Angels' bullpen now a strength with Street

[Torridd]

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/50113/with-street-angels-bullpen-now-a-strength

 

[Angelsjunky]

It is the best its been since, I don't know, the F-Rod/Shields era?

 

While I wasn't happy with the overpay of Street, I can't dislike his addition to the team - they guy is the best closer the Angels have had since F-Rod was good, and far more consistent and less scary.

[ten ocho recon scout]

Yeah, this is why I applauded the trade. Paid a bunch, but we finally have the one thing the 'winning 2000's' years had in common. We had SP sometimes, offense sometimes, usually not at the same time. The bully was always solid the years we won. Who knows, maybe 2009 goes a different way if we had a real closer?

[DMVol]

.....The bully was always solid the years we won. Who knows, maybe 2009 goes a different way if we had a real closer?

Fuentes was at least serviceable for most of 09....but he struggled late and was bad in the postseason....Street is the first legit closer we've had since KRod.....

[CaliAngel]

Yeah I mean we had a "closer" in the role after K Rod left, but they were never quite guys that shortened the length of the game like Street and the rest of the bullpen is now doing. They're REALLY getting it done and when you can get a lead before the 6th then bring in a new arm for the next 3 innings that keeps the opposition off balance and we're all beginning to see what kind of advantage it brings to the table.

Teams are sitting there in the 5th inning thinking they still got a couple innings to catch up and before they know it it's the 9th and in 10 pitches the game is over.

Truly an advantage we have missed the past 3+ years. As much as I hate to say it guys like Fuentes and Frieri just never gave me that secure "this game is over" vibe like K Rod, Percy, and now Street is doing.

[Erstad Grit]

Lee Smith and b Harvey, Percy and shiggy, percy and krod, Krod and shields, and now Street and Smith AND jepsen. This is what we are used to.

[Angel Oracle]

I like it.    Rasmus to Morin/Grilli to Smith to Jepsen to Street.

 

Plus Smith and Jepsen can share the 8th inning to not overwork either, and both Street and sometimes Smith can close.

 

Now about Thatcher and his inability to pitch tight to lefties?

[ELEVEN]

Thread title should be Angels' bullpen now a strength without Frieri

[seenoevil]

The Nasty boys!

[Stradling]

First comment should be:

"No shit"

[Vegas Halo Fan]

The bullpen was well along the way to being a strength before Street arrived. His addition just solidifies it.

[wopphil]

And most of these guys are under control for next year too, so hopefully the pen won't be a question in 2015.

[Vegas Halo Fan]

And most of these guys are under control for next year too, so hopefully the pen won't be a question in 2015.

 

Just thinking back to this spring when a lot of people were cursing Dipoto for not doing enough to shore up the bullpen. He made his moves, then made more moves as the season moved along. We have a pretty decent GM, IMO.

[fan_since79]

Lee Smith and b Harvey, Percy and shiggy, percy and krod, Krod and shields, and now Street and Smith AND jepsen. This is what we are used to.

 

[joeywings]

Basically, now a lead in the 6th inning is a win.

Kinda like the Shileds, Donnely, Krod and Perci days.

[ettin]

Dare I say it: Do the Angels give Jepsen an extension next year? I never, ever, ever, ever, ever thought I'd even breathe those words.

[Angel Oracle]

Based on his stats since April 1, an extension would seem to be a slam dunk.

Only problem though is the reliability of any reliever over multiple seasons. I would wait to see how the rest of the season plays out. If Jepsen is still dominating, then offer a 2 or 3 year deal.

[arch stanton]

If Jepsen keeps it up for the rest of the season he'll command Joe Smith money on the open market. How much are we willing to commit to pen arms?

[Lou]

but in 2017...

[Lou]

so much fun being able to enjoy the season again

[Docwaukee]

not that WAR is a good way to look at relief pitching, but they have 2.5 WAR over the last 30 days.  Prior to that going back to 2010 it's 1.6.  Total.  

[Redondo]

so much fun being able to enjoy the season again

 

Agree

[wopphil]

Isn't Jeppy still under club control for another season or so?

[Angel Oracle]

I was shocked to find per Baseball Reference that he isn't a FA until after 2016.

That helps a lot.

[wopphil]

I saw something like that too AO, but it doesn't seem to make sense. I thought this was his second time through arbitration....is he a super two?