David Weathers vs. Otsuka

[molitor fan]

Interested to see what would be the preferred option of the two. Given that the Reds are expected to trade Weathers in the next few weeks, would you prefer Otsuka or Weathers. I do not think Weathers would command as much talent in return.

[Never Outhustled]

I like Weathers, but I'd definately prefer Otsuka, assuming he proves to be healthy.

 

Otsuka has real impresssive numbers, but there even more impressive when you curve them for park effects and playing in the AL. An argument could be made that Otsuka is better than Cordero.

 

To me, I'd rather give up more for a top guy, because the Brewers have terrific depth.It would be a waste to leave guys like Balfour, Parra, and Thatcher in AAA all season.

[Big Reed]

I've bee n pulling for the brewers to acquire Weathers all year. but given a choice, I'd take a healthy Otsuka over Weathers.

 

My reasoning is two-fold.

 

First. Otsuka is from the AL. A lot of NL batters haven't faced him this year and will have trouble hitting against him the first time they see him which will lead to his success this year.

 

Second. the Reds don't need any outfielders or outfielder prospects. The reds have several nice outfield prospects in their minor league system and would have no real interest in guys like mench, gross nix or gwynn. The reds would want pitching prospects like parra or inman or Jackson or Charlie. I think all 4 are probably worth more than Weathers. So , I think the brewers could acquire Otsuka without giving away one of their prized pitching prospects.

[aracko]

If Melvin is goign to make a play for either - I think he had better do it soon. The Braves have to be looking at another BP arm and especially one that can close cause Wickman just doesnt seem to have the goods right now. His pitches all seem to have life and I swear I saw the Braves gun say he hit 97 the other night vs the Pads(I dont believe it). Still, Opponents have a .357 OBP against Wickman. The Braves arent going to stand pat if an arm like Otsuka is available to them.

 

Someone needs to strike first. Id rather see Parra get a shot before we trade a future piece away, but I do not want Spurling on the Major league team right now.

[Oldcity]

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Otsuka has real impresssive numbers, but there even more impressive when you curve them for park effects and playing in the AL.

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I don't really think AL vs NL is an issue for late-inning relievers, since set-up guys aren't going to be facing pitchers anyway.

 

Still, I'd definitely prefer Otsuka (if healthy) to Weathers.

[sbrylski]

Otsuka hands down. Weathers has done fine this season, but over the last three seasons prior he has left a lot a runners on base, something that usually doesn't continue. He could fall apart at any time.

 

Otsuka's been great and shows no signs of slowing down.

[endaround]

But DH's vs PHs is not much different than DHs VS Pitchers. Okay it is, but in general PHs tend to be really bad.

[Never Outhustled]

Quote:

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I don't really think AL vs NL is an issue for late-inning relievers, since set-up guys aren't going to be facing pitchers anyway.

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Endaround explains this pretty well. If I was a pitcher, I'd rather face Graffanino or Gross than Ortiz, Hafner, or Thome. Also, the AL is clearly a superior league right now, and has been for a number of years. It makes sense, given the number of big spenders in that league.

[Oldcity]

Fair enough. It's probably not as big an issue as it is for starters, but I see your point about pinch hitters vs. designated hitters.

[bsglorydays]

With Otsuka's injury issues enough to probably scare Melvin away from him, the focus could turn toward Weathers. Weathers is not somebody that you can really look at as "next year's closer", but he could still be a quality RH set up guy down the stretch this year.

 

Complicating any potential deal for Weathers is the fact that he is still signed thru 2008. On the flip side, he should come cheaper than Otsuka.

[JJHardy7]

I'd take Weathers realistically due to what I've read online the Rangers (for Otsuka) are asking a ton for him since they pretty much gave up two all-stars to get him...