There are a number of terrific pitchers in the American League who have garnered much attention in recent years.

Last season, Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners was the top dog, earning the AL CY Young award in spite of a 13-12 record. The year before, the honor went to Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke, who posted a 16-8 record and won it in a landslide over last year’s winner, Hernandez.

Other pitchers have gained accolades in recent years, but one pitcher has consistently flown under the radar when it comes to talking about the elite pitchers in the American League: Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver.

Last season, Weaver’s numbers were eerily similar to those of Hernandez. Both finished with a 13-12 record, both pitchers had exactly 34 starts, both had almost the exact same number of strikeouts, with Weaver just edging Hernandez for the AL lead, 233-232. And both had WHIPs under 1.10 (Hernandez 1.057, Weaver 1.074).

Both pitchers also shined for teams that were woeful offensively. The Mariners scored the lowest amount of runs for a team in a single season since the advent of the designated hitter in 1973, while the Angels scored a full 202 runs fewer than the previous season.

Yet, King Felix reigns supreme when it comes to the discussion of the best pitchers in the American League, while Weaver, who has compiled a 64-39 record with a 3.55 earned run average in five seasons, quietly goes about the business of great pitching without the accolades.

Bleacher Report will look into possible reasons as to why Jered Weaver appears to not gain a whole lot of respect outside of the Los Angeles area, and whether or not there is a conspiracy theory in effect.

Well, no, my name is NOT Oliver Stone, so we’ll just forget that last part.

 

For continuing coverage of the Los Angeles Angels, follow Doug on Twitter @Sports_A_Holic.

Updated Feb 10, 2011 3:06 PM ET

PHOENIX (AP)

The Los Angeles Angels have defeated pitcher Jered Weaver in salary arbitration.

The pitcher will get a raise from $4,265,000 to $7,365,000 instead of his request for $8.8 million.

Arbitrators Margaret Brogan, James Oldham and Robert Herzog made the decision Thursday, a day after hearing arguments.

The 28-year-old right-hander was 13-12 with a 3.01 ERA in 34 starts for the Angels last season and led the major leagues with 233 strikeouts. His record was down from 16-8 in 2009, but his ERA improved from 3.75.

Players and owners have split the two decisions thus far this winter. Pittsburgh pitcher Ross Ohlendorf won Wednesday despite going 1-11 last season.

Ten players remain in arbitration, with hearings scheduled through Feb. 18.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver lost his salary arbitration case and will earn 7.365 million for the 2011 season.

Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) – Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver lost his salary arbitration case and will earn 7.365 million for the 2011 season.

According to a story on MLB.com, the right-hander was seeking $8.8 million.

Weaver, 28, posted a 13-12 record with a 3.01 earned run average in a career- high 34 starts for the Angels last season and led the majors with 233 strikeouts.

He has made 144 career starts for the Halos, going 64-39 with a 3.55 ERA.

© 2011 The Sports Network

PHOENIX (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels have defeated pitcher Jered Weaver in salary arbitration.

The pitcher will get a raise from $4,265,000 to $7,365,000 instead of his request for $8.8 million.

Arbitrators Margaret Brogan, James Oldham and Robert Herzog made the decision Thursday, a day after hearing arguments.

The 28-year-old right-hander was 13-12 with a 3.01 ERA in 34 starts for the Angels last season and led the major leagues with 233 strikeouts. His record was down from 16-8 in 2009, but his ERA improved from 3.75.

Players and owners have split the two decisions thus far this winter. Pittsburgh pitcher Ross Ohlendorf won Wednesday despite going 1-11 last season.

Eight players remain in arbitration, with hearings scheduled through Feb. 18. Outfielders Josh Hamilton of Texas and Luke Scott of Baltimore settled their cases Thursday.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

PHOENIX (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels have defeated pitcher Jered Weaver in salary arbitration.

The pitcher will get a raise from $4,265,000 to $7,365,000 instead of his request for $8.8 million.

Arbitrators Margaret Brogan, James Oldham and Robert Herzog made the decision Thursday, a day after hearing arguments.

The 28-year-old right-hander was 13-12 with a 3.01 ERA in 34 starts for the Angels last season and led the major leagues with 233 strikeouts. His record was down from 16-8 in 2009, but his ERA improved from 3.75.

Players and owners have split the two decisions thus far this winter. Pittsburgh pitcher Ross Ohlendorf won Wednesday despite going 1-11 last season.

Eight players remain in arbitration, with hearings scheduled through Feb. 18. Outfielders Josh Hamilton of Texas and Luke Scott of Baltimore settled their cases Thursday.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.