Max Scherzer and Detroit Tigers avoid arbitration – MLB News
The Detroit Tigers and starting pitcher Max Scherzer managed to avoid arbitration after the Tigers signed Scherzer for a one year $6.75 million contract, reports a leading sports website. Scherzer had a decent time on the mound last season as he helped his
side emerge victorious in several important encounters.
Overall, he went 16-7 with an excellent 4.74 ERA. He finished second in the American league in strikeouts (231) behind team mate Justin Verlander. He led the league in strikeouts per nine innings pitched with 11.078 strikeouts. Not only is he a very talented
pitcher but also reliable and efficient. According to sources, Tigers payroll for 2012 jumped to over $146 million for 19 players after they signed Max Scherzer.
"I think it's extremely important," said John Westhoff, vice president in charge of negotiations for the Tigers. "We have a good record of signing players to extensions and I think a big part is because they feel we treat them right."
"We felt we had a good case if it had gone to a hearing," said Westhoff, "but Max is an important part of our team and we're glad we got it done."
“Faced with more cases than ever, the Tigers signed six players before the deadline to exchange numbers Jan 18,” said Tom Gage of detroitnews.com.
It seems both parties were playing the waiting after Scherzer demanded a one year $7.4 million contract. Tigers, on the other hand, were not willing to pay him more than $6.05 million. Scherzer’s agent Scott Boras was negotiating with the Tigers for the
last few days. The Tigers offered Scherzer a contract splitting the difference between the two parties.
Scherzer, who is expected to fill one of the starting spot on Tigers’ pitching rotation, will be looking to work on his fastballs and sliders to help the Tigers secure the much desired World Series title. With their move of signing the lone remaining arbitration
eligible player, the Tigers managed to avoid another hearing.
Since the General Manager Dave Dombrowski took over in 2001 season, the Tigers have not gones a hearing with any player.
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