What’s That Smell? It’s The Angels Bullpen

By KURT HELIN

Updated 1:30 PM PST, Mon, Jun 8, 2009

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Remember how before the season the Angels were just going to run away and hide in the American League West? Well, here we are in early June and the Angels are closer to last place than first in the division.

And while there are a number of reasons for that, the biggest one is the Angels bullpen. It has stunk. Every time Mike Scioscia heads to the mound, a little part of Angels fans dies.

The Angels have the highest bullpen ERA in the major leagues. They have blown 11 save chances, also highest in the majors. They have been tagged with 13 losses total — nearly half of all the Angels losses.

Sunday was maybe the most horrifying performance of the season. Trying to protect a one-run lead in the eighth inning, the Angels walked four then gave up a grand slam.

Time for a trade. Unless the Angels want to stay a .500 team.

And Manager Mike Scioscia, who preaches in-house solutions wherever possible, said General Manager Tony Reagins is trying to find a reliever in trade.

"It's not easy to go out there and get the quality of pitcher you're looking for," Scioscia said. "Tony is on the phone every day with teams. If something is available, we'll consider it."

Closer Brian Fuentes has not been K-Rod, but he has not been terrible. Despite the 4.95 ERA he has converted 15 of 18 save opportunities. He has struck out 22 and walked just seven.

But unless the starter can go eight innings to get it to Fuentes, there is a black hole. And unless Reagins can find a way to plug that hole, this summer may be sucked into the abyss by it.