Los Angeles Angels Spring Training Battles: 7th Inning Man

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Feb 24, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Cam Bedrosian (68) throws during a work out at at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Dark Horse – Cam Bedrosian

Originally a first round pick in 2010 by the Angels, Cam Bedrosian has dominated opponents at every level during his journey through the minor leagues. Bedrosian began his career as a starter, but after undergoing Tommy John Surgery in 2011, he has been most successful as a reliever. The 23-year-old relies heavily on a 94.5 mph running fastball, but mixes in a quality slider and changeup.

Sep 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Cam Bedrosian (68) pitches during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Bedrosian posted record of 2-1, with 18 saves, and an ERA of 2.00 over 45 innings in the minor leagues last year. He struck out a ridiculous 16.4 hitters per 9 innings, and allowed 3.6 walks per 9 innings. Unbelievably, Bedrosian gave up just 1 home run in his 45 innings. His 4.56 strikeout to walk ratio is very impressive. Bedrosian spent the bulk of last season pitching for the Arkansas Travelers of the Texas League. Despite being 2.4 years younger than the average player in double-A, Bedrosian dominated his competition going 1-0 with a 1.11 ERA across 32.1 innings of work. Bedrosian was spectacular as the Travelers’ closer, picking up 15 saves, and posting a strikeout to walk ratio of 5.70. The Sharpsburg, GA product averaged a remarkable 15.9 strikeouts per 9 innings and issued just 2.8 free passes per 9 innings. He excelled at limiting base runners in 2014, holding the opposition to a paltry 0.619 walks/hits per inning.

Cam Bedrosian ascended all the way from high-A ball to the Major Leagues in 2014. Bedrosian bungeed back and forth between the minor leagues and the big leagues throughout last summer. He saw limited action in each of the final four months of the season, but he was never able to fully recreate the success he had in the minor leagues. Bedrosian went 0-1 with a 6.52 ERA across 19.1 innings in an Angels’ uniform. His 9.3 strikeouts per 9 innings were impressive, but he had difficulty locating his pitches, allowing 5.6 walks per 9 innings. Bedrosian’s strikeout to walk ratio was a mediocre 1.67 with the Halos.

FanGraphs steamer is predicting Cam Bedrosian will go 2-2 and register a 3.46 ERA across 35 innings of work in 2015. They expect he will strikeout an impressive 9.66 hitters per 9 innings, but he will allow a disappointing 4.21 walks per 9 innings. I have high hopes for Bedrosian this season. I believe he could develop into a closing pitcher before long. I would not be surprised if he started the year in Salt Lake City with the Bees, but look for him to make a big impact this summer in the big A.

Next: Angels Showing Interest in Yadier Alvarez

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