The Los Angeles Angels may have had the best record in the American League this past season, but a first-round flameout in the playoffs might have convinced them to make some moves for extra pitching.
They got a breakout season from young pitcher Garrett Richards before he suffered a season-ending knee injury, putting the onus back on veteran Jered Weaver to carry the Angels' staff. Weaver wasn't bad-he went 18-9 with a 3.59 ERA-but some underlying statistics might be foreshadowing a decline.
Weaver's FIP was a 4.19, significantly higher than his ERA. FIP only measures home runs, outs and strikeouts, so it is more predictive of future performance than ERA is. His WHIP was 1.209, the first time he entered the 1.20 range since 2010. He has also experienced a decline in velocity as the years have worn on that shows no signs of ending.
Behind Weaver is a slew of serviceable, but unspectacular arms. That is why they have reportedly made infielders Howie Kendrick and David Freese available in exchange for arms.
#Angels remain open to trading Kendrick for player or pitcher under comparable or longer control. Kendrick eligible for FA at end of season.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 11, 2014
Last season Kendrick hit .293 with seven home runs and 14 stolen bases along with plus defense according to Fangraphs. Kendrick is a versatile infielder, but he played second base exclusively in 2014 and rewarded the Angels with a 6.7 UZR, 53 plays made outside his zone, and seven runs saved.
Freese is unlikely to garner much of a return; he hit .260 last season with 10 home runs and provided a bit of value with his defense at third.
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