Lackey is the latest starter to come down with a physical ailment. He has been shut down because of inflammation in his right elbow.

The Angels are optimistic that all three starters will miss only a short period of time at the beginning of the season.

Escobar, in particular, has been the feel-good story of the spring. After surgery to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder last July, Escobar was expected to return some time around the All-Star break this season.

That window has been moved up by Escobar's rapid recovery, and he is expected to be in the rotation by May 1.

The Angels certainly have the bullpen to cover any shortage of innings from the starters. Brian Fuentes was signed to replace Francisco Rodriguez at closer, allowing Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo to remain in their setup roles. Darren Oliver, Justin Speier and rookie Kevin Jepsen add depth.

Meanwhile, the offense will to try make up for the departures of Teixeira and Anderson with depth.

Young players such as Kendry Morales, Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar and the catching combination of Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli will be asked to step and become significant contributors around veterans Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu.

Kendrick's development has been hindered by injuries each of the last two seasons. But he has batted .306 in the big leagues between injuries and is being asked to step into a top-of-the-lineup role, batting second ahead of Abreu and Guerrero.

Morales will have the largest shoes to fill. The Angels have handed him the starting first base job in Teixeira's wake. A significant downgrade defensively as well as offensively, the switch-hitting Cuban has shown a "big-league ready" bat in the minors, in the estimation of Angels management.

However, Guerrero once again will have to carry the offensive load.

THE ANGELS WILL CONTEND IF ...: Their pitching staff -- particularly starters John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Kelvim Escobar -- is healthy enough to carry them. Young players such as Howie Kendrick, Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar need to continue their development, adding depth to an offense lacking departed free agents Mark Teixeira and Garret Anderson. Offseason knee surgery must allow Vladimir Guerrero to turn back the clock and once again carry the offense.

PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON: SS Erick Aybar shared the position with Maicer Izturis last season but could take it over entirely this season if he stays healthy. The switch-hitting Aybar was the goat in the Angels' latest playoff loss to the Boston Red Sox, failing to get down a crucial squeeze bunt in the deciding game. But he tore it up during winter ball in his native Dominican Republic and has begun to fulfill the potential the Angels have seen in him.