MLB Quickhits, February 9, 2007
Justin Morneau signs deal, Jon Papelbon in rotation, hero passes
Feb 9, 2007 Philip James Liaboe
MLB QUICKHITS
February 9TH 2007
Morneau signs first big deal, Guardado back to the minors, World Series hero passes at 80, Reds lock up Harang and Arroyo, Papelbon may be in the rotation, and Pujols becomes a U.S. Citizen.
Morneau signs one year deal
Reigning AL MVP Justin Morneau and the Minnesota Twins came to a $4.5 million one year agreement earlier this week. Morneau, who was eligible for arbitration this year, led the Central Division champs in Homeruns (34) and RBI’s (130). He was the first Twin to win the American League MVP since Rod Carew in 1977. In a team full of young talent, including AL batting champ Joe Mauer, Morneau is just one of many the Twins were hoping to sign to a multi-year deal. However, as the Twins are a small market team singing young talent such as Morneau and Mauer will be difficult.
Guardado takes minor league deal
Former two-time All-Star Closer Eddie Guardado agreed to a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds. Guardado is still recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery and not expected to pitch until middle to late June. The Red’s acquired Guardado from Seattle during the 2006 season after he lost the Closer’s role. However, he pitched well for the Red’s until the injury. Under the deal, Guardado can earn a $1.4 million roster bonus and another $1.2 million if he finishes 30 games.
Burdette passes at 80
Former Braves pitching star and World Series hero Lou Burdette passed away Tuesday February 6th in his home at Winter Garden, Florida after a long battle with lung cancer. Burdette is regarded as a World Series hero for his outstanding show in the 1957 World Series. In the series, Burdette earned a win in game two of the series, and then threw a complete game shutout for a win in game five. But the climax came in game seven when Burdette came out on two days rest and threw another complete game shutout to clinch the series. Burdette is survived by his wife and three children.
Harang and Reds agree on $36.5 million deal
The Cincinnati Reds continued to solidify their pitching staff by agreeing to a four year deal with break out star Aaron Harang worth $36.5 million. Harang became one of the NL’s top starters last year by winning 16 games and leading the NL in strikeouts with 216, and complete games with six. The Reds acquired Harang from Oakland mid-season last year. Despite pitching in one of baseballs most homer friendly ball parks, Harang finished with a 16-11 record and 3.76 ERA in 35 starts.
Papelbon to start in the rotation
Boston’s rookie closer and Rookie of the Year runner up Jon Papelbon will begin the season in the Red Sox’s starting rotation. Papelbon spent his rookie season as the Red Sox’s closer saving 35 games in 41 tries. However, a shoulder injury forced him to cut his rookie season short in September. Doctors diagnosed Papelbon with a tired shoulder, and recommended he pitch in the rotation so he could have a regular pitching schedule. This leaves Boston without a closer for the time being. However, Manager Terry Francona says Papelbon may move back to the bullpen if he struggles as a starter and the Doctors approve.
Arroyo gets two year extension
The Reds continued their spending spree this week by signing Bronson Arroyo to a two-year extension and an option after 2010. With the Reds already signing Aaron Harang to a four year deal earlier this week, the Reds showed their change in priorities by singing their other top pitcher as well. Arroyo had two seasons left on his current contract, and the extension will earn him an additional $25 million.
Pujols becomes U.S. citizen
2005 National League MVP Albert Pujols became a U.S. citizen Wednesday, February 7th after scoring a perfect 100 on his citizenship test. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Pujols have lived in the U.S. since he was 16. In only six Major League seasons he has hit 250 homeruns, 758 RBI’s, and has a career batting average of .332.
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