pick will either mop up or head back to the Pirates.
28	LHP	Andrew Heaney	6/5/91	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
Young lefty will still have to earn a spot in the rotation, despite a solid rookie campaign.
-	LHP	Lucas Luetge	3/24/87	No	Tacoma (AAA), Seattle (MLB)
Another random lefty destined for Salt Lake.
-	LHP	Greg Mahle	4/17/93	No	Arkansas (AA)
Reliever with solid peripherals will likely make the jump to AAA this season.
-	RHP	Yunesky Maya	8/28/81	No	Licey (DOWL, Doosan (KBO)
Has not appeared in the majors since 2013. Owns a career ERA of 5.80 over 59 IP.
-	RHP	Kyle McGowin	11/27/91	No	Kansas City (MLB)
Starter with a decent fastball. Will likely pitch in AAA this year.
64	RHP	Mike Morin	5/3/91	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
The change-up artist struggled in 2015 despite improving his rate stats.
-	RHP	Ramon Ramirez	8/31/81	No	Tijuana (AAA), Quintana Roo (AAA)
Who?
46	RHP	Cory Rasmus	11/6/87	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
Looking to re-establish himself after an injury-wrecked 2015.
57	LHP	Rob Rasmussen	4/2/89	Yes	Buffalo, Tacoma (AAA), Toronto, Seattle (MLB)
Hard-thrower with command issues will battle it out with the rest of the lefty relievers in camp.
43	RHP	Garrett Richards	5/27/88	Yes	Angels (MLB)
The default staff ace.
59	RHP	Fernando Salas	5/30/85	Yes	Angels (MLB)
The veteran will fill in for low-leverage innings throughout the year.
53	LHP	Hector Santiago	12/16/87	Yes	Angels (MLB)
Hector rode a hot streak into the All Star game last season.
52	RHP	Matt Shoemaker	9/27/86	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
The Bearded One had a rough sophomore season and will have to fight for a spot on the big league roster.
45	LHP	Tyler Skaggs	7/13/91	Yes	DNP
The young lefty begins his road back from Tommy John surgery.
38	RHP	Joe Smith	3/22/84	Yes	Angels (MLB)
The Angels' best reliever the last two seasons.
-	LHP	Nate Smith	8/28/91	No	Arkansas (AA), SLC (AAA)
Finesse starter will provide depth in AAA.
16	RHP	Huston Street	8/2/83	Yes	Angels (MLB)
Veteran closer will attempt to keep hitters off balance another year.
35	RHP	Nick Tropeano	8/27/90	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
NiTro finished strong for the Halos in 2015 and will fight for a spot among the starting 5.
36	RHP	Jered Weaver	10/4/82	Yes	Angels (MLB)
The Angel great will battle father time in what could be his last season pitching at the Big A.
33	LHP	C.J. Wilson	11/18/80	Yes	Angels (MLB)
Hoping for a solid season in a contract year.
47	C	Jett Bandy	3/26/90	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
Third on the catching depth chart after another solid minor league season.
-	C	Juan Graterol	2/14/89	No	Charleston (A), Trenton (AA), Scranton (AAA)
The Angels have lots of catchers.
-	C	Stephen McGee	2/7/91	No	Okla. City (AAA), LA Dodgers MLB)
You need a lot of catchers in spring training.
58	C	Carlos Perez	10/27/90	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
Seized the starting job as a rookie in 2015.
18	C	Geovany Soto	1/20/83	Yes	CHW (MLB)
Veteran backstop is the perfect back-up for Perez.
-	C	Michael Strentz	11/10/91	No	Inland Empire (A+)
Future bullpen catcher.
-	C	Taylor Ward	12/14/93	No	Orem (RK), Burlington (A)
The controversial first-round pick had a solid debut season.
-	C	Wade Wass	9/23/91	No	Burlington (A), Inland Empire (AA)
Decent walk rates the last two years but old for his level.
-	SS	Roberto Baldoquin	5/14/94	No	Inland Empire (A+)
The Cuban import had a rough first year stateside. He will see some time with big league camp before going back to A-ball.
51	1B/LF	Ji-Man Choi	5/19/91	Yes	Tacoma (AAA)
The rule 5 selection might fill in for the ailing Albert Pujols to start the year.
22	3B	Kaleb Cowart	6/2/92	Yes	Inland Empire (A+), Salt Lake (AAA), Angels MLB
The fallen prospect had a bounce-back season and will fight for a bench role.
24	1B/DH	C.J. Cron	1/5/90	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
The slugger goes into spring for the first time not having to fight for a job.
6	3B	Yunel Escobar	11/2/82	Yes	Washington (MLB)
Angels are hoping his big 2015 was no fluke.
12	2B	Johnny Giavotella	7/10/87	Yes	Angels (MLB)
Last season's cult hero will get the starting job again in 2016.
-	UT	Sherman Johnson	7/15/90	No	Arkansas (AA)
The walk machine is a potential future lead-off hitter.
13	3B	Kyle Kubitza	7/15/90	Yes	SLC (AAA), Angels (MLB)
Could be a make-or-break season as he was underwhelming in both the majors and AAA.
19	1B/3B	Jefry Marte	6/21/91	Yes	Toledo (AAA), Detroit (MLB)
The right-handed swinging corner infielder had a power spike in 2015.
20	UT	Rey Navarro	12/22/89	Yes	Norfolk (AAA), Baltimore (MLB)
Slick fielder will battle for the 25th spot on the roster.
7	UT	Cliff Pennington	6/15/84	Yes	Toronot, Arizona (MLB)
The veteran infielder is just happy to be here.
-	UT	Gregorio Petit	12/10/84	No	Tampa (A+), Scranton (AAA), NYY (MLB)
A long shot that Billy Eppler likely took a liking to last year in NY.
5	1B/DH	Albert Pujols	1/16/80	Yes	Angels (MLB)
Fingers crossed...
2	SS	Andrelton Simmons	9/4/89	Yes	Atlanta (MLB)
The defensive wizard will transform the Angels' infield.
-	2B	Alex Yarbrough	8/3/91	No	SLC (AAA)
A brutal first year in AAA took a toll on his prospect status.
-	OF	Quintin Berry	11/21/84	No	Pawtucket, Iowa (AAA), CHC (MLB)
Defensive specialist brought in to push the rest of the outfield competition.
-	OF	Andrew Brown	9/10/84	No	SK (KBO)
Minor league veteran was just OK in his tour of Korea.
-	OF	Nick Buss	12/15/86	No	Reno (AAA)
Someone has to play in Salt Lake.
56	OF	Kole Calhoun	10/14/87	Yes	Angels (MLB)
One of the few sure things on this squad.
54	OF	Todd Cunningham	3/20/89	Yes	Gwinnett (AAA), Atlanta (MLB)
Switch-hitting defensive specialist with decent on base skills.
3	OF	Craig Gentry	11/29/83	Yes	Nashville (AAA), Oakland (MLB)
Has the inside track on the fourth outfielder position.
-	OF	Chad Hinshaw	9/10/90	No	Arkansas (AA)
Speedy outfielder with on-base skills should get bumped to AAA.
25	OF	Daniel Nava	2/22/83	Yes	Pawtucket (AAA), Boston, TB (MLB)
Patient switch-hitter is looking to re-establish his career after a lost 2015. Front runner for left field.
39	OF	Rafael Ortega	5/15/91	Yes	Memphis (AAA)
Good defense, a left-handed bat and minimal competition give him good odds of seeing some action this year.
27	OF	Mike Trout	8/7/91	Yes	Angels (MLB)
World's greatest weather man.