Angels Preparing to Release Kazmir

It appears time is running out for Angels starter Scott Kazmir.  The LA Times is reporting it’s now just a matter of when the team pulls the trigger and parts ways with the struggling pitcher.

If LA cuts ties with its starter, they would be eating the $14.5 million remaining on the lefty’s contract.  That is unlikely to go down easy.

After struggling through most of the 2009 season with the Rays, Kazmir was shipped to the Angels for minor leaguers and Sean Rodriguez.

Kazmir was able to finish 2009 strong with LA, maintaining an ERA of 1.73 over his 6 starts with the club.

2010 was a different story.

Kazmir finished the season with an ERA just shy of 6.00 on the year.  He had a career high free pass rate and a career low K mark, leading to a SO/BB ratio of 1.18.

In his one appearance with the club this year, Kazmir was shellacked for 5 runs in only 1.2 innings of work.  He walked two and hit an additional pair before exiting the game.

The 27 year old has spent time in the Angels extended spring training trying to find consistency.  He’s made four starts and in none has Kazmir shown any hint of improvement.

After his last appearance where he allowed 6 runs in 3.2 innings, Kazmir is now shouldering a horrendous 15.15 ERA with LA’s Triple-A affiliate.