Big Moves

The Detroit Tigers made the first move signing Jordan Zimmerman to a 5 year deal, worth 110 million dollars. I don't know if anyone noticed what the starting rotation looked like before they signed Zimmerman, but it was awful. Zimmerman adds much needed starting pitching to a poor looking rotation, and with star potential. I think the deal was a solid for both sides. Zimmerman has been one of the most durable starting pitchers, and you know what your going to get every time he is on the mound. The Tigers had injuries to Justin Verlander, and Anibal Sanchez last year, which was part of  the reason they didn't make the playoffs. Zimmerman wasn't the best pitcher in the free agency, but he was the best fit for the price. I think the Tigers will need to acquire another starting pitcher, if they want to be in the playoff hunt next season.

David Price made the big splash in the free agency being the highest paid base player ever, well before Zach Greinke's contract. David Price signed a 7 year, 217 million dollar contract for the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox were in need for not only a starting pitcher, but an ace starting pitcher. The Boston Red Sox finished dead last in the AL East last season, and part of the blame goes to the starting pitching. The Red Sox had plenty of injuries last season, but that doesn't excuse the poor pitching rotation the Red Sox organization put together last offseason. After that being said, the signing of David Price, and trade for Craig Kimbrel have put the Red Sox back in contention. The AL East doesn't have the best starting pitching, and now the Boston Red Sox have the best pitcher in the division. The Red Sox more than likely are not done, and could see a move being made during the winter meetings.

The Minnesota Twins make the first International signing of the offseason by signing Korean first basemen Byung Ho Park. The Twin signed Park to a four year deal, worth 12 million dollars. It is always a risk to take a Korean player, but the price was worth the risk, for the Twins. Jung Ho Kang worked out nicely for the Pittsburg Pirates last season, and Byung Ho Park looks to be better than him. Park blasted 53 home runs, and had a .343 average last season in a Korean baseball league. The power potential is definitely there, now the Twins hope that he can transition to the MLB and get into the starting lineup as soon as possible. This does bring up a problem for the Twins. Miguel Sano hit as the DH last season, and Joe Mauer was at first base. This means that they will have to move Miguel Sano some where to make room for Park at DH, or at first base. The Twins are close, and if they can get a starting pitcher they could be a playoff threat next season.

Zach Greinke broke David Prices record for highest paid baseball player ever just hours after Price signed. Greinke signs a 6 year contract, worth 206.5 millions dollars, with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks offered Johnny Cueto a 120 million dollar deal last week, but was turned down. I guess the Diamondbacks didn't want to mess around anymore and offer Greinke a deal he couldn't refuse. The problem I have is they are paying a lot for a guy who is 32 years old. Greinke has been a machine since 2008, and is coming off a career year last season. The need was there for the Diamondbacks, and they defiantly paid the price for him. The Diamondbacks have the offense, and has started to fix their starting rotation. The Diamondbacks still has a poor bullpen, and will need to fix that before they get into playoff contention.

The last big free agent signing last week was Jeff Samardzija. The San Francisco Giants signed Jeff Samardzija to a 6 year deal, worth 90 million dollars. I really like this signing for the Giants, who needed to add a solid starting pitcher to the starting rotation. Madison Bumgarner was the lone wolf in the starting rotation last season, until the Giants traded for Mike Leake, who is now a free agent. Samardzija has shown that he has number one stuff, but hasn't been able to control it, which has lead to a high ERA. If the right pitching coach can get him back on track Samardzija could be a stud again. Don't think the Giant are done here, I still think they are looking to sign Justin Upton.