faba Posted June 7, 2005 Share Posted June 7, 2005 June 7, 2005, 11:38 AM ET Graves released by Reds after poor outing, gestureESPN.com news services The New York Mets have signed free-agent reliever Danny Graves, who was released by the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday after clearing waivers, ESPN's Peter Gammons reported Tuesday. Danny Graves Relief Pitcher Cincinnati Reds Profile 2005 SEASON STATISTICS GM W L Sv K ERA 20 1 1 10 8 7.36 Graves, once one of the Reds' most popular players, was jeered after yet another poor performance on May 22 and responded with an obscene hand gesture. General manager Dan O'Brien found limited interest in a trade for the 31-year-old right-hander, due in part to a contract that guarantees Graves $6.25 million in the final season of his three-year, $17.25 million deal. The contract includes escalators that would increase the salary if he were traded. Graves had struggled since joining the team's starting rotation two years ago. His fastball has slowed substantially and his control has eluded him. Back in the bullpen, he was 1-1 with 10 saves and a 7.76 ERA as the Reds closer this season. Graves angered fans by criticizing them for booing after the bullpen blew a six-run lead in the ninth inning on May 2, helping St. Louis rally for a 10-9 win. Graves was booed loudly at Great American Ballpark every time he came in to pitch after that. On May 22, he gave up five ninth-inning runs in a 9-2 loss to Cleveland and heard catcalls as he left the field. He was in the dugout several minutes later when a fan in seats nearby taunted him. Graves yelled back and made an obscene gesture. The Reds designated him for assignment the next day, saying the move had more to do with his pitching than his hand gesture. This will have to be Peterson's next project to straighten out Graves- last year and a half he has lost it. No risk for the Mets to try to turn him around Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackLabelJetsFan Posted June 7, 2005 Share Posted June 7, 2005 I guess for only a few hundred thousand its worth a flier, but the guy's velocity has been way down and his ERA way up. I guess he figured he get more late inning work with the Mets than in Florida (with Todd Jones and Mota already there). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LionelRichie Posted June 7, 2005 Share Posted June 7, 2005 i heard that he was hurt and kept trying to pitch through it. if the mets are smart they get his arm in shape before throwing him on the mound. if he can recover and get some velocity back he may be big pickup for the mets come september. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Mac Posted June 8, 2005 Share Posted June 8, 2005 I guess he's a Peterson project, but he won't fare well in NY if he can't take the booing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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