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Angels at a glance

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Staff writer Mike DiGiovanna takes a look at the Angels heading into spring training.

Who’s new

DH Hideki Matsui, P Joel Pineiro, P Fernando Rodney, P Brian Stokes.

Who’s gone

P John Lackey, 3B Chone Figgins, DH Vladimir Guerrero, P Darren Oliver, OF Gary Matthews Jr., P Kelvim Escobar.

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Biggest question

Who will bat leadoff with Figgins gone? The Angels feel they have two capable candidates in Maicer Izturis and Erick Aybar, but Izturis can’t match the durability and Aybar can’t match the plate discipline of Figgins, who had a .395 on-base percentage, 114 runs, 101 walks and 42 stolen bases last season and was a fixture at the top of the Angels’ lineup since 2005.

Job seekers

Brandon Wood, long considered the organization’s top position-playing prospect, looks to beat out Izturis for the starting third base job, though both are expected to see considerable action -- or possibly will platoon -- there. Veteran utility man Robb Quinlan will have to earn his bench spot back after signing a minor league deal last week.

Keep your eye on

Ervin Santana. After signing a four-year, $30-million contract last spring, the right-hander struggled to recover from an elbow sprain that sidelined him for the first six weeks of the season. His velocity slipped, his command wavered, and Santana went 8-8 with a 5.10 earned-run average. But if he can regain his 2008 form (16-7, 3.49) Santana could emerge as an ace.

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Reasons to be excited

Though Figgins will be difficult to replace, there is plenty of power and on-base ability throughout the lineup, decent team speed, and Matsui should be an upgrade over Guerrero in the DH spot. The rotation, though lacking a true ace, consists of five starters who, if healthy, should give the Angels a chance to win most of the time.

Reasons to be worried

The lack of a dominant starter might make it tough for the Angels to match up against top pitchers in the league. Veteran setup man Scot Shields, who missed most of 2009 because of left knee surgery, won’t be ready to throw off a mound at the beginning of camp. Closer Brian Fuentes, dominant in the first half, went 1-3 with a 4.81 ERA after the All-Star break last season.

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