Angels Sign Mitch Stetter

The Angels search for a second lefty continued yesterday, when they signed Mitch Stetter to a minor-league contract. Stetter was in the minor leagues last season for the Brewers, though does have major league experience. Stetter pitched in the major leagues from 2007-2011 for them.

Apr 10, 2011; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Mitch Stetter (57) pitches during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park. The Brewers defeated the Cubs 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Stetter will join newly acquired Brandon Sisk and possibly Nick Maronde as the second lefty in the bullpen to complement Scott Downs. The Angels had Hisanori Takahashi, however he was waived during the season. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Angels add another LOOGY in free agency or maybe in a trade scenario.

Stetter’s last full season in the show was in 2009, when he went 4-1 with a 3.60 ERA. He only pitched a combined 10.2 innings the majors in 2010 and 2011 and was ineffective.

Stetter is the prototypical LOOGY. In his major league career, left hand hitters hit just .194 against him. He actually was walked more right hand hitters (29) then he’s struck out during his career (26). Stetter pitched in AA and AAA for the Brewers last season, going 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA. In 30 innings, he struck out 40 hitters. He also only gave up 18 hits in the minors last year.

Good bullpens are built, usually internally and on the cheap. Look at the way some of the best bullpens in baseball are built, like the San Francisco Giants. Jerry Dipoto is employing this strategy in building the Angel bullpen, and look for that to continue as the off-season progresses.