On Wednesday, Nov. 12, free-agent reliever David Weathers told MLB.com he does not believe he will pitch for the Reds next season. Reds GM Walt Jocketty claims the team has made overtures to the veteran right-hander, but Weathers appears unsatisfied with the level of effort the Reds have displayed.
Weathers' agent claims a number of teams have expressed interest in his 39-year-old client, who has been the most reliable pitcher in the Reds' bullpen for at least that last two seasons. Beginning Friday, Nov. 14, Weathers and his agent will be able to entertain specific offers from other teams.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Although much maligned by a large portion of the fanbase, Weathers played a key role in Cincinnati's bullpen last season, handling the eighth inning to set up for closer Francisco Cordero. His numbers in his second tour with the Reds belie his nickname, "Stormy." In 72 appearances, he was 4-6 with a 3.25 ERA in 2008. It was his sixth consecutive season appearing in at least 70 games.
The pending departure of Weathers will make the resigning of the Reds' other free-agent relievers a priority. Righty Mike Lincoln and lefty Jeremy Affeldt are both reliable, veteran relief pitchers that the Reds would need to stabilize their bullpen. They would join Jared Burton to form the nucleus of Cincinnati's relief staff.
Given the lack of value available in the free-agent market, Jocketty will most likely look to strike a deal with another team if he feels the organization does not have a suitable replacement for Weathers. Jocketty has expressed dissatisfaction with this year's free-agent pool and has been active in discussing possible trades with other clubs.
comments (0) write a comment »
write a new comment
This article has no comments.