Stats With Steven – bbFIP Update, June 2nd

Since I last brought you bbFIP updates, the Angels have gone on an 8 game winning streak have gotten themselves to within 10 games of the first place Rangers. During the streak the pitching has started to come around, giving up only 20 runs during the 8 games. How sustainable has that success been though, let us find out.

Performances of note: Robert Coello’s mystical pitch, whether you call it a forkball, knuckleball or WTF pitch has been a pleasant surprise for the Angels much maligned bullpen. Sporting an 18-1 K/BB going into Friday’s games, Coello had put up a 0.87 ERA and a 1.18 bbFIP, the best on the Angels of any pitcher with at least 10 innings pitched. Coello’s success comes entirely from the balls that aren’t put in play. With only 1 walk and 18 strikeouts the good far outweighs the bad. On the other hand, the balls that have been put in play have been at a really poor rate.  A 4-6-7-1 split of GB/FB/LD/PU is a really poor rate and really hurts what would be an even more incredible bbFIP.

Ernesto Frieri has continued his success from last season but not in the same way. Last season, Frieri exhibited much better control, while this season’s success has come due to very good batted ball rates. In 23.2 IP this season he had only given up 4 Line drives, while picking up 3 Popups in the process. Walks really don’t hurt as much when you are getting Flyouts, Groundouts and Popouts and not giving up XBH on line drives. Frieri’s bbFIP on the season is 3.34.

For someone who has performed much better than his ERA would suggest, we turn our attention to Garrett Richards. The former top prospect looked to have found a home in the bullpen this season prior to Jered Weaver’s broken left elbow forced Richards back into the rotation. The hard throwing right hander has posted a terrific groundball rate and has shown more control this season than he has in the past. Richards has a 3.54 bbFIP and a 54.4% groundball rate.

Without further ado, here is the full list for Angels pitching. All data is from fangraphs.com and is complete through Thursday, May 30th.