Los Angeles Angels Spring Training Battles: 7th Inning Man

Feb 24, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Mike Morin (64) fields a ground ball during a work out at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Favorite – Mike Morin

Originally selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 13^th round of the 2012 draft, Mike Morin has sprinted through the minor leagues, making his Major League debut in 2014. Despite never appearing in a game higher than double-A prior to 2014, Morin pitched 59.0 innings in the big A last season. Last spring Morin was a relative unknown, but he ended up playing a critical role in the Halos’ bullpen. He utilizes a low 90’s fastball and mixes in a slider and changeup.

Apr 30, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Mike Morin (64) pitches for the save in the ninth inning of the game against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Angels won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Morin came out of nowhere to dominate in 2014. The 23-year-old went 4-4 with a 2.90 ERA across 60 appearances last season. He struck out an impressive 9.2 hitters per 9 innings, and issued just 2.9 walks per 9 innings. The UNC alum did a great job limiting base runners last season, as he lowed just 1.186 walks/hits per inning. His 3.09 FIP was a middling number in the Angles’ pen, as was his 2.84 strikeout to walk ratio. Morin induced a solid 43.9% ground ball percentage in 2014.

Based on the Overland Park, KS product’s minor league career, he appears destined to have a very long and productive career in Anaheim. Morin pitched at three different levels in 2013, going 3-4 with a 1.94 ERA and adding 24 saves across 83.1 innings. He spent the majority of the season with the Angels’ double-A affiliate in Arkansas where he recorded 10 saves and posted a 2.03 ERA across 26 appearances in the Texas League. He averaged 9.6 strikeouts per 9 innings and allowed just 1.5 walks per 9 innings. He registered an incredible 6.60 strikeout to walk ratio as a member of the Arkansas Travelers.

FanGraphs steamer is projecting Mike Morin will go 2-2 and post a 3.52 ERA across 45 innings in 2015. They are expecting he will strikeout 8.09 batters per 9 innings and walk 2.90. I would be happy with these numbers, but I believe Morin will surpass these projections this season. He has the makeup to eventually step into the setup role in the future.

Next: The Underdog