The Halos are a week into Spring, how have they fared so far?
By: Ryan Whitehead
As the first week of Spring Training is in the books up, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have been able to decide which players in the lineup stand out, and what they can improve upon going down the stretch.
Through one week there are three factors that come into play during these tuneups which will eventually lead into the 2015 
regular season.
Factor #1 wrapping up the week is who is set at the top as the leadoff hitter? Top two candidates of course are Kole Calhoun and Mike Trout. Both had solid offensive numbers last season with Calhoun batting leadoff.
Calhoun was able to display all facets of hitting last season, showing power with the bat and consistency on the bases. Trout, of course, coming off his MVP year is expected to bat second in the lineup once again this season.
Factor #2 is how Trout’s approach to this season will look. Trout (upper left) stated at the beginning of ST that he was committed to stealing more bases. His numbers on the bases last season were lower than his previous two campaigns.
Trout had only 16 stolen bases in the 2014 season compared to 33 in 2013 and 49 in his rookie year in 2012. His power was shown in Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, as he connected for his first home run in this year’s installment of the Cactus League.
Factor #3 is probably the biggest one of all; how deep can the bullpen go this season?
The back end of the pitching staff has been the main topic of discussion over the past few seasons, with said conversations labeling the staff as inconsistent and majorly prone to giving up leads. 
One of the few sparks in the bullpen is closer Huston Street. Street (right) was picked up from the San Diego Padres at about mid-season last year and appeared in 28 games, in which he recorded 17 saves.
Another spark in the bullpen so far this spring is prospect Sean Newcomb, who really showed his explosive fastball on Sunday against the Royals. Newcomb is seen as having a great future on the Halos’ pitching staff.
The bullpen has blown consecutive leads so far during ST. In yesterday’s game against the Oakland Athletics and Sunday’s game against Kansas City. Many questions remain as who will fill the spots in the bullpen in order to be achieve a little more stability this year.
After seeing the Angels in the first week, many things still need improvement, including finding ways to finish games and have consistent hitting throughout the batting order.
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