The Los Angeles Angels appear to be moving on from the two ace pitchers that helped them clinch the division in 2014. The Angels are turning the page and writing a new chapter in their quest.
As far as the Los Angeles Angels go, this is a new year. Looking at the roster, the team looks mighty different from 2014. 2014 being the last time the Angels made the postseason. The Angels won the division and eventually were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the playoffs.
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During that time, there were two pitchers that had a major impact on that Angels team. Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson. In 2014, Weaver pitched a smoking 18-9 record with an ERA of 3.59. Wilson was 13-10 with a 4.51 ERA.
Now, both Weaver and Wilson seem far from their 2014 selves. C.J. Wilson didn’t pitch a single game in 2016 and Weaver has lost a lot of his arm in the last two seasons. Still, there was some speculation on if the Angels would consider bringing Weaver back for one last ride.
Wilson; however, wouldn’t get the same speculation. It was widely known that Wilson would not be returning to Anaheim, or maybe even baseball for that matter. So far, Wilson has drawn minor interest from the Miami Marlins. Wilson was rumored to be having a throwing session sometime in February, although nothing has happened as of yet.
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Still, if Wilson does have a throwing session and proves he’s capable of staying healthy, it’s likely he could land on a roster. Our friends at Nolan Writin’ believe Wilson could land a spot in the Texas Rangers bullpen in the coming future if he’s 100%.
Weaver; however, is in a different position that Wilson. Having played a full season in Anaheim last season, Weaver showed he can still get wins as a starting pitcher. He just may have to do it in a different uniform this season. Weaver pitcher a 12-12 record last season with an ERA of 5.06.
Weaver will now face a different challenge as he embarks on his next chapter. Bill Shaikin of the LA Times reported that Angels general manager Billy Eppler hasn’t spoken to Weaver and is planning to move on to a younger pitching staff.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to Angels fans. I believe that if the Angels had any intentions to bring Weaver back, he would have been signed already. Nevertheless, Weaver has options. The San Diego Padres have offered Weaver a contract, reported in January by Jon Heyman of fanragsports.com.
Related Story: Weaver contacted by the Padres
With the Angels moving in a different direction, Weaver and Wilson will have new homes next season. I would expect to see Weaver pitch at least one more season. Wilson; however, I believe is done.