Angels preparing for Ortega to pitch in Majors?
Yesterday, pitching prospect Anthony Ortega signed a split contract - he'll make $400K if he pitches in the Majors in 2009, and $32K if he pitches in the minors. Last year, Ortega went a combined 14-7 with a 3.12 ERA between AA and AAA.
Could Ortega emerge as our number 5 starter?
10 months ago
howiestheman
22 comments
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He certainly will get a shot at it in Spring Training. We shall see.
by Downing Rules on Jan 7, 2009 10:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Not opposed to it
although Id still like Lowe
by ihearhowie2.0 on Jan 7, 2009 1:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
ORTEGA
The Fifth Spot is his to lose this Spring.
by Rev Halofan on Jan 7, 2009 2:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
i think you might be right
he has a better arm than Moseley (who’s best suited for long relief anyway) and seems to be a bit more polished than Adenhart.
If all goes well, they could have to choose between Adenhart and Ortega… which is a good problem to have
Kotch would've had that.
by howiestheman on Jan 7, 2009 2:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I may be the only one who thinks it
But I think Mosely could be a reasonable to good #5 starter. I went back and looked at his starts last year, after a horrendous April he reall only had 1 bad start.
He didn’t pitch deep into any game, but you really can’t expect a reliever to. He did avg about 5 innings per start and gave up more than 3 runs 1 time.
However he does suck as a reliever
by Seik1177 on Jan 7, 2009 2:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
he could be reasonable, sure
but i’d rather have him in the mop-up role.
Kotch would've had that.
by howiestheman on Jan 7, 2009 2:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You're not the only one...
…but you are very much in the minority. I’ve watched Moseley start too many games. He is, at best, a mop up guy. You are guaranteed to have to go to the pen when Moseley starts..and go early.
I don't know...I'm makin' this up as I go.
by ArkAngel on Jan 7, 2009 6:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
wasn’t there a commercial in the late70’s early 80’s that had a slogan: “SI! ORTEGA”
by Downing Rules on Jan 7, 2009 5:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
During a recent inteview w/ Baseball Prospectus
assistant g.m. Ken Forsch mentioned Ortega as someone at AAA who could help the Angels this coming year. He did not mention Adenhart or Nick Green.
by G Abbes on Jan 7, 2009 3:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
adenhart-might be too mentally weak if he fails and it could set him back even more
moseley-better as a long reliever
loux-give him a shot, if it doesn’t work then what did we lose, we picked him up off the street a year ago.
ortega- give him a shot as well, if it doesn’t work and his confidence is shattered he was a kid who flew under the radar and never really was part of our long term plans. but i do wish him well
by thejd on Jan 7, 2009 5:10 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Hooray! I definitely think Ortega is Major League Quality
Reason: He’s played through 2 minor league levels each year and played better at the higher level.
And the halo shines tonight
by BP Scanner on Jan 7, 2009 7:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ortega...
has a few too many walks and not enough K’s if you ask me. He doesn’t look terrible by any means, but I’m a little concerned just looking at his stats. He doesn’t give up a ton of hits, which is good – but the K-rate and BB-rate could be better.
Anyone seen him pitch or have access to a scounting report?
Jim Scully
by jimmuscomp on Jan 7, 2009 8:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ask and ye shall receive
Background: Ortega won just 18 games in his first four pro seasons before earning 14 victories in 2008, when the Angels named him their minor league pitcher of the year. He cemented his breakthrough season by winning five of his six Triple-A starts.
Strengths: Ortega took off once he started doing a better job of pitching down in the zone and generating more groundouts. His best pitch is his fastball, which ranges from 90-95 mph. He has enhanced his fastball with improved feel for his changeup. His curveball is an average pitch. He does a good job of throwing strikes and keeping his pitch counts down, which allowed him to work at least six innings in 20 of his 28 starts last season.
Weaknesses: Ortega doesn’t have an out pitch, so he has to be pinpoint with his location. He doesn’t beat himself with walks but he’s hittable because he’s always around the zone. Like many young pitchers, he can do a better job of repeating his pitches. He must work on his focus and avoid the mental lapses that plague him at times.
The Future: While he doesn’t have a high ceiling, Ortega could become a No. 4 starter in the majors. If the Angels don’t re-sign Jon Garland or add a veteran to replace him, Ortega will compete for the final spot in the rotation during spring training.
Witty .sig goes here.
by scareduck on Jan 7, 2009 8:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
His name did come up...
On the Hot Stove show with Terry, Bigs, and Mota.
by Jay Cal on Jan 8, 2009 9:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
What's the point?
If the Angels call him up to the big league team, he makes $400k anyway…since it is the league minimum. Is this just Shakin making something out of nothing?
by HungryHunter on Jan 8, 2009 9:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The issue is pro-rated salary
Purchasing a minor league contract pro-rates the pay scale to days spent in the majors. A contract like this one seems to be compensating on a complete season salary, i.e., one day up here means PAYDAY!
by Rev Halofan on Jan 8, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't make sense
Why would they give a guy under club control a contract that obligates them to pay a whole year’s major league salary if they can just option him to the minors?
I think the answer is here:
Split contracts are explained in the last Q&A. It appears that split contracts prorate the salary based on how many days in the majors vs. minors.
So I don’t get why this is news.
by HungryHunter on Jan 8, 2009 5:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i think it is news
by virtue of this guy being under the radar after two seasons of Adenhartsturbation by the “prospects” crowd.
by Rev Halofan on Jan 8, 2009 8:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
His chances...
Of being the fifth starter…. first hurdle is most likely Angels will sign one via trade. If not Moseley will be the man. Then he’ll be one of five getting a look at spring training…the million dollar man, Reckling, Adenhardt, him, Nick Green and probably an invitee.
Deal or no deal? Bad odds.
by Kristy_Joe on Jan 8, 2009 12:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Not a fan. He looks to be below average at best
This is the worst offseason in years. But hey we got Colorado's closer!
by hauldog on Jan 12, 2009 2:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs


















