The case for keeping Weathers

[Kc61]

I think the Reds should trade almost any player for top end young pitching, but assuming no such offer, should they trade Weathers?

He is 37, has had a terrific year, currently has saved 20 of 24 with a 3.10 ERA. His last two seasons were not quite as good, but were very solid with WHIPs of 1.29 in both 2005 and 2006. He has taken well to late innings work and undeniably is the Reds best reliever.

Many would say, cash him in for more youthful players while he has value, and it's hard to disagree with that.

On the other hand, take Todd Jones, who is 39 years old. In 2005 and 2006 he saved, respectively, 40 and 37 games and this year, while most of his numbers are down this year, he does have 27 saves so far. Some relievers can pitch well into their forties.

A lot depends on your view of the Reds time horizon. Can they be competitive in 2008? In 2009? Beyond that, hard to project Weathers as a helper, but in 2008 and 09 can still see him being productive.

But even if there is no expectation of winning soon, it's hard to imagine this team without Weathers or a suitable replacement. Is it worth keeping Weathers just to be a reasonable ballclub while rebuilding?

Personally, I enjoy watching him pitch. Weathers is just unafraid of good hitters, comes right after them, and is great in pressure spots with men on base. After a little rest, he seems better than ever this last week.

Wonder what folks think.

[Danny Serafini]

If a good enough offer comes along I'd move him, but I'm happy having him on the team. He's been their best reliever, and while I understand those who want to bring up a bunch of kids, and agree with that to a good degree, you do need some people who have been there before and know what to expect. He's a good addition to this staff, and barring an unexpectedly good trade offer I'd keep him.

[bucksfan2]

37, coming off a good year, pitching well, would be a very good 7th or 8th inning guy for a contending team, I trade him if I get talent in return. The reds are going nowhere with Weathers so why not get something in return from him.

[puca]

On the surface he has quite a bit of value for the Reds next year, so there is no motivation to give him away. However, considering his age, usage and the volatility of stuff-challenged relievers, I would absolutely be open to trading him. If someone stepped up to the table with even a 'Linebrick' type offer, I would snap it up.

[dfs]

On the surface he has quite a bit of value for the Reds next year, so there is no motivation to give him away.

That's the way I feel about a good bit of the reds roster. I honestly don't think there is anybody on this roster that I wouldn't trade for the right package.

OTOH there are some guys (Lohse/Hatteberg/Conine) that they would be foolish to not give away for anything they can get. As much as I like Hatteberg, he's not going to be on the next good reds team.

[Johnny Footstool]

This organization needs high-ceiling arms in the minors more than a 37 year old closer, no matter how reliable.

[registerthis]

Originally Posted by Johnny Footstool

This organization needs high-ceiling arms in the minors more than a 37 year old closer, no matter how reliable.

Do you think Weathers could bring that, though?

I don't.

I don't think the Reds should be moving players simply to move them. I'm all for trading Weathers if the deal is right, but not for some chump roster filler or AAA washout. You're better off keeping Weathers if that is the return.

[Johnny Footstool]

Originally Posted by registerthis

Do you think Weathers could bring that, though?

I don't.

I don't think the Reds should be moving players simply to move them. I'm all for trading Weathers if the deal is right, but not for some chump roster filler or AAA washout. You're better off keeping Weathers if that is the return.

Linebrink netted the Padres 3 pitching prospects.

I think Weathers could bring in something like a AA pitcher with a live arm and some warts. That's the kind of return I'd be seeking.

[GAC]

Originally Posted by Johnny Footstool

This organization needs high-ceiling arms in the minors more than a 37 year old closer, no matter how reliable.

Exactly. And we've been told that there have been scouts, as of late, at recent games observing Weathers. If the deal is there, then you gotta do it.

Set backs to Guardado have probably kept it from happening.

[paulrichjr]

I think Weathers is worth more in trade bait then anyone the Reds have including Dunn. Teams would love him for the final 2 months and then have him next year for real cheap considering the reliever market. His value to us is LESS than it is to almost any team in contention and many of us want to keep him... Just think what the Yanks might give for him.

[nate]

Originally Posted by paulrichjr

I think Weathers is worth more in trade bait then anyone the Reds have including Dunn. Teams would love him for the final 2 months and then have him next year for real cheap considering the reliever market. His value to us is LESS than it is to almost any team in contention and many of us want to keep him... Just think what the Yanks might give for him.

I agree. I think the most valuable chips the Reds have are:

Weathers
Lohse
Hatteberg
Conine

5 more days and we'll see how this plays out.

[HotCorner]

I believe the Reds value Weathers more because of his leadership in the clubhouse (and more importantly the bullpen) and his cheap contract. It's like having an extra pitching coach on the team. The only veteran relievers on this roster are Stormy, Stanton and Guadardo. It's rapidly becoming a very young bp and needs a good veteran presence.

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Kc61

On the other hand, take Todd Jones, who is 39 years old. In 2005 and 2006 he saved, respectively, 40 and 37 games and this year, while most of his numbers are down this year, he does have 27 saves so far. Some relievers can pitch well into their forties.

Never base your expectations for one player upon the performance of another. just because Todd Jones may have done that, that doesn't mean Weathers will. It's an illogical argument.

I'm of the belief that you sell high. Weathers is at his high point right now and ought to bring a solid return (Balentien?). Don't miss out on the opportunity to get value where you can.

[Caseyfan21]

If we can trade Weathers for something solid then I'm all for it. If we can get at least 1 solid prospect or two middle prospects then let's make a deal. However, if the return is 2 questionable A prospects who probably won't ever do much then let's keep him. There's no need to give David Weathers away when he is filling our greatest need (relief pitching).

[Johnny Footstool]

Originally Posted by Caseyfan21

If we can trade Weathers for something solid then I'm all for it. If we can get at least 1 solid prospect or two middle prospects then let's make a deal. However, if the return is 2 questionable A prospects who probably won't ever do much then let's keep him. There's no need to give David Weathers away when he is filling our greatest need (relief pitching).

He's filling the team's greatest current need, true, but to what end? What good is his performance doing the organization as a whole? Wouldn't the organization be better off by stockpiling high-ceiling arms in the minors?