WEST
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels signed Hunter to a $90 million, five-year contract, giving them a perennial Gold Glove winner in center field. He'll bat in the middle of a versatile lineup that also includes Vladimir Guerrero, Garret Anderson and speedy Chone Figgins.
The Angels have long relied on fine pitching and an excellent bullpen, but the arm injuries to Lackey and Escobar are a big concern. Lackey was 19-9 with an AL-leading 3.01 ERA in 224 innings last season. Escobar went 18-7 with a 3.40 ERA.
Lackey will likely miss at least the first month with a strained right triceps. Escobar's shoulder injury sounds serious, and he's out indefinitely. Premier setup man Scot Shields (forearm) is expected to miss the first week or two, but the good news is an MRI exam showed no ligament damage. Those key injuries will test this team's enviable depth. Starting pitcher Jered Weaver becomes crucial. He had a great spring.