L.A. Angels Struggles: Inside The Numbers

4. PITCHING PROBLEMS

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Much like the rest of this team, the Angels pitching staff was effective in the first half of the season, but as crunch time has rolled around its a different story. From the starters to the bullpen none of it has been good. As a team, the Angels have a 4.32 ERA since the All Star Break which is good for 22nd in the MLB, compared to the 3.64 ERA before the break. There are three big concerns with the staff:

• Garrett Richards- All things considered, he is the Angels ace. The stuff is all there for Richards to be a dominant starter in the league, but it hasn’t translated in the 2nd half. His record of 3-4 with a 4.28 ERA since the break has been a problem. Richards has struggled to stay away from the long ball and keep teams from posting big innings thus constantly pitching from behind. His production has a huge impact on the Angels success.
• Hector Santiago- The first half numbers were great from Santiago en route to him becoming an All-Star. His career has never suggested he could put up long term success, but the Angels weren’t expecting this drop off from him. Santiago is 1-3 since the break with a 4.62 ERA and has looked like a shell of the pitcher we first saw this year. Problems.
• Huston Street- A finesse closer that needs to hit spots is never ideal, don’t care about the track record. Street simply needs to be too perfect when he takes the mound and its just not intimidating to opposing teams. He’s only blown one save since the break but hitters are batting almost .300 against him which is not ideal for a guy thats supposed to shut the door. Add in the fact that this guy has spent a majority of this season whining about one thing or another and its become a concern for this team.

Next: Number 5