Is Fernando Cabrera Angels Bullpen Savior?

He allowed three runs in four innings pitching for the Angels this spring and then he had to leave to join his countrymen to represent Puerto Rico in the 2013 World Baseball Classic (PR is not technically a country but... whaddevah). His name is Fernando Cabrera, one of the many floating journeymen that General Managers consider for inclusion on a team's spring roster. Jerry Dipoto picked him up and he has garnered notice.

The Angels bullpen is a work in progress with two weeks to go until opening day.

Ernesto Frieri, Scott Downs and Kevin Jepsen return. And that is a good thing.

Sean Burnett signed as free agent. That is good, too.

Jerome Williams and Garrett Richards appear to be the long-men possibilities, but there is the chance that either or, GULP, both could be in the rotation. Consider that Weaver-Wilson-Vargas-Blanton is a definite front four but the Tommy Hanson experiment scares many.

If Richards goes back to AAA, as he can be optioned, that leaves a spot in the bullpen. If Hanson is damaged goods (a real possibility, PollyAnna), that spot remains open.

That spot is really only open until Ryan Madson heals. Signed as a free agent, the former Phillie should be back and ready for our pen by the end of April.

Fernando Cabrera has a little competition for the sixth spot in the Angels bullpen. Even though Brandon Sisk got word he needed Tommy John surgery, there is Cinderella Chad Cordero, the unsung David Carpenter, the oversung Nick Maronde and a few stragglers still in camp. All looking at that sixth relief spot.

Fernando Cabrera is in the mix. Look for him if you are watching the World Baseball Classic. Look for him in the Anaheim pen just a little after that.