Cory Rasmus

Rasmus excelled in the Angels' bullpen last season after a rough 2013 when he split between the Halos and the Braves, tallying a 2.57 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 56 innings. Walks have been a problem for Rasmus throughout his professional career, but he managed to stem the tide last season, allowing just 17 free passes with the big club. The 27-year-old saw the opportunity to start when Garrett Richards went down for the season with with a patellar tendon tear in late August. Though he did well beginning games on the mound, the Angels were hesitant to stretch him out, as none of his six outings lasted more than four innings, which could put him at a disadvantage if he competes for the fifth spot in the rotation in spring training. Wherever he ends up, Rasmus could be a productive pitcher next year if he can continue to show improved control on the mound.

Rasmus was dealt from the Braves to the Angels in exchange for reliever Scott Downs in late July. Though largely unsuccessful in cups of coffee with both the Angels and the Braves in 2013, Rasmus found success in the minors for both organizations, resulting in a combined ERA of 1.95 on the season. Though his walk rates have been too high at every level of professional baseball (4.2 BB/9 in minor league career), Rasmus has limited damage historically with his ability to strike out batters and limit the long ball. The latter skill abandoned him in his brief stint in the majors, however, as he sustained a remarkable 2.5 HR/9 rate in 21.2 major league innings last season. Even if he cuts back on the long balls, Rasmus' penchant for putting men on base is a problem, and will have to be addressed if Rasmus hopes to have a spot in the Halos' bullpen in 2014.