Los Angeles Angels draft day recap

The Los Angeles Angels hope to rebuild their they’re meek farm system with a boost from the 2016 Draft.  The Angels drafted a lot of potential talent in rounds 3-10 that will hopefully help their ailing farm system.

To start the day, in the third round the Los Angeles Angels use their first pick of the day on shortstop, Nolan Williams. Williams initially home schooled, attended one class at Turner High School just to play baseball. One of the better athletes in his class the young shortstop showcased his above average speed and incredible defensive skills. Whether he will still play short at the pro level only time will tell if he’ll be a reliable big league player.

More from Halo Hangout

• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels
• LA Angels: 3 offseason moves the Halos desperately need to make
• LA Angels: AL West rival Astros proving that they’re not giving up yet
• 6 important offseason award dates and times for LA Angels fans
• This LA Angels move proves the Halos are trying to spend big on pitching

Then the Los Angeles Angels selected right-handed pitcher Chris Rodriguez. Rodriguez pitched for Pace High School in Miami and has shown his ability to go deep into ballgames and maintain his velocity. He’s has a great secondary pitch, but if he can’t develop a third pitch then he might be stuck in the bullpen.  Rodriguez finished his senior year with a 7-2 record and a 0.40 ERA.

Their fifth pick as used in the a defensive specialist, shortstop Connor Justus. His bat hasn’t been really tested and could be developed.

Sixth pick was used for a right-handed pitcher, Cole Duensing. The 18-year old hurler out of Blue Valley High School has potential and seems like a work in progress for the Angels. With his young age the Angels system could produce a great pitcher out of Duensing.

Want your voice heard? Join the Halo Hangout team!

Write for us!

The 7th pick was used on Michigan State second baseman Jordan Zimmerman. He also can play first base and he finished the season with a .374 average this season with 17 doubles, nine home runs, 37 RBIs and 50 runs. He was also named the Spartans MVP.

Then in the 8th round the Angels chose the speedy center fielder Troy Montgomery out of Ohio State. The outfielder has tremendous speed stealing 21 bases in 62 games and he also has a great throwing arm. Montgomery batted .297 and hit eight home runs as well. He has the potential to turn himself into a great big leaguer.

The Los Angeles Angels second to last pick of the day was another catcher Michael Barash out of Texas A&M. Barash hasn’t shown much of a power bat only hitting four home runs in 62 games, but he could develop into a good back-up with his defensive skill set.

More from LA Angels News

• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels
• LA Angels: 3 offseason moves the Halos desperately need to make
• LA Angels: AL West rival Astros proving that they’re not giving up yet
• 6 important offseason award dates and times for LA Angels fans
• This LA Angels move proves the Halos are trying to spend big on pitching

Last but not least, the 10th round pick was used on a right-handed pitcher Andrew Vinson also from Texas A&M. Vinson struck out 55 batters in 48.2 innings, and was primarily used as a reliever for the Aggies.  He sported a 2.40 ERA this season, as long as he can develop his secondary pitches.

Next: A Bronx nightmare

So far the draft seems like a productive one with a few questions, but every team has some. We can assume that these filter prospects will be able fill some of the holes and help to bring the Los Angeles Angels farm system out of the dumpster.