Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Jered Weaver and His Lack of Run Support

Over the course of his five seasons in the major leagues, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Jered Weaver has established himself as one of the better pitchers, not only in the American League, but in all of baseball. 2010 might be Weaver’s best season yet in the major leagues.

Through 29 starts, Weaver has a 3.14 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and leads the AL in K’s with 205. He is a three pitch pitcher, whose fastball-changeup-curveball combination is one of the best in baseball. Despite his solid season, Weaver is only a .500 pitcher.

Weaver’s record after 29 starts is a pedestrian 11-11. While Weaver has had his share of clunkers throughout the season, like his May 18th performance at the Texas Rangers (seven runs and nine hits in 4.2 IP), lately the Angels’ offense hasn’t helped Weaver out at all.

Over Weaver’s last 13 starts, the Angels have scored a grand total of 23 runs. That’s less than two runs a game for those of you scoring at home. Weaver is 4-8 in those starts despite only giving up a little over three runs a game during that span.

The lack of run support has to be taxing not only on Weaver, but on any pitcher. To go out to the mound knowing that giving up just one run could be the difference in the game puts a tremendous amount of strain on the arm. Many point to the lack of run support that Sandy Koufax received with the Brooklyn Dodgers that helped shorten his career.

Weaver has pitched much better than his record indicates. Perhaps one of these starts the Angels’ offense will help Weaver out.