Los Angeles Angels: Top 5 Setup Men in Team History

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Oct 9, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a ball and glove on the field before the Kansas City Royals and the Houston Astros play in game two of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Dave LaRoche (2 seasons, 94 games)

9-2 record, 2.97 ERA, 107 K

LaRoche spent his first two Major League seasons with the California Angels before bouncing around the league and returning to Southern California from 1977-80.

But it was in those first two seasons that LaRoche spent time as a true setup man, working ahead of the team’s closer Ken Tatum.

His eephus pitch, which he referred to as “La Lob”, confused hitters for the majority of his 14-year-career, but he first came to terms with it with the Angels.

His rookie year was successful, but his sophomore campaign was even better.

In 1971, he posted a 2.50 ERA with a 5-1 record, striking out 63 in 72 innings.

Next: The Ageless Lefty