Los Angeles Angels: Jett Bandy era over in Anaheim

Los Angeles Angels GM Billy Eppler has made another controversial move as of Tuesday, the Jett Bandy era is over in Orange County.

Bandy is heading to the Milwaukee Brewers for former Los Angeles Angels farmhand catcher Martin Maldonado and pitching prospect Drew Gagnon.

Maldonado is known for his pitch frame while only posting average numbers in the defensive department. Maldonado’s presence on the base pad shows improvement in speed over Bandy, who’s speed was compared to molasses.

Gagnon, a right-handed relief prospect, is Long Beach native. He’s struggled in triple-A during recent seasons. Sounds like the bullpen may not have gotten much help in this trade. Although Gagnon can turn it around, if he makes the roster out of spring training.

Maldonado seems to be plus end of this deal. He will be projected to be the primary catcher next season over Carlos Perez. Maldonado returns the Angels organization, who drafted him back in 2004. Coming off a season in which he hit .202, with eight home runs and 21 RBI, Maldonado hopes a homecoming will change that next season.

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In his 69 games played behind the plate during his time in Milwaukee. Maldonado threw out about 35 percent of baserunners, ranking him sixth in the MLB. Bandy was ranked fourth in the league last year throwing out 17 baserunners.

Maldonado has starter experience under his belt as a Brewer, playing in 304 games over six seasons, however always seemed to be the in the shadow of Jonathan Lucroy.

This can seem as a disappointment to many Angel fans. Bandy seemed to become the main catcher and a fan favorite. Bandy had a slight breakout during the summer, before fading away in the later months of the season.

Still, many feel Bandy had a lot left and possibly could have cemented status as the number one catcher in Anaheim.