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Angels Reportedly Interested In David Robertson

By Steve Adams | December 28, 2018 at 10:27am CDT

The Angels have interest in adding right-hander David Robertson to the back of their bullpen, per MLB.com’s Jon Morosi (Twitter link). As he points out, Angels general manager Billy Eppler is quite familiar with Robertson due to his time as an assistant GM with the Yankees. While Robertson’s reported preference is to pitch in the northeastern part of the country — he’s an Alabama native but now resides in Rhode Island — the Angels could give him the opportunity to pitch in the ninth inning, which could well appeal to the self-represented veteran.

Robertson, 33, has been among the game’s most consistent relievers since emerging as a regular more than a decade ago. He’s totaled at least 60 innings and 60 appearances per season dating back to 2010 and hasn’t been on the disabled list since 2014, when he missed the minimum amount of time due to a mild groin strain. It stands to reason that for a team that has had an overwhelming barrage of injuries throughout the pitching staff, Robertson’s durability and consistency would hold extra appeal.

The Angels have run through a carousel of closers in recent seasons. Blake Parker, Cam Bedrosian, Keynan Middleton, Bud Norris, Huston Street, Andrew Bailey, Fernando Salas and Joe Smith have all logged at least six saves in a single season since 2016, and the Halos haven’t had a consistent ninth-inning presence since Street’s 40-save showing in 2015. Of that bunch, only Middleton (recovering from Tommy John surgery) and Bedrosian remain with the organization. Adding Robertson to the mix would give the Angels a much more definitive option at the back end of the ’pen and allow in-house closing candidates like Ty Buttrey, Justin Anderson and Bedrosian to pitch in a setup capacity.

Eppler and his staff have already made a pair of additions to the rotation, bringing both Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill on board last week. Those two signings pushed the Angels’ projected Opening Day payroll to around $163MM, which is more or less in line with the Opening Day payrolls authorized by owner Arte Moreno in each of the past three seasons. Adding Robertson, or virtually any other free agent of note, would push the Angels to a new record in terms of Opening Day payroll, although they finished out the 2016 and 2017 seasons with year-end payrolls in excess of $180MM following trade deadline additions.

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Los Angeles Angels David Robertson

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77 Comments

  1. angelsinthetroutfield

    7 years ago

    Don’t like the idea of spending big on a BP arm due to the volatility that comes with the job. On the flip side Robertson has been pretty steady over the years… Don’t think he’s ends up at the Big A

    10
    Reply
    • Yankeepatriot

      7 years ago

      Very few RP’s are consistent year in year out like Robertson has been. He’s had 9 years of success

      8
      Reply
    • Ejemp2006

      7 years ago

      Angel make bad old signs (Pujols, Hamilton, etc) Now must take risk signs in present to overcome bad past, to compete, bring us an October Trout.
      Like Robertson, come fill big big big BP hole in Anaheim.

      Reply
  2. Yankeepatriot

    7 years ago

    Please cashman bring Robertson back !!!! v_v

    6
    Reply
    • capo78

      7 years ago

      Yankees still have openings in the bullpen. I havent heard anything about Yanks looking for BP arms. DRob has been one of my favorites and he is proven himself in big spots. Yanks would be foolish to let him sign elsewhere

      1
      Reply
  3. wrigleywannabe

    7 years ago

    I wouldn’t mind him on the Cubs.I’d rather have him than Harper.

    3
    Reply
  4. steelerbravenation

    7 years ago

    They would have to overpay to the point of it not even being worth it. His 1st choice is Northeast mainly Boston and they need a closer. Then Yankees & Mets both need bullpen arms. Add to the fact he is from the south and the Braves need a closer and the report the Dodgers were interested at some point. So in other words he won’t be an Angel

    1
    Reply
    • pinballwizard1969

      7 years ago

      Follow the money that will lead you to where Robertson will ultimately sign.

      3
      Reply
  5. fasbal1

    7 years ago

    Robertson to Boston seems more likely, there is a need, and he wants to pitch in that region.

    1
    Reply
    • djpiglatin

      7 years ago

      How far do you guys think Boston is from NYC?

      3
      Reply
      • fasbal1

        7 years ago

        He says geography is important to him but typically $$$ trump all.

        1
        Reply
        • Ejemp2006

          7 years ago

          Robertson house night conversation now, “Honey, let’s keep kids in this school, we love stability.” Big offer night conversation, “millions and millions?!?! Yes, our family love there! We sign!”
          Go to Angel, we hope sometimes. My Tigers not a compete so we just want good baseball, more good teams, and get us October Trout!

          Reply
      • macstruts

        7 years ago

        I once had a baseball weekend where I flew into New York then Flew to Boston.

        This was before 9-11, so it was really really close. After 9-11, it got a whole lot father apart.

        Reply
    • socraticgadfly

      7 years ago

      Well, Robertson would certainly be cheaper than Kimbrel, and if the Sawks sign him, I think that would mean they’re officially out on Craig.

      Reply
  6. Danny B.

    7 years ago

    If the Angels sign Robertson to be their Closer, he will undoubtedly be the 3rd Closer on my Fantasy team. I already have Roberto Osuna & Corey Knebel as keepers.

    1
    Reply
    • dugdog83

      7 years ago

      Besides Roberson’s family this is his biggest concern.

      4
      Reply
      • scarfish

        7 years ago

        Excellent.

        Reply
    • HalosHeavenJJ

      7 years ago

      I don’t play fantasy but I’d have a hard time rooting for Osuna in any capacity.

      2
      Reply
  7. Gordon Lightfoot

    7 years ago

    The Angels are a tired boxer throwing punches – no strategy. Free Mike Trout from this chaos, please.

    12
    Reply
    • angelsinthetroutfield

      7 years ago

      Shut up and sing sundown

      8
      Reply
      • fox471 Dave

        7 years ago

        Smile

        Reply
      • socraticgadfly

        7 years ago

        Or, he could sing, “The Wreck of the Arte Moreno.”

        6
        Reply
    • Yankeepatriot

      7 years ago

      #freethefish

      1
      Reply
    • prov356

      7 years ago

      The predictable “trade Trout” comment regardless of what the article is about. Pathetic.

      11
      Reply
      • Gordon Lightfoot

        7 years ago

        Imagine bringing up Trout in response to an Angels article – what was I thinking? “Trade Trout,” in quotation marks, no less, despite my saying “free Trout” – powerful writing style. If you’re going to feign indignation, at least get it right.

        2
        Reply
    • Matthew De Lorge

      7 years ago

      Agreed! Trout staying an Angel may be the biggest waste of talent in big league history. MLB could make a fortune off of Trout if he was in a bigger market. The Angels suck, and that will remain for the foreseeable future the way they are managing that team.

      Trading Trout would hurt the Angels short term, but it’s the smart move at this point. Smart not only for baseball, but for the team, seeing the haul they would get for him could revitalize the franchise and allow a player like Ohtani see a winner in his time there.

      6
      Reply
      • williemaysfield

        7 years ago

        LA isn’t a big market?

        7
        Reply
        • costergaard2

          7 years ago

          They are in Anaheim in Orange County, not LA…

          3
          Reply
        • @%!&!

          7 years ago

          The Angels play just a few miles away from the 909…that’s almost Hemet! Hardly LA……

          2
          Reply
        • slider32

          7 years ago

          Every team in baseball had a revenue of over 213 million last year even the Rays, the Angels revenue was 8th at 338 according to Forbes. The Yanks were 1 at 619.

          1
          Reply
        • cakirby

          7 years ago

          Angel stadium is significantly closer to LA county than Hemet.

          1
          Reply
        • williemaysfield

          7 years ago

          Stadiums are 33 miles apart. The Angels are in the Greater Los Angeles area. Plenty of fans and businesses to attach to Trout.

          1
          Reply
        • Ohtani-san

          7 years ago

          The inland empire is 40 miles east. Clown comment

          Reply
      • HalosHeavenJJ

        7 years ago

        LA is just such a tiny market. It’s anaz that other leagues have been able to market guys like Shaq and Kobe and Gretzky at all.

        7
        Reply
        • Vizionaire

          7 years ago

          no wonder l.a. has no nfl teams now.

          1
          Reply
      • sithdude

        7 years ago

        The Angels are not a small market. 2nd largest market after NY. Ignorance of people not understanding Southern California. More people are in the Angels “market” than exist in most states. Hemet is an example to back up a claim? It’s just over an hour to the stadium from there. I live in Temecula, season ticket holder, it is the same drive time. Driving an hour or two in SoCal is. I thing to us. My neighbors are Dodger season ticket holders and another is a Padre season ticket holder. So ya the second largest market in the United States is a small
        Market, ignorance. 3 million fans in attendance for 16 straights years is small market? No other team but the Yankees have achieved that. 10% of the country’s population lives in California. If you were educated on Southern California you would know that the LA market includes LA, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties to make a few.

        Reply
    • HaloShane

      7 years ago

      Gordon Lightfoot, as an Angels season ticket holder I’d have to agree with you. They have no direction. Angel clown’s don’t care for you post because the truth can hurt.

      1
      Reply
      • cookmeister 2

        7 years ago

        Then don’t go to games.

        4
        Reply
      • macstruts

        7 years ago

        They don’t care because he’s clueless.

        EVERY TEAM in major league baseball who has lost 15/16 of it’s opening day starting rotation over the last three years to the DL has not direction. Most of those pitchers have lost more than half the season. .

        That fact that this team can finish with a near 500 record amazing for those three years is amazing.. Few other teams could.

        The only pitcher who wasn’t on the DL was Nolasco and he was out of baseball the next year.

        People don’t like you because you know nothing about the game.

        1
        Reply
      • cakirby

        7 years ago

        Why do you have season tickets to a team you clearly hate?

        1
        Reply
        • Ohtani-san

          7 years ago

          Seriously, all this guy does is b*tch and moan.

          Reply
    • southbeachbully

      7 years ago

      So is Mike Trout screaming “Give us free….give..us…free. GIVE US FREE”!!!

      mlb version of Djimon Hounsou in Amistad (a very must-see movie btw).

      Reply
  8. Vizionaire

    7 years ago

    do it!

    Reply
  9. lonewolf

    7 years ago

    I’m not sure why the Braves aren’t in on Robertson.

    3
    Reply
    • tackett44

      7 years ago

      If I was a Braves fan, I would be disappointed in how they are always cheap when they have a window. They have been an exceptional franchise for awhile on scouting, but never pony up on free agents when it is time. I know they signed Donaldson, but they have the Payroll to do more and Donaldson comes off the books in one year. Corey Kluber trade makes too much sense for them, but like a lot of team’s they fall too in love with their own prospects. With a Kluber trade and Robertson sign I would have them high up on a WS possibility.

      1
      Reply
      • olereb

        7 years ago

        I’m a Braves fan and I am disappointed, I wanted 3 things CO, ace, and couple of relievers. We got Donaldson which is an upgrade if he performs but I was happy with Camargo. I think we are waiting for something to fall in our lap.

        1
        Reply
      • steelerbravenation

        7 years ago

        That’s the life of a fan of a team owned by a conglomerate like Liberty Media. They have absolutely no interest in the Braves other than whatever they provide for them in regards to tax relief or whatever it is. It makes me sick I long for the days of Ted Turner.

        1
        Reply
  10. TeddyBallgameYazJimEd

    7 years ago

    Hell end up in Boston..2yrs for $23M with a $1M buyout of a 3rd year $12M option

    1
    Reply
    • pinballwizard1969

      7 years ago

      He’ll get 3 yrs guaranteed from some team and that’s where he’ll wind up.

      1
      Reply
      • williemaysfield

        7 years ago

        Yeah. I agree. Im thinking 3 for 39m

        Reply
  11. driftcat28 2

    7 years ago

    He’s a must get for NY. That bullpen needs his steady arm. It’d be a shame if he goes elsewhere. That being said I think Boston gets him

    1
    Reply
  12. southpaw2153

    7 years ago

    Robertson has been overused by the Yanks the past 2 years. He was completely out of gas in the 2017 ALCS against Houston. Although I believe he has some good baseball left, I wouldn’t pay $12 – 13 million per year for it. If the Yanks don’t re-sign him, I wouldn’t be upset. I’d rather have Britton back.

    3
    Reply
    • Matthew De Lorge

      7 years ago

      I echo this exactly. Britton has less wear on his arm and is left handed. Robertson was used a lot the past two seasons and started having arm issues late last year. Bringing him back at 33 isn’t a huge priority for me, but neither is Ottavino.

      I would like Britton and maybe Brad Brach or Adam Warren and be done with it.

      2
      Reply
  13. JJB

    7 years ago

    He can just buy another house in Orange County and have a “home” in both places. Problem solved.

    6
    Reply
  14. tackett44

    7 years ago

    Moreno got burnt on Pujols and Hamilton and seems to have been gun shy since. I would like to see Mike Trout stay with the Angels, but not if Moreno is going to be cheap now. They need to sign Keuchel and another Gio, Miley, Hellickson type. See where that goes and can always trade for a closer if things are going right.

    2
    Reply
    • Vizionaire

      7 years ago

      moreno got extra cool billion dollars just for signing pujols. and most of it is in his pocket.

      1
      Reply
    • cakirby

      7 years ago

      Keuchel is starting to get past his prime and wants a 5 year deal. If that doesn’t scream “bad deal” like Pujols and Hamilton, I don’t know what does.

      Reply
      • tackett44

        7 years ago

        Keuchel is a ground ball pitcher which should play better in old age. I would not give 5, but I would give 4 at around 80. I hope the Reds can swing it.

        Reply
  15. GOP Lizards

    7 years ago

    Angels to overspend for free agents to get them here. They should trade Trout to try and re-energize this moribund franchise. That Puljos contract quite an albatross. That said Eppler has done a nice job given the constraints.

    2
    Reply
  16. arc89

    7 years ago

    Angels are like a 60 y o woman having another face lift thinking it will make her young. Sorry to many wrinkles to cover up.

    5
    Reply
  17. JayRyder

    7 years ago

    Angels sign Robertson to a big contract, tail end of his career. He goes down. They owe him big money… It’s a risk. If for Two Years, I’d Do It. Any more. . . Maybe trouble……. 2/26 including all incentives. And He’s the Closer……. I only say 26 mil because Angels need to pay in order to get pitchers… i.e. Harvey…….

    Reply
  18. goldenmisfit

    7 years ago

    Robertson has no desire to pitch on the West Coast. As someone who used to live in the New York area and now lives out west I cannot imagine why.

    Reply
    • steelerbravenation

      7 years ago

      His wife and her family are from NE she calls the shots

      2
      Reply
      • TeddyBallgameYazJimEd

        7 years ago

        BTW..They live about 1 1/2 hrs drive from Fenway. Just sayin

        Reply
    • GOP Lizards

      7 years ago

      Yeah… the weather’s so much better there.

      Reply
    • Dagoat

      7 years ago

      Weather only….and don’t you miss the snow. All the rain the bay area had would have been gorgeous snow instead of depressing sogginess. Plus watching the earth come to life in the spring in the northeast, and anywhere with a real winter, is invigorating.

      Reply
  19. imindless

    7 years ago

    “TrAdE tRoUt”

    4
    Reply
  20. LosAngelesAngelesAngelesAngelsOfLosAngeles

    7 years ago

    The Angels should get at least one big name in the pen. I’m fine if it’s Robertson!

    2
    Reply
  21. bernbabybern

    7 years ago

    As long as it’s not the Red Sox.

    1
    Reply
  22. GrandpaBaseball

    7 years ago

    Robertson is a good choice if they can fit in the budget. Making a trade for an of/3b say for our right fielder and Bedrock would help. Trout will lead us to the WS very soon.

    Reply
  23. ryanw-2

    7 years ago

    I’m think with the luxury tax going up to $207 million, the Angels will push their payroll a bit higher while still leaving a cushion for in-season acquisitions if they’re competing.

    1
    Reply
    • slider32

      7 years ago

      Forbes had all teams making over 206 in revenue last year.

      Reply
      • macstruts

        7 years ago

        There is a lot more to operating cost than payroll.

        Reply
  24. macstruts

    7 years ago

    The Angels need bullpen help. He’s the most reliable of the at the cost. So Yes.. Tell him he’s the closer and lock him up.for three years 30 million.

    1
    Reply
    • Dagoat

      7 years ago

      He isnt going to the angels.
      Im pretty sure he knows what he wants and thst it is achievable.
      Guy has had a great career.
      He stated what he wants.

      Reply
      • macstruts

        7 years ago

        I never know where a player is going. to go. I’m just saying for 3 years and 30 million dollars, that’s a good move for the Angels.

        1
        Reply
  25. kdub53

    7 years ago

    Get him halos!

    Reply

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