A "Closer" for the people

The news spread quickly. It hit the internet like a wild fire, went out over the radio with a bang and was announced on television as well; Jordan Walden, the 6’5”, 235 pound right-hander out of Fort Worth, Texas was assuming the role as the Angels’ closer for the time being.

It was inevitable. Everyone knew it was coming; just ask them. Just about every blogger, sportswriter and Angel fan wanted to take credit for being the first to predict this scenario. Really? Like I said, everyone knew it was coming.

Truth be known; Fernando Rodney should have never even been signed by the Angels. I questioned the Angels’ interest back on December 22, 2009. At that time, I focused on the fact that his strike outs per nine innings had declined over the previous few years at an alarming rate. Rodney had peaked in 2008 when his ratio was 10.9. It dropped to 7.3 in 2009 and then again last year to 7.0.

This was a power pitcher who was losing his “power” and ability to strike men out in key situations.

My direct quote from that blog entry: “When you look at his numbers and factor in his age, it’s easy to conclude Rodney may be in decline. The Angels would be wise to pass on this free agent.” Truer words have never been written. Just saying.

That all being said, I dare to ask the question, is Jordan Walden assuming the closer role a good thing? On one hand, it is nice to have someone who has the ability to shut down a team and actually close out games in a dominating fashion. On the other, Rodney’s demise hurts the overall depth of the bullpen and makes it a tad bit weaker.

Now, I’m not suggesting that Rodney remain the team’s closer; however, I am pointing out the idea that his failure has ramifications and should not be a cause for celebrations.

Okay, who am I kidding?

Jordan Walden assuming the closer role is a cause for unbridled joy. After enduring years of Francisco Rodriguez and then Brian Fuentes; where Angel fans had to wear a seat belt in order to handle the roller coaster ride each put us through, it’s as if new life was just breathed into the lungs of every Angel fan near and far.

In Jordan’s brief stint at the major league level last year, his strikeout rate per nine innings was an astounding 13.5 (granted it was only over 15 1/3 innings). His current rate (keeping in mind he’s only pitched 3 1/3 innings is 16.2

Is he likely to maintain that? No, but one has to be excited about the Texan who can touch 100 mph on the radar gun now and then. One just has to hope he can bring more than a big time fastball to the table; after all, this is the major leagues and pitchers need more than one pitch to be truly successful.

I’d say the outlook is bright.

This development coupled with the fact that Scott Downs may begin a rehab assignment any day now gives all of Angel fans some hope that the bullpen will not be a major source of concern; at least one can hope that’s the case. Downs is projected to be the team’s set up man and if he can duplicate his numbers from Toronto, it will all be good.

Next up... "everyone" will comment how they predicted this would be Howie Kendrick's break-out season.

Don't get me wrong, it's perfectly okay because if that's the kind of conversations we're all having, it's all good.