Free Agent Signings

J.A. Happ to the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have made it clear that they will not be signing David Price this offseason. J.A. Happ is the third pitcher they have signed, or traded for this offseason. The Blue Jays signed the veteran left hander to a three year deal, worth 36 million dollars. Happ pitched in Toronto for 3 years, but they let him go last season. Last season happened to be Happ's best year in the majors, since his rookie season in 2009. Happ finished last season with a 11-8 record, 3.61 ERA, 31 starts, 172 innings pitched, and 151 strike-outs. Happ is 33 years old, and has pitched in 9 major league seasons. Happ has been nothing better than a .500 pitcher in the starting rotation. He doesn't over power you, he doesn't strike you out, and he certainly doesn't fill the hole left by David Price. I don't know what the Blue Jays are doing signing all these mediocre pitchers, such as, Marco Estrada, Jesse Chavez, and J.A. Happ. They will be sticking to the same plan they have had for years, which is hit the ball far.

Alex Avila to the Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox have signed Alex Avila to a one year contract, worth 2.5 million dollars. Avila is 28 years old, and has played in 7 major league seasons. What started as a promising career for Avila has faded away over the past couple seasons. Avila's first full season being the starting catcher for the Detroit Tigers, in 2011, was great. He has an All-Star, a Silver Slugger, and even finished 12th in the MVP voting. Avila finished 2011 with 141 games played, 19 home runs, 82 RBI's, .295 average, and a .389 OBP. These numbers are all career highs for Avila. His numbers have gotten worse, and worse over the years. Last season Avila got hurt, and was only able to play in 67 games. The Chicago White Sox are taking a big risk on a guy that hasn't hit the same since 2011, and missed over half the season last year. The price tag of 2.5 million dollars, for one year, makes it worth the risk. The one thing Avila does bring is a solid defensive catcher behind the plate. He gives you the peace of mind that if Avila isn't hitting, at least he will be solid behind the plate.

Bud Norris to the Braves

The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran right hander Bud Norris to a one year deal, worth 2.5 million dollars. Norris is 30 years old, and has played in 7 major league seasons. Norris was a decent AL pitcher, back when he was starting for the Huston Astros. His biggest problem over the years has been the fact that he walks people, and gives up solid contact. He has been durable, but isn't much better than a 5 man in the starting rotation. Didn't get much work last season between the San Diego Padres, and the Baltimore Orioles. The Braves are taking a risk, but when they  sign Norris to a one year deal worth 2.5 million dollars, makes it worth the money. The Braves signing Norris tells me that they are in heavy discussions with other teams for Shelby Miller. Shelby had a great year last year, and will get getting paid when he is a free agent next off season.