
Their rotation seemed stacked with the likes of Haren and Santana pitching 3 and 4. Of course, they were pitching 4 and 5 when Greinke arrived. But lets be honest, both pitchers had disappointing seasons in 2012. Haren was 12-13, 4.33 and Santana was 9-13, 5.16. Both pitchers made 30 starts and are clearly looking to rebound from down years. Haren, 31, gets replaced by Atlanta's Tommy Hanson, 25, who was 13-10, 4.48 in 31 starts for the Braves in 2012. Santana, 29, gets replaced by top pitching prospect Garrett Richards, 24, who was 4-3, 4.69 in 30 games, 9 starts for the Angels last season. Richards has compiled a 34-11 record with a 3.34 ERA in 4 seasons in the minors. While Haren and Santana are looking to bounce back, Hanson and Richards have not reached their full potential. Neither have reached their ceiling, while a case could be made that Haren and Santana have.
Last year, the Angels started the season with former Giants prospect Jerome Williams as their 5th starter. Joe Blanton is far from a sure thing, but does provide innings and could be a bigger asset as the team's 5th starter. Blanton was 10-11, 4.71 in 31 games, 30 starts for the Phillies and Dodgers last season. In my opinion, Weaver, Wilson, Hanson, Richards and Blanton of this season have the opportunity to give the Angels more than they got from Weaver, Wilson, Haren, Santana, Williams last season. Not signing Greinke could hurt them, but they could still trade for a starter this season if they feel necessary. They may not have to, especially if Hanson and Richards improve as expected.