Various news outlets are reporting tonight that the New York Mets have signed Kelvim Escobar to a one year Major League contract.
The 33 year-old right hander has pitched for two teams throughout his big league career; first with the Toronto Blue Jays and most recently with the Los Angeles Angels.
During his career, Escobar has amassed a win/loss record of 101-91 and compiled an ERA of 4.15.
His best season came in 2007 when he made 30 starts and compiled a record of 18-7 and maintained an ERA of 3.40.
Strangely this deal is not a minor league contract, as was suggested a couple of days ago, instead it will be a major league one.
As Newsday’s Ken Davidoff points out, the fact that the Mets handed him a major league contract ” shows how enamored the Mets (and others) are by the guy’s arm, when healthy”.
Another interesting note to point out is that according to the NY Post’s Joel Sherman, the team intends to use Escobar as a setup man for Francisco Rodriguez.
This is rather confusing as mutliple reports suggested that newly signed, Ryota Igarashi, was to be the new eighth inning pitcher.
All in all, I really like this deal for the Mets and I think it is one of the few things Omar has done right this season, despite the fact that Escobar has only logged five innings since 2007.
Provided Minaya did not guarantee a ridiculous amount of money to the veteran pitcher, this signing could turn out to be a beneficial one for the team.
Lastly, Merry Christmas to everyone, who celebrates the holiday. For those who do not celebrate, take today as an opportunity to enjoy a good movie and perhaps some Chinese food.
UPDATE: According to the terms of the deal. Escobar will be used exclusively as reliever so as to preserve his arm strength. This was done at the request of Kelvim.
