3 internal candidates to fill LA Angels last starting rotation spot

No. 1 internal candidate to fill LA Angels last starting rotation spot: Jaime Barria

Jaime Barria has been a very good pitcher for the LA Angels in certain seasons. Now, even in those good seasons, he hasn't been the most durable. I'm not saying that Barria is some sure-fire dominant guy who is destined for a breakout year coming up.

But I do know that while we don't have a big sample size from the right hander, there have been serious stretches of impressive baseball from him. And in fact, one of those years indeed WAS a full season.

In his rookie year, he went for 26 starts while posting a 3.41 ERA and a 10-9 record in 2018. It's where we looked at Barria and realized that he has potential. It may just be only a matter of time until he grows into the type of pitcher that we believe he can be.

He's only 25, and there's more stability in the coaching staff with Matt Wise set to be here the whole year, instead of having to change pitching coaches unexpectedly during the season like last year.

Don't be surprised if Barria kills it in spring training. And if that happens, he'll be starting for us next year as long as we don't take his spot with an external candidate. Somebody's going to have to break out next year, and there's no reason it can't be Barria.