C.J. Wilson Player Profile & Projections

(Photo by Jeremy Long - jlongphoto.com)

By Robert Cunningham,  AngelsWin.com Staff Writer -- 

2013 Outlook: Last year was truly a mixed bag for Wilson. He started off the year red-hot (and to be honest he was pitching at an unsustainable level for the first half) and then he did an about-face and went into a tailspin after the All-Star Game (and just as unsustainable in the opposite direction). The latter, as it turns out, might have been due to some bone spurs in his left elbow, which he had surgery for in the off season.

C.J. is the opposite of Weaver insofar as Wilson generates a lot of ground balls. Luckily for C.J. the days that he will pitch should feature an infield arrangement of Callaspo, Aybar, Kendrick, and Pujols, which should play well in his favor as all of them are above average defensively. Combine this with a healthier arm and we should see a series of solid outings from our #2 starter. Wilson has proven that he can lead a pitching staff and having him as a co-ace gives the team additional leadership and positive focus (PMA!).

Look to C.J. to be that additional spoke in the wheel that helps ride the Angels to a strong and hopefully successful season. His ability to pitch to contact is just as good as Jered's and even though, as a ground ball pitcher, some of his pitches will find a hole through the infield, Trout and Bourjos should provide a hidden edge in being able to take fast routes to cut off the balls before they make it to the wall, thus preventing the runners from advancing as often, i.e. limiting doubles and triples where the innings could potentially get out of hand for C.J.

Love to hear what you think!