Gosh, it seems like just a few hours ago that we engaged in idle speculation about how the Angels might "fix" their bullpen; the Orange County relief corps enters Friday night's action with a 4.96 ERA, third-worst in the American League. Thursday, the 6-12 Angels became the 6-13 Angels when closer Jordan Walden gave up a walkoff homer to pinch-hitter Brandon Allen.
Angels Demote Jordan Walden To Setup Role; Scott Downs New Closer
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It was all quite dramatic. And gave Mike Scioscia an excuse to demote Walden, who set some sort of record last season, blowing 10 saves despite otherwise impressive numbers (and a spot on the All-Star team). Walden’s not going to the minors -- not yet, anyway -- but it might be a while before he gets a chance to redeem himself in the ninth inning.
Scott Downs will close for #Angels with Jordan Walden moving to 7th and 8th inning role at least on temporary basis.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) April 27, 2012
Downs is 36, but don’t let that fool you. The left-hander has blossomed in his 30s; since turning 31 in 2007, Downs has compiled a 2.12 ERA with solid peripherals. But while he’s too good to be pigeonholed as a situational lefty, he does have significant platoon splits and it’s not apparent that he’s got the stuff to thrive against hitters of every stripe.
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