Phil Hughes- Just got a three year 42 million dollar extension from the Twins. Hughes is coming off a career best season with a 16-10 record in 32 starts, 3.52 ERA, 209.2 innings pitched with 186 strikeouts. The problem with this contract extension is Hughes hasn't proved he has earned it, because he does good every other year. Hughes peaked in 2010 with the Yankees finishing with a 18-8 record, 4.19 ERA, and 176.1 innings pitched. The next year in 2011 Hughes only started 14 games. 2012 Hughes goes 16-13, with a 4.19 ERA in 32 starts. He pitched a great come back year for the Yankees. The next season in 2013 same story, Hughes doesn't have a great year. That brings us to his career best season last year for the Minnesota Twins. I just think you need to see some more proof before you start dishing out that kind of money to someone.
Jung-Ho-Kung- This Korean Shortstop just fascinates me with the numbers he has been putting up for the Nexen Heros in the Korean Baseball Organization. Granted, the Korean baseball league is known for the high offensive production, and the competition doesn't compare to the MLB. The Pirates won the bid for the 27 year old Korean Shortstop for five million dollars. He hit .356 with 40 home runs, and 117 RBI's in 117 games played. Even though you know the Korean league compares more to the Triple A System, those numbers are hard to ignore. He has a powerful leg kick, and swing. I hope he gets signed for the Pirates before the signing period is up and Kung will have to wait to be posted again. The potential is there, and he isn't asking for a lot of money. Kung's agent says they are looking for a 3 year deal, worth up to 5 million per year. I think that is worth the gamble.
A.J Pierzynski- The Braves land the 37 year old catcher in free agency this week. I believe it was a good pick up for the Braves after lose everything they did, and they got a lot younger. Pierzynski will bring a good leadership role for the whole team, and could help mentor Evan Gattis for the time being. Pierzynski isn't known for his defense, but for his bat. Last year he was used as a back up, but if you go back to 2013 he had a good year for Texas. He had a .272 Average, 17 Homeruns, and drove in 70 RBI's. Those number suggest he has some life in the tank, and basically got a years rest last year. I don't think you will see major numbers out of Pierzynski, but he can produce in the role he is given.
Jason Grilli- The Braves weren't done, and landed the 38 year old veteran for 2 years worth 8.25 million dollars. Grilli broke out in 2013 leading the Pirates bullpen called the Shark Tank when the Pirates made the playoffs. He had a 2.70 ERA, with 33 saves, 50 innings pitched, and 74 strikeouts. He unfortunately got hurt that season, and lost his starting role as closer. He has had a few injuries after that, and makes this a gamble. When Grilli is healthy he has one of the best sliders in the game. If he can stay healthy then the Braves will have found a good replacement for Jordan Walden.
Delmon Young- The Baltimore Orioles have resigned the 29 year old outfielder for one year. Young has been a bench player the last 2 years, but has produced in that role. He hit .302 with 7 home runs, and 30 RBI's off the bench for the Orioles last year. The Orioles lost Nelson Cruz, and Nick Markakis, which would indicate that young will have a bigger role this year for the Orioles. I think if he gets the chance to start again he will produce, but nothing like Nelson cruz, more like Markakis' numbers.
David Ross- The Cubs have landed the 37 year old back up catcher. Ross has been a career back up catcher, but brings something that keeps him on MLB lineups. He brings a good personality, and leadership that will be helpful in a young locker room. Ross is just there to back up Montero, and be the leader he was in the Boston locker room.
Sergio Romo- The Giants resigned the 31 year old veteran who has pitched all seven years of his career in San Francisco. In seven years Romo has been a lights out reliever/closer. He doesn't throw the ball very hard, but doesn't need to when he has good location, and one of the best sliders in the game. Romo has a career 2.51 ERA, 10.1 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, and 1.8 walks per 9 innings pitched. Those numbers are the numbers of a elite relief pitcher, and make sense why the Giants wanted to resign their man.
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