That's probably what Josh Johnson and his agent woke up thinking today. Luckily for both them and the Marlins, that rang true as Johnson will remain a fish for the next four years. Johnson was stellar last season posting a 15-5; 3.23ERA season where he pitched more innings than gave up hits(also and All-Star)! The total contract is worth $39M which is a steal for a young guy like him. If this rate continues, he's due for $100M+ payday in 2014.
The Diamondbacks have signed 1B Adam LaRoche (.277, 25 HRs, 83 RBIs) to a 1yr/$7.5M(plus option) contract. This move makes Eric Byrnes an overpaid liability and he was designated for assignment today. LaRoche, 34, bounced around the MLB last season with the Pirates, Red Sox, and Braves, but spent a good portion of time injured with a hammy problem. This is quite a gamble for the D-Backs, who are only saving about $3M.
The Red Sox have agreed to sign reliever Brian Shouse. This was rumor yesterday that no one could seem to find info on. Shouse went 1-1 with a 4.50ERA in 45 games last season. I'm glad the Sox picked up him to shore-up the bullpen and also take from the Rays. I'm concerned that his oblique strain limited him at age 40. Shouse will be around for his second tour of duty with the Sox (1998 - (0-1, 5.62ERA) along with Tim Wakefield, who were teammates back in Pittsburgh. The Sox have also signed six players( most notably Jorge Sosa -Nationals and Gil Velazquez (AAA Pawtucket last season with short stint in Boston). All are invited to spring training for a shot at a roster spot.
The Tigers have agreed on a two year/$14M with a $9M option contract with closer Jose Valverde. Valverde (4-2; 2.84ERA; 25 saves) was with the Astros last season. Bet Joel Zumaya isn't going to be happy with his new teammate.
OF Matt Kemp will officially be a Dodger for the next two years. It only cost the cost-cutting Dodgers $11M. Kemp (.297, 26 HRs, 101 RBIs, and 34 SBs) has been a force in the line-up alongside, Man-Ram, Ethier, etc. The only concern is after those two years are up has Frank McCourt solved his monetary issues because Kemp(as well as Ethier) won't come cheap? This move will only matter if he signs a new deal in 2012. The Dodgers avoided arbitration ($3.85M) with Chad Billingsley today.
Rumors and Notes:
The M's are making "small progress" with a Felix Hernandez extension....Jeff Z doesn't sleep...he signs.
The Giants may be interested in reliever Kiko Calero.
The Dodgers, Rangers, Angels, Cardinals will be watching Ben Sheets session today in an attempt to re-start his injury -plagued career. Buyer-beware.
The Braves are not interested in OF Johnny Damon and the Tigers have not expressed interest in him either. Detroit should play this up to drive down his cost.
Arbitrarion avoiders: Red Sox RP Hideki Okajima, Padres RP Heath Bell, D-Backs C Miggy Montero and OF Conor Jackson, and Rangers Brandon McCarthy.
The Mets have contacted Jerry Hairston Jr. No word on how it went.
The Yankees and OF Rocco Baldelli have "mutual interest" , says Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com. Only NY, Toronto, and Baltimore to get the rest of the AL East, buddy.
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