Padres Sign Starting Pitcher Jon Garland

According to Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres have signed free agent pitcher Jon Garland to a one-year contract.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, tweeted that Jon Garland will get a one-year, $4.7 million contract from the Padres, but according to Rotoworld, the deal is actually worth at least $5.3 million, because a $6.75 million mutual option for 2011 includes a $600,000 buyout.

It sounds like a great deal for the Padres who are getting themselves an established workhorse who will give them quality innings.

Since becoming a full-time starter in 2002, Garland has averaged 32.4 starts and 2051/3 innings pitched over eight seasons, with a 107-87 record and 4.38 ERA. He’s pitched at least 200 innings in five of the last six seasons, including 204 last year.

Is there another pitcher available, with as good an ERA over the last eight seasons and that is a lock to make 30 starts in 2010 as Garland was?

My guess is no.