ANAHEIM -- With a few breaks and some run support, you could make an argument that Brian Moehler is worthy of All-Star consideration. Not that the Marlins' right-hander would get into the Mid-Summer Classic, but his performance deserves recognition.

 

The 33-year-old is one of the more hard-luck pitchers in the game -- he has a 2-4 record despite a 2.70 ERA, which is seventh-best among National League starters. The trouble is that whenever Moehler pitches, the Marlins aren't scoring runs.

 

"We don't get the guy any runs," manager Jack McKeon said. "He's never in one of those 15-5 games."

 

Another case was Friday's 3-2 loss to the Angels in 11 innings. In 8 1/3 innings, his longest outing, Moehler gave up two runs -- one earned -- and was on the verge of his first complete-game victory since Aug. 8, 2000, when he was with the Tigers. That day he went the distance in a 4-1 win over the Orioles.

 

Carrying a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning at Angel Stadium, Moehler was working his best game of the season. He had thrown 84 pitches through eight innings, dazzling the Angels with 85 mph cut fastballs and changeups, while spotting his fastball.

 

As impressive as Moehler was, he was not involved in the decision. He issued a ground-rule double to Garrett Anderson to open the inning. Then, after a sacrifice bunt moved Anderson to third with one out, Bengie Molina hit a hard grounder that shortstop Alex Gonzalez gloved. With the infield in, Anderson was running on contact. But after realizing Gonzalez made the stop, Anderson stopped well short of the plate. Figuring he would be tagged out, Anderson's reaction was to retreat back to third base in hopes of getting into a rundown so Molina could move to second.

 

No such scenario transpired because Gonzalez's throw to Paul Lo Duca was well off the mark, deflecting off the catcher's glove. The throwing error enabled Anderson to score the tying run.

 

"If we make that play," McKeon said of Gonzalez's error, "we win the game."

 

The Angels won it, 3-2, two innings later.

 

So once again, Moehler was left with an impressive outing without a positive result.

 

On May 27, Moehler had a similar tough-luck day. He gave up one run in eight innings, but lost a 1-0 decision to Pedro Martinez and the Mets.

 

Still, the way Moehler has repeatedly performed at a high level for so long has been impressive. Completely recovered from Tommy John surgery in 2003, the right-hander has been a staple of the staff. A non-roster invitee to Spring Training, Moehler not only made the squad, he took on the fifth starter spot when Ismael Valdez went on the disabled list at the start of the season.

 

Now he is firmly entrenched in the rotation, and he should receive Comeback Player of the Year consideration if he continues to perform like he did Friday.

 

Despite not getting a win against the Angels, Moehler experienced a breakthrough on his changeup.

 

"I finally really felt comfortable throwing my changeup again," he said. "Really for the first time this year. I've really thrown without it this year. I was able to throw soft away and then go hard with a cutter. I'm finally starting to feel comfortable throwing that pitch again."

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...t=.jsp&c_id=fla

That poor bastard. I think though he is the type that is at least content with his own, individual contribution. Still, though, get this warrior some damned run support.

that's good news, he's had a fantastic first half already, and he hasn't even had his changeup?!