IF Erick Aybar/Maicer Izturis

OF Reggie Willits

INF Sean Rodriguez

The Angels figure to alternate at two positions again this year -- shortstop and catcher. The time-share arrangement at shortstop proved necessary last season as neither Erick Aybar nor Maicer Izturis could avoid the injury bug for the second consecutive season. With Kendrick also prone to hamstring pulls, Rodriguez could be an important reserve. At catcher, Mathis has proved to be the more dynamic defender. But Napoli's pop (20 home runs in only 227 at-bats) will be impossible for an offense-starved Angels team to ignore.

TOP ROOKIES: The organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2008, RHP Anthony Ortega has risen quickly on the Angels' organizational depth chart (9-7 at Double-A last season plus 5-0 with a 2.52 ERA in six starts at Triple-A). He will be in the competition for the fifth starter's spot. RHP Nick Adenhart (a disappointing 9-13, 5.76 ERA at Triple-A last year) also will be in the mix.

MEDICAL WATCH:

OF Vladimir Guerrero (knee surgery) is expected to be at full strength by the start of the regular season.

OF Gary Matthews Jr. (knee surgery) is expected to miss the first month of the season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon.

C Mike Napoli (shoulder surgery) had minor arthroscopic surgery on his throwing shoulder, which is not expected to affect his readiness for the 2009 season.

IF Maicer Izturis (thumb surgery) returned from August surgery to play during the winter ball season in his native Venezuela.