Chatting with Halo Hangout to learn more about the Angels

We chatted with the guys at Halo Hangout to learn more about the Los Angeles Angels as the Cleveland Indians head to town.

We caught up with David Rice of Halo Hangout to learn more about the Angels. Here is what he had to say.

1. What are your initial takeaways from how the Angels have started the season?

DR: Our offense is much improved so far and we are getting the clutch hits with two outs that eluded us so much last season. Our starters have performed very well thus far although the level of competition may skew this a little bit. Overall, a very promising start going into this week’s opening homestand.

2. What did you think of Shohei Ohtani’s debut on the mound? Should Indians fans expect to see him as a DH in the upcoming series?

DR: Shohei Ohtani looked really good on the mound, reaching 100 mph multiple times throughout his outing. He only had one bad inning which was the second and despite giving up three runs, he bounced back nicely and did not allow a hit after that.

Hitting-wise, you will probably see him as the DH both Tuesday and Wednesday, as the Indians are throwing two righties out there. He will not DH in the first game as the Angels have said he will not hit on the day before or after he pitches.

3. Who is one under-the-radar Angels player Indians fans should know about?

DR: J.C. Ramirez. He will be the starter in the series opener and has looked really good in the spring after missing the last three months of 2017 with an arm injury. The other guy to watch, but I wouldn’t necessarily call him an under-the-radar guy, is Zack Cozart. He has been red-hot to start the season and his versatility (playing 2B with Ian Kinsler out with a strained groin) has been huge.

Cozart has replaced Kinsler in the lead-off spot as well and has been excellent. He is currently hitting .368 (7 for 19) with a homer and three runs batted in with a .400 OBP.

4. In a few sentences, which team win the series and why?

DR: I believe this to be a big series for the Angels to see how they matchup against of the AL’s best teams in the Indians.

Next: Cleveland Indians vs. LA Angels series preview

With this being said, I like the pitching matchups in games one and two for the Angels and I believe that the Angel hitters will get enough runs to help the Angels take two of three from the Indians.