"Dave Dombrowski said he expects Joaquin Benoit will sign elsewhere as a closer. Said he doesn't think he's a fit for the Tigers."

https://twitter.com/Chris_Iott/status/408337293502451712

Looks like DD was spot on...

grandy said:

"Dave Dombrowski said he expects Joaquin Benoit will sign elsewhere as a closer. Said he doesn't think he's a fit for the Tigers."

https://twitter.com/Chris_Iott/status/408337293502451712

Looks like DD was spot on...

Click to expand...

Huh?

Rebbiv said:

Huh?

Click to expand...

DD didn't think Benoit was a good fit for the bullpen and DD expected him to sign elsewhere as a closer.

He won't be in that role in San Diego.

So if DD doesn't think he's a fit here and yet he signs elsewhere as a 8th inning guy - why is he not a good fit?

OK...right, you confused me with sarcasm.

Mitchrapp said:

So if DD doesn't think he's a fit here and yet he signs elsewhere as a 8th inning guy - why is he not a good fit?

Click to expand...

Regardless of what's said in public, all signs point to money.

Rondon is a much cheaper option in the setup role.

Once again, we'll experience another offseason where Rondon is expected to move into an important role. Hopefully it works out this time.

Rebbiv said:

OK...right, you confused me with sarcasm.

Click to expand...

Yeah, sorry, not as easy to do through forums

Rebbiv said:

Orioles sign Balfour. 2 years $14 Mil

Click to expand...

Balfour deal now in jeopardy.


Free-agent closer Grant Balfour's deal with the Baltimore Orioles is in jeopardy of falling through due to a concern over his physical, according to ESPN's Tim Kurkjian.

A source familiar with the situation told ESPN, however, that the deal could be revived with a lesser contract. This scenario would be similar to the contract reduction accepted last winter from Boston by Mike Napoli after concerns about the then-free agent catcher/designated hitter caused the Red Sox to back away from their initial long-term offer.

The Baltimore Sun is reporting the Orioles' news conference scheduled for Friday to introduce Balfour has been postponed.

Balfour and the Orioles on Tuesday were reported to have reached a two-year, $14 million deal with the closer that also includes deferred payments of $500,000 per year.

Balfour, a 35-year-old Australia native, went 1-3 with a 2.59 ERA and 38 saves last season with the Oakland Athletics. If he joins the Orioles, he's expected to take over as closer for Jim Johnson, who was traded to Oakland for second baseman Jemile Weeks and minor league catcher David Freitas earlier this month.

Choo going to the Rangers. 7 years $130 million.

Free-agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo has reached agreement on a seven-year, $130 million contract with the Texas Rangers, two baseball sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

Choo, who must pass a physical before the deal is complete, according to a source, was the premier offensive player left on the market after Robinson Cano signed with Seattle and Jacoby Ellsbury went to the New York Yankees.

The deal doesn't include an opt-out clause, the source said. But it does include a limited no-trade provision and performance bonus package.

Choo was one of the top leadoff hitters in the majors for the Cincinnati Reds in 2013 with a .423 on-base percentage, a .285 batting average, 21 homers, 54 RBIs, 20 steals and 107 runs scored.

Fernando Rodney agrees to sign with Mariners

"The Seattle Mariners have agreed to sign free agent closer Fernando Rodney to a two-year, $14 million deal, Jon Heyman has confirmed. The was first reported by Jonah Keri of Grantland."


http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on...-fernando-rodney-agrees-to-sign-with-mariners

Yankees overpay to keep Gardner, 4 years, $52 Mil guaranteed.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/sto...new-york-yankees-agree-4-year-52-million-deal