Will the new Angels trio live up to their expectations?

Los Angeles Angels fans are excited for this season with the addition of former Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton. Now the Angels have a trio that consists of All-Star Albert Pujols, AL Rookie of the Year Mike Trout, and Hamilton. Not only are Angels fans anticipating this season, but even the athletes are looking forward to playing together. "I texted him [Josh Hamilton] and congratulated him [on the contract] and he texted back saying, 'Get your legs loose, that's all I ask,''' said Trout.

Mike Trout - Wikimedia Commons

Outfielder Mike Trout has been essential to the Angels since starting with the team in April last year. Trout came out of the minor leagues, but once he started competing in the Major Leagues, he showed what he is capable of and had the statistics to prove it. After only a season he is considered one of the best players in baseball, leading the AL last season with 129 runs and 49 steals. With Hamilton in the Angels lineup, Trout has much more support since Albert Pujols has been mediocre at best these past few seasons.

Albert Pujols - Wikimedia Commons

In the past three seasons, Albert Pujols’ both slugging and on-base percentages decreased. Along with the stats decreasing, his recovery from a knee surgery last October and plantar fasciitis on his left foot will give him trouble on the field. Although Pujols might not be as good as he was a few years ago, Hamilton can easily pick up the slack.

Josh Hamilton - Wikimedia Commons

Mike Trout’s young age leaves room for improvement in his future in the MLB, and Pujols’ 12 years of experience makes him a great leader for the team in the upcoming years. Along with Trout and Pujols, Hamilton’s addition to the lineup makes another threat to opponents when he steps up to the plate. His great performance with the Rangers shows that his addition to the already stellar batting staff will be a big benefit in this season.

Contributed by Sadeon Martin

Pujols struggles, struggles, and struggles

Albert Pujols's slump has been no secret to baseball fans, nor the media.  The 32-year-old first baseman  was the biggest story this off season, as he left the St. Louis Cardinals for the Los Angeles Angels. Pujols, a three time MVP award winner, agreed to a 10 year $240 million dollar contract with the team, making him one of the richest players.

Albert Pujols receiving a pick off throw while with the St. Louis Cardinals /Hjelle / Flickr

However, through the first month and a half this season, Pujols hasn't just been bad, he's been dreadful. He's batting .198 with 11 RBIs and only one home run. This might not have been as big a story if the Angels were winning ballgames, however, they are not. The team is 14-18 and are in last in the AL West.

Currently, only three other players are being paid over $200 million. Alex Rodriguez, Prince Fielder, and Joey Votto. In Rodriguez's first year with the New York Yankees after agreeing to a 10 year $242 million dollar deal, he batted .286 with 36 home runs. In Fielder's first year with the Detroit Tigers, he is currently batting .309 with five homers and 15 RBIs. In Votto's first year after the extension with the Cincinnati Reds, he is batting .291 with two homers and 18 RBIs. All three players' first year after getting the big bucks, have been substantially better than Pujols has been in his first year with Los Angeles.

Angels fans have been told to calm down and not worry about Pujols's early slump. Many have said his performance will raise after he gets adjusted to his new team. However, Pujols's slump has lasted awfully long now and the question keeps pressing. Will Pujols be the same hitter that he was with the St. Louis Cardinals? "The game is not easy,'' Pujols said in an ESPN article. "Sometimes we make it look easy. Most times, it's not.'' In recent years, Pujols has indeed made it look easy. This year, Pujols is making baseball look harder than ever. Fans will simply have to wait to see if Pujols can start hitting well again. As the Angels continue to struggle, a dark cloud continues to hover over Angels Stadium.