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Five New Year’s Resolutions For The LA Angels for 2017

By David Rice
Jul 28, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Daniel Nava (25) celebrates with teammates after reaching base on a throwing error in the ninth inning to allow two runs to score in a 2-1 walk off victory against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Daniel Nava (25) celebrates with teammates after reaching base on a throwing error in the ninth inning to allow two runs to score in a 2-1 walk off victory against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Andrew Bailey (37) throws during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Andrew Bailey (37) throws during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

#3. Improved pitching from the Angels bullpen.

Among the many things that went wrong for the Angels in 2016 was their bullpen. The Angels bullpen saved only 29 games and blew 21 save opportunities.  The 29 saves was the third lowest in the majors and their save conversion rate of 58% was fourth lowest in all of Major League Baseball. This is not to mention all the injuries to key members of the bullpen that led to the demise of the Angels relief corps.

Huston Street pitched in only 26 games due to multiple injuries and he was not very effective when he was healthy as he had a 6.45 ERA in 22.1 innings.  Cam Bedrosian had a break-out season but was lost for the final two months of the season due to a blood clot in his arm.  In addition Fernando Salas and Joe Smith were traded away at the trade deadline.

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The Angels bullpen should be much improved as Cam Bedrosian and Huston Street should be fully healthy.  Also Andrew Bailey who saved the day in the final six weeks of the season converting six saves in six opportunities signed a one-year contract to return for the 2017 season. Jesse Chavez and J.C. Ramirez could also be key parts in the bullpen.  The Angels could also bring someone up from the minors such as Greg Mahle or Kenyon Middleton who skyrocketed from Single-A to Triple-A last season and has a 97-99 MPH fastball.

The only question mark the Angels may have is a left-handed specialist if Jose Alvarez or Greg Mahle can’t show consistency.  If they could acquire a lefty to fill that void the bullpen could be solid in 2017.

This is my third resolution I have for the Angels in 2017.

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