While everyone was recovering from the Stanton/Ohtani fallout, the Cardinals and Cubs signed a couple of relievers who were surprisingly expensive. The Cardinals signed RHP Luke Gregerson, the slider specialist who has seemingly been around forever, but is just 33 years old, to a 2 year/$11 M contract with an option for a 3'rd year at $5 M. Gregerson is coming off a 4+ ERA with at the Astros, but did put up a nice K/BB. Like many pitchers in 2017, he got hurt by the long ball. At this point, he has to be considered a fungible commodity and that apparently costs about $5 M per year in this economy.
The Cubs then signed RHP Brandon Morrow to a 2 year/$21 M contract with a 3'rd year option. Morrow was dominant for the Dodgers last year but only pitched 43 IP which is the most he's pitched since 2013. That is a whole lot of money to pay a reliever with an extensive injury history. The potential to. have a shutdown closer is there, but the injury history makes this contract frighteningly risky.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
With the prices for average relievers rising each year, this could be an area that the Giants could try to build a competitive advantage. Use higher draft picks on pitchers who they project could be bullpen guys and develop them earlier in the minors in those roles. Don't be afraid to convert some starter prospects right now to relievers and get them experience there instead of starting over the next few years. Sign guys like Morrow who have failed as starters at the major league level and develop them like Morrow was used last year.
ReplyDeleteThe Dodgers did a lot of things right last year and sometimes you need to swallow your pride and learn from their successes. They never overspent for a starter and instead signed 4-5 guys who all contributed throughout the year. They turned Morrow into a successful major leaguer.
Maybe a prospect like Beede would be an above average set up guy but a below average starter. Put him in a bullpen role this year and find out. 30 years ago it seemed like every prospect pitcher started in the bullpen for a year or two. Don't be afraid to committ to a plan that may sound crazy this year but could be the norm in 2-3 years.
(Dodgers) Never overspent for a starter?
DeleteBrandon McCarthy and $36 million for .2 WAR over 3 years might disagree.
Scott Kazmir and $30 million for .2 WAR over two years also has something to say.
Brett Anderson and his $15.8 million for 1 year and -.8 WAR also isn’t so sure.
Dodgers have done well, let’s give credit where it is due. But there’s plenty of dead money floating around invested in Dodger starters in order to provide that solid starting 5.