2014 GIBBY Awards Preview

Garrett Richards
Jul 6, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Garrett Richards was having a Cy Young caliber season prior to tearing his Patellar Tendon on August 20th at Fenway Park in Boston. Richards was night and day different between 2013 and ’14, improving his win total by six, and lowering his ERA by over 1.5. Losing Richards was a really big blow to the Halos, and was a contributing factor to the Angels early exit from the postseason.
Richards is up for Breakout Pitcher of the Year on Saturday night, and after going 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA, he has to be among the favorites to take home the GIBBY. Richards averaged nearly a strikeout per inning this past season, and figures to be one of the guys the Angels will be relying on in 2015. The 26-year-old’s recovery is ahead of schedule, and on Friday it was reported that Richards has been cleared to resume throwing, meaning he should be ready for the start of next season.