Projo Sox Blog

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Talk about a turnaround.

A year ago, Ervin Santana was struggling so badly that the Angels sent him down to Salt Lake.

After going 16-8 in 2006, he was only 7-14 last season. But he's returned to form this year -- and then some -- going 16-7, with a 3.49 ERA.

Those numbers have earned him the starting nod in Game Two of the ALDS against the Red Sox.

"I think it's very clear what Ervin's turnaround has been," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Wednesday afternoon. "He's an extremely talented young pitcher. He really threw the ball very well for us his first two seasons (Santana was 12-8 as a rookie in 2005).

"I think he tried to do some things that maybe were taking him away from where he needed to be in his delivery. Once he regained his hip turn, and his mechanics, you've seen the results.

"It took a lot of hard work, and for parts of last year Ervin was down in Triple-A. He came back, pitched winter ball, and threw very well. In spring training this year, it took about one bullpen session and you said: 'This guy is back. If he can maintain those mechanics, he's going to have a big year for us.' That's what we've seen. We're proud of that. It's indicative of what Ervin is about."

Santana was, naturally, disappointed to be sent to the minors last season.

"I was mad I went down," he said, "because I didn't have a good year. I was just trying to focus, re-do myself, and get my confidence back. That's what I need most."

Scioscia knows the Angels need him to pitch well if they're going to beat Boston.

"We value Ervin's talent," he said. "He had a setback, but regained his form and has had an incredible season."

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