Right-hander Yu Darvish signed a six-year, $126 million contract today with the Chicago Cubs. He was perhaps the most coveted pitcher on the free agent market this off-season in baseball. The Phillies reported had interest, but not at that kind of money or length of contract.
Darvish choked in Game 7 of the World series last fall while pitching for the Dodgers. he also had another bad game in the series, earning him the distinction of being the only starting pitcher to go less than two innings in two World series starts.
Darvish has also had elbow problems in the past. He's one of the slowest workers in the majors, not good for your defense.
When right, Darvish could be an excellent pitcher, as he was with Texas several years ago until he hurt his arm.In a thin crop of free agent hurlers this year, he was considered one of the best.
Personally, I'm glad the Phillies did not sign Darvish. Yes, they need starting pitching behind Aaron Nola. But $126 is a lot of money for a pitcher in his 30s who has had elbow problems. Plus, six years is too much. The Phils have the money to spend, but why tie yourself up for six years? For two or maybe three, OK.
Alex Cobb is still out on the market. Cobb could be the more reasonable veteran pitcher the Phillies need at this time.
The Darvish signing may break the logjam of free agent pitchers, right before spring training starts. Pitchers and catchers report for the Phils on Wednesday, February 14.
The Cubs have money to spend, plus they are in a position to contend again. They won the World Series in 2016, only to get knocked out of the playoffs last fall. Chicago looks to keep up with division rivals Milwaukee and St. Louis, which made bold moves to improve this off-season.
Hopefully the Phillies sign a veteran or two before the season starts, but I don't blame them for not getting Darvish. Save your money for next off-season, when better free agents can be had.
* With long-suffering teams like the Red Sox, Eagles and Cubs finally winning world championships, isn't it time for the Cleveland Indians to do the same?
The Indians were one home game away from winning their first World series in forever in 2016, only to lose to the Cubs. Then last year, along with a record-breaking 23-game winning streak in the summer, Cleveland was knocked out of the playoffs by the up-start Yankees,
Cleveland has a good, young team in its prime, and, despite losing free agent first baseman Carlos Santana to the Phils, still have a strong squad, with one of the best bullpens in the game in Allen and Miller.
If the Eagles, Cubs and Red Sox can break their long-standing jinxes, why can't it finally be an Indian Summer?
* In the National league,keep your eyes on Washington and Arizona. I'll make my picks before the baseball season begins, with a full review of each team ( I had the Dodgers winning it all last year- only one win shy!).
This is put-up-or-shut-up time for the Nationals. Bryce Harper may walk after this season. Their pitching is in it's prime. Guys like Zimmerman and Murphy aren't getting any younger. The Nats, rolling over the NL East, always seems to choke in the playoffs, not able to even get to the NL League Championship Series. Soon, even the east will be a challenge, with young teams like the Phils and Braves on the rise. So, this may be Washington's last shot.
Arizona had a nice season in 2017, finishing a strong second in NL West to the Dodgers. LA swept the Diamondbacks in the playoffs. With Paul Goldschmidt, and if they re-sign J.D. Martinez, the snakes can push Los Angeles this summer and make another strong case for the postseason.
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