Jeff Weaver

[brewcrew82]

I just spoke with Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash and he said the details are being finalized on a minor-league contract for right-hander Jeff Weaver.

Ash said it will be a minor-league deal for "not a lot of money." He said he expected Weaver, 31, to go through a "hurry-up spring training" in Arizona and report to Class AAA Nashville in a couple of weeks.

Weaver pitched last season for Seattle, going 7-13 with a 6.20 ERA in 27 starts. He did not sign with another team before the 2008 season began and was a free agent, available to sign with any club.

In 284 major-league games (267 starts), Weaver has a 93-114 record and 4.72 ERA. He has pitched in the majors for Detroit, the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis and Seattle.

To read the whole article, see: here.

[brewcrew82]

I'm glad it's only a Minor League deal. I don't know if I could handle the thought of seeing him on the mound for the Brewers in an important game at this stage.

Here are some more details about the signing, again from Journal Sentinels' Tom Haudricourt:

I am told the minor league deal has a low base salary and could top out between $4 million and $5 million, only if he is summoned to the majors soon and hits every one of his incentives,which probably isn't likely.

There is an "out" clause in the deal in June that would allow Weaver to sign with another team if the Brewers haven't called him up to the big leagues. Weaver has been working out at the fitness institute run by the Boras Corp. and therefore might be ready to pitch in games at Class AAA Nashville within a week or two.

Weaver made $8.3 million last year with Seattle but had a poor year (7-13, 6.20 ERA) and did not sign with another team over the winter. He provides another arm should something happen to one of the Brewer's starters or if a young pitcher such as Manny Parra proves to need more seasoning in the minors.

SOURCE

[KevinWI]

Jeff Weaver - A poor man's Jeff Suppan?

I kid. I just remember Weaver from the World Series winner '06 Cardinals. He's got experience, which could be important once the Brew get into the later months of the season.

And the Brewers should have an "Out" Cause in case Weaver gives up too many home runs in clinch situations. I wonder what the Player's Union would think of that.

[brewcrew82]

He's got experience, which could be important once the Brew get into the later months of the season.

That's what we said about Suppan.

Giving it a little thought, it's worth a try. If one or more members of the rotation get injured there is not much in terms of starting pitching in Nashville that could be promoted to the Majors. That being said though, I still don't have very high expectations.

[brewcrew82]

After going 2-4 with a 6.22 ERA (38er/55.0ip) in nine starts for the Sounds, Jeff Weaver was given his release by the Brewers today.