Jeff Weaver’s 2006 season can be broken down into two periods. The regular season and the postseason. In the regular season, he was hot garbage, compiling an area of 5.76 while splitting time with the Angels and Cardinals. He was so bad, I started calling him “Jared’s Brother”, refusing to even give him the title of Weaver. He was awful. Then the postseason came around and Weaver picked his game up. He had 3 wins in October and finished with a postseason ERA of 2.43. Whether he was fooling us or not, it earned him a huge payday. The Mariners signed him for nearly $8.5 million.
Weaver pitched poorly in the American League last year, going 3-10 with an ERA over 6 with the Angels. He returns to the same division of his past struggles. Sorry Seattle, I don’t think you’ll be getting the same pitcher that did so well in October. We all know Weaver is a talented arm. That was never in question. It’s his consistency that is non-existent.
“I really like this signing,” Seattle manager Mike Hargrove said. “Jeff not only gives us another quality starter that we can count on, he helps us by creating depth in our pitching staff, both in the rotation and in the bullpen.
The keyword there is bullpen because I think Weaver will be there by June. Weaver’s great October creates nothing but unrealistic expectations for Seattle. Will Weaver be asked to be a #2 starter behind phenom Felix Hernandez or will the Mariners be cautious? For over $8 million, I just think it’s a risk. But that’s the pitcher’s market for you. Weaver’s arm is still attached to his body so he’s going to make bank. Now try and stay sane during those countless Weaver-Weaver AL West duels.
