The Los Angeles Angels’ 5 Most Criticized Players of Spring Training

5 Most Criticized LA Angels

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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Angels have had two seasons in a row with huge signings taking over the headlines. This offseason was much quieter, but the big money players are still on the team. To say that the Angels have been a disappointment these past two seasons, is a major understatement. That puts major pressure on some of the players and opens them up for criticism. These are the five most criticized players of Spring Training.

5. Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

5. Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Albert Pujols signed one of the biggest contracts in the history of sports. It really has not worked out so far. He signed a 10-year, $254 million contract prior to the 2012 season. Having a $25 million dollar per year contract puts a lot of weight on a player. When that player doesn't perform, that weight may become unbearable.

4. Ernesto Frieri

Ernesto Frieri Los Angeles Angels
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ernesto Frieri

Ernesto Frieri Los Angeles Angels
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The closer position is always going to come with criticisms, especially when the player who is at the back of the bullpen is new to the job. This will be his second full year with the job, and he will try to duplicate his numbers from last season. He does, however, need to drastically get his ERA down. His ERA of 3.80 is way too high to be a closer.

3. Jered Weaver

Jered Weaver Los Angeles Angels
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jered Weaver

Jered Weaver Los Angeles Angels
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jered Weaver is still the ace of the Angels' staff. He dealt with some injury issues last year that derailed the team's season. He needs to be a top-five pitcher if he wants this team to be a playoff team again. If not, they will be a disappointment once again.

2. Raul Ibanez

Raul Ibanez Los Angeles Angels
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

2. Raul Ibanez

Raul Ibanez Los Angeles Angels
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Raul Ibanez has extended his career over the past few seasons. He has been good for the Yankees and the Mariners. He was the only decent signing for them this offseason, so he is going to have a little pressure on him. Also, he is coming close to his last year in the MLB. If he doesn't perform, the media will be getting on him (unless the next guy doesn't perform, as well).

1. Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton Los Angeles Angels
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

1. Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton Los Angeles Angels
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Hamilton seems to be a criticism magnet. No matter what he does, the criticism will be there. That will not change this season. He will need to do something drastic this season to make people forget the fortune that the Angels seem like they have wasted on him. He may be the most criticized athlete in the game.

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