Angels Official Website: Santiago enters rotation battle with something to prove

[AngelsWin.com]

At least one of the Angels' rotation spots -- possibly two, if Garrett Richards starts the season on the disabled list -- is a wide-open competition in Spring Training, even though one of the candidates -- Hector Santiago -- isn't sure why.

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[Second Base]

That actually is a little sad because truth is, Santiago did earn that spot. After getting things ironed out in AAA he came back and out pitched Weaver, Wilson and Skaggs.

But then again, Rasmus also did enough to warrant being the 5th starter too. But we also have to consider that both Heaney and Tropeano's performance in AAA last year earned them a spot as well.

I think reality is, despite being able to be a good #4 starter, Santiago's mechanics and stuff play out better in relief, where he can serve as a middle reliever, long relief or lefty specialist. The same with Rasmus. He could be a set up man or long reliever.

Heaney and a Tropeano though, those are starters all the way bad once Wilson runs out of excuses as to why he isn't good anymore, I think the Angels will roll with their two youngsters.

[ELEVEN]

Stretch em all out to 5 innings and see if any can get through 6.