Halos Are Putting Together a Sneaky Good Defensive Team

Last week, it was announced that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim officially signed free agent centerfielder, Ben Revere, to a one-year, $4 million dollar deal. The deal came following several other minor moves that the Angels made as an attempt to try and repair their current major league roster.

Earlier this winter, the Halos acquired Cameron Maybin from the Detroit Tigers in exchange of right-handed pitcher, Victor Alcantara. In addition, the Halos acquired Danny Espinosa from the Washington Nationals for right-handed pitchers, Austin Adams and Kyle McGowin, while also snagging Martin Maldonado from the Milwaukee Brewers for the Halos backup catcher, Jett Brady.

While the trades that the Halos have made to this point haven't been the flashiest of moves, they have certainly been important ones. Not only has Anaheim upgraded it's depth at the major league level, they have also added several key players to minor league contracts including outfielder Shane Robinson, catcher Tony Sanchez, and right-handed pitcher, Jesse Chavez.

As the team continues to try and find it's identity within an increasingly competitive American League West division, the moves that Billy Eppler & Company make now are vital ones. Look at last season for instance, when the Angels ranked fourth in the league when it came to Defensive Runs Saved with 45.5. Now, that they have added new players to the equation, that number will likely jump and become even greater allowing the Halos to rack up a few more tallies in the win column.

Furthermore, when Andrelton Simmons is healthy he is one of the best, if not the greatest, shortstop in the league. Add in Danny Espinosa to the equation, who is a +8 defender, and you have a middle infield combo that could potentially be unstoppable. Last season, Simmons finished the year with +18 Runs Saved which could become as many as +28-30 next season if he stays healthy and makes the correct plays.

Besides those positions, the Halos also look to upgrade defensively in the catching department with Martin Maldonado behind the dish. Maldonado has consistently been credited throughout his career for his pitching framing abilities which will not only help defensively, but will also make the Angels pitching staff better compared to in year's past.

While these moves certainly aren't the flashiest and things could still go wrong for the Halos, 2017 looks like a promising year already as the team trys to remain as competitive as possible. Without a strong farm system and having to trade away Mike Trout for a huge haul, the Halos were forced to take a different route and will hope that it pays off enough to help them make a push for the playoffs.