To provide solid insurance for closer Brian Fuentes, the Los Angeles Angels have reportedly signed reliever Fernando Rodney on Wednesday to a two-year, $11 million contract. SB Nation's Halos Heaven is proceeding with cautious optimism.
Fernando Rodney Reportedly Signs With Angels
I’m always wary of signing relievers to biggish contracts (see: Speier, Justin) but Rodney is an experienced pitcher with really good stuff and hey, it’s not my money.
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He throws a mid-90s fastball and has one of the most devastating change-ups in the game. His success completely relies on his ability to locate the fastball though. When he is able to keep that pitch down, mixed with his incredible change, he is unhittable. However, he was not able to locate his fastball at all last year and put up 4.88BB/9 (4.40 ERA and 4.56 FIP). Depending on what happens with Shields this year he will be our 7th or 8th inning guys and if Fuentesuaras sucks too much he could take over closing duties.
Rodney hasn’t compiled a sub-4 ERA since 2006, but he’s always been a reliever with impressive “stuff” that includes a 96-mph fastball. Rodney could potentially see some save opportunities as well.
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