By David Saltzer - AngelsWin.com Senior Writer
Going into the 2011 draft, there was a lot of speculation that the Angels would try and replenish their system with left-handed pitchers. Having traded several talented lefties in 2010, the Angels had a need in their organization.
In Nick Maronde, the Angels got a hard throwing left-hander that they're excited about. Last night, Maronde showed glimpses of his potential (1.04 ERA in five starts with the Orem Owlz)-- going five innings and giving up 0 runs, just one hit while fanning four batters.
Maronde found success as a reliever this year before being drafted by the Angels, dominating at times with an above-average fastball, pounding the strike zone. Maronde's fastball has reached 96 and sits 90-94 mph, and he has shown the ability to pitch off it, at times using just his fastball to dominate the opposition. He had an outing this year with Florida in which he threw 26 straight fastballs. His control of his fastball and slider were solid in his final season in college. He has an average changeup, though he didn't use it much this year. With his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and potential three-pitch mix the Angels will most likely keep him in the rotation, though he could move quickly as a power-armed southpaw with closer stuff.
AngelsWin.com recently caught up with Nick Maronde to find out more about him. Listen in to our interview with him.
Nick Maronde, July 21, 2011 from AngelsWin.com on Vimeo.
