Scouting Report

Sporting News, The, June 11, 2001

Jeff Weaver Tigers

Ht./Wt.: 6-5/210 B/T: R/R Age: 24

Grading out: (20-80 scale) Four-seam fastball: 55 Changeup: 52 Curve: 52 Slurve/slider: 50 Overall potential: 65 Record/ERA: 4-5/3.09

Mechanics: Weaver slings pitches across his body, which increases his chances for elbow injury. The high back leg kick is good. Curve delivery is different from fastball delivery; he opens up more quickly and drops front elbow more on the curve. This is especially noticeable from the stretch.

Strengths: Fastball has good lateral movement but little vertical movement. He sometimes is aggressive inside to righthanders with his fastball; should do this more. Uses high strike zone effectively. Deceptive, explodes into hitters' view.

Weaknesses: Dropping elbow to side as he delivers--to cut his fastball--does not work. The farther he drops down, the flatter his fastball will be. Success of the changeup is questionable. Lefthanders see sweep of his curveball easily.

Suggested improvements: Needs to cut fastball in on hands of lefties more. Needs to pitch outside less to righthanders, who like to take those pitches to the opposite field.

Intangibles: Slurve/slider has the same motion out of his hand as his curveball.... Movement on pitches holds no surprises for hitters because he does not get on top of ball.... Smart, athletically gifted fielder.... Non-compact motion wastes a lot of energy, which will catch up with him in hot weather.... He is aggressive and will pitch inside.... Successful as he throws outside to lefthanders, questionable inside.

Summation: Weaver still is learning how to pitch. He is a potentially effective 2 or 3 starter on championship-type club. He needs to stop throwing across his body and quit hyperextending, and he needs to stay on top of the ball. If he does not adjust his mechanics--which would bring better command and life on all his pitches, not to mention improved longevity and endurance--he will have elbow or rotator-cuff problems.

Scouting report is provided by a major league scout.

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