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LA Angels Draft Preview: Three Pitchers the Halos Should Target in the First Round

By Vincent Page

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 27: Pitcher Tyler Dyson #18 of the Florida Gators delivers a pitch against the LSU Tigers in the first inning during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2017 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - JUNE 27: Pitcher Tyler Dyson #18 of the Florida Gators delivers a pitch against the LSU Tigers in the first inning during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2017 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 23: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox delivers the pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game One of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Charles Krupa – Pool/Gettyimages)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 23: Chris Sale #41 of the Boston Red Sox delivers the pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game One of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Charles Krupa – Pool/Gettyimages) /

In our third installment of the LA Angels MLB Draft preview, we’ll be taking a look at three pitchers the Halos could be looking at in the first round.

The LA Angels have seen major upgrade to their farm system since general manager Billy Eppler has taken over. However, even with top prospects Griffin Canning and Jose Suarez, there is always a need for more pitchers in an organization, especially in Anaheim.

Last week we took a look at local boy Spencer Jones, who is the perfect two-way prospect for the Angels to draft to continue their reimagining of baseball. This week, however, we’ll stick to players who make all of their impact on the mound.

Spencer Jones is the Perfect Prospect for LA Angels. Must Read

Nick Lodolo, LHP

A 21-year old out of Texas Christian University, Nick Lodolo is a rather interesting prospect. He came into the 2019 season as a fringe first round guy, but has been absolutely dominant so far in 2019. Through five starts, he has posted a 1.36 ERA, striking out an absurd 46 batters in 33 innings.

Before this season, the expectations of Lodolo were always great. However, after posting a 4.35 and 4.33 ERA in his freshman and sophomore campaigns, respectively, his impressive three-pitch repertoire has been working hitting on all cylinders this year.

At 6’6” and 185 pounds, Lodolo definitely has room to fill out his frame. The only real knock on his game, which has been much-improved this season, is he seems inconsistent at times with his delivery. His delivery, however, is reminiscent of Chris Sale and can end up a major advantage for him.

In the end, Lodolo may very well pitch himself out of the Angels’ range at No. 15 in June. With his hot start to the season, there is some noise he could be the first college pitcher drafted, possibly as a Top 5 selection. If he finds himself still waiting to be selected halfway through the first round, however, the Angels will need to pounce.

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