Game 31: Red Sox 4, Angels 3

Despite all this talk about the Angels’ injuries to their starting pitchers and star outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, there is still one thing that those injuries can not solve, a lousy bullpen. On Tuesday night, it was clear once again, that the Halos have the worst bullpen in the major leagues, as they allowed 3 runs in the final two innings and blew a 3-1 lead to the Boston Red Sox.

So far this season, the Angels’ bullpen is ranked last in the major leagues with a 2-9 record and an uncharacteristically high 6.90 ERA. It’s not job the absence of Francisco Rodriguezhas that has been a problem for the team, but the entire group has been lousy. They have been scored on in 20 of 29 appearances with five blown saves and a miserable a 2-9 record.

Holding a 3-1 lead headed into the 8th inning, Jose Arredondo, whom the Angels nearly tagged to be the replacement at closer for K-Rod, gave up 2 runs in 1/3 of an inning. His replacement, Scot Shields, didn’t fare much better either, as he surrendered 1 run to give the BoSox the lead.

Here are some thoughts from last night…

• The bullpen is still horrific. That much is clear.
• But starting pitcher Jered Weaver is looking really, really good so far this season. Despite having a rough spring, Weaver has gone 3-1 with a 2.66 ERA in six starts this year. Not bad for a guy, who was considered the team’s fifth starter.
• The team had just six hits last night. You’re going to need more than that to beat the Red Sox with a lousy bullpen.