Garrett Richards, RHP Los Angeles Angles
5/27/1988
Height: 6’3″ Weight: 215
The Los Angeles Angels get a lot of credit for taking OF Mike Trout in the 1st round of the 2009 MLB Amateur draft, but they also found a gem at pick #42, their 4th pick in the 1st round, Garrett Richards. I took him with the 28th pick in our fantasy league 1st year player farm draft. I didn’t know a lot about him at the time, other than he pitched for the University of Oklahoma and that former Angels scouting director Eddie Bane raved about him – despite his 6.00 + era.
Garrett Richards during spring training 2011. (Photo by Halosheaven.com)
The thing I heard back in 2009 is the same thing I keep hearing today; Garrett Richards has some of the best raw stuff that scouts have seen. Control was the issue for him in 2007 and 2008 out of the Sooners’ bullpen. The 2.23 whip and the 7.4 BB/9 along with the 6.97 era that he posted in 2008 should of been enough to put a rest to his college career. In 2009 Oklahoma coach Sunny Golloway decided to put Richards into the rotation. The results weren’t exactly spectacular from a ERA and WHIP point of view, but the control improved and Richards posted a 9-4 record while improving the BB/9 down to 4.6 and improving his K/9 to an impressive 10.6. As a Sooner, the hard-throwing right-hander had a complete game victory in the 2009 NCAA Regional against #24 ranked Washington State. In that game, Richards tossed a career high nine innings and struck out 10 batters, the second highest total in his collegiate career. He was later was named to the all-tournament team.
Garrett Richards signed with the Los Angeles Angels on July 19th, 2009 receiving a $802,800 signing bonus. He made his Pioneer League debut that season with the Orem Owlz. He went 3-1, with a 1.53 era, a 1.16 whip. The 7.6 K/9 was decent, but what was awesome was the 1.0 BB/9. In 2010 he spent most of the season at Low-A Cedar Rapids of the Midwest League, before getting promote to High-A Rancho Cucamonga where he pitched his last 7 games. For the 2010 season he went 12-5 with a 3.52 era, and a 1.26 whip. He post a very good 10.1 K/9 and a 2.5 BB/9. While with Cedar Rapids, he was named to the 2010 Midwest League All-Stars and became the Angels 4th best prospect in their system.
For the 2011 season, Richards has spent all of his time with AA Arkansas of the Texas League. He recently got called up to the Angels, skipping AAA. For how long isn’t known right now as they moved SP Joel Pineiro to the bullpen. More on that at another time. In 21 starts this season, Richards has tossed 3 complete games over 141 innings. He’s 12-2, with a 3.06 era, and a 1.13 whip. While his strikeout drop is a concern (6.4 K/9), his control still remains impressive (2.6 BB/9).
The Stuff
Richards throws 4 pitches – His fastball, a change-up, a curveball, and a slider. There’s been reports that he has hit 100 mph on his fast ball a few times, but Richards generally doesn’t rear back and throw it like that. He tends to work in the 93-95 mph range frequently with this 4-seam fastball. The 2-seam fastball that he deploys against lefties really induces ground balls. His fast ball does have some sink to it and has thrown it effectively. His curveball may be as good as his fastball. It’s definitely a power curve that regularly throws hitters off balance. More so when he figures out how to mix it into his arsenal of pitches. The change-up that Richards throws is also an above average pitch. There’s a lot of potential. He throws an 87 mph slider from time to time. This pitch could be better. If he improves it may be the difference between being a good pitcher than an average pitcher in the major leagues. He is some what comparable to Angels SP Tyler Chatwood at this point.
The Mechanics
At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, Richards has a great pitcher’s frame. He’s a power pitcher who doesn’t throw as hard as he can to conserve himself to get through a game. Oddly, he has some varied mechanics from time to time. Richards breaks his hands, he also bends his torso at the waist and then springs back up right before planting his lead foot, creating substantial separation between his torso and his hips. Richards seems to conserve energy by not applying as much bend at the waist or intent on his throws. When he gears up to bring the heat or his power curve, the bend is much greater. Some scouts worry that his delivery places stress on his shoulder. That said, he’s held up like a champ not missing a start in his pro career.
Our Instinct
I believe if Richards can mix up all 4 pitches he could become a decent #2 starter in the major leagues. It’s been suggested that he could end up as a quality set-up man, possibly a closer. I personally don’t think he’s got the mind set for that. Here’s a guy who struggled in the Sooners’ bullpen and seemed to put it all together once he got stretched out. I like his upside potential of a #2 starter but ultimately I believe he could be an effective #3 or #4 starter.
Check out the Prospect Instinct on Henderson Alvarez next. Thanks for checking Baseball Instinct. We’re working hard to bring you the best of the minor leagues and make the site the best experience it can be. So don’t hesitate to tell us what you would like to read about. Email us now at Tom@baseballinstinct.com.
