For 68 starts in 2004 and 2005, I sat through the Jeff Weaver years with the Dodgers.
And for those two seasons, I watched him win 27 games, strike out 310 batters and have an ERA in low four's.
I also watched endless starts where he would be terrific for five or six innings, only to give it up in the later innings. I also watched him get staked to huge leads, only to melt down and give them away. With a boatload of talent, he was always frustrating to watch because of these reasons.
Now, the man who caused me a lot of frustration and owes me hundreds of apologies, has returned to the mound for the Dodgers in a starting role.
This is what the Los Angeles pitching staff has come to.
I am writing this as Weaver just singled to left, and so far he's looked pretty good and he has a 3-1 lead. The one run he did give up actually shouldn't have happened. James Loney owes him a hug for not coming up with the back end of the third inning double play.
Fortunately for tonight, the late inning meltdown might not be forthcoming because Weaver will probably only go five innings, maybe six.
With Max Scherzer throwing darts and the Dodger offense disappearing after that excellent first inning, Weaver needs to keep things close.
I can't believe I am putting my faith into this man that has caused me so much distress and aggravation. But, everyone deserves a second chance and if Weaver can get people out, we'll take it.
The Dodgers will take anyone that can get outs, at this point.
It helps that after Weaver left we had to endure Sao, Hendricksen, and Brett Bomko, which made me realize that Weaver wasnt that bad. But I too remember good Weaver and BAD Weaver, just dont know which one will show up.