LA Angels Send Five Prospects to Minor League All-Star Game

The LA Angels have a reputation for having a putrid farm system. However, they have sent five prospects to represent the Pioneer League in the Rookie League All-Star Game.

The LA Angels may not have top tier prospects in their organization. However, they have consistently found players who can contribute. Five players from their Rookie League affiliate, the Orem Owlz, have been selected for the All Star Game down in Rookie ball.

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The Owlz sent three pitchers, a shortstop, and outfielder to the festivities. The three pitchers are Daniel Procopio, Chris Rodriguez, and Elvin Rodriguez. All right-handed pitchers, Procopio comes out of the bullpen while both Rodriguez players are starters. Out of the position players, the Owlz sent shortstop Leonardo Rivas and right fielder Ryan Vega.

Pitchers

Procopio, who has made eight appearances out of the bullpen so far, has a .90 ERA on the year. However, he has had problems with his command, walking nine batters in ten innings. He does have 13 strikeouts, and has shown ability to strike out batters whether lefty or righty.

Chris Rodriguez, a right-handed starter, has a 4-1 record on the year. Despite the winning record, he has a 6.40 ERA on the season. There are still positives to his game though. He has only walked seven batters in 32.1 innings. He has also only allowed one big fly while striking out 32 batters. He struggles getting ahead in counts, and allows a .269 average when behind a batter.

Elvin Rodriguez, E-Rod for short, has been one of the brightest Halo pitching prospects this year. The right-handed starter owns a 3.44 ERA in seven starts (2-1). In 34 innings, he has allowed only 30 hits and four homers. He has also struck out 32 batters against six walks. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing only 160 pounds, E-Rod definitely has room to bulk up as he makes his way to The Show.

Position Players

Leonardo Rivas is a switch-hitting shortstop for the Owlz. He boasts a .311 batting average on the year. He is an extra-base machine, with 11 of his 37 hits going for extra bases. He possesses elite speed, which he has shown on the basepath, stealing nine bases without being caught. He has a ridiculous .462 batting average against left-handed pitchers this year as well.

Ryan Vega has held down the right field position for the Owlz this season, while putting on a show at the plate. He has a .326 batting average on the year with 17 walks to 27 strikeouts. He has a mature approach at the plate, resulting in many quality at-bats. The one knack on Vega’s game is his lack of baserunning prowess. On five steal attempts this year, he has been caught three times.

Next: Will the LA Angels Fill the Hole at 2B?

As we all know, this does not guarantee any of these players go on to have great MLB careers. However, with a farm system as decimated as the Angels’, we have to dig deep for reasons to celebrate. This is one of those instances.