5 MLB teams who could pull off a Cinderella run

ST PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 14: Mike Trout #27 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels get ready to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 14, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 14: Mike Trout #27 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels get ready to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 14, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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ST PETERSBURG, FL – JUNE 14: Mike Trout #27 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels get ready to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 14, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FL – JUNE 14: Mike Trout #27 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels get ready to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 14, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. AL. Los Angeles Angels. 4. Pick Analysis. West. player. 102

With a short season, the possibility of the Los Angeles Angels regulars never sitting increases their chances. They have Mike Trout, who is now joined by Anthony Rendon and the return of dual-threat Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani can be an ace right from Opening Day, and he’ll likely be batting every day he isn’t on the mound.

The Angels went out and signed Julio Teheran and Jason Castro, both on one-year deals. Dylan Bundy was acquired through trade as both Bundy and Teheran should supply durability and depth to the Angels rotation.

What’s interesting about the Angels this season is that each player provides depth to a roster who’s only loss was outfielder Kole Calhoun. The addition of All-Star Rendon will undoubtedly be a sidekick alongside Trout and Ohtani in the lineup. When the Angels play in NL cities, Ohtani can still appear in the list as the DH. Thanks to the universal DH, Ohtani will get more appearances at the plate.

The trio in the lineup will also include Gold Glover Andrelton Simmons. The 30-year old is in the final year of his contract. Los Angeles has had no formal discussions of an extension.

Having these additions, along with hiring manager Joe Maddon, Los Angeles will likely rely on pitching and consistent hitting in an attempt to get Trout (if he plays) to October.