Closer by committee seems to be Mike Scioscia’s temporary solution the end of game blunders that previously affected the Angels. Last night Scioscia brought in Kevin Jepsen to face the right hander, Jason Bay, and he struck him out. He then brought in Brian Fuentes to finish out the game. In addition Scioscia brought in Reggie Willits at the end of the game and kept him at left for Juan Rivera. Maybe a message?

The reason I say temporary solution is because Kevin Jepsen, or Jose Arredondo if he get out of this mental funk, will be the closer of the future. As we saw last night Jepsen came in and struck out probably the Red Sox best hitter with some nasty pitches, including a 98 mph fastball. Brian Fuentes just seems like a very good set-up guy. Not necessarily a closer.

In the end the Angels won. They defended, they pitched, and most of all they played aggressive. This could have something to do with Torii Hunter’s Comment that the teamed choked and they were playing nervous. He sure is a great addition to this team, isn’t he?

With the brutal string of injuries that has plagued Angel pitching throughout most of the current season, it seems surprising that there is such little talk of acquiring a proven arm via trade. The days of turning to “in-house solutions” seem to have passed. With many of their young arms already in the majors and a rash of injuries besetting the club – not to mention the tragic death of promising right-hander Nick Adenhart - the Angels are lucky to have had 30-year-old rookie Matt Palmer step in and do the job that he has (6-1, 4.70 ERA). Beyond Palmer, there seems to not be much left within the organization to turn to.

The current starting rotation is a far cry from the consistency Angel fans have been accustom to in recent years. Ervin Santana (16-7, 3.49 ERA in 2008) hasn’t been right the entire season (1-3, 7.47 ERA in 6 starts in 2009). He is currently on the DL with elbow issues, and while the Angels hope he will regain his 2008 All-Star form, the reality of that happening is growing dimmer with each day on the disabled list and each trip to the doctor’s office. Kelvim Escobar has barely thrown in the big leagues over the past year and a half and with yet another setback in his current attempt at a rejoining the active roster, it looks as though he cannot be counted on this season - either as a starter or in relief. Jose Arredondo, the latest hopeful to recapture his 2008 lightning in a bottle success and help stabilize a reeling bullpen, also recently joined the long list of the Walking-Wounded. Besides Santana and Escobar, that list also includes Scot Shields (out for season) and Dustin Moseley (DL – hip). John Lackey, the long-acknowledged horse of the rotation in Anaheim, is just recently appearing to regain his dominant form after contending with a six-week DL stint to open the season. Jered Weaver has been just short of exceptional, anchoring the staff until at least some of the troops arrive.

With the heat of July and the baseball’s dog days quickly approaching, let the clamoring for a trade begin. Let’s focus in on a name most Halo fans are familiar with: Jarrod Washburn of the Seattle Mariners. Washburn seems to be a perfect fit to bolster the Angels rotation. While his 4-5 record won’t invoke tremendous applause, his 3.22 ERA accompanied with a 1.19 WHIP in the hard-hitting American League definitely should. He has been the unfortunate recipient of some of the worst run support in baseball and still looks to have plenty left in the tank. Washburn is very familiar with manager Mike Scioscia and the Angels’ organization, as well as being extremely familiar with the division, having pitched exclusively in the AL West for the past decade.

One of the most appealing features of a possible Washburn trade would be that the Angels could likely get him at a relatively low cost. With an expiring contract, it would seem Washburn could possibly be had for a low-level prospect and agreeing to take on his salary. That is of course, if Seattle begins to slip a little further out of contention and doesn’t balk at trading within their division.

Alternatives to strengthening the rotation are the much shakier prospects of signing Pedro Martinez or half-season mercenary Paul Byrd (whom the Angels had no qualms releasing a couple seasons ago). The Angels have already said they have no interest in signing Martinez and Byrd would appear to be a severe long shot. More names and possibilities should begin springing up shortly as we enter July and hopefully, the Halos will be looking into them diligently. General Manager Tony Reagins did pull the trigger on the Mark Teixeira deal last year, making the major acquisition that former GM Bill Stoneman appeared reluctant to act on.

Rumblings up the I-5 in Dodgertown have already included Washburn as a possible addition to the Dodgers’ depthless starting rotation. Perhaps it’s time similar rumblings begin to grow louder in Orange County. Acquiring Washburn may seem to be minor in comparison to last summer’s Teixeira blockbuster, but bringing him in at this juncture of need could have a major impact on the Angels’ 2009 season.

By: Blake Warren

Last week, Mike Scioscia threatened a shake up if the team didn’t turn things around, and that shakeup happened over the weekend. Howie Kendrick (.231, 4HR 22RBI) has been officially optioned to triple A and Sean Rodriguez (’09 stats - 205AB, .273, 21HR 60RBI 6SB) has been brought to the majors. Also, Scott Shields (6.62ERA, 15BB 12K) is to have season ending surgery on his right knee after a brief stint on the DL with patellar tendinitis in his left knee, and Kelvim Escobar (0-1, 3.60ERA) is taking his spot in the bullpen. This is all in addition to last week’s demotion of Jose Arredondo (5.55ERA, 12BB 27K) and promotion of Kevin Jepsen (’09 stats - 18in, 9.00ERA, 16BB 20K). The Angels have a bit of a new look.

These were all surprises, but the biggest shocker to me was that Rodriguez was called up rather than Brandon Wood (’09 stats - 175AB, .297, 14HR 36RBI). Yes, Sean Rodriguez has been hot of late and he plays second base, but Brandon Wood is the guy. I’m guessing this was because Scioscia didn’t want Howie and Sean splitting time in triple A, but it still would have been nice to see Figgins slide over to second base with Brandon Wood at third. We’ll see how it works out. Scioscia is usually right.

It is sad to see Scott Shields gone, but Escobar and Jepsen should help stabilize our bullpen. This weekend of moves resulted in a sweep of the San Diego Padres (28-34). Hopefully it will continue.

By: Tony C

The Angels made a move today, sending Jose Arredondo (1-3, 5.55ERA) to Triple A Salt Lake City and bringing up Kevin Jepsen (1-0, 9.00ERA) who has not returned to the Major League level since his injury.  Arrendondo has been struggling mightily this year, especially considering how lights-out he was last year.  His 5.55 era is just not going to cut it with the problems the Angels have had with their bullpen.

Despite this roster move, this will not be the last we see of Arredondo.   He is still a potential closer of the future and simply needs to work on his mechanics.  This move should be good for him in the long run.

The more interesting aspect of this move is bringing up Kevin Jepsen.  He had struggled at both the Major and Minor League level this season.  He gave up runs in each of his last two outings in triple A.  This is a case where we have to trust management, because on paper, it doesn’t look good.  The good news is, Jepsen was very solid when he was called up last year, so if he can regain that form, he can really help the Angels.

By: Tony C