AngelsWin.com Today: Next Wave of Los Angeles Angels Starting Pitching Prospects

[totdprods]

We've hit a point in the season where it's time to acknowledge what's been going on with our pitching in the minors. Especially Burlington and Inland Empire. We'll likely start seeing a couple of these guys move up to IE/Mobile within the next month or so.

Last season, the Angels minor leagues saw only 13 pitchers start 20+ games - and of those, only 11 topped 100 innings. 
Within that group only three had an ERA below 4.00: Suarez at 3.92, Canning at 3.65, and Madero at 3.49. Eight had an ERA over 4.50, and four of those had an ERA over 6. It was not pretty.

This year is shaping up to be quite different - even with Canning and Suarez having hardly thrown any minor league innings. 

PATRICK SANDOVAL - 6'3", 190, LHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2015 (11th Rd.)
(AA/AAA): 4.47 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, .278 BAA, 21 BB, 57 K in 44.1 IP across 12 G/11 GS
Dominant in Mobile (32 K in 20 IP), Sandoval has slowed some in SLC (5.18 ERA, 2.14 WHIP) but is still the Angels next-best SP prospect.

LUIS MADERO - 6'3", 185, RHP, 22 years old, signed in 2013 (Intl. FA), acquired by LAA via trade
(A+/AA): 3.04 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .251 BAA, 17 BB, 59 K in 56.1 IP across 12 G/10 GS
Madero has had no issues adjusting to AA, and could find himself working in the Angel bullpen in September.

JEREMY BEASLEY - 6'3", 215, RHP, 23 years old, drafted in 2017 (30th Rd.)
(AA): 3.33 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, .256 BAA, 24 BB, 51 K in 54 IP across 12 G/11 GS
Bulldog Beasley continues to exceed expectations. Strong GB (55%) and swinging strike (16%) tendencies, sort of like pre-2019 Cahill. Allowed 2 R or fewer in 9 of 12 games.

JESUS CASTILLO - 6'3", 205, RHP, 23 years old, signed in 2011 (Intl. FA), acquired by LAA via trade
(AA): 3.41 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, .265 BAA, 17 BB, 51 K in 66 IP across 13 G/11 GS
Currently leads the org in innings pitched, has rebounded from a poor 2018. Has allowed 2 or fewer runs in 11 of 13 appearances.

ANDREW WANTZ - 6'4", 235, RHP, 23 years old, drafted in 2018 (7th Rd.)
(A+/AA): 3.33 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .211 BAA, 19 BB, 64 K in 54 IP across 12 G/7 GS
After posting a gaudy 47 K in 23 relief IP last year, Angels surprisingly stretched him out to a starter. He hasn't missed a beat. K/9 near 11.

DENNY BRADY - 6'1", 200, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2017 (7th Rd.)
(A+): 3.06 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .228 BAA, 20 BB, 65 K in 53 IP across 12 G/7 GS
As steady and consistent as a minor league arm can be, has yet to allow more than 3 R in a game.

KYLE BRADISH - 6'4", 190, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (4th Rd.)
(A+): 3.50 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, .228 BAA, 20 BB, 58 K in 43.2 IP across 11 G/7 GS
A little wild, a little inconsistent, but has shown flashes of straight dominance in a trio of starts:

• 4/23: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K,
• 5/9: 5 IP, 7 H, 0 R, BB, 9 K, 
• 5/21: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 12 K

OLIVER ORTEGA - 6'0", 165, RHP, 22 years old, signed in 2015 (Intl. FA)
(A+): 3.26 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, .203 BAA, 33 BB, 74 K in 58 IP across 12 G/11 GS
Who would have guessed Oliver Ortega would be leading the Angels org in strikeouts in mid-June? Who even knows who Oliver Ortega is?

AARON HERNANDEZ - 6'1", 170, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (3rd Rd.)
(A+): 4.26 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .279 BAA, 21 BB, 35 K in 31.2 IP across 9 G/7 GS
Yet to find a groove, but still posting decent numbers with swing-and-miss stuff, and a decent repertoire of pitches. 

CRISTOPHER MOLINA - 6'3", 170, RHP, 22 years old, signed in 2013 (Intl. FA)
(A): 2.61 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, .193 BAA, 22 BB, 65 K in 58.2 IP across 12 G/9 GS
Stumbled a bit in last three games, but prior, had posted a 1.25 ERA and .167 BAA through first 9 appearances.

JOSE SORIANO - 6'3", 168, RHP, 20 years old, signed in 2016 (Intl. FA)
(A): 2.47 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, .201 BAA, 35 BB, 70 K in 62 IP across 13 G/11 GS
Not far behind Sandoval from being the Angels best SP prospect - only 2 HR allowed, a 55% GB rate, a little erratic, but big-time potential.

HECTOR YAN - 5'11", 180, LHP, 20 years old, signed in 2015 (Intl. FA)
(A): 3.86 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, .220 BAA, 26 BB, 66 K in 44.1 IP across 12 G/8 GS
Lots of swing-and-miss stuff could lead Yan into top-of-rotation potential, but he'll need to work more efficiently and get a handle on the walks. Only 1 HR allowed.

COLE DUENSING - 6'4", 175, RHP, 21 years old, drafted in 2016 (6th Rd.)
(A): 4.36 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, .250 BAA, 33 BB, 51 K in 44.1 IP across 12 G/9 GS
Absolutely awful in 2017-2018, with an ERA near 10.00, Duensing's dramatic turnaround offers hope for brighter days still ahead.

KYLE TYLER - 6'0", 185, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (20th Rd.)
(A): 4.31 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .217 BAA, 19 BB, 53 K in 54.1 IP across 12 G/9 GS
Another reliever converted to the rotation, Tyler throws strikes (65%) coupled with a strong GB rate (53%), quietly producing and putting himself into the mix.

ROBINSON PINA - 6'4", 180, RHP, 20 years old, signed in 2017 (Intl. FA)
(A): 3.22 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, .193 BAA, 32 BB, 61 K in 50.1 IP across 12 G/7 GS
Steady and consistent, in three pro seasons, has yet to allow an ERA over 3.68, averaging over 10 K per 9, only 7 hits per 9, and a total of 5 HR in 145.2 IP.

LUIS ALVARADO - 6'4", 210, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (17th Rd.)
(A): 2.25 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .186 BAA, 22 BB, 60 K in 48 IP across 12 G/7 GS Has allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in all but one game, and only 3 ER in the other.

Even more exciting is that still doesn't take into account the 2019 draftees who could ultimately join this list - Jack Kochanowicz, Erik Rivera, Garrett Stallings, Zach Peek, Davis Daniel, Zach Linginfelter - or the legitimate SP prospects who have been injured - Chris Rodriguez, James Swanda, Stiward Aquino - or the other arms who either have had enough prospect pedigree or success to still enter the picture, such as Cooper Criswell, Luke Lind, Connor Van Scoyoc, Jose Natera, Emilker Guzman, Jerryell Rivera, Kelvin Moncion, or Jason Alexander.

The growth we've seen this year - both in terms of development and depth added - is quite frankly, staggering, and given the number of arms drafted in 2019, only likely to grow. 
With Eppler's aggressive promotions, the use of multi-inning relievers. 6-man rotations, and 'tandem' starters, there's a chance we see a lot of these arms start reaching the majors as soon as late 2020 or in 2021. 

[Docwaukee]

this is an outstanding review and thanks for doing this @totdprods .  @Chuckster70 should add this to the blog as a stand alone article.  

[Docwaukee]

there's also a couple of guys from the 2018 draft we haven't seen yet.  Daniel Nunan 12th round HS lefty from Jersey.  Nick Frank from St. Marys in Moraga.  And of course 2 way guy Will English.  The 5th rounder who likely ends up on the mound.  

[PattyD22]

Again, this thread right here is proof positive that this site is awesome.  Thanks totdprods, and all the others for the outstanding research and information that goes into threads like this.

[totdprods]

8 minutes ago, Dochalo said:

this is an outstanding review and thanks for doing this @totdprods .  @Chuckster70 should add this to the blog as a stand alone article.  

I told myself I wasn't going to get excited until they started hitting the 50 IP mark...and well, here we are. It's kind of mind-blowing we've seen so much growth with the pitching, in volume and quality. 

The bats came alive the last couple seasons, and we're seeing that wave now start to impact the big league team with Fletcher, Rengifo, Ward, Thaiss, Walsh, eventually Adell, Marsh, Rojas....
We could start seeing the same thing happen on the pitching side by the end of this year with Sandoval and Madero - we're already seeing Canning and Suarez now. There's a lot of help on the way.

All we need is a new wave of bats to start forming in Rk/A Ball this year - Knowles, Adams, Wilson, Soto could certainly be a part of that. Not giving up on Maitan, Williams, etc. either.

Edited June 14, 2019 by totdprods

[eligrba]

Another great job @totdprods

I always enjoy reading your articles.

[ScruffytheJanitor]

Pitching prospects are like a raffle at a county fair. Billy Eppler is the guy who buys 500 tickets because he really wants the John Deer riding lawn mower-- along with the off-brand tablet, the prize-winning peach cobbler, and BOTH $50 Walmart gift cards too.

[Docwaukee]

8 minutes ago, ScruffytheJanitor said:

Pitching prospects are like a raffle at a county fair. Billy Eppler is the guy who buys 500 tickets because he really wants the John Deer riding lawn mower-- along with the off-brand tablet, the prize-winning peach cobbler, and BOTH $50 Walmart gift cards too.

he's the Lazlo Hollyfeld of pitching.  

[totdprods]

30 minutes ago, ScruffytheJanitor said:

Pitching prospects are like a raffle at a county fair. Billy Eppler is the guy who buys 500 tickets because he really wants the John Deer riding lawn mower-- along with the off-brand tablet, the prize-winning peach cobbler, and BOTH $50 Walmart gift cards too.

And thus, Robinson “Off-Brand Tablet” Pina was born.

[Chuck]

3 hours ago, Dochalo said:

this is an outstanding review and thanks for doing this @totdprods .  @Chuckster70 should add this to the blog as a stand alone article.  

I'm at DFW en route to Tampa. Just fired up the laptop and will submit this to the Blog.

Good stuff, @totdprods. How was your vacation to California?

[tdawg87]

We have a prospect named Kyle Tyler? Ewww.

[totdprods]

2 minutes ago, Chuckster70 said:

I'm at DFW en route to Tampa. Just fired up the laptop and will submit this to the Blog.

Good stuff, @totdprods. How was your vacation to California?

The Angels lost. I got Skaggsed. But Disneyland kicked ass despite missing out on Star Wars, Noble delivered some great beers, and the drives to and from Cali offered all sorts of fun.

I hadn't been to the Big A in probably ten years annnnnd...I'm firmly in belief now that a new stadium or massive renovation is needed. Nothing wrong with the stadium really, but it's utilitarian at best. 

[Lou]

2 hours ago, Dochalo said:

he's the Lazlo Hollyfeld of pitching.  

Did you want to borrow my pajamas?

[AngelsWin.com]

Jose Soriano, RHP Burlington Bees

By Tres Hefter, AngelsWin.com Columnist

We’ve hit a point in the season where it’s time to acknowledge what’s been going on with our pitching in the minors. Especially Burlington and Inland Empire. We’ll likely start seeing a couple of these guys move up to IE/Mobile within the next month or so.

Last season, the Angels minor leagues saw only 13 pitchers start 20+ games – and of those, only 11 topped 100 innings.

Within that group only three had an ERA below 4.00: Suarez at 3.92, Canning at 3.65, and Madero at 3.49. Eight had an ERA over 4.50, and four of those had an ERA over 6. It was not pretty.

This year is shaping up to be quite different – even with Canning and Suarez having hardly thrown any minor league innings.

PATRICK SANDOVAL – 6’3″, 190, LHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2015 (11th Rd.)

(AA/AAA): 4.47 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, .278 BAA, 21 BB, 57 K in 44.1 IP across 12 G/11 GS

Dominant in Mobile (32 K in 20 IP), Sandoval has slowed some in SLC (5.18 ERA, 2.14 WHIP) but is still the Angels next-best SP prospect.

LUIS MADERO – 6’3″, 185, RHP, 22 years old, signed in 2013 (Intl. FA), acquired by LAA via trade

(A+/AA): 3.04 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .251 BAA, 17 BB, 59 K in 56.1 IP across 12 G/10 GS

Madero has had no issues adjusting to AA, and could find himself working in the Angel bullpen in September.

JEREMY BEASLEY – 6’3″, 215, RHP, 23 years old, drafted in 2017 (30th Rd.)

(AA): 3.33 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, .256 BAA, 24 BB, 51 K in 54 IP across 12 G/11 GS

Bulldog Beasley continues to exceed expectations. Strong GB (55%) and swinging strike (16%) tendencies, sort of like pre-2019 Cahill. Allowed 2 R or fewer in 9 of 12 games.

JESUS CASTILLO – 6’3″, 205, RHP, 23 years old, signed in 2011 (Intl. FA), acquired by LAA via trade

(AA): 3.41 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, .265 BAA, 17 BB, 51 K in 66 IP across 13 G/11 GS

Currently leads the org in innings pitched, has rebounded from a poor 2018. Has allowed 2 or fewer runs in 11 of 13 appearances.

ANDREW WANTZ – 6’4″, 235, RHP, 23 years old, drafted in 2018 (7th Rd.)

(A+/AA): 3.33 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .211 BAA, 19 BB, 64 K in 54 IP across 12 G/7 GS

After posting a gaudy 47 K in 23 relief IP last year, Angels surprisingly stretched him out to a starter. He hasn’t missed a beat. K/9 near 11.

DENNY BRADY – 6’1″, 200, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2017 (7th Rd.)
(A+): 3.06 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .228 BAA, 20 BB, 65 K in 53 IP across 12 G/7 GS

As steady and consistent as a minor league arm can be, has yet to allow more than 3 R in a game.

KYLE BRADISH – 6’4″, 190, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (4th Rd.)
(A+): 3.50 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, .228 BAA, 20 BB, 58 K in 43.2 IP across 11 G/7 GS

A little wild, a little inconsistent, but has shown flashes of straight dominance in a trio of starts:

• 4/23: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K,
• 5/9: 5 IP, 7 H, 0 R, BB, 9 K,
• 5/21: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 12 K

OLIVER ORTEGA – 6’0″, 165, RHP, 22 years old, signed in 2015 (Intl. FA)

(A+): 3.26 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, .203 BAA, 33 BB, 74 K in 58 IP across 12 G/11 GS

Who would have guessed Oliver Ortega would be leading the Angels org in strikeouts in mid-June? Who even knows who Oliver Ortega is?

AARON HERNANDEZ – 6’1″, 170, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (3rd Rd.)

(A+): 4.26 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .279 BAA, 21 BB, 35 K in 31.2 IP across 9 G/7 GS.

Yet to find a groove, but still posting decent numbers with swing-and-miss stuff, and a decent repertoire of pitches.

CRISTOPHER MOLINA – 6’3″, 170, RHP, 22 years old, signed in 2013 (Intl. FA)

(A): 2.61 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, .193 BAA, 22 BB, 65 K in 58.2 IP across 12 G/9 GS

Stumbled a bit in last three games, but prior, had posted a 1.25 ERA and .167 BAA through first 9 appearances.

JOSE SORIANO – 6’3″, 168, RHP, 20 years old, signed in 2016 (Intl. FA)
(A): 2.47 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, .201 BAA, 35 BB, 70 K in 62 IP across 13 G/11 GS

Not far behind Sandoval from being the Angels best SP prospect – only 2 HR allowed, a 55% GB rate, a little erratic, but big-time potential.

HECTOR YAN – 5’11”, 180, LHP, 20 years old, signed in 2015 (Intl. FA)
(A): 3.86 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, .220 BAA, 26 BB, 66 K in 44.1 IP across 12 G/8 GS

Lots of swing-and-miss stuff could lead Yan into top-of-rotation potential, but he’ll need to work more efficiently and get a handle on the walks. Only 1 HR allowed.

COLE DUENSING – 6’4″, 175, RHP, 21 years old, drafted in 2016 (6th Rd.)

(A): 4.36 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, .250 BAA, 33 BB, 51 K in 44.1 IP across 12 G/9 GS

Absolutely awful in 2017-2018, with an ERA near 10.00, Duensing’s dramatic turnaround offers hope for brighter days still ahead.

KYLE TYLER – 6’0″, 185, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (20th Rd.)
(A): 4.31 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .217 BAA, 19 BB, 53 K in 54.1 IP across 12 G/9 GS

Another reliever converted to the rotation, Tyler throws strikes (65%) coupled with a strong GB rate (53%), quietly producing and putting himself into the mix.

ROBINSON PINA – 6’4″, 180, RHP, 20 years old, signed in 2017 (Intl. FA)

(A): 3.22 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, .193 BAA, 32 BB, 61 K in 50.1 IP across 12 G/7 GS

Steady and consistent, in three pro seasons, has yet to allow an ERA over 3.68, averaging over 10 K per 9, only 7 hits per 9, and a total of 5 HR in 145.2 IP.

LUIS ALVARADO – 6’4″, 210, RHP, 22 years old, drafted in 2018 (17th Rd.)

(A): 2.25 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, .186 BAA, 22 BB, 60 K in 48 IP across 12 G/7 GS Has allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in all but one game, and only 3 ER in the other.

Even more exciting is that still doesn’t take into account the 2019 draftees who could ultimately join this list – Jack Kochanowicz, Erik Rivera, Garrett Stallings, Zach Peek, Davis Daniel, Zach Linginfelter – or the legitimate SP prospects who have been injured – Chris Rodriguez, James Swanda, Stiward Aquino – or the other arms who either have had enough prospect pedigree or success to still enter the picture, such as Cooper Criswell, Luke Lind, Connor Van Scoyoc, Jose Natera, Emilker Guzman, Jerryell Rivera, Kelvin Moncion, or Jason Alexander.

The growth we’ve seen this year – both in terms of development and depth added – is quite frankly, staggering, and given the number of arms drafted in 2019, only likely to grow.

With Eppler’s aggressive promotions, the use of multi-inning relievers. 6-man rotations, and ‘tandem’ starters, there’s a chance we see a lot of these arms start reaching the majors as soon as late 2020 or in 2021.

View the full article

[Chuck]

Blogged: https://thesportsdaily.com/2019/06/14/next-wave-of-los-angeles-angels-starting-pitching-prospects-a1w1/

[Angelsjunky]

Great work as always, @totdprods. 

Now as exciting as the growing depth is, I'm still waiting for--and hoping to see--one or two of these guys emerge as a potential major league ace. Almost all of these pitchers seem to cap out at mid-rotations, most of them back end starters or future relievers, and of course many will flame out. But potential aces? The only ones that seem to have that kind of stuff are Chris Rodriguez, Jose Soriano, and Stiward Aquino...and they're all highly volatile at this point and could just as easily bust as even reach the majors.

Eppler has done a great job increasing the depth and breadth of the pool. Now we need to see a few of these guys really start to shine.

[totdprods]

34 minutes ago, Angelsjunky said:

Great work as always, @totdprods. 

Now as exciting as the growing depth is, I'm still waiting for--and hoping to see--one or two of these guys emerge as a potential major league ace. Almost all of these pitchers seem to cap out at mid-rotations, most of them back end starters or future relievers, and of course many will flame out. But potential aces? The only ones that seem to have that kind of stuff are Chris Rodriguez, Jose Soriano, and Stiward Aquino...and they're all highly volatile at this point and could just as easily bust as even reach the majors.

Eppler has done a great job increasing the depth and breadth of the pool. Now we need to see a few of these guys really start to shine.

Thanks! 

I don’t disagree that we need some frontline arms to emerge, but a cadre of well-performing #3s, a great bullpen, great defense, and a good offense can be pretty lethal in the postseason too.

[Docwaukee]

2 hours ago, Lou said:

Did you want to borrow my pajamas?

 

[Scott34]

This is the most excited I've been about our farm system since Trout. We have some f*cking gems in here. 

[ten ocho recon scout]

5 hours ago, Dochalo said:

he's the Lazlo Hollyfeld of pitching.  

 

2 hours ago, Lou said:

Did you want to borrow my pajamas?

Bless you both for remembering that movie.

"...it was hot, and I was hungry!"

[Lou]

6 minutes ago, ten ocho recon scout said:

 

Bless you both for remembering that movie.

"...it was hot, and I was hungry!"

"all of my filth is arranged in alphabetical order."

[SlappyUtilityMIF]

Great job totdprods! Actually a very good read! Thank you`

Question: Why are most averaging less than 4 innings per start? Ortega and Madero look like the only two avg. above 5 innings per start. That is an issue. They should be stretching them out even if it is in a 6-man rotation. 

Then they get here and can't fight through an inning or don't understand how to pitch without their best stuff.

 

Wasn't Yan one of those Braves guys that became Free Agents again?

 

Drop some start stat lines! Let's see if they are building confidence and arm strength or just teasing away at swingmen and openers.

[Docwaukee]

41 minutes ago, Lou said:

"all of my filth is arranged in alphabetical order."

can you hammer a six in spike into a board.......

[ten ocho recon scout]

5 hours ago, Lou said:

"all of my filth is arranged in alphabetical order."

"...... it is God"

[totdprods]

6 hours ago, SlappyUtilityMIF said:

Question: Why are most averaging less than 4 innings per start? Ortega and Madero look like the only two avg. above 5 innings per start. That is an issue. They should be stretching them out even if it is in a 6-man rotation. 

I think a part of it is due to them simply having so many SP-types at both Burlington and IE it’s easier to just piggy-back them. They’re all throwing 4-5 innings, 70-90 pitches, often using two pitchers a game, occasionally a reliever if anyone’s in trouble. It’s been pretty effective so hard to argue against.

A lot of it too is simply managing their innings and pitches. They have the depth to take it easy with guys, so why not? We saw them stretch Canning and Suarez up to 90+ pitches when it was needed.

And, I doubt all stay as SP - but by stretching them in this manner, it’s conditioning a lot of these arms to be 2 IP guys in the bigs, or utilized with an opener, like with Pena.

If a bulk of these guys do keep producing and in ‘starter’ roles, I could see the Angels using a few guys as tandem starters as well - we may see more 4-5 inning performances between two ‘starters’ once or maybe even twice a week in a future rotation.