Jered Weaver is a lock to hear his name called Sunday morning on TBS as the 2011 MLB All-Star Game rosters are announced. The only question is, will Weaver be joined by any of his Angels teammates? Weaver was in fine form Saturday night as the Angels topped the Dodgers 7-1 in Anaheim. The win brought Weaver to 10-4 with an American League leading 1.92 ERA on the season.
Weaver made the All-Star team last season, in Anaheim, but didn't pitch because he pitched in the Sunday before the All-Star game, which made him ineligible. This season, Weaver's numbers, and timing, make him a candidate to start the game for the American League. Weaver is scheduled to pitch again on Thursday, which would give him a full four days rest for the All-Star Game, to be played on Tuesday, July 12 at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Teammate Dan Haren has formed a powerful 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation for the Halos. Haren doesn't have the gaudy sub-2.00 ERA of Weaver, but Haren is 8-5 with a 2.85 ERA, and has peripherals in the same ballpark as Weaver. Haren was an All-Star in 2007 with Oakland, and in 2008 and 2009 with Arizona.
Other possible Angels All-Star candidates include Howie Kendrick, the second baseman who has also filled in at first base and left field at times, and is hitting .307/.362/.474; and closer Jordan Walden, the rookie with 18 saves, though Walden remains a long shot.
For more news and Jered Weaver and the rest of the Angels, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.