Call to the pen
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MLB: Struggling Starters Who Would Thrive in the Bullpen

By Jason Reed

Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Washington Nationals bullpen watches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Washington Nationals bullpen watches during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Jered Weaver

In 2009 through 2014, Jered Weaver was incredible. There is no denying that. Often, Weaver even gets overlooked in favor of some of the bigger names as one of the best pitchers of this period. During that span, Weaver compiled 96 wins and 50 loses. His 96 wins ranked second for this time behind only Justin Verlander, and his 3.12 ERA was 12th best. Weaver was up there with the best, and sometimes fans forget his incredible run.

The problem is, since 2014 Weaver hasn’t been at all great. In 2015 and 2016, Weaver posted a combined 5.40 ERA. Although he had a respectable 12 wins last season, the strikeouts are diminishing and so is the quality. The biggest factor in this is that Weaver has lost all the velocity he once had. Once a guy who threw in the high 80s and low 90s, he now has an average fastball velocity of 84 miles per hour. The only starting pitcher that throws a slower fastball is 42-year-old knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.

Although Weaver has lost all his velocity and his numbers have taken a hit, it doesn’t mean he can’t be successful in the bullpen. Weaver could utilize his breaking stuff in the way Joe Blanton does, relying heavily on his curve and slider. Especially being a free agent, teams may find more value in Weaver being a situational reliever, rather than continuing his career as a starting pitcher.

Teams such as the Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Reds could all benefit from Weaver’s veteran presence. Even the Angels, who had one of the worst bullpens in the league, should consider re-signing Weaver to help their bullpen.

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