Joel Zumaya agrees to a one year contract with Minnesota Twins – MLB News
Joel Zumaya looked in prime form in 2010 as he helped the Tigers secure memorable wins. However, he has not been able to fulfill his immense potential since then. Agreeing to a one year $ 800,000 contract with Minnesota Twins, the right handed pitcher will be looking to make the most of available opportunities in 2012 season.
Still a part of American League Central, the hard throwing reliever injured his elbow in one of the league games in June 2010. He looked in extreme pain that day as he needed assistance walking off the field. Zumaya missed the 2011 entire season due to fitness issues.
The closer has finally made a comeback to Major League Baseball and he will be looking to prove his value in the Twins. On the other hand, the Twins’ officials have not confirmed the deal to MLB.com but commented both parties were in talks since December 2011.
"The way people reacted last night toward my injury and the way they made me feel, especially my teammates, I was breathless," he said. "I cried in front of 40,000 people [which] was pretty weak. I was in a lot of pain and I felt like I had no one on my side."
"These people got up on their feet and started cheering about what was going on. Especially the team. I had the whole team in there comforting me. It meant a lot to me."
Having received offers from three other clubs, he explained why he agreed to a deal with the Twins. Zumaya’s agents were in talks with multiple clubs when he decided to agree to a deal with the Twins.
The biggest challenge for Zumaya this year will be to stay healthy and fit entire season. When healthy and in good shape, he can be an asset to any MLB club. However, he has not topped 40 innings or 32 games in any of the seasons since his rookie appearance in 2006. He is a reliable and an effective reliever when he is physically fit and he will be looking to show the glimpses of his pre-2010 form this year.
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