Weaver makes his pitch to Padres' officials in win

By: DAVID HAMMEL - Staff Writer | Friday, March 12, 2004 10:41 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Their windups are identical. So are their mannerisms on the pitcher's mound, the tall, lanky physique and that thick, blond hair that approaches shoulder length. Yet, Jered Weaver has no idea how he came to mirror so many traits of his older brother, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jeff Weaver.

The younger Weaver is less the spitting image of his older brother on the pitcher's mound, than he is a veritable Jeff Weaver clone. Six years Jeff's junior, Jered is also mimicking his brother's collegiate success and professional draft prospects as a junior at Long Beach State.

Major league baseball's annual draft is in three months, and Jered Weaver is among the players the Padres may select with the No. 1 overall pick.

Fitting then that Weaver was as dominant as a major leaguer facing college kids in his potential employer's new home Friday afternoon. With Padres general manager Kevin Towers and scouting director Bill Gayton among the Petco Park audience, the 6-foot-7, 205-pound right-hander struck out 14 in eight innings of one-hit ball as Long Beach State defeated UCLA 3-0 in the Aztec Invitational.

Weaver readily admits to the similarities with his brother. The physical appearance is easily explainable. But what about the rocking, hip-swiveling windup? Even the way he grits his teeth as he releases a pitch mirrors his brother.

But none of it is intentional, Jered Weaver says.

"He's always definitely my role model, along with my father. We grew up pitching the same way. It wasn't like I tried to do what he did," the Long Beach State pitcher said.

"I don't know (why the windups are so similar). It's just the way that's most comfortable.

"That's the way I've always thrown. I guess it's the way we tall, lanky guys feel comfortable."

It's also the way Weaver has dominated opponents the past two years. An All-American in 2003, Weaver improved his record to 6-0 and his ERA to 0.82 with Friday's performance.

As a member of Team USA last summer, he recorded 45 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings to help the Americans win the Silver Medal in the Pan-Am Games.

Weaver's fastball averages 90-92 mph and can reach about 95 on occasion. That's above average for a major-league pitcher but not overpowering. Weaver's 69 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings this spring have more to do with his pinpoint control and ability to mix his fastball with his slider, change-up and occasional curveball.

The walk he issued in the third inning Friday was just his fifth of the season.

"His adjustment getting to the big leagues is going to be the fact of pitching on every fifth day. He pitches every seven days (in college)," Long Beach State pitching coach Troy Buckley said. "He can really pitch with his fastball and really command his fastball. That's the best pitch in baseball, and he's efficient with his pitches to be a starter.

"Can he be a superstar in the big leagues? I don't know. His stuff is probably average across the board, but it's very, very (useable) stuff. He can pitch.

"He can throw his change-up and handle left-handed hitters, and his slider will get better. But he really plays off his fastball. There's no question he's a consideration (for the No. 1 pick)."

Weaver is also durable. He averaged 18 starts in his first two college seasons.

And his mental composure, Buckley said, is excellent.

But is he right for the Padres at No. 1? Baseball America in February listed him as the third overall pick. And Gayton said the Padres are far from deciding who they'll take with the top pick. Many of the players they intend to scout have yet to begin their season.

Friday was the second time he observed Weaver, and Gayton left impressed.

"He's a pitcher. He changes speeds, mixes it up," Gayton said. "He's fun to watch. He has the mound presence that you look for, along with confidence and the ability to get people out."

Ballpark tour: Dodger Stadium

A look at baseball's other stadiums, from oldest to newest, as we count down to Petco Park's April 8 opener. The fourth of 29:

DODGER STADIUM

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Opened: 1962

Cost: $23 million

Capacity: 56,000

Dimensions: LF 330 feet, LC 385, CF 395, RC 385, RF 330

Fast facts: Chavez Ravine has been far more than a hole in the ground for the Dodgers. Privately financed ---- Los Angeles provided the land to lure the team from Brooklyn ---- Dodger Stadium and its many streams of revenue belongs to the Dodgers. There are plenty of conspiracy theorists who believe new Dodgers owner Frank McCourt bought the team with the prime real estate in mind. The San Gabriel Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop when the L.A. smog cooperates. The Angels shared the stadium from 1962-65. Pitchers, noting expansive foul ground and distant outfield fences, love the place. The mound is said to be higher than regulation, though umpires haven't concurred. Padres great Tony Gwynn used to complain about the high grass, likening the infield to a pasture.

Did you know?: Dodger Stadium was an Olympic venue in 1984, hosting the baseball competition.

Sources: Los Angeles Dodgers media guide, ballparks.com