How the Angels can put the BULL back in the PEN

[AngelsWin.com]

 

By Chuck Richter, AngelsWin.com - 
 

I don't know about you, but last night's late inning meltdown by Ernesto Frieri against the Washington Nationals have left an excruciating sting inside. Typically I'd turn pages faster than Mike Scioscia and focus on silver linings, so naturally the next morning I was ready for the next contest, optimistic as ever. The way that the bullpen has performed so far have chipped away at my optimism and my overall excitement, despite a team that leads the majors in home runs and boasts a very good starting rotation for the first time in a couple years. It has been four years since we had a solid bullpen and its been even longer since we had BULLS in our pen. The days of Percival, K-Rod, Shields, Weber and Donnelly seem like ages ago.

 

What's incredibly frustrating this particular season is the Angels could easily be tied for first place with the Texas Rangers or at worst just a 1/2 game out and tied with the Oakland A's in the AL West if it wasn't for the bullpen struggling thus far. Angels closer Ernesto Frieri is 0-2 with a 9.35 earned-run average and two blown saves in 10 games this season, and he's given up five home runs in 82/3 innings.

 

It's well known that the Angels manager favors veteran and gives them a long rope when struggling, but Mike Scioscia needs to listen to his mind and not his heart and fix the mess that is the bullpen. After all this is a game in which wins dictate success, not clubhouse friendships. I mean, how many games do you have to lose in April before you make a change? The mind set from the front office down to the coaching staff was to get off to a better start in April so that the Angels are not chasing several games back from May through September. The Angels need to act fast and make changes yesterday. These games in April are very important, so the length of this proverbial veteran rope that is issued by Scioscia should be much shorter after four straight dismal campaigns. 

 

Without appearing to have all the answers and outsmarting Scioscia, to me it's a simple solution that will require just four in-house moves to reduce the amount of late inning debacles going forward. 

 

Step one:  Promote Joe Smith to the new closer role. Outside of one bad appearance for the Angels, he's the one guy that can get outs late in the ball game. Smith has been solid over 10 innings. He's posted a 3.60 ERA, with 11 strikeouts and three walks. 

 

Step two: Release Kevin Jepsen. I get it, he throws 94-95 MPH and has a curve that breaks hard. But stuff shouldn't buy you time on a major league roster if results contrast your abilities. Jepsen is the proud owner of a career 1.45 WHIP and 4.39 ERA over seven seasons and 250 games. Guys, that's just not good, especially as a late inning guy trying to hold score and keep the opponents off the bases.

 

Step three: Demote Frieri to take Jepsen's spot in the bullpen order until he figures shit out and gets his fastball command back. Clearly Frieri has no idea where his fastball is going. A quote from Frieri himself: "I'm missing with everything — my fastball, my changeup, my slider," Frieri said. "My arm feels good. My fastball is coming out good too. I'm just missing. … Even when I'm ahead in the count, man. I can't be leaving balls down the middle, because I'm going to get hurt."

 

Do we really want a guy to close out a ball game that is "missing with everything"? The Angels starting pitchers have been fantastic and the Angels offense leads major league baseball in home runs and has put us in a position to win ball games despite the absence of Hamilton and Calhoun. It is a shame to have 8 innings of well pitched ball and runs put on the board, only to have it all erased by one player who cannot seem to locate his pitches. 

 

Step four: Promote one of Michael Morin, RJ Alvarez or Cam Bedrosian (more on them below) and have either one take the 7th inning spot in the bullpen. Michael Kohn who has been very effective can take the 8th inning while Joe Smith closes out ball games. After seeing 2-3 innings of fireballers, Joe Smith is even tougher to hit in the 9th.

 

As I mentioned above, Ernesto Frieri has given up 5 long balls across 8 2/3 innings already this season, something not even Joe Blanton could match. But just to bring some clarity as to how bad that is my friends, Angels top relief prospect RJ Alvarez has allowed less dingers over his three year career in the minors with 4.

 

Why are home runs allowed something we should look at? Well when you're calling upon your closer to enter the game with a one-run lead, all it takes is a solo blast to tie it up and a bloop and blast to blow the game.

 

Let's take a closer look at the big three, equipped with some recent scouting reports I've captured this month.

 

R.J. Alvarez has allowed just 4 home runs in 86 1/3 innings. He has also struck out 131 batters across 86 1/3 minor league innings, while only giving up 59 hits. Alvarez has yet to be scored upon this season and boasts a .103 BAA (batting average against)

 

Scouting take: Alvarez has the best 1-2 combo of the three, with a fastball that reaches 97-99 MPH and a devastating slider that is a true major league out pitch. Alvarez has big league closer stuff. A slight change to his pitching mechanics have seen better results for Alvarez fastball command this season, resulting in just two free passes with the Travelers.

 

Michael Morin has allowed just 7 home runs in 112 2/3 career minor league innings. Morin has struck out 116 across 112 2/3 innings. The former UNC closer recorded 22 saves in 2013 out of 23 opportunities. 

 

Scouting take: Morin has the most experience in pressure situations late in the game, going back to his college days. Morin's fastball reaches 95 MPH, but generally sits at 92-93 MPH that he locates well and keeps down in the zone. His changeup is one of the best in the minors and is on the same level as Jered Weaver's. Morin's curveball is nothing spectacular, but he can get it over for strike and give the hitter something to think about. Morin is even better after facing hitters after his first appearance against them, which is usually the opposite. Morin will probably get the first shot of the three when the Angels reach down to their farm system for talent this season. 

 

Cam Bedrosian has not allowed a home run since his promotion to High-A last summer where he worked exclusively out of the bullpen. Combining his 2013 IE 66er's numbers with his work this season, Bedrock has struck out 30 batters across 16 1/3 innings. He's also given up just 5 hits over those 16.1 innings of relief. Bedrosian has yet to be scored upon this season and boasts a .42 BAA. 

 

Scouting take: Eddie Bane drafted Cam because of his arm and bloodlines, son of former big league closer Steve Bedrosian. Bedrock like his dad has a filthy slider that generates ugly swings and misses and a hard fastball that's tough to center because of the movement on the pitch. Cam is consistently in the 95-96 MPH range with his fastball, but since moving to the bullpen it touches 97-98 MPH when he wants to reach back for something extra. Cam also has a curveball and changeup, both of which are improving, but nowhere rival his fastball/slider combo.

Ladies and gents, these kids are good. Reminds me of the type of numbers we've seen in the minors from former Angel Francisco Rodriguez and current flamer thrower Michael Kohn who a year removed from Tommy John surgery had a decent return in 2013, only to return to his former self so far this season by sporting a 1.53 ERA, fanning 13 over 11 innings.

Dipoto, you've built a solid team to compete and do some damage in the playoffs. Please do not waste the talent on this roster by letting gazelle's out of the bullpen, it's time to round up some bulls like the Angels once had to buck this trend of late inning losses.

[Chuck]

I just kind of refined what I had posted on the board since last night and added more. Last night's game is still stinging for me, so it prompted me to Blog this. Sorry for the length of the read guys. As you can tell, I have a lot to say on this matter. 

[stormngt]

Roster is Dipoto's call.  Make the move, bring up Morin.

[Chuck]

Roster is Dipoto's call.  Make the move, bring up Morin.

 

True Dipoto can knock down doors and make it happen, but he defers to Scioscia for managing the current roster. 

 

They are both working together more than ever this season however. Hopefully Dipoto steps in sooner than later. Right now the blame is on both IMO, for mismanagement of the bullpen and having too long of a rope for some guys who have proven their deer in the headlights late in the game, rather than bulls out of the pen. 

[Blarg]

The problem with our bullpen is all the bulls are gone and that leaves only one thing left.

 

[Guest]

In retrospect Dipoto should not have traded Bourjos for freese, and instead trade Bourjos for good relief pitching. (this was actually my sentiment at the time -- keep Bourjos only trade him for good pitching)

 

The A's went and traded for Gregerson and Jim Johnson. Angels could and should have done moves like that. The A's got Gregerson for Seth Smith. Angels should have been able to get at least as much for Bourjos (let alone Bourjos + Grichuk)

Edited April 24, 2014 by ScottLux

[Chuck]

In retrospect Dipoto should not have traded Bourjos for freese, and instead trade Bourjos for good relief pitching. (this was actually my sentiment at the time -- keep Bourjos only trade him for good pitching)

 

The A's went and traded for Gregerson and Jim Johnson. Angels could and should have done moves like that. The A's got Gregerson for Seth Smith. Angels should have been able to get at least as much for Bourjos (let alone Bourjos + Grichuk)

 

 

WELL, in retrospect Johnson has sucked BIGTIME. Gregerson has blown two saves.

 

Dipoto got Smith and thought we'd have Burnett ready to go. Add a healthy DDLR which he also thought we had, plus Frieri who was better after his demotion last season and Kohn and the Angels were poised to have a decent pen. 

[adreamersview]

I like your thinking and reasoning, Chuck....Hopefully, Dipoto and Scioscia have the same mindset.

[Chuck]

The problem with our bullpen is all the bulls are gone and that leaves only one thing left.

 

 

Win!

[Docwaukee]

I think it's clear what Dipoto was trying to do and once again he suffered from poor preparation by relying on situations he shouldn't have and just some general bad luck.  He was trying to get as much out of the pen til mid season when he could bring the young guys up.  But he relied on Burnett to be healthy and everyone else to return to a form they briefly knew - like salas and jepsen being something they rarely were an age ago.  On top of that, one of their most reliable guys last year in DDLR has been injured.  

 

To me, once it was clear that both Burnett and DDLR were going to be DL bound to start the season, Jerry should have done something.  It was completely obvious at that point what would happen and it did.

 

Chuck - I like your plan.  Personally, it seems like Alvarez would have the best chance at success right now.  Morin looked like a deer in headlights this spring.  At least that was my perception.  

 

We have to remember that even young relievers with good stuff tend to struggle when they first get called up.  

 

Since the team is still in tryout mode and they don't have an away NL game until mid May, I would consider giving Kohn the closer role and continue to let Joe Smith get big outs otherwise.  I would have Ernest as the Kohn backup in close games.  I agree it's time to move on from Jepsen.  I wouldn't let Salas anywhere near a close game.  I would at least see what Rasmus and Lyon could do for a few games and I'd probably give Maronde more looks.  

 

But i'd certainly go matchups in the ninth.  

[Pucknut22]

Alvarez and Morin can't get anybody out at SLC how are they supposed to do it at the Major League level? 

Look we could have probably avoided 3 of these late inning blow ups if Mike would just guard the lines late in games like every other manager in the league. That shot down the line last night should have been a 5-4-3 DP to end the game. Same with the Donaldson hit back in the last home stand.  

[Tyler]

The A's went and traded for Gregerson and Jim Johnson. Angels could and should have done moves like that. 

 

I'm glad they did not. Have you seen them pitch this year? Very hittable.

Edited April 24, 2014 by Shane

[Chuck]

I think it's clear what Dipoto was trying to do and once again he suffered from poor preparation by relying on situations he shouldn't have and just some general bad luck.  He was trying to get as much out of the pen til mid season when he could bring the young guys up.  But he relied on Burnett to be healthy and everyone else to return to a form they briefly knew - like salas and jepsen being something they rarely were an age ago.  On top of that, one of their most reliable guys last year in DDLR has been injured.  

 

To me, once it was clear that both Burnett and DDLR were going to be DL bound to start the season, Jerry should have done something.  It was completely obvious at that point what would happen and it did.

 

Chuck - I like your plan.  Personally, it seems like Alvarez would have the best chance at success right now.  Morin looked like a deer in headlights this spring.  At least that was my perception.  

 

We have to remember that even young relievers with good stuff tend to struggle when they first get called up.  

 

Since the team is still in tryout mode and they don't have an away NL game until mid May, I would consider giving Kohn the closer role and continue to let Joe Smith get big outs otherwise.  I would have Ernest as the Kohn backup in close games.  I agree it's time to move on from Jepsen.  I wouldn't let Salas anywhere near a close game.  I would at least see what Rasmus and Lyon could do for a few games and I'd probably give Maronde more looks.  

 

But i'd certainly go matchups in the ninth.  

 

 

Thanks, Doc. I agree. 

 

The reason I brought how many HR's these young relievers have given up is because it's incredibly relevant to the discussion. When you're holding a 1 to 2 run lead, all it takes is a solo blast or bloop and a blast to end or tie the game. When all you're throwing is a fastball, like in Ernesto's case and you have no idea where it's going, you can count on blown saves. 

 

When hitters know you're grooving STRAIGHT 94-95 MPH fastballs in there, you're going to give up a ton of HR's. 

[adreamersview]

Alvarez and Morin can't get anybody out at SLC how are they supposed to do it at the Major League level? 

Look we could have probably avoided 3 of these late inning blow ups if Mike would just guard the lines late in games like every other manager in the league. That shot down the line last night should have been a 5-4-3 DP to end the game. Same with the Donaldson hit back in the last home stand.  

I agree with guarding the lines late in those two games.

[Chuck]

Alvarez and Morin can't get anybody out at SLC how are they supposed to do it at the Major League level? 

Look we could have probably avoided 3 of these late inning blow ups if Mike would just guard the lines late in games like every other manager in the league. That shot down the line last night should have been a 5-4-3 DP to end the game. Same with the Donaldson hit back in the last home stand.  

 

You're thinking of Jose Alvarez, who we got from the Tigers in exchange for Romine. I'm talking about a totally different Alvarez. 

 

Morin is fine. He gave up runs in his 2014 Arkansas debut and his Salt Lake Bees debut. Since then, he's been lights out on both accounts -- two saves in a row with the Bees.

[nate]

Sorry Chuck but how do you think a minor league reliever with no clear cut success will be any better than the guys we have?  Jepsen was dominant in the minors and couldn't cut it in the MLB.

[Chuck]

Yep. If you're talking about putting the bullsh*t back in the pen bring back Josh Wall, Joe Blanton and keep Jeppy and Frieri. Otherwise, DFA the entire pen and call up pitchers from every level in the farm. It'd probably still be bullsh*t but it would smell a little better.

 

Now you're just being stupid. 

[Troll Daddy]

Some of you act as if MS is some sort of tyrant in pitching decisions. Yes it will all fall back on him in the end but I have no doubt that Dipoto and Butcher have big input into these decisions. It's a hurtful loss but these things happen to just about every team in baseball. I have more faith in this team now than in the previous years.

 

I'm on board with Joe Smith as closer for now ... Frieri needs to build his confidence in himself with a lesser role.

[Chuck]

Sorry Chuck but how do you think a minor league reliever with no clear cut success will be any better than the guys we have?  Jepsen was dominant in the minors and couldn't cut it in the MLB.

 

Jepsen was a starter in the minors, battled injuries and thus became a reliever. He's not closer material. The Angels thought he'd be a good fit since he throws hard and had a good curve, but never developed a changeup to be a viable starter. 

 

Percival, Shields and K-Rod want a word with you. 

[Chuck]

Some of you act as if MS is some sort of tyrant in pitching decisions. Yes it will all fall back on him in the end but I have no doubt that Dipoto and Butcher have big input into these decisions. It's a hurtful loss but these things happen to just about every team in baseball. I have more faith in this team now than in the previous years.

 

I'm on board with Joe Smith as closer for now ... Frieri needs to build his confidence in himself with a lesser role.

 

This blog is less about who's fault it is and more on what needs to be done to fix the pen. What I suggested would be the start in the right direction. 

 

You cannot count on DDLR and Burnett coming back either. If they do and they're them old selves, SWEET. Cherry on top. 

[Mark68]

I think Smith should be promoted posthaste into the "closer" role and Kohn has shown enough now to be the setup guy. Salas is OK when starting a clean inning, but FFS, NEVER bring him in with runners on. Frieri needs to ride the pine except in mop-up duties, so that he has time to think about what he's done.

 

 

Damn, I just sounded like my mother there.

[Angel Oracle]

The one big connection between the new big 3 (Morin, Alvarez, Bedrosian) is having the devastating secondary pitch. That is something Jepsen and Gas Can Frieri have never, eeever had; and the great relievers in the 2000s did have.

Vladdylonglegs has a point. It does seem like the Halos promote guys who aren't that good over those with better AA/AAA results. Why the heck was a Wall ever called up. Dude has never, eeever done anything in the minors.

It's almost like Dipoto is trying to make that part of his job harder than it needs to be, so that if one pans out it makes him look good.

Edited April 24, 2014 by Angel Oracle

[Chuck]

The one big connection between the new big 3 (Morin, Alvarez, Bedrosian) is having the devastating secondary pitch. That is something Jepsen and Gas Can Frieri have never, eeever had; and the great relievers in the 2000s did have.

 

Well, in Frieri's case, yes. Jepsen actually has a REALLY good curve/slurve, but he cannot command it worth shit. His fastball command is so inconsistent, it's frustrating. Just let him go. 

 

One of the reasons Kohn has been so good is he's thrown his slider and changeup for strikes, or at the very least shown it more often this season for the Angels. His delivery is a bit deceptive, so his 94-97 MPH fastball looks like upper 90's coming at the hitter, so he can get away with some of those fastballs where Frieri put his. 

[Docwaukee]

Thanks, Doc. I agree. 

 

The reason I brought how many HR's these young relievers have given up is because it's incredibly relevant to the discussion. When you're holding a 1 to 2 run lead, all it takes is a solo blast or bloop and a blast to end or tie the game. When all you're throwing is a fastball, like in Ernesto's case and you have no idea where it's going, you can count on blown saves. 

 

When hitters know you're grooving STRAIGHT 94-95 MPH fastballs in there, you're going to give up a ton of HR's. 

major leaguers tend to punish mistake pitches much more than they do in the minors.  Again though, I have never seen these guys pitch and frankly, I would welcome a different look at someone.  

[rafibomb]

The Angels are only one call-up away from being a good team. They are 2 call-ups away from being a great team, and 3 call-ups away from being an elite team.