Los Angeles Angels: Five Bold Predictions For 2014
By Jason Gold
Sep 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (43) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
2. Garrett Richards Will Win 16 Or More Games
Richards, 26, will undoubtedly be the Angels 3rd starter this season. The Angels are banking on him improving in a big way and solidifying a “big three” type rotations. Richards went 7-8 in 145 innings last season while compiling a 4.16 ERA and a 1.345 WHIP. Those numbers aren’t great; however, there is a ton of room for improvement and he now has pitched a significant amount of innings in the majors. Richards has thrown 230 MLB innings, which is about the amount that great starters throw in one season.
Richards clearly has the stuff to be a great pitcher in the big leagues and something tells me this is going to be his breakout season. If you’re involved in a fantasy league he is someone to keep in mind for the later rounds.
The Angels potent offense should provide some leeway for Richards and allow him to rack up some undeserved wins. I fully expect Richards to have the most or second most wins on the pitching staff. Expect something like 16-10, 3.5 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 205 innings pitched from Garrett Richards this season.