Yardbarker: David Weathers

Definitely Listen to This

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:31:06 -0500

If you didn't already know, I love listening to Rocco after each and every game. You can listen to any show [here], but [this very short clip] called "Double Entendre '08" is absolutely hilarious. I demand that you click that link and listen to it right now. Silly and not very baseball-related (to say the least), but it is pretty darn funny. It comes at the very end of his [last show], but you can jump straight to the good stuff [here].
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Some other links:
Colin Dunlap of the PG covers [Pedro Alvarez's first Pirate workout] in extensive detail, including some towering bombs and a grounder off his cheek.
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[This MLBTR link] may raise some eyebrows. Potential players the Pirates might seek in free agency:

Casey Blake could make sense, or maybe Wily Mo Pena if he declines his $2MM player option. There's no obvious fit though.

Veteran starters such as Paul Byrd, Mike Hampton, Pedro Martinez, Odalis Perez, or Kenny Rogers could help tutor young Pirate pitchers. Randy Johnson could be an interesting signing as well. The righthanded setup man market includes Juan Cruz, Rudy Seanez, LaTroy Hawkins, Chan Ho Park, David Weathers, Bob Howry, and Kyle Farnsworth.
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Say what? Somehow I don't see any of the above happening, but it is true the Bucs have $10-15M to spend.
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Dejan [says thank you] and offers [his top games of the season] (something I will be doing in the near future). First of all, thank you, Dejan, for amazing, relentless coverage of the Bucs all season long. Second, the coverage here will continue. Obviously there is a lot less Pirate news now that the season's done, but look for more analysis and humor instead of game previews and recaps day in and day out. Posting may drop off a bit, but there's always football and basketball to write about if we get too bored. I'd like to stick to what I know best, though, and that is Pirate baseball.
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Lastly, I think [this statement by Pat] sums up the year pretty well:

From [late 2005 through the end of 2007,] all I ever really wanted was for the Pirates to throw up their hands, say, "This team sucks and our minor league system is really bad. The only way we're ever going to be relevant again is by tearing apart the team, giving up on a couple of years, and rebuilding this thing from the ground up." In 2008, the Pirates actually did that.

MLB Weekly Sleepers - Week 26

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:11:28 -0500

Screaming Sports' Tommy D breaks out another edition of MLB Sleepers and runs down a quick list of potential needles (in a haystack - get it?) for the upcoming week. So, who could surprise some unsuspecting opponents this week? Only one way to find out ... click it.

Looking Ahead at the 2009 Free Agent Market!

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:17:46 -0500

Now with some glaring holes going into next year. The Mets will have a new ballpark but they also will have to replace some parts.

Obviously the bullpen is a mess starting with Billy Wagner.

The second base position can be resolved with a veteran and that means that Castillo will be traded for a bag of balls.

The starting rotation is also very interesting thing to look at with Oliver Perez (who is only 27)who is going to be a free agent and has Scott Boris as a agent.

The Mets will have Pedro Martinez coming off the books. As well as Moises Alou, who has been a disappointment because he never plays.

Here are the 2009 Free Agents from those positions mentioned:

Second basemen
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Geoff Blum (36) - club option for '09
Jamey Carroll (35) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Craig Counsell (38)
Ray Durham (37)
Damion Easley (39)
David Eckstein (34)
Mark Ellis (32)
Mark Grudzielanek (39)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Orlando Hudson (31)
Tadahito Iguchi (34)
Jeff Kent (41)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Mark Loretta (37)
Nick Punto (31)

Starting pitchers
Kris Benson (33)
A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after '08 season
Paul Byrd (38)
Roger Clemens (46)
Matt Clement (33)
Bartolo Colon (36)
Ryan Dempster (32)
Shawn Estes (36)
Josh Fogg (32)
Freddy Garcia (33)
Jon Garland (29)
Tom Glavine (43)
Mike Hampton (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Livan Hernandez (34)
Orlando Hernandez (43)
Jason Jennings (30)
Randy Johnson (45)
John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Jon Lieber (39)
Kyle Lohse (30)
Braden Looper (34)
Rodrigo Lopez (33) - club option for '09
Derek Lowe (36)
Greg Maddux (43)
Pedro Martinez (37)
Jamie Moyer (46)
Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for '09 with a $1.5MM buyout
Mike Mussina (40)
Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for '09 with a $1.95MM buyout
Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $2MM buyout
Odalis Perez (32)
Oliver Perez (27)
Andy Pettitte (37)
Sidney Ponson (32)
Mark Prior (27)
Kenny Rogers (44)
C.C. Sabathia (28)
Curt Schilling (42)
Ben Sheets (30)
John Smoltz (42)
Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option
Kip Wells (32)
Randy Wolf (32)

Closers
Brian Fuentes (33)
Eric Gagne (33)
Eddie Guardado (38)
Trevor Hoffman (41)
Jason Isringhausen (36)
Todd Jones (41)
Brandon Lyon (29)
Francisco Rodriguez (27)
Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Kerry Wood (32)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (30)
Luis Ayala (31)
Joe Beimel (32)
Joe Borowski (38)
Doug Brocail (42) - club option for '09
Shawn Chacon (31)
Juan Cruz (30)
Alan Embree (39) - $3MM club option for '09
Scott Eyre (37)
Kyle Farnsworth (33)
Casey Fossum (31)
Keith Foulke (35)
Tom Gordon (41) - $4.5MM club option for '09 with a $1MM buyout
LaTroy Hawkins (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Matt Herges (39) - club option for '09
Bob Howry (35)
Jon Lieber (39)
Jason Johnson (35)
Damaso Marte (34) - $6MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Trever Miller (36) - $2MM club option for '09 with a $0.4MM buyout
Guillermo Mota (35)
Will Ohman (31)
Darren Oliver (38)
Chan Ho Park (36)
Horacio Ramirez (29)
Al Reyes (38)
Dennys Reyes (32)
Arthur Rhodes (39)
Juan Rincon (30)
Rudy Seanez (40)
Brian Shouse (40)
Russ Springer (40)
Mike Timlin (43)
Ron Villone (39)
David Weathers (39)
Kip Wells (32)
Matt Wise (33)
Jamey Wright (34)

Cordero to the Mets ?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:59:44 -0500

Closer Billy Wagner long tossed but still is experiencing pain and Omar Minaya doesn't believe the Mets will be making a deal before the post season roster deadline ( Aug. 31 ) but there's still a slight chance they could make something happen. For example the Reds spent alot of money on their bullpen and now that their not in the pennant race they may look for salary relief. It's been rumored that David Weather has already cleared waivers and Jeremy Affledt along with closer Francisco Cordero could also make it through waivers. The Cincinnati Enquirer believes that the Mets could make a good trade partner for the Mets.......

The New York Mets are in need of bullpen help. They had 22 blown saves entering Wednesday.
Could the Reds be a trading partner?
The Reds have three good relievers who probably would pass through the waivers - David Weathers, Jeremy Affeldt and Cordero. There was a report that Weathers already has passed waivers. Cordero's salary would preclude nearly any team from trading for him. But you've got to think the Mets are looking, given last year's September collapse. source Cincinnati Enquirer

An Open Letter to MLB Video Replay: Welcome!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:15:38 -0500

You have the support of every human being having witnessed a Major League Baseball game since the Negro Leagues, in addition to anyone excluded above with the capacity to wipe their own ass.

Mets will look for that closing arm...

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:42:11 -0500

Mike Pelfrey took matters into his own hands last night by pitching a complete game. The bullpen rested and watch the young marvel master his craft in front of 50,000 last night. But the Mets won't have starts like that every game. Billy Wagner has said that he will be back but it is going to take some time, probably 3 weeks. So they will need to close out games whether it comes from what they got or they go out and purchase a rent -a- player for the stretch.

In the last week, the Mets have obtained Luis Ayala and Al Reyes. Luis Ayala has connections with Omar Minaya and Brian Schneider. Minaya was his GM in Montreal/Washington and Brian Schneider was his catcher. Ayala is having a off year but he is not closer material. He is on the team to take the work load from Duaner Sanchez who is still recovering from his injuries in the past. Al Reyes is a guy who used to close out games for the Rays. Al is 38 yrs old and a guy that has not had a good year since 2005, when he was a member of the St.Louis Cardinals. The Mets hope and hold a candle up to the sky praying for a miracle comeback.

So you have to wonder, is Minaya done his duty as a GM to set his team up final run and post season. The Mets have proven commodities that have cleared waivers but it is up to Minaya to pull the trigger.

Before the deadline the Mets discussed Brian Fuentes and Huston Street, now they have rumored to clear waivers.

Huston Street: Billy Beane knows the Mets Farm System better than anyone. Beane would demand a king's ransom for him. But Street's velocity has been down. Street, who admits he struggled with a hip flexor injury during a rough July, feels that he's nearly back to 100 percent healthy according to the team's web site. Can the Mets give up a couple of lower level prospects to get Street? Probably, Not! But he would definitely strengthen the pen , even when Wagner comes back.

Brian Fuentes: This is a guy who would help against lefties, would put pressure on the Phillies Offense because their best two hitters Utley and Howard would have to face him. He can save games and he can set up, like he did for Manny Corpus before he went down with a injury. The Rockies know he is a free agent next year and believe they have a chance to make the playoffs. So if they were to trade him they would like compensation that would get if left for Free agency. He could very well be a Type A or B free agent. That means if the Mets were to get him they would have to give up one of there better prospects and that's not going to happen!

Then there are the B Listers - Guy who used to save games, but don't NOW...This list includes:

Eric Gagne - Gagne has been awful this year, as his walks and home runs skyrocketed and he dealt with rotator cuff tendinitis. Understandably, no one wanted to pay the $2.15MM remaining on his contract.

David Riske

David Weathers - Weathers is owed only $610K on the season, and he has a 2.52 ERA and 2.78 K/BB since the beginning of June. I am quite surprised he cleared waivers.

They Mets have other options in the farm like Robert Parnell, who from reports throws hard and many feel he can benefit from working out of the pen.

Let's see what Minaya does, under what he has said lately he will go with what he has got.. I hope it's enough to make a good run to and through the playoffs..

It's all about the pen

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:40:48 -0500

The Mets have a playoff caliber rotation, solid defense and while the offense tends to drive you crazy when the injured return along with plugging in call up guys it's enough.

But this bullpen now, as it's currently constructed it just not going to get it done in late Sept. and Oct. (if were there). Looking into the minors we don't have a stud waiting to dominate the majors, Muniz and Kunz were projected closers. At 27 y/o Muniz is starting to look like a flop and Kunz just isn't ready. The Mets could promote Parnell or Niese but I'd be surprised if they'd have any better results then Kunz jumping levels this late in the season, in a pennant race.

Beyond that the Zephyrs are using journeyman Nate Field as their closer, the 32 y/o righty has 13 saves with an ERA 4.68, in the majors he has a career 5.12 ERA in 89 games over six seasons ( Royals, Rockies, Marlins). Willie Collazo, Ruddy Lugo and Brandon Knight have been called up to mixed results as starters and relievers.

Ricardo Rincon who is a 38 y/o LOOGY and once dominant relievers in the Indians and A's pen. Rincon has a lifetime 3.58 ERA but last year missed the season and the year before had injury problems while struggling in St. Louis. He is currently pitching in the Mexican league with an ERA of 3.82 in 35 innings, the Diablos are in the Mexican league WS and when it's finished he can return if the Mets want him.

Joel Sherman today takes a look at who has made it through waivers and is available for trade. The Mets aren't interested in Jamie Walker, Eric Gagne or David Riske. Of the three, I was hoping during the off- season the Mets would sign Riske who is still owed 10 mil and is pitching to an ERA of 3.96 as the Brewers set-up man. David Weathers would make alot of sense but he's a type B free agent and the Reds would want too much in return.....

Bill Madden believes Huston Street and possibly Brian Fuentes have cleared waivers but both would cost more then the team is willing to pay.

For his part, Minaya has to hope Wagner's loss can be filled from within because, as he said, "there are few other options" on the outside. Although no closers were dealt at the trading deadline, only Oakland's Huston Street is believed to have cleared waivers. And even though Street is having a subpar season, A's GM Billy Beane is going to want premium prospects back for him. Same thing for Colorado's Brian Fuentes, a free agent after the season who may also have cleared, but is probably not going to be moved. The Rockies have said all along they would have to be overwhelmed rather than just take the two No.1 draft picks as compensation for Fuentes. That's Minaya's dilemma. The price for a closer from outside is prohibitive and, besides, he has pretty much tapped the Mets' system of the kind of prospects it would take to land one. source Daily News

One report has the team putting in claims on anyone who becomes available and in another a quote of Omar admitting they're closely evaluating available relievers. I've said this since he was placed on waivers and now that he's a free agent AL Reyes makes the most sense.......

Deadline Predictions

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:16:50 -0500

I'm not going to have time to really update for the next 5 days so here is some things I think will happen by the deadline. David Weathers will be traded to the Marlins or to the Yankees. 'Boom outta here' Thats all that will happen. Every other player will remain a Red. Josh Fogg is going to be needed to pitch every 5th day since they have no replacements with Thompson and Maloney injured. The asking price for Adam Dunn isn't going to be matched, so the Reds will take the 2 picks. Jeremy Affeldt will probably be around because I think the Reds like the guy and want to resign him if they can, and trading him probably will eliminate that. Other than that there really hasn't been any names mentioned involving Reds players so anything else would be a surprise.

Griffey Throws A Throat Slash Gesture At Reds' Announcer Jeff Brantley

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:10:09 -0500

Jeff Brantley hasn't been making many friends in the Reds clubhouse this year and it appears that players are fed up with him. So much so that the level headed Ken Griffey Jr gestured to him with a throat slash following a homerun on Saturday night. Here's the background and the video (:30 mark as he enters the dugout)....

CINCINNATI — For those who read Ken Griffey Jr.'s lips after his home run Saturday night and saw him make the throat-cutting gesture at home plate, the antics were aimed at broadcaster Jeff Brantley.

Griffey is angry over different comments Brantley made and said one of them was, "He said I'm pouting because the Reds haven't picked up my option ($16 million) for next year. If I was that concerned about money I wouldn't have come here in the first place."

Brantley isn't known for shying away from talking about his hometown Reds, but most fans think his bashing has gone over-the-top as of late. He bashed Edwin Encarnacion for not being clutch (Edwin promptly hit a homer), he talks trash about Adam Dunn regularly, he said David Weathers didn't care whether he won or lost and now this. Between him and Marty Brennaman, they've got the announcer controversy on lockdown for this year.

Griffey bristles at broadcaster's comments (Springfield News-Sun)
Ken Griffey throws a throat slash toward Jeff Brantley's booth (Big League Stew)

Something Is Happening

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:04:03 -0500

For the last 2 days on Reds broadcast people have been acting funny when talking about trades. Yesterday Jeff Piecoro seemed almost orgasmic when he said something along the lines of "with the trade rumors swirling", and today George Grande and Chris Welsh sounded very suspicious when they were talking about trades as well. Mentioning that they are smelling smoke and that its a "sellers market". They mentioned David Weathers, Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang, and even went as far to say that someone is in town specifically scouting Jeremy Affeldt. Something to keep an eye on for sure.

A Redleg answer?

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:44:54 -0500

Disgusted? Let me tell you about disgusted. I am in the Army. I spent all of last season in Iraq. I got to watch a total of two games last season. This season, I'm not in Iraq, but am stationed in Hawaii. I HAVE TO PAY FOR A SUBSCRIPTION on MLB.TV to watch the Reds games!!! That's disgust boys and girls. To race home from work to catch the last three innings, see a lead, only to watch that disgusting David Weathers throw each and every outing. Or see Dusty play his pal from his Chicago days Patterson who couldn't hit a softball off a tee. That is disgust. Dunn is not the problem. Yes, the guy strikes out a lot, but he gets on base and DOES drive in runs. National League: He is 13th in OPS at .900, tied for 4th with 21 home runs, is easily on pace to knock in over 100 RBI, has led more walks than anyone else at 67, has the 13th highest OBP at .389, top 20 with a slugging % of .516, and on a sidenote: His fielding percentage is .967. I repeat, Dunn is not the problem. As for Junior. How can you people turn on him like you have? The guy is much more valuable than anyone is admitting. Everyone knows, if not for the injuries, we have the best baseball player in the history of the game. And the injuries only affect the stats. We all know that he was, is, and always will be the best. And even if you don't agree, you have him in the top ten OF ALL TIME. Have we forgotten what that means for a young ball club, to have an EXTRA SEASONED veteran, if not the best, one of the best, just for advice, instruction, encouragement? We need him. He is still hungry. He is worth more than we can put a price tag on. And when we take our kids to the park, we can show them the best while he is still playing. Griffey IS NOT THE PROBLEM EITHER. We can win while keeping Junior. Trading him is not the answer. It is not the answer. Yeah, he's only batting .240, yeah, he's only hit 10 HR, yes, he's only driven in 36 RBI, yes, he's only got an OPS of .745, yes, he's only drew 46 BB...but compare that to Derek Jeter. Aside from Jeter's .279 AVG, Griffey is ahead of him in every category. You don't see the Yankees demanding his trade. Chicago's Fukodome is batting .290, and is just slightly ahead of Junior in OPS, but Junior betters him in every other category. and the Cubbies are in 1st place. Arizona's Justin Upton's stats are almost identical to Junior's. And guess what. They are winning and in 1st place. My point. WE CAN WIN WITH JUNIOR. GRIFF IS NOT THE PROBLEM. So I've given my two cents on what the problem ISN'T. So here's my two cents on what the problem IS. #1 - Pitching - The declining quality of decision-making on the mound from Harang, Arroyo, and Cueto. While we can and SHOULD expect Cueto to make bad decisions while on the mound, he's a rookie, we should not see the same mistakes out of our two veteran hurlers. But this does not fall solely on them, it is a combination of the catchers and the pitching coaches not taking control when needed. The majority of the time it comes down to either a bad pitch, or a bad scouting report. #2 - Pitching - The absence of a 5th spot on the rotation. Belisle was given too many opportunities to turn it around and should have been converted to a bullpen pitcher much sooner. Dusty hit the nail on the head. He's okay until he's facing batters for the 2nd and 3rd time. Homer Bailey is turning into a certified dud, and Daryl Thompson just isn't ready. #3 - Pitching/Managerial - DAVID WEATHERS. The guy is a bum who has pulled the shades over lots of peoples' eyes for 18 years too long. Reds fans have consistently watched him give wins away all season long. The guy will never save 33 games again. He'll never save 33 out of 39 opportunities again. He is a waste and a downer for the team. Why hasn't he been released or traded? Why is he being paid $3.3 MIL? To keep the team in the cellar? #4 - Patterson/Managerial - Bronson Arroyo has a higher OBP than Corey Patterson. He's hitting .188, the same as Jannish, which we expect from a rookie. Not from a guy who's been playing for 8 years. Since June 5th, after being recalled from AAA where he was sent to "find" his swing, he's 7 for 46. That's .152, and he's only accounted for 5 runs. Is that $3 MIL production? Is that what a MLB player is paid to do? CUT HIM. Bottom line: REDS 11th in NL scoring with 367. Which is descent, but could be much better. They're not hitting with RISP. For example, in the June 10th - June 19th homestand, they were 6-for-57 (.105) with runners in scoring position. They were 2 and 7 in that homestand and could have very easily won 3 of those games if not for choking with runners on the bags. And it's the same story of late, losing to the horrid Pirates now two straight. But, that also goes back to the pitching, since they gave up a total of 48 runs in those 7 games. But that's no excuse for hitting .105 with RISP. Those were games that could have been won. 5th in NL HR with 92. Out of the 4 teams who hit more: Florida, 1.5 games out of 1st place - Philadelphia, 1st place - Milwaulkee, 8.5 ahead of the Reds, and 4.5 out of 1st - and Chicago, 1st place. hmmm... Defense - 5th in NL in Errors committed with 58. But the Diamondbacks have committed one more and are in 1st place, so this can be overcome. So, in short. It's not because of Dunn or Junior. Trading them is not the answer. The answer is not just one statement, and it is not simple. But for starters, they can stop giving the ball to Weathers, take the bat out of Patterson's hands, strike fear in the heart of Dick Pole if his boys Arroyo and Harang aren't brought under control, maybe even look for a trade for one of them, if not both. With the offensive numbers put up by the team, if Arroyo and Harang can get their acts together, and Weathers (and Patterson) are cut/traded/assassinated, then the team can have a great second half and get within striking distance of the playoffs. But it has to start soon, and it has to begin with the pitching.

Bruce Bash

Sat, 31 May 2008 21:40:04 -0500

Wow. I am still amazed at the 11 for 19 start for Jay. That kid is the real deal. I'm more recently amazed at that big rocket he sent to space to win the game today. Wow. I'm also glad Dusty finally took a piece of my advice...okay, maybe just parts of my advice. Patterson was sent to the minors. Belisle is moving into a relief role. Now if he could just give up his man-crush on Weathers and cut the bum. Go Reds !

Why won't they pay me that money?

Sat, 24 May 2008 17:06:22 -0500

Did you know that the Reds are paying David Weathers $3.3 MIL to throw games? Jeeze, I wish they'd give me the opportunity to make even half that. I'm sure I could do no worse. And speaking of doing no worse...Corey Patterson. That bum is sucking up Jay Bruce's air. And for what? A .200 avg ? Come on Walt, you're killing our season. Bottom line, a few moves to improve the team, but they're simple. Cut Dusty's pal from the Cubby days Patterson, and call Bruce up. Two, get rid of that waste-of-space Weathers. He is WORTHLESS. And three, trade Bailey and Belisle to at least get a 6-inning starter that can win as many as he loses. That's just my take. Yeah, I'm just an Army man and not a ball player, but it's not rocket science.

Quotable Reds

Tue, 06 May 2008 14:46:59 -0500

If their quotes are any sort of indication that the Reds have a little life left in them, Ken Griffey Jr. and David Weathers have some interesting words for the media and the team.

Cueto Dominates in Big League Debut

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:17:50 -0500

22-year old sensation shuts down Arizona