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Four Former LA Angels Pitchers To Sign this Winter

By Vincent Page

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 26: Starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs #45 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim gets a visit from pitching coach Mike Butcher #23 after falling behind 3-0 in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 26, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 26: Starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs #45 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim gets a visit from pitching coach Mike Butcher #23 after falling behind 3-0 in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 26, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 23: Bud Norris #20 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on September 23, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 23: Bud Norris #20 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on September 23, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Bud Norris, RHP

Depending on which Angels fan you ask, the opinion of Bud Norris ranges dramatically. Some remember him as the closer who recorded 19 saves for the Angels in 2017. The others remember him as the same closer, but the one who gave up multiple game-ending grand slams in 2017.

For me, I view him as a mix of both.

Norris is coming off an improved 2018 campaign where he dropped his ERA from 4.21 to 3.59 while pitching in 64 games (compared to 60 in 2017). He ended the season saving 28 games for the Cardinals, while blowing five games. That is only one more than he blew in 2017, so Norris’ 2018 season, across the board, was improved.

Now, he hits free agency and the Angels would be silly not to try to bring him back.

Norris improved dramatically in 2018, and even if he did regress back to his 2017 form, he would still be a good addition to an Angels’ bullpen filled with question marks. And on the off-chance he maintains his 2018 form, or even improves slightly, he could turn into a true weapon for new manager Brad Ausmus next season.

The Angels should bring him in, allow new bullpen coach Doug White to work with Norris, and then see just how dominant he can be in 2019.

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