These pitching scouting reports have really turned into a labor of love for me. I have detailed notes going back many, many years on all of these hurlers, which gives me a strong edge from a handicapping perspective. I can now rattle off basically all the strengths and weaknesses for any pitcher that takes the hill as well as how they’ll match-up with the opposing lineup. One prime example that I’ll use throughout the year is whether a pitcher might be hurting. When a pitcher is hurt, those are some of the best opportunities to bet a baseball game. By watching a pitcher on the mound or looking at the numbers, I can quickly react and come to a conclusion about their health. One other quick example would be a lineup that struggles or thrives against a certain type of pitcher. Every season there will be 5-10 teams that will be hampered by a certain profile of pitcher. For instance, a couple of years ago the Anaheim Angels had tremendous difficulty with a left-handed change-up or soft tosser. Everything they got their bat on would seemingly be a weak flyball out. Read up and take advantage as there are plenty of nuggets to send you in the right direction to a profitable baseball season.
Here is the preview for all the starting pitchers for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Bartolo Colon
Bartolo Colon
Colon was the 2005 Cy Young winner. Colon was very good last season, but still far from his dominating prior form. This is a hurler who used to bring it 100-MPH, but now mid-90’s is more his speed. He has adapted a bit working more curves and change-ups with his heater. What’s concerning with the 32-year-old is the deterioration of his health. The portly right-hander is still dealing with back and shoulder issues this spring, and you wonder if he’s fully healed from the slight tear in the back of his shoulder from last year’s playoff game. His strikeout rate was strong last season at 6.35 per nine, but I see Colon regressing even if he stays healthy.
Jeff Weaver
Jeff Weaver
Weaver was able to get his career headed back in the right direction after getting exiled from New York . The key was regaining his confidence and the move to the Los Angeles Dodgers certainly helped as he posted a 3.55 home ERA in 2004 and a 4.11 number last season. He did still show signs of losing it at times on the mound, which is still concerning, and you wonder if the crossover of leagues will hurt his effectiveness. Weaver gets his outs with a low-90s sinking fastball/slider combination, and he loves to switch up his arm angles to give the batter a different look. His weakness is getting the left-handed batter out, as they hit .297 against him last year. Watch to see if he faces left-handed lineups and then back accordingly. He is not as groundball-oriented as many believe.
Kelvin Escobar
Kelvin Escobar
Escobar quietly put together a real impressive year in 2004. While he was still largely effective with a 3.02 ERA in 2005, injuries set him back most of the year. The scouts love his stuff, consisting of a two-and four-seam fastball, slider, change and split. His strikeout rates have been through the roof the last two year’s with 8.25 strikeouts per nine in 2004, while a 9.50 figure a season ago. We're still not sure about his elbow or shoulder concerns that cloud the background, but he can flat-out fling it.
John Lackey
John Lackey
Lackey was absolutely dazzling in 2005. He finished the season with a stellar 3.44 ERA. In 15 of his 33 starts, Lackey gave up two runs or less. After the All-Star break, he was 8-1 with a 2.57 ERA. Most important of all was his road success. The strapping Texan was always much better at home but went 9-2 on the road featuring a 3.12 ERA. Pitching coach Bud Black was adamant about all his starters developing a soft pitch this season. Lackey said he used to throw his change about two or three times a game and went to the pitch once per inning. He features a two-and four-seam fastball, with a good curve, while working in his change-up and cutter last year. Lackey has reported a sore shoulder this spring so be concerned.
Ervin Santana
Ervin Santana
Santana pitched much better than his 4.65ERA indicates last year. The young right-hander was actually a big-game pitcher for the Angels coming through often in the clutch. His 99/47 SO/BB ratio is a real good indicator as well that he pitched better than his ERA. Santana can bring it with 97-MPH heat, a two-seamer, change and slider. He has got overall great stuff and oozes potential. He did do his better pitching on his home turf last season with a 3.18 ERA. I like his upside.
Hector Carrasco
Hector Carrasco
The 36-year-old Carrasco came out of nowhere last season to sport a 2.08 ERA in just under 90 innings pitched. He did a wonderful job in a starting role down the stretch, but you wonder if he’s really the long-term answer. Carrasco uses a slider/sinker combination being tough on right-handed batters. He held them to a .178 average last year.
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Oakland
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