I propose the following “Lack of Support” statistic for Major League Baseball.

A starting pitcher is deemed to have “lack of support” when the pitcher (at the time of his removal from the game) has allowed fewer runs per inning than would be predicted based on his ERA but has had fewer runs per inning scored on his behalf by his own team than would be predicted based on its offensive history.

If there are actual “Lack of Support” statistics, I’d like to see them.  Until then, I think that Bob Friend, stalwart of the 1960’s Pittsburgh Pirates staff and with an 18-12 record that year (but a lifetime 197-230 record), may deserve the lifetime Lack of Support Award.