Luke Weaver, RHP, Cardinals. DOB: 8/21/1993. 6'2", 160 lbs. Drafted 2014 Round 1 out of Florida State.
2016 AA: 6-3, 1.40, 77.0 IP, 1.17 BB/9, 10.29 K/9.
2016 AAA: 1-0, 0.00, 6 IP, 3.00 BB/9, 6.00 K/9.
2016 MLB: 1-4, 5.70, 36.1 IP, 2.97 BB/9, 11.15 K/9.
Luke Weaver was a polished college pitcher for Florida St who has moved quickly through the Cardinals farm system while posting strong K rates and minuscule walk rates. His big problem after a big league callup in August of 2016 was the giving up the longball which had not been a particular problem in the minor leagues. He is definitely a flyball/strikeout pitcher whose 91-94 MPH FB is most effective up in the zone. He pairs that up with what looks like a split change that has both sink and tail which he uses as his put away pitch to both R and L handed batters. I think the HR/FB rate will drop once he learns better sequencing to MLB batters. He does also need to improve his breaking ball and use it more against RH batters.
He was likely ticketed for AAA until Alex Reyes went under the TJ knife. He will now likely compete for a rotation spot with the Cardinals. For fantasy purposes, although I believe he will lower his HR rate and thus his ERA, I would stay away in most leagues until he proves he can better keep the ball in the yard.
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I know Weaver had some long-ball issues. But his FIP was 3.79. Unfortunately for him, the St. Louis defense did him no favors. And while they signed Fowler, their infield is still a train-wreck when it comes to defense. Only 2B has someone who is above average with the glove.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's so NOT St Louis! But true.
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