Spring Training: Do Not Panic……yet

So far the Los Angeles Angels haven’t looked as sharp as we had hoped for spring training. There have been some major break downs particularly in the pitching department. However, as pitcher and hitters look to get into the swing of things before opening day, we can’t yet push the panic button. Still, that doesn’t mean we can start to worry.

For the last few seasons, pitching has been a major focus of the Angels. They brought in some aces and surrounded Mike Trout with talent to win games and theoretically take the Angels to a World Series. While the World Series appearance has yet to happen, the pitching has started to slip away despite looking good at times early in spring training. In light of a recent report by the LA Times that C.J. Wilson has “accepted the fact that he could start the season on the DL” we can’t push that panic button just yet. However, that doesn’t mean we can hover our finger over it.

Yesterday Matt Shoemaker got the start as the Angels played in two separate games. Shoemaker started against Cincinnati, and was lit up early and in a hurry giving up seven runs in three innings. Of the eight runs the reds scored yesterday, seven of them were given up by Shoemaker.

Shoemaker, has a lot riding on this spring training, he is in a dog fight with Hector Santiago for that final rotation spot. However, he could be inserted with Santiago depending on Wilson’s health. However, that doesn’t excuse a performance like we saw yesterday. Granted, it’s just a spring game and it doesn’t count. But, the window of opportunity is closing. Santiago, who started the other game vs Chicago looked better pitching a solid inning before giving up four hits and two runs.

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The bright spot has indeed been on the defensive side of the field. Nava and Andrelton Simmons have provided some good plays resulting in double plays and easy outs early in spring training. One thing is clear, if the pitching doesn’t pick up, these guys are going to have their collective work cut out for them. As of right now, there isn’t any reason to panic. It’s very early in the season; however, there are signs that this season could be a struggle. If the Angels are truly going to challenge for the Al West, pitching must improve. Trout and Pujols can get you hits all day, but your pitching staff has to accommodate. So far, Santiago, Jered Weaver, and Garrett Richards look decent. Everyone else needs to play catch up for the Angels to be a threat for contention.