Thursday, October.11/2012

The Angels went 29-17 down the stretch while the Dodgers won 8 out of their 10 games to end 2012. With a full season with their revamped teams and added players, you have to think both will be amongst the favorites to be in the 2013 MLB Playoffs.

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer): Follow @chuckbooth3024

I know that the playoffs are going on right now and that everyone is captivated by the 4 games that are being played today.  Which leads to me to ask the question?  Do you think any of the Dodgers and Angels fans are watching these playoffs without a horse in the race?  I am here to tell you and these said fans-that I believe both of these teams will be a playoff factor in 2013 .  The Angels and Dodgers spent a fortune on new players in the last 365 days.  Almost a Billion Dollars was added in player contracts between the two clubs.  Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Hanley Ramirez are amongst the players traded or signed.

Lets start off with the Angels.  I was there in Anaheim on opening weekend in April and witnessed the struggles of the club early and most notably Albert Pujols.  As I was tweeting and talking to everyone, I could see that Pujols was not himself.  I predicted a slow start based on seeing him play.  The same thing could be said for the team.  The Angels started out of the gate 8-14 before calling up Mike Trout.  Soon after they fired hitting coach Mickey Hatcher and all was not well.  Albert went into the May with 0 HRs and 4 RBI and was hitting near the Mendoza Line. 

The Dodgers won 8 out of their last 10 and fought injuries all year to barely miss out on the playoffs.  They have most of their revamped team all coming back next year and should add a healthy Carl Crawford to the fold in early spring.  I believe they will add another starting pitcher such as Zack Greinke or Shaun Marcum.  To see my entire breakdown of their impending 2013 Contracts situation and Team Payroll,  please click here :

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