Once again this off season the Angels add some depth to the rotation and bullpen. Angels sign Sean Burnett to a two years $8 million with a option for a 3rd year for $4.5 million with a $500,000 buyout.
Burnett is 30 years old Lefty that posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 176 1/3 innings while pitching for the Nationals from 2010-12, averaging 7.8 strikeouts and 2.7 walks per nine innings. Burnett throws sidearm, uses a heavy sinker to get a lot of ground balls -- 53.3 percent for his career -- and can also get right-handed hitters out. He had bone spurs removed from his pitching elbow in the off season, but is expected to be fully healthy for Spring Training. (
MLB)
The Angels did not stop with Sean Burnett because they also sign Joe Blanton to a two-year, $15 million contract with a option for a 3rd year.
Blanton is 31 years old Right Handed that went 10-13 with a 4.71 ERA in 31 games with 30 starts for the Phillies and Dodgers in 2012. Blanton has been a inning eater but he does give up the long ball with 29 Hrs last year. (
MLB)
I really like the Sean signing because he will help out Downs especially because Downs is getting older and he needs to be healthy. Also this will give Angels better weapons in the close games with two strong lefty that could match up very well.
However, I am not sure about the Joe signing because for the money I don't think he is that big of a upgrade from Jerome Williams, however, don't rule out maybe Joe was sign for a back up starter and maybe a log relieve man because he has always had a very good arm. This will allow the angels to sign one more pitcher like Brandon McCarthy or Edwin Jackson. Personally I would want Brandon McCarthy.
