The Cubs signed Jon Lieber, their last 20-game winner (2001), to a one-year deal valued at around $3.5MM. The deal includes incentives in the range of $4MM.
The numbers aren't tremendously impressive. The right-handed veteran missed the back half of 2007 after rupturing a tendon in his foot. Prior to the injury, Lieber pitched 78 innings with a 3-6 record and a 4.73 ERA. Nevertheless, he maintained a 2.5 strikeouts-to-walks ratio (vs 3.7 for his career) and is still a pitcher capable of eating up innings.
This is not earth shattering as far as off-season signings go, but it is something that needed to be done. The Cubs got what they wanted in a veteran arm that could push competition in the spring. They also got a player that is willing to go to the bullpen if that's how it all shakes out, further deepening the roster.
As usual, the harpies are dropping names like Santana and bemoaning this signing as another example of Cub mediocrity. As a fan, I have to see positives in this move. It has potential to blossom into something valuable and has cost them very little. I don't think it serves anyone's interest for the Cub brass to cease operations in an all-or-nothing push for one trade option. Not to mention that Hendry is still looking to tweak this club if they can get something worthwhile worked out (Mr. Roberts.....Mr. Roberts.....calling Mr. Roberts). Adding live bodies is a necessary first step to making a trade that likely sends young arms to another team.
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