Angels Official Website: Rasmus prepares for potential full-time starting gig

[AngelsWin.com]

Angels right-hander Cory Rasmus is beginning to understand the nuances of starting a game rather than coming in from the bullpen, and he is working toward being ready in case he is asked to join the rotation on a permanent basis in 2015.

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[bloodbrother]

Yes please. He showed a solid 4 pitch mix, which is unusual for relievers since they usually rely on just 2 pitches. I hope they continue to work him out as a starter this offseason, even moreso now after the injuries to Richards and Skaggs

[TroutCron]

Definitely stretch him out. I would like to see what he does the third time through an order. He is a good option if the Angels are unable to sign a 4-5 starter.

[Angel Oracle]

It's a Catch-22.

He has the pitch repertoire to be a starter. 

But, he was originally converted to a reliever because of concerns with endurance plus injuries.

 

Focus on making him a possible Wade Davis like dominant 8th inning guy?

Doesn't Davis also have 4 pitches in his repertoire, as a former starter?

Davis does max out about 2-3mph higher than Rasmus does (97 vs 94-95).

Edited October 15, 2014 by Angel Oracle

[Chuck]

It's a Catch-22.

He has the pitch repertoire to be a starter. 

But, he was originally converted to a reliever because of concerns with endurance plus injuries.

 

Focus on making him a possible Wade Davis like dominant 8th inning guy?

Doesn't Davis also have 4 pitches in his repertoire, as a former starter?

Davis does max out about 2-3mph higher than Rasmus does (97 vs 94-95).

 

That happened a long time ago, I would not worry about it. He didn't show ANY fatigue in his starts that he went 4-5 innings. With his repertoire he needs to be a starter, period. 

[Torridd]

I also like the idea. He would be just another option for us although I still think we should get a surer thing since Richards won't likely come back until the summer.

[19HALO71]

He's earned the opportunity. Give the kid a vote of confidence and assign him to the rotation. Tell him "It's your to lose". That is what they did with Richards. Can't hurt.

[WallyWorld]

he should definitely be in the mix for a starting job next spring. With CJ looking like he's toast, Richards possibly missing time, and Skaggs out all year, Angels still need to go out and get at least one other reliable SP.

[Jimmag]

He deserves a chance to start and think he will do a great job.

[Yes]

I also like the idea. He would be just another option for us although I still think we should get a surer thing since Richards won't likely come back until the summer.

 

Don't know why people think Richards won't be back until summer. They originally said March-April is likely.

[AngelArcher]

I like the Idea. I just don't want to see them dick around about it. Give him the spot and see if he can run with it. If he fails, send him down to continue working as a starter. No back and forth between starter and bullpen.

[JAHV76]

The Downs trade for Rasmus is looking better every day

[Lhalo]

I wish I was reading this headline before Wilson crapped himself against the Royals.

[Stradling]

Rasmus needs to be stretched out for insurance purposes if nothing else. Even if he becomes a guy that can go five strong and occasionally gets you six innings, that would be huge for this team. I still would prefer we sign one big time arm, see how Wilson does to start the year, with Rasmus in the pen. Then if Wilson struggles then you put Rasmus in the rotation. If we do sign a good starting pitcher, I think you will see Santiago as the guy that gets bumped to the pen when everyone is healthy.

[Angel Oracle]

One thing in his favor is that with his command being rock solid this season, his pitch counts have been solid, and even after going into the rotation on Aug. 30.

If he can get up to say 80 pitches by his first regular season start, he could well pitch into the 6th inning.

[SoWhat]

If they're gonna give out a big contract, give it to a young player and not a 30 year old pitcher with a lot of mileage on his arm.

Sign someone like Masterson on a one year deal. The top of the rotation is fine and there's a decent amount of young arms in the minors that'll be ready either next year or in 2016 (Newcomb, Ellis, McGowin, Smith) until then, sign mid-level stopgaps to fill the rotation.

If they give out a big contract to somebody it better be young position player like Yosmani Tomas. Only two of the Angels' position players are under 30 and they have zero replacements in the minors.

[laagamer]

He showed grit down the stretch.

If we need him, I say give the kid a shot.

[Brent Maguire]

Outside the box thinking here but they should look into tandem starting Santiago and Rasmus. 

 

It's been done in the minors but the L/R platoon could work with these guys. 

 

I'm a little hesitant to count on him as a full time starter but I would have no issue if they tried to stretch him out a bit. Maybe he can give you 10-15 starts next year and see what he gives you. 

[nando714]

Stretch his @$$ out!

[SoWhat]

Stretch his @$$ out!

[Splint7438]

With CJs season ending injury it is important that Rasmus get his work in.

[Docwaukee]

his minor league history is interesting.  

 

injured to start his career (shoulder surgery) and missed almost 2 years

had a good 2010 as a starter and then injured again in 2011 after making only 7 starts.

never made a start above high A.  

 

then got converted in 2012 probably due to injury concerns and had a solid campaign.  

In 2013 he was dominant as a reliever and we got him.  

 

So developmentally, he was pretty raw even at 25.  He wasn't a failed starter so much as they converted him due to injury risk.  

 

I'd love to see him get a chance to start as long as they feel his arm can handle it.  

[nando714]

Did we win the scott downs trade?