Anthony Ortega

Ortega was an up-and-coming starting-pitcher prospect several years ago, but injuries limited him to just 56 innings the last two seasons. Ortega is healthy again, but his star has also faded a bit. He should get a shot at a bullpen spot during spring training, but expect him to ultimately begin the season with Triple-A Salt Lake.

The organization's minor league pitcher of the year in 2008 lost his season to an elbow problem that he tried to pitch through, with awful results. Until he shows up healthy, he's not someone to worry about. Maybe not even then, as he's never struck out enough batters.

Ortega split the 2008 season between Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Salt Lake but finished the season with a combined 14-7 record. Ortega only walked 49 batters in 135 innings and was named the Angels' minor league pitcher of the year for 2008. He'll need to keep his walk totals down to experience further success down the road, but Ortega could be a key pitcher for the Angels down the road. Expect Ortega to stick with the club during spring training but ultimately begin the season with Triple-A Salt Lake next season.