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Los Angeles Angels: What Are Their Top Five Offseason Priorities?

By Greg Goldstein

Apr 7, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (2) poses with the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award with general manager Billy Eppler (left) and manager Mike Scioscia (right) during a MLB baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (2) poses with the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award with general manager Billy Eppler (left) and manager Mike Scioscia (right) during a MLB baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Find a Relief Pitcher That Can Compete for the Closer’s Spot

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Just as I said with the starting pitching, it is important for the Angels to spend their money wisely when it comes to the bullpen. Closers get overpaid on the open market all the time (see Jonathan Papelbon and David Robertson). So while it be nice to make a play for Aroldis Chapman or Kenley Jansen, there are just too many other needs that the Angels have to address.

However, there is a gaping whole in the ninth inning, which incumbent closer Huston Street is just not meant to fill. As the closer this past season, Street posted an ERA in the mid-6.00s and was was on the disabled list for a couple of months to end the season. This should not build confidence in Mike Scioscia when attempts to forecast how his bullpen when shape up next year.

With Street likely relegated to another bullpen role, a couple of other relievers should have the chance to take the coveted spot. Right-hander Cam Bedrosian had the best season of any Angels relief pitcher, but his breakout campaign was cut short due to injury as well. Bedrosian posted an impressive 1.12 ERA and a career-high 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings. The 25-year-old right hander works in the 94-96 mph and has all the makings of being a good back of the bullpen pitcher. He should definitely get a chance to win the closer’s job. Outside of him, Jose Alvarez and J.C. Ramirez could both get a look there.

But even with there being guys who could potentially win the job already in house, the Angels would be wise to bring in another relief pitcher capable of closing ballgames. Joe Blanton, Joaquin Benoit and Fernando Rodney all come to mind as guys that could get succeed in the role and not have to cost as much money. Another name to watch out for is former all-star closer Greg Holland, who is attempting a comeback after sitting out this past season as he rehabbed from an injury. It’s highly likely that he re-signs in Kansas City, but he still remains available as of now.

None of the free agent pitchers that I mentioned would be given the closer’s job, except for Fernando Rodney. But even then, he did struggle after he was traded to the Miami Marlins.

Fixing the back-end of the bullpen will be critical to the Angels offseason. The team needs to add at least one capable set up man who could potentially close game if called upon.

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