Former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Andy Sonnanstine’s new beginning with Chicago Cubs - MLB News
Before this year’s winter meeting in Milwaukee, many baseball experts had speculated in the media about relief pitcher, Andy Sonnanstine’s arrival in the Chicago Cubs roster. As time passed by, his arrival did not look probable especially with the new season’s
training sessions just around the corner.
Now, not only the Cubs management has signed him but they have also brought-in relief pitcher Manny Corpas for a potential backup whenever the next season will start. Both players have signed on split contracts and the details are still not available to
the media.
However, Sonnanstine, who played his previous four years with the Tampa Bay Rays, has a strong possibility to stay in the Cubs roster for next few years. Though, he is beginning a new career in the Cubs franchise, it will not be a difficult task for him
to adjust in the team. Instead, his previous years in Chicago will ease him in Tampa Bay to feel free with all new players.
Looking at the consequences which led Sonnanstine into the Rays franchise is somehow very important to discuss. First, it was speculated that the Rays top management has declined to exercise team options on him and secondly, Sonnanstine’s agent already made
commitments to discuss his client’s fate with other teams in the league.
Sonnanstine and his agent also hurriedly filed for free agency before listening to Rays executives, who then tried to re-sign Sonnanstine. Both sides did not agree on terms and later when the Cubs offered a potential contract to Sonnanstine, he agreed with
no hesitation.
Earlier, Sonnanstine gave reply to an email asking many questions as to why he left the Jays. He answered with calmness and showed the dignity he feels for his former club. “Switching ball-clubs seems to be a growing part of our business these days. I will
always look back fondly upon my memories with the Tampa Bay Rays. As I look forward, I am excited about new opportunities on the horizon. My favourite memory as a
Tampa Bay Ray was during Game 7 of the 2008 ALCS when the final out was made. It was the most intense and joyful moment of my life. For a city that had been patiently waiting a decade to even sniff a pennant, was a truly great feeling.”
Since former Jays’ reliever has joined hands with the Cubs, many critics believe that the Cubs have too many pitchers at the moment and bringing another pitcher is certainly a waste of money. These critics also believe that instead of including a new pitcher,
the Cubs must have included an outfielder in their 40-man roster.
However, since the Cubs have signed him, Sonnanstine’s addition will play a vital role in the next Major League Baseball season. He only needs to fix his waivered 5.55 ERA and try to prove more productive. Last season, playing with the Rays franchise, Sonnanstine
went 5.55 (ERA) earned run average with 12 strikeouts, and 1.46 WHIP.
Despite his WHIP, all these statistics do not show a great stat chart. On the other hand, his career stats certainly display his star studded calibre. In his four year’s career, Sonnanstine went with 5.26 on ERA along with 1 save, 343 strikeouts and 1.39
WHIP while these tremendous stats will prove a great help for him to adjust well in the new franchise.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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