MLB: Ranking top SP combos for AL contenders

Sep 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) warms up before the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) warms up before the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) pitches during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver (36) pitches during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Los Angeles Angels – RHP Jered Weaver and RHP Matt Shoemaker

The Los Angeles Angels would be much higher on this list if the team’s best pitcher, Garrett Richards, wasn’t out for the season after a gruesome knee injury, but the Halos are still in decent shape, given the circumstances. Jered Weaver is having a pedestrian season by his own standards (3.50 ERA in 200.1 innings pitched), but seems to be responding to the pressure in the second half, particularly in August and September. Weaver posted a 3.41 ERA in August and so far in September, his ERA is 2.84. Surprisingly, Weaver has only been worth 1.5 fWAR this season, but he has shown the capability in the past to elevate his production to ace-like levels.

Shoemaker is thanklessly thrust into the Angels number two slot, but the 27-year old rookie has had a solid season, with a 3.16 ERA, and has actually been worth more wins than Weaver at 1.9 fWAR. That said, he’s only pitched 128.1 innings this year, his first full season in the majors. Shoemaker is basically an unknown in a playoff start, but with LA’s offense behind him, he doesn’t have to be Greg Maddux for the Angels to win.