Webb signs with Rangers: A look at comparable contracts

Brandon Webb agreed to a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers on Sunday. The deal is worth a base value of three million dollars and has incentives that are rumored to reach eight to ten million dollars.

The 2006 NL Cy Young Award winner has not pitched since April 6, 2009. He was placed on the disabled list the next day with shoulder bursitis, eventually getting shoulder surgery in August of 2009 after an unsuccessful rehab. After a throwing session in March, Webb told the Arizona Republic, "I was letting it go almost all the way. I felt like I had more left in the tank, even. It was good, really good.” Webb did not pitch after that positive report, so we will have to wait to see how “good” he feels during Spring Training.

Last off-season, two pitchers with similar injury histories signed major league deals. Ben Sheets signed a one-year, ten million dollar deal with the Oakland Athletics. He went 4-9 with a 4.53 ERA before tearing a tendon in his elbow on July 19. Sheets suffered the same injury at the end of the 2008 season. Sheets is not sure if the second surgery will end his career, but he told the San Francisco Chronicle that he will wait for “My arm will tell me.”

Rich Harden signed a one year, 6.5 million dollar deal with the Texas Rangers. He suffered a muscle strain on June 11 and did not return to the mound until July 31. Harden finished the season with a 5-5 record and a 5.58 ERA. The Rangers released Harden after leaving him off of their post-season roster. The Athletics signed him to a one year deal last week. Because of durability issues, it is believed he will be a reliever this upcoming season. 

If Webb pitches like he did from 2005-08, when he went 70-37 with a 3.23 ERA in 134 starts and 927 innings, he will be a bargain. If he performs poorly or does not pitch at all, the three million in guaranteed money will be easier for the Rangers to lose in comparison to the money they gave Harden last season or the money the Athletics gave to Sheets. Giving contracts to players coming off injuries is risky, but the Rangers made the right decision in giving Webb a low-base contract with incentives that will help his salary is he helps the team.

A Blog Reflection

I am enjoying writing this blog, but it is difficult to write with a word limit. My last blog was 100 words over the limit, and this one is a bit over the limit, too. Word and space limits are a necessity in print journalism, but I see them as more of a guideline with a blog. I am happy with my blog so far and I hope I feel the same way at the end of the class.

Baseball is a topic I can talk and write about year-round, so it will definitely keep me busy over the next few weeks. Player movement during the off-season is almost as exciting as the regular season to me, so I just want to learn where the remaining free agents sign.

Saber metrics are a controversial subject I would like to cover. Some fans swear by statistics like Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), while others completely ignore them. It would be interesting to take a look at pros and cons of using advanced metrics to judge players.

Zack Greinke goes to the Brew Crew

The Kansas City Royals traded Zack Greinke and Yuniesky Betancourt to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. The Royals received Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Jeremy Jeffress and Jake Odorizzi from the Brewers.

Greinke, the 2009 Cy Young Award winner, officially requested a trade on Friday after an off-season of trade rumors linked him to teams like the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. His no-trade clause could block trades to fifteen teams, including the Brewers, but he allowed the trade that will give him a chance with a new team and a new city. Greinke, 27, dealt with social anxiety disorder and depression in 2006, but recovered and has become one of the game’s top young pitchers.

Betancourt, 28, is considered a poor offensive and defensive player and was likely a salary dump to make room for Escobar. The Royals also sent the Brewers two million dollars in cash considerations, conceivably to cover the buyout of Betancourt’s 2012 contract.

Cain and Escobar, both 24, both have star potential. After a mediocre rookie season, Escobar is expected to improve on his poor offensive performance to add to his impressive defensive ability. Cain will have to show consistency going into his rookie season. He has speed, can play solid defense and might be able to develop power.

Jeffress and Odorizzi are both former first-round picks. Jeffress, 23, has dealt with substance abuse problems and 150 games worth of suspensions, but his fastball can touch 100 miles per hour. Odorizzi is only 20 years old and was considered the top high school pitcher when he was drafted in 2008.

An Introduction

The purpose of this blog is to cover baseball. The season does not start until April, but the Hot Stove, or off-season, will influence future games. There are thirty teams signing and trading hundreds of players, so somebody has to pay attention to all of it. My favorite team is the Boston Red Sox, but I will keep bias out of this blog. I hope to continue this blog through not just the off-season but also the regular season.

My journalism experience is limited. I did cover the Greeley City Council during the 2009 fall semester, and I covered the UNC Club Volleyball team this past spring.

I do have experience with blogging. When I was younger, I had a Xanga account. More recently I kept a blog while covering the Greeley City Council. I am very confident about blogging. I enjoy the more personal tone because it feels like I am talking to each reader individually.