11/12/08 3:45 PM EST
Weathers: Time to 'turn page'
Free-agent reliever believes he won't return to Reds next season
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

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This past season was the final year of Weathers' two-year, $5 million contract. Because of family concerns, he took less than he may have received elsewhere to remain with the Reds, in part because his hometown of Loretto, Tenn., is only a five-hour drive from Cincinnati.
"The last time, I wanted to come back there really bad. I made a lot of sacrifices to come back," Weathers said. "I've already prepared my family. They know things will be different. They think it's kind of cool. "I know Walt has a team to run, so there are no hard feelings. You just hope when someone tells you something, they stick with their word. I know Walt has a history of being a good GM and a good person. Maybe the economics of the country has affected things. Who knows? It would blow me away if anything got done with the Reds." Jocketty confirmed that the downturn of the national economy has made it tougher to gauge the market. "I haven't gotten a handle on it yet, and I don't think anyone else has," Jocketty said. "We're not sure what the market will be for these guys." Weathers did not reveal what kind of contract he is seeking. Among veteran relievers, LaTroy Hawkins was the first to sign when he re-upped with the Astros on Friday for one year at $3.5 million, plus incentives. In the Major Leagues since 1991, Weathers has pitched with nine clubs, including two tours with the Reds, in 1998 and 2005-08. Lifetime, he is 68-82 with a 4.27 ERA. Should the Reds make another call, Weathers wasn't very optimistic he would listen to any offers. "If they want me, they'd have made an effort by now, which hasn't happened," he said. "I've been in the game long enough to know when to turn the page. It seems to be about that time."Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.











