Jeff Weaver designated for assignment by Angels

The official announcement came after a day of speculation:

Angels designate pitcher Jeff Weaver for assignment; Club recalls pitcher Jered Weaver from Triple-A Salt Lake

Jeff Weaver, 29, was 3-10 with a 6.29 ERA (88.2 IP - 62 ER) in 16 games with the Angels this season. He allowed 114 hits (18 HR), walked 21 and struck out 62 in that span. Opponents batted .309 against Weaver in 2006. He signed a one-year contract with the Angels, Feb. 15, 2006.

Man, no way anybody could have anticipated that headline during the off-season, eh?

Of course, the other half of the speculation is that the starter-starved Dodgers might take a risk on him again, which if I understand the mechanics of DFA would require some sort of trade with the Angels in the next few days. I wouldn’t mind seeing him back in Dodger blue as our situation is pretty desperate, even though the prospect of seeing those homerun balls flying over the outfield walls again doesn’t much appeal.

DFA details

I think I have a bit more clarity on some of the details of being DFA. Basically within 10 days, another team would have to make a trade with the Angels to guarantee getting Jeff. After 10 days, he is free to sign with whomever he wants, and who want him. Which, depending on the salary details (there are other wrinkles there I haven’t read up on yet), might be worth waiting for. Why give up something when you don’t need to? On the other hand, if you’re desperate enough, it might be worth doing the trade if you don’t have to give up too much. We’ll have to see.