Maronde's progress in AA

[Angel Oracle]

I noticed that after a terrible first 3 months control wise (32 BBs in 34 innings), that Maronde has walked just 3 in 12.2 innings so far in July and has a .70 WHIP.

 

Has anyone in the org mentioned what happened for him to find the strike zone suddenly?

[Second Base]

I'm wondering where that velocity went though. 

[Dave Saltzer]

I'm hoping that it's a sign that the velocity is back. He's a good guy and I would like to see him do well.

[SoWhat]

Why'd the end up moving him to the bullpen? He had solid numbers as a starter & seeing how we're very low on arms on the farm, what was the reason for the move?

[Scott34]

Why'd the end up moving him to the bullpen? He had solid numbers as a starter & seeing how we're very low on arms on the farm, what was the reason for the move?

 

I have no idea and that was one move that frustrated me.  He had/has three good pitches and should've been given every opportunity to start.

[Second Base]

When he struggled this Spring, they talked to him and asked him what he preferred.  He told Dipoto he felt more comfortable in relief.  Since he was a disaster all Spring as a starter and just looked lost and the Angels felt he was already a good reliever anyway, they moved him.  

 

I don't think the Angels envisioned him struggling as much as he has in AA this season, I think they thought he'd be a solid bullpen piece at the big league level.  The reduced velocity definitely played a large part.  I haven't seen a gun on him lately, so I don't know if he's regained it.  Scott or Dave?