Rich Thompson

Thompson has bounced back and forth between Anaheim and Triple-A Salt Lake the last couple seasons, but last year was easily his best in the big leagues. Thompson threw just 19.2 innings with the Angels, but he only gave up three earned runs and posted a 15:4 K:BB ratio. Thompson is not guaranteed a spot in the Angels' bullpen, but he will have the opportunity to lock one up with a strong spring training.

The Australian righty returned from shoulder problems that cut short his 2008 to pitch very well at Salt Lake, but it's an open question whether he can keep his fastball and curve in the park. With just two solid offerings, he's a reliever at best, and unlikely to move into a high-leverage role.

Thompson made the big club out of spring training but only saw action in two games before being sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake for the rest of the season. Thompson has good command and doesn’t walk many batters, but he doesn’t have the dominant stuff that will land him a permanent spot in the Angels’ bullpen. There should be a few openings in the Angels middle relief corps next season but Thompson will have to earn a spot with a strong spring training performance.

Thompson had a very impressive minor league season in 2007, going 3-3 with a 2.04 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 75 innings between High-A Rancho Cucamonga, Double-A Arkansas, and Triple-A Salt Lake -- earning a selection to pitch in the Futures Game last season during the All-Star break. Though the Angels bullpen is very good, Thompson has a chance to earn and hold a roster spot with a strong spring training.