Boston signs Japanese star Matsuzaka
The big signing of the day was hands down Boston Red Sox finally inking coveted Japanese League star Daisuke Mastuzaka to a 103-million 6-year deal. For a time it appeared as if the Red Sox would be unable to come to an agreement before tonights deadline. Matsuzaka is just the latest of Japanese stars to defect over to North America. This reminds me of the current fiasco involving the Russian Super League and the NHL. Ihope his Japanese team takes the Red Sox to court over this. It's completely unfair for the North American pro sports teams to essentially steal the top players of the international leagues. The teams should at least be required to give up a top draft pick or two.
Outfielder Jay Payton has signed with the Baltimore Orioles for the next 2 seasons. An excellant contact hitter with some gap power. He'll work the count in his favor, and he's an excellent runner who can be a force on the base paths. While a fine runner, Payton does need to work on his base-stealing technique. Struggles in clutch situations. Look for Payton in the #2 spot of the O's line-up.
Jose Mesa is heading back to the AL after spending the last 6 seasons in the NL. He'll be looking to solidify an already solid bullpen of WS Champs Detroit Tigers. Mesa still owns a fastball that clocks in the mid-90's and it has some movement on it. His splitter is also a deadly weapon, although many hitters have learned to stay off of it. Not very mobile base-runners snatch bases with relative ease. He's prone to making it too close in the late innings.
Eric Gagne has a new home. He signed a one-year deal with performance incentives with the Texas Rangers. Predominately a power pitcher, Gagne has enough in his arsenal to successfully work out of jams, including a jolting change-up. He's ideally suited to be a closer because of his unshakesble poise under pressure. He needs to learn to get batters out when behind in the count and not pitch around them or give in. Base-runners salivate with him on the mound. If Gagne stays healthy, he could provide a big boost to the Ranger's 'pen.
Reliever David Weathers made Cincinatti his home for the next 2 seasons. His success comes from his ability to change speeds with his fastball. He throws a four-seamer and a two-seamer, both of which come with identical arm action. He is durable and can appear in back-to-back games. He is far too easy to run on. With is deluberate, almost lethargic delivery he gives a catcher no chance to throw. He should provide the Reds with a solid middle reliever.
The Minnesota Twins signed utility infielder Jeff Cirillo. Cirillo is a line drive hitter who is deadly with two strikes on him and cranks out doubles without breaking a sweat. With runners in scoring position, he's phenomenol. He's always a bunt threat and doesn't do a thing wrong at the hot corner. He doesn't have the home-run power you'd like to see from a third baseman. Also, he's taken a step back in the patience department. Look for Cirillo to come off the bench and get the occasional start in the infield when starters need a rest.
Starter Greg Maddux signed one-year deal with the San Diego Padres. Maddux's mastery of the plate is unparalleled. While not relying so much on his fastball anymore, the right-hander mixes speeds with the best of them. He possesses outstanding knowledge of hitters and the art of pitching. Very capable at the plate and peerless as a fifth infielder. Maddux's only real weakness appears to be his control of base runners on the base paths. He occasionally has command trouble against left-handed hitters, and his endurance has waned late in his career. Look for him to take David Well's spot in the rotation.
Outfielder Jay Payton has signed with the Baltimore Orioles for the next 2 seasons. An excellant contact hitter with some gap power. He'll work the count in his favor, and he's an excellent runner who can be a force on the base paths. While a fine runner, Payton does need to work on his base-stealing technique. Struggles in clutch situations. Look for Payton in the #2 spot of the O's line-up.
Jose Mesa is heading back to the AL after spending the last 6 seasons in the NL. He'll be looking to solidify an already solid bullpen of WS Champs Detroit Tigers. Mesa still owns a fastball that clocks in the mid-90's and it has some movement on it. His splitter is also a deadly weapon, although many hitters have learned to stay off of it. Not very mobile base-runners snatch bases with relative ease. He's prone to making it too close in the late innings.
Eric Gagne has a new home. He signed a one-year deal with performance incentives with the Texas Rangers. Predominately a power pitcher, Gagne has enough in his arsenal to successfully work out of jams, including a jolting change-up. He's ideally suited to be a closer because of his unshakesble poise under pressure. He needs to learn to get batters out when behind in the count and not pitch around them or give in. Base-runners salivate with him on the mound. If Gagne stays healthy, he could provide a big boost to the Ranger's 'pen.
Reliever David Weathers made Cincinatti his home for the next 2 seasons. His success comes from his ability to change speeds with his fastball. He throws a four-seamer and a two-seamer, both of which come with identical arm action. He is durable and can appear in back-to-back games. He is far too easy to run on. With is deluberate, almost lethargic delivery he gives a catcher no chance to throw. He should provide the Reds with a solid middle reliever.
The Minnesota Twins signed utility infielder Jeff Cirillo. Cirillo is a line drive hitter who is deadly with two strikes on him and cranks out doubles without breaking a sweat. With runners in scoring position, he's phenomenol. He's always a bunt threat and doesn't do a thing wrong at the hot corner. He doesn't have the home-run power you'd like to see from a third baseman. Also, he's taken a step back in the patience department. Look for Cirillo to come off the bench and get the occasional start in the infield when starters need a rest.
Starter Greg Maddux signed one-year deal with the San Diego Padres. Maddux's mastery of the plate is unparalleled. While not relying so much on his fastball anymore, the right-hander mixes speeds with the best of them. He possesses outstanding knowledge of hitters and the art of pitching. Very capable at the plate and peerless as a fifth infielder. Maddux's only real weakness appears to be his control of base runners on the base paths. He occasionally has command trouble against left-handed hitters, and his endurance has waned late in his career. Look for him to take David Well's spot in the rotation.
posted by opinionator777 at 10:02 PM
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