7 years agoLos Angeles Angels relief pitcher Blake Parker saved eight games last season and is likely going to be the first choice for saves going into 2018. Parker has had a disastrous spring (14 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings), but the 32-year-old right-hander registered a stellar 2.54 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 86/16 K/BB ratio over 67 1/3 innings in 2017. Parker registered seven of his saves after August 26, holding off Cam Bedrosian for the closer's job leading into 2018. While Parker is the closer to open 2018, the journeyman will have to hold off the 2010 first-round pick Bedrosian, who had a 4.43 ERA in 44 2/3 innings last season. Parker has a small track record, but he did have a 2.72 ERA in 46 1/3 innings with the 2013 Cubs (striking out 55 batters and walking 15), so his breakout 2017 season was not that unforeseen. He simplified his repertoire to essentially two pitches last season as well, using the the fastball and split-finger to find success. Parker generated a 25% SwStr% on his split alone, with a 55% GB% rate as well. Now, his BABIP of .229 is bound to regress, which should push his ERA back into the 3.00 area this upcoming year, but his bump in SwStr%, paired with his ability to limit walks (60% F-Strike%, 6.3% BB%) and keep the ball on the ground should make him a decent option this season. Holding off Bedrosian for save opportunities is keep, but he could be a 30-save option with a competitive Angels team.--Chris Zolli