The LA Angels Need To Call an Old Friend

While they own a 16-12 record, the LA Angels have played like a below-average team as of late. After a hot start, they have fizzled out. Their offense has struggled, but starting pitching has been the biggest weakness. However, there’s an old ace that could change their season.

The LA Angels starters have been inconsistent. However, John Lackey currently sits without a team to pitch for. While there have been retirement rumors, Lackey also reportedly wants to pitch this season. However, he ended up in free agent purgatory, and is still unsigned.

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While his 4.59 ERA was nothing special last year, he finished strong going 7-3 with a 3.75 ERA in the second half of the season. Lackey still has the stuff to pitch in the majors, that is not in question. Lackey wants to be a starter though, and the Angels may not want to sacrifice innings for a developing pitcher for the 39-year old veteran.

If the Halos were to make the playoffs, Lackey would be someone who could carry them. His passion, command, and clutch performances have all helped him enjoy success throughout the postseason in his career. In 144 postseason innings, he owns a 3.44 ERA. He has rarely crumbled, allowing more than three runs only five times in 29 appearances.

While last year was a down year, his career average is impressive with an ERA of 3.92 and 188-147 record. He also dominates down the stretch, with a 3.83 ERA in the second half of the season over his career. He also owns a 3.77 ERA in the final months of the season.

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Halo fans remember his heroics in 2002, including his Game 7 performance in the World Series which clinched the only championship for Anaheim. Halo fans would love to see Lackey back in red, and hopefully send him into the sunset with one more World Series ring to his collection.