Los Angeles Angels suddenly have a viable bullpen

The Los Angeles Angels pitching staff has been their Achillies’ Hell. For years, their respectable lineup has been hindered by a starting rotation that has been filled with failed attempts at reclamation projects and a bullpen that was the equivalent of pouring kerosene on a fire.

This is something that the Angels have recognized as well this offseason. They made a pair of moves to shore up their rotation prior to the lockout, adding Noah Syndergaard and Michael Lorenzen. However, their bullpen may be their most improved unit thus far.

Los Angeles Angels finally have a useful bullpen

Bringing back Raisel Iglesias is the move that will get the most attention. It makes sense that this would be the case – he was one of the better closers in the game last year and gives the Angels a weapon in the ninth inning. His presence in the back of their bullpen immediately makes them a better team.

But the other moves are what will make the difference for the Angels. Aaron Loup signed a three year deal prior to the lockout, the first multi-year deal that the Angels had given to a free agent pitcher since Joe Smith in 2013. They can only hope this deal works out as well.

Normally, the Angels would end their pursuit of bullpen help there. Instead, they have learned something after years of wasting Mike Trout – a strong bullpen actually matters. They continued to work towards that goal on Thursday, signing Archie Bradley and Ryan Tepera to further bolster their relief corps.

The Angels still need help. They could use another solid starting pitcher and more depth in the bullpen never hurts. Yet, there is a difference between this year and other years in the recent past – their bullpen is not a dumpster fire.

The Los Angeles Angels suddenly have a viable bullpen. Maybe now, they will have the arms they need to get back into the postseason.