Jeff Weaver
Encyclopedia
Jeffrey Charles Weaver (born August 22, 1976 in Northridge
, California
) is a right-handed Major League Baseball
pitcher
who is currently a free agent. He has pitched in the majors for the Detroit Tigers
, New York Yankees
, Los Angeles Dodgers
, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
, St. Louis Cardinals
, and Seattle Mariners
. He is the older brother of pitcher Jered Weaver
.
in Simi Valley, California
, was drafted by Detroit in the first round of the amateur draft and made his Major League debut a year later. He was their Opening Day starter in and . In the 2002 season, he was traded to the New York Yankees in a three team deal that also involved the Oakland Athletics
and Yankees prospects John-Ford Griffin
, Jason Arnold, and Ted Lilly
.
, he allowed a 12th inning walk-off home run
to Álex González.
In August 2003, eBay
member "freerangeveal" attempted to sell Weaver on eBay. The auction appeared the day after Weaver gave up 11 runs against the Kansas City Royals
. The auction lasted for one day, and the bidding reached the eBay limit and record of $99,999,999.00 before it was removed as against eBay policy.
In , he went 14-11, with a 4.22 ERA
, a 1.17 WHIP
, 3 complete games and a career-high 157 strikeout
s in 224 innings
. Following the 2005 season, Weaver filed for free agency. The Dodgers offered him salary arbitration, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.
, was recalled from the minor leagues and replaced Jeff in the starting rotation.
Terry Evans
and cash considerations. He debuted with the team as a pinch hitter
in a 14-inning game between the Cardinals and Dodgers on July 13, 2006, at Busch Stadium
.
Jered and Jeff both appeared in a July 2006 issue of Sports Illustrated
that chronicled how Jeff Weaver's trade impacted Jeff and Jered both baseball-wise and in life away from the game. The younger Weaver was disappointed that his brother left without being around to see him make history by winning his first 9 career decisions.
After yielding six runs in four innings in his first start, Weaver played a key role in the Cardinals World Series win. He won important games for the Cardinals in the final weeks of the season, helping them win the National League Central Division, and he started and won Game 2 of the 2006 National League Division Series
. Weaver started and was the losing pitcher for Game 1 of the National League Championship Series
against the New York Mets
on October 12, 2006. He pitched five scoreless innings before giving up a two-run home run
to Mets center fielder
Carlos Beltran
in the sixth inning; as the Cards lost 2-0.
In Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on October 17, 2006, Weaver pitched 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits
, winning his second game of the 2006 postseason.
After losing Game 2 of the 2006 World Series
to the Detroit Tigers
, Weaver came back on October 27, 2006, in Game 5 to pitch 8 innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 earned run. He was credited with the win as the Cardinals clinched the series 4-1.
signed Weaver as a free agent to a one-year deal worth $8–9 million. Weaver had a 14.32 ERA with only 22 innings pitched after six starts and was placed on the 15-day disabled list
with “right shoulder tendinitis”. It was speculated that this was a strategic move by the team to allow Weaver to take some time off and make a series of “Rehab” starts with a minor league affiliate. The hope was that he would be able to work out his problems without adversely impacting the Major League ball club; it seemed to work as Weaver pitched more effectively after his return. On June 20 versus the Pittsburgh Pirates
, Weaver posted a 4-hit, complete game, 7–0 shutout, which was his first win with Seattle. Although he pitched well in July and August, he finished with a 7–13 record and 6.20 ERA and became a free agent after the season.
. However, after pitching in just nine minor league games, Weaver requested and was granted a release from his contract. On July 5, Weaver signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians
, but did not appear in the majors with them, spending the rest of the season in AAA with the Buffalo Bisons.
in February 2009 and was assigned to the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes
. After a few appearances with the Isotopes, Weaver was recalled to the Dodgers on April 30 and he pitched four scoreless innings of relief against the San Diego Padres
, his first appearance in a Major League game since 2007. He made his first start of 2009 vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks
on May 5 and allowed one run and struck out six in five innings.
On June 20, 2009, Jeff Weaver started for the Dodgers against the Los Angeles Angels
. The opposing starter was his younger brother Jered Weaver
. This was the first pitching matchup between brothers since 2002 when Andy
and Alan Benes
matched up and only the 15th such game since 1967. The Dodgers won 6-4, with Jeff getting the win and Jered taking the loss.
On October 7, 2009, Weaver was the winning pitcher in Game One of the 2009 National League Division Series
between the Dodgers and his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals
. It was the fourth post-season victory of his career. Weaver returned to the Dodgers for the 2010 season on another minor league contract. He once more made the opening day roster as a reliever.
On May 7, 2010, Weaver picked up his 100th career victory in a relief outing against the Colorado Rockies
. He appeared in 43 games with the Dodgers in 2010, all in relief, and finished 5-1 with a 6.09 ERA.
Northridge, Los Angeles, California
Northridge is a community located in the San Fernando Valley region of the City of Los Angeles, California, United States.The 1994 Northridge earthquake is named for the place based on early estimates of the location of the quake's epicenter; however, further refinements showed it to be technically...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
) is a right-handed Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
who is currently a free agent. He has pitched in the majors for the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
, St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
, and Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
. He is the older brother of pitcher Jered Weaver
Jered Weaver
Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...
.
Detroit Tigers
Weaver, a graduate of Simi Valley High SchoolSimi Valley High School
Simi Valley High School is a secondary school located in Simi Valley, California, nestling in the shadow of the Santa Susana Mountains, adjacent to the San Fernando Valley. It was established in 1920 as the valley's first high school. Simi Valley High School has undergone several configurations...
in Simi Valley, California
Simi Valley, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Simi Valley had a population of 124,237. The population density was 2,940.8 people per square mile...
, was drafted by Detroit in the first round of the amateur draft and made his Major League debut a year later. He was their Opening Day starter in and . In the 2002 season, he was traded to the New York Yankees in a three team deal that also involved the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
and Yankees prospects John-Ford Griffin
John-Ford Griffin
John-Ford David Griffin is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:An All-State athlete at Sarasota High School, was part of a state championship team in 1996 for the Sailors. Griffin played college baseball under head coach Mike Martin for the Florida State University Seminoles from...
, Jason Arnold, and Ted Lilly
Ted Lilly
Theodore Roosevelt "Ted" Lilly III , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He bats and throws left-handed...
.
New York Yankees
Weaver's time with the Yankees was very turbulent, bouncing in and out of the starting rotation. In Game 4 of the 2003 World Series2003 World Series
The 2003 World Series marked the 99th baseball World Series event. The Florida Marlins defeated the New York Yankees in six games, 4–2.-Background:...
, he allowed a 12th inning walk-off home run
Walk-off home run
In baseball, a walk-off home run is a home run that ends the game. It must be a home run that gives the home team the lead in the bottom of the final inning of the game—either the ninth inning, or any extra inning, or any other regularly scheduled final inning...
to Álex González.
In August 2003, eBay
EBay
eBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
member "freerangeveal" attempted to sell Weaver on eBay. The auction appeared the day after Weaver gave up 11 runs against the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
. The auction lasted for one day, and the bidding reached the eBay limit and record of $99,999,999.00 before it was removed as against eBay policy.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Following the 2003 season the Yankees traded Weaver to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Kevin Brown.In , he went 14-11, with a 4.22 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
, a 1.17 WHIP
Walks plus hits per inning pitched
In baseball statistics, walks plus hits per inning pitched is a sabermetric measurement of the number of baserunners a pitcher has allowed per inning pitched. It is a measure of a pitcher's ability to prevent batters from reaching base...
, 3 complete games and a career-high 157 strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s in 224 innings
Innings
An inning, or innings, is a fixed-length segment of a game in any of a variety of sports – most notably cricket and baseball during which one team attempts to score while the other team attempts to prevent the first from scoring. In cricket, the term innings is both singular and plural and is...
. Following the 2005 season, Weaver filed for free agency. The Dodgers offered him salary arbitration, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
On February 15, 2006, Weaver signed a 1-year deal with the Angels for $8.5 million. After posting a 3-10 record with a 6.29 ERA in Anaheim, he was designated for assignment on June 30. In a bit of an ironic coincidence, his younger brother, Jered WeaverJered Weaver
Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...
, was recalled from the minor leagues and replaced Jeff in the starting rotation.
St. Louis Cardinals
On July 5, 2006, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired Weaver from the Angels in exchange for minor leaguerMinor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
Terry Evans
Terry Evans
Michael Terry Evans is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball.Evans was traded from the St...
and cash considerations. He debuted with the team as a pinch hitter
Pinch hitter
In baseball, a pinch hitter is a substitute batter. Batters can be substituted at any time while the ball is dead ; the manager may use any player that has not yet entered the game as a substitute...
in a 14-inning game between the Cardinals and Dodgers on July 13, 2006, at Busch Stadium
Busch Stadium
Busch Stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, of MLB...
.
Jered and Jeff both appeared in a July 2006 issue of Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
that chronicled how Jeff Weaver's trade impacted Jeff and Jered both baseball-wise and in life away from the game. The younger Weaver was disappointed that his brother left without being around to see him make history by winning his first 9 career decisions.
After yielding six runs in four innings in his first start, Weaver played a key role in the Cardinals World Series win. He won important games for the Cardinals in the final weeks of the season, helping them win the National League Central Division, and he started and won Game 2 of the 2006 National League Division Series
National League Division Series
In Major League Baseball, the National League Division Series determine which two teams from the National League will advance to the National League Championship Series...
. Weaver started and was the losing pitcher for Game 1 of the National League Championship Series
National League Championship Series
In Major League Baseball, the National League Championship Series is a round in the postseason that determines who wins the National League pennant and advances to Major League Baseball's championship, the World Series, facing the winner of the American League Championship Series. The reigning...
against the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
on October 12, 2006. He pitched five scoreless innings before giving up a two-run home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
to Mets center fielder
Center fielder
A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field...
Carlos Beltran
Carlos Beltrán
Carlos Iván Beltrán is a Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:In his youth, Beltrán excelled in many sports, with volleyball and baseball being his favorites. At his father's urging, he gave up volleyball to concentrate on baseball when he was seventeen...
in the sixth inning; as the Cards lost 2-0.
In Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on October 17, 2006, Weaver pitched 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
, winning his second game of the 2006 postseason.
After losing Game 2 of the 2006 World Series
2006 World Series
The 2006 World Series, the 102nd edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, began on October 21 and ended on October 27, and matched the American League champion Detroit Tigers against the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals won the Series in five games, taking...
to the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, Weaver came back on October 27, 2006, in Game 5 to pitch 8 innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 earned run. He was credited with the win as the Cardinals clinched the series 4-1.
Seattle Mariners
On January 26, 2007, the Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
signed Weaver as a free agent to a one-year deal worth $8–9 million. Weaver had a 14.32 ERA with only 22 innings pitched after six starts and was placed on the 15-day disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
with “right shoulder tendinitis”. It was speculated that this was a strategic move by the team to allow Weaver to take some time off and make a series of “Rehab” starts with a minor league affiliate. The hope was that he would be able to work out his problems without adversely impacting the Major League ball club; it seemed to work as Weaver pitched more effectively after his return. On June 20 versus the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
, Weaver posted a 4-hit, complete game, 7–0 shutout, which was his first win with Seattle. Although he pitched well in July and August, he finished with a 7–13 record and 6.20 ERA and became a free agent after the season.
Back in the minors
On April 15, 2008, Weaver signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. However, after pitching in just nine minor league games, Weaver requested and was granted a release from his contract. On July 5, Weaver signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
, but did not appear in the majors with them, spending the rest of the season in AAA with the Buffalo Bisons.
Return to the Dodgers
He signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
in February 2009 and was assigned to the AAA Albuquerque Isotopes
Albuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
. After a few appearances with the Isotopes, Weaver was recalled to the Dodgers on April 30 and he pitched four scoreless innings of relief against the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
, his first appearance in a Major League game since 2007. He made his first start of 2009 vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
on May 5 and allowed one run and struck out six in five innings.
On June 20, 2009, Jeff Weaver started for the Dodgers against the Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. The opposing starter was his younger brother Jered Weaver
Jered Weaver
Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...
. This was the first pitching matchup between brothers since 2002 when Andy
Andy Benes
Andrew Charles Benes is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher. During a 14-year career from 1989-2002. Benes played for four different teams: the San Diego Padres, the Seattle Mariners, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks...
and Alan Benes
Alan Benes
Alan Paul Benes, , was a Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched for three teams over the course of eight seasons....
matched up and only the 15th such game since 1967. The Dodgers won 6-4, with Jeff getting the win and Jered taking the loss.
On October 7, 2009, Weaver was the winning pitcher in Game One of the 2009 National League Division Series
2009 National League Division Series
The National League Division Series consisted of two concurrent best-of-five game series that determined the participating teams in the 2009 National League Championship Series. Three divisional winners and a "wild card" team played in the two series. The NLDS began on Wednesday, October 7 and...
between the Dodgers and his former team, the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. It was the fourth post-season victory of his career. Weaver returned to the Dodgers for the 2010 season on another minor league contract. He once more made the opening day roster as a reliever.
On May 7, 2010, Weaver picked up his 100th career victory in a relief outing against the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
. He appeared in 43 games with the Dodgers in 2010, all in relief, and finished 5-1 with a 6.09 ERA.