WOW!!! You sign a new 5 year, 85 million dollar contract extension and it’s called a ‘hometown discount’? Well that’s the story surrounding Angels ace righthander Jered Weaver who likely could’ve made many more millions of bucks if he had waited to become a free agent after his current deal ran out after next season. But the So-Cal native decided for several great reasons (besides leaving mucho cash on the table), that Anaheim was the best place for him to work and thrive with his impending married life ahead of him and his immediate family and friends within driving range of seeing him pitch on a regular basis.

Interestingly enough, Weaver’s super agent Scott Boras was a super no-show at the 2pm newsconference in front the big helmet at Angels Stadium and he’s within driving range himself. So unless he’s out of the country scouting a new prospect at the South Pole one can only assume that he’s not totally thrilled about his 2-time all star client accepting less money then he might’ve expected. Which of course means less commission and maybe one less yacht on his Christmas list this year.

It was a nice turn-out of fans on hand to cheer their favorite Halo hurler and they loved the entire 30 minutes of proceedings except for when Angel’s general manager Tony Reagins was introduced. He recieved a similar kind of Bronx cheer that brother Jeff Weaver once heard when he pitched for the Yankees. Which may’ve been another reason why Jered decided that free agency possibly leading to the Bronx Zoo wasn’t best for him or his family. I asked ‘Weaves’ about that along with if any of the negativity surrounding Lebron James decision to leave Cleveland ever weighed much into his decision as well? Maybe not the best comparison, but it’s a whole new sports landscape out there then many of us grew up with and image is ‘almost’ everything now.

I’ve posted the Weaver portion of the newsconference for your listening pleasure along with my one on one’s afterward which includes Jered’s father Dave, manager Mike Scioscia, pitching coach Mike Butcher, teammate Torii Hunter (on Weaver and about being a higher-priced Angel at $90 mil./5yrs.), and ex-Halo lefty and their all-time franchise leader in wins Chuck Finley who was introduced along with Bobby Grich as part of the Angels’ fraternity in attendance.

Any way you look at it, becoming the richest pitcher in Angels history aint too bad for a kid that had a learning disability that may’ve hurt him in school but not on the mound where he fits most comfortably!…

Jered Weaver newser:

Jered Weaver with Ted Sobel:

Dave Weaver (Jered’s dad) with Ted Sobel:

Mike Scioscia with Ted Sobel:

Mike Butcher with Ted Sobel:

Chuck Finley with Ted Sobel:

Torii Hunter with Ted Sobel: