Though its proficiency is yet to be known, the Angels bullpen will almost certainly fall under the radar this season. There’s no proven late-leverage arms with strong, recent results to be seen here. One might think that this would call for a long-term investment this winter, like an Aroldis Chapman, a Kenley Jansen, a Mark Melancon. Perhaps a Wade Davis or a Daniel Robertson through the trade market?
This was not the case, as the Angels did not once even dip their feet in the knee-deep reliever waters (excluding the prompt re-upping of Andrew Bailey, of course). In doing so, they are experimenting with an unorthodox method of bullpen management, one that is reflected in innings pitched rather than appearances made.