Angelino: Jose Arredondo
Not too long ago, a reliever from
Could Jose Arredondo be the second coming of K-Rod? He just might be.
"He's pretty electric," Angels reliever Scot Shields said. "Sometimes I just sit in the bullpen and watch him throw. I know I'm not a good hitter and I know I never would have been but I don't see how anybody hits him. It's coming in hot and he has that split finger and the slider. He's an exciting young pitcher and I hope to be side by side with him for a long time."
It doesn't look like Arredondo is going anywhere soon. The former shortstop turned pitcher is 9-2 with a 1.54 ERA in 58 1/3 innings since being called up in May. Last season, the young man from San Pedro De Macoris, Dominican Republic, saved 10 games at Double-A. He saved 10 games at Triple-A this season to earn the big league promotion.
His nine victories lead all relievers.
"We are having a great year. I'm doing well, too," Arredondo said. "You try to do a good job where ever you are. I like pitching in the last innings. I'm comfortable there."
It doesn't hurt to have Shields and Rodriguez, two of the best relievers in the game, in the bullpen with him. The pair serves as mentors for the young right-handed pitcher.
"To have them here, that's a big advantage for somebody like me," Arredondo said. "We want the same thing. To finish the season strong and win. I want to be a champion."
He might get his wish. The first-place Angels have steamrolled through the American League and are heading into the postseason. And with Rodriguez heading for free agency, Arredondo could be the closer of the future. But he still has work to do. Arredondo is 0-6 in save opportunities.
"He's taken the opportunity and run with it," Shields said. "He has the demeanor. He has that no fear attitude you need to go along with his stuff."
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