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Los Angeles Angels: A Bleak Preview for the Starting Rotation

By Evan Lovett

Mar 15, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs (45) throws in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs (45) throws in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 5, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia (14) comes to the mound to take out starting pitcher Tim Linecum (55) during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia (14) comes to the mound to take out starting pitcher Tim Linecum (55) during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Thoughts

It is going to be a very difficult year in Anaheim. The Angels will be hard-pressed to surpass last season’s 74 victories, and the woes of the starting rotation will likely be an underlying narrative throughout the season.

Though Richards, Skaggs, and Shoemaker have all seen varying amounts of success at the big league level, injuries have taken a toll on each of them and may be lurking during each start.

Nolasco and Chavez provide some comfort as battle-tested big league pitchers, but neither is anything close to a substantial addition to a pennant-winning baseball team. Even the upcoming youth movement pitchers all come with red flags.

Next: Ranking the Sweet Sixteen

There is no sugarcoating it this year for Angels fans – the season will be turbulent, and Mike Scioscia will be wearing out the grass between the dugout and the mound at Angel Stadium.

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