So Long Dave Weathers, It Has Been Nice To Know You

On Sunday afternoon before the Reds beat the Giants, the Cincinnati braintrust was busy finalizing a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.

They sent setup man Dave Weathers to the Milwaukee Brewers for a case of Miller and a thug to be named later. I always hate it when there is a "player to be named later." What the hell, doesn't he have a name yet, or what? Eeny, meeny, miney mo? I guess the Miller Lite will have to do until a name is made up.

Weathers has had a decent career in MLB. In his 19th season he will be making the Brewers his 12th transition. It will mark his second go-around with the Brewers, as he just finished his second term with the Reds.

A journeyman pitcher, Weathers only started 69 games and spent the rest of the time in the bullpen. In 2007, he was the Reds' main closer. The past two seasons, he has been a setup man to Coco Cordero.

His career record is 72-85 with an ERA of 4.24 with saves. This season he is 3-3 with a 3.32 ERA with one save to his credit.

Weathers had more good outings than bad, it is just that when a reliever blows up, you tend to remember it longer and harder.

I remember recently against the Cardinals, he was pitching to Albert Pujols with the bases loaded. Pujols owns Weathers unconditionally so it makes one wonder why Dave didn't walk in a run as opposed to giving up the grand salami. But he did it, and I can't forget it.

There is no doubt in my mind that Dave will be an asset to the Brewers in their pennant chase. A change will no doubt do him good. I can't say that I am sorry to see him go.

Our pen will still be well represented by Arthur Rhodes and Nick Masset, fluffing for Coco Cordero. Not to mention Danny Herera as a long or middle man.

At least as he rides off into the sunset for the 12th time, he is going to a team who is still in the hunt. He will be missed by all of his teammates and his family has grown to love it in the Queen City.

(c) 2009 Clifton Eastham

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