5 Questions Facing Los Angeles Angels This Spring

Sept. 20, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher

(37) throws during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Who Steps Up As The 5^th Starter?

While they were mentioned in talks for some pretty substantial starting pitchers, the Angels were never truly players on the free agent market this winter. However, they made a fairly substantial trade that landed them both Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs, and they’ll also come to camp with a rebuilt Mark Mulder looking to pitch once again. They’ll also have Joe Blanton looking for redemption.

Skaggs, despite struggles over his two cups of coffee at the big league level, will be given the chance to win the fifth spot in the rotation. However, Mulder is said to be throwing very well, and with the uncertainty around whether he will take a minor league assignment, he may also have an inside edge. Only Blanton, who was perhaps the worst signing by any team in recent memory, is unlikely to really factor in.

There is also a chance that the Angels pursue another option, like Chris Capuano or Joe Saunders, but for now, it looks like a two-horse race.