Angels quick hits

03/12/2006
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels have one goal in mind for the 2006 season, and that is a deep run into the postseason.
No American League West team has won three straight division crowns since the Oakland A's achieved the feat in 1990. The Angels have their sights set on taking the division for the third straight year and earning another World Series appearance.
Team strength: The Angels' drive for the postseason will be predicated on pitching once again. A solid rotation will be backed by a deep bullpen that will feature Francisco Rodriguez as closer with four available setup men.
Achilles heel: Power could be in short supply in a lineup that had only one hitter with more than 20 homers last season. A premium will be placed on aggressive baserunning and manufacturing runs.
Top newcomer: Jeff Weaver may not have been the most glamorous free-agent signing of the offseason, but the right-hander brings a veteran arm to the No. 5 slot. He also allows the Angels' younger pitchers to continue developing in the Minors.
Ready to make the leap: Casey Kotchman is moving into the starter's job at first, with Darin Erstad heading to the outfield. A natural hitter, Kotchman is in position to have an impact on the offense.
On the hot seat: Jose Molina and Jeff Mathis will combine to take over behind the plate for Bengie Molina, who departed to Toronto through free agency. Bengie Molina hit .295 with 15 homers last season.
You can bank on: Vladimir Guerrero has driven in at least 100 runs and slugged at least 30 homers in seven of the last eight seasons while hitting .300 or better in each of those years. There are no signs that he won't continue the pattern.
Litmus test: Barring significant injuries, the pitching staff will keep the Angels in the hunt all season. The question mark remains the offense, but if they improve their run production from a year ago, they will have an inside track to the postseason.
Games you don't want to miss: The A's will visit Anaheim for the first time on May 1-2 for a quick two-game set. If recent seasons are an indicator, the Angels may [x, then] be able to pick up games on the notoriously slow-starting Athletics.
To conclude Interleague Play, the Dodgers will visit Angel Stadium, June 30-July 2, to settle the battle of LA. In what should be a competitive AL West this season, the end of the regular season could decide the crown with Texas in town for three games, Sept. 25-27, and the A's closing the year with a four-game series, Sept. 28-Oct 1.

Source: http://anaheim.angels.mlb.com/