LA Angels: Can Ricky Nolasco Compete At A High Level?
For the LA Angels, one of the most intriguing players for next season is Ricky Nolasco. Can he compete at a high level consistently for the Angels next season?
When it comes to the LA Angels rotation next season, they’ll likely start out thin. Although, the Angels maybe pick up a nice free agent during the winter meetings. However, Ricky Nolasco will likely be a part of the starting rotation.
The former Minnesota Twin started off sluggish following his trade for the beloved Hector Santiago. It was believed at first the trade was more about young pitcher Alex Meyer than Nolasco.
Those beliefs were confirmed when Nolasco started off 0-4 with the Angels rotation. His ERA was easily shot up to 5.70 in those four games. From there he would start to find his rhythm and some wins to boot.
Nolasco would finish the season with a 4 and 6 record with his ERA at 3.21. Nolasco has played with several different teams following his draft by the Florida Marlins. The 11-year journeyman has shown that he can at times that he can dominate on the mound.
More from Halo Hangout
The biggest question is can he do it consistently next season? Nolasco will be 34 when spring training gets going for next season. Nolasco is set to make $12 million next season as an Angel. Some of which will be paid by the Twins per trade agreement.
Nolasco will likely start next season. As a result, he’ll have a huge opportunity to become a star player for the next pitching staff next season. You add Garrett Richards to that mix and you very well could have two solid pitchers next season.
The Angels are going to need to find another starting pitcher to team up with Richards, Tyler Skaggs, and Nolasco. Ethier Matt Shoemaker or Jhoulys Chacin will make the 5th and final starter next season.