Isn't Jered Weaver The Greatest?

He probably thinks so. And after the start he's off to this season, I'm starting to agree with him. Last night, in the Halos convincing 4-1 over the Rangers, he was at his best. He tossed a complete game, allowing one run on six hits, punching out 8, and walking zero. With the win, not only did the Angels claim first place in the division, but Weaver reached the 5-0 mark with at least another start to go this month. He became the fastest pitcher to get to 5-0 in 21 years. And he still isn't getting as much press as the Doyers, damn.

So, is Jered Weaver becoming the greatest Angel pitcher of all time?

The nominees for greatest Angel pitcher of all time are:

Chuck Finley
Nolan Ryan
Mike Witt
John Lackey
Frank Tanana
Jered Weaver

We'll keep it simple by creating a 100 start average for wins, losses, and strikeouts based on their career numbers with the Angels, and then compare career ERAs (by the way, the nominee list is based on top 5 all time winningest pitchers in Halo history plus Jered Weaver).

Chuck Finley: 44-37 with 567 Ks and a 3.72 ERA

Nolan Ryan: 48-42 with 839 Ks and a 3.07 ERA

Mike Witt: 35-34 with 409 Ks and a 3.76 ERA

John Lackey: 44-30 with 513 Ks and a 3.81 ERA

Frank Tanana: 45-35 with 548 Ks and a 3.08 ERA

Jered Weaver: 46-26 with 549 Ks and a 3.45 ERA

I'm actually a little surpsied by the analysis. I kind of thought that Jered Weaver wasn't even close to becoming the greatest starter in Angels history, but now I feel convinced that his confidence is more than warranted. 

To conclude, I figured I'd pick my dream 5-man rotation based on the numbers above, leaving one guy as the odd Kazmir out.

1- Jered Weaver
2- John Lackey
3- Chuck Finley
4- Nolan Ryan
5- Frank Tanana
Odd man out- Mike Witt

That's right. I am as shocked writing it as you are reading. Weaver #1? Lackey #2? That second one is even more shocking, but when you look at the above stats, would you disagree with me?

So, the next time someone starts talking about the Angels at your local pub, make the bold statement that Jered Weaver is the greatest pitcher in Angels history, and you've got the evidence to back it up.

*No time to proofread. Sorry.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē