The Orioles signed RHP Jeremy Guthrie to a one year contract worth $3 million, avoiding arbitration.
Grade: C
I predicted this when it was announced that the club had avoided arbitration with Luke Scott on a one year deal. It only made too much sense. The Orioles offered $2.3 million after Guthrie proposed a $3.625 salary, so they basically just split the difference. The pitcher should be slotted second or third in the rotation for the coming season and I think the contract is fair for both sides. Guthrie should benefit from not having to be away from camp to pitch for the USA team in the World Baseball Classic. I think that was a big reason for his struggles last season, especially at the start of the season. I’m looking for him to bounce back a bit with an ERA in the mid 4′s. Maybe he’ll be a trade candidate around mid-season but it would be nice for him to get off to a quick start either way. Now that Guthrie is under contract for 2010 theres nothing else to do before spring training. We’re only 3 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting and I can’t wait for the season to get under way.
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What does a grade of C mean in this context?
Average. Theres nothing that stands out about the signing that would make me say its great. It was to be expected. But theres certainly nothing bad about it either.