Prospect Profile: #20 Los Angeles Angels Michael Roth

[AngelsWin.com]

Bats: Left Throws: Left Height: 6’1” 210 lbs. DOB: 2/15/90

(Angels-Majors): 1-1, 7.20 ERA, 6 BBs, 17 Ks, 20.0 IP

(Arkansas): 6-3, 4.20 ERA, 6 BBs, 17 Ks, 79.1 IP

The honor of being first American League player to make it to the Majors from the 2012 draft, and the second overall player from the draft to make it to the Majors belongs to Michael Roth.

Coming in as our #20 prospect, Roth throws 88-91, and occasionally up to 92. That’s a bit higher than he threw in college. But, that’s not what the Angels saw in him that made him standout for such an aggressive promotion. It was his secondary pitches, particularly his changeup which is a plus pitch. He throws a slider from two different angle, which he uses against lefties and righties.

One thing that helps Roth is his incredibly long release point. Coming in at over 7 feet, that shortens the distance to the plate, giving his pitches an apparent increase in velocity of about 2 mph.

Long-term, Roth profiles as a reliever where he had the most in the Majors last year (his ERA took a big hit with his one start). However, with their increase in lefties in the bullpen this offseason, the Angels may continue to have Roth stay in the rotation to give him the most innings. Look for Roth to start in Triple-A this year, and to be on the potential call-up list if the need arises.

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[ukyah]

i believe roth would be better suited as a starter. i saw him pitch in the CWS and he was SC's number 1. when they needed a resilient guy to buckle down and not allow a run, that's what he did. i fully recognize that it was college, but it was elite college baseball and it was when everything was on the table. i like guys with "stuff" as much as anyone, but i love when a pitcher has the mental fortitude to buckle down.

[Broad Street]

i believe roth would be better suited as a starter. i saw him pitch in the CWS and he was SC's number 1. when they needed a resilient guy to buckle down and not allow a run, that's what he did. i fully recognize that it was college, but it was elite college baseball and it was when everything was on the table. i like guys with "stuff" as much as anyone, but i love when a pitcher has the mental fortitude to buckle down.

the mental fortitude to buckle down is extremely important to have in the bullpen too.