Slow down Maestro Jon Garland rejoins the Dodgers
Major League Baseball is thriving in the off season period and while there isn’t much action going about in the baseball circuit, the free agency is buzzing with enough activity to keep fans and supporters in suspense. The time
for restructuring has come and with many opportunities looming over ball clubs in the remaining year, there is much speculation to fuel the entertainment tank. General Managers and top tier board of directors are looking to build on the future of their rosters
and like every off season, critical decisions need to be made. For the fans, the show has changed formats and that is fuelling the anticipation for the 2011 season.
30 teams from the American League and the National League are looking to recruit new and experienced blood for the next campaign and while things may look idealistic for the move, there is still time to reconsider whether prospects
from the minor league need to be given a chance in the next league season. The intention for every ball club would be to save costs and judging by how the San Francisco Giants did themselves a favour by making the deal work in their benefit with Buster Posey
and Madison Bumgarner, there will be a long time for managers to reconsider.
The San Francisco Giants won the ultimate title in 2010 and while many analysts consider it an indication of what the top clubs in Major League Baseball should be striving for, the middle tier teams are not taking any chances as
they’re signing up on experience. Victor Martinez just shifted sides in the American League and that suggests there is a high list of players in the market who can still bring to the table, what the high achievers can on their very best day.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are one example of a team that has gone with experience and their reason for doing so hasn’t been because of the valuation or the reputation of the signed star, but his track record in the ground. The side
was more than unlucky last season for falling out of contention for the National League West. There was no chance to make it to the top by the end of regular season and that is something the California based club would like to change soon.
Reports have come in recently concerning the side and it seems they’re sticking with safe options, heading into 2011. They just signed on free agent and ex-Dodger, Jon Garland. The veteran pitcher was part of the San Diego Padres
roster last season and his ascent to the Los Angeles pitching rotation comes after an economical season in 2010. The ball thrower won 14 games and lost 12, sustaining his Earning Runs Average at 3.46.
The dodgers will be glad to welcome back the top constrictor to the roster, given his reputation as a runs container. The club has been on the bad side of things losing most of their matches through shaky performances on the mound.
Dodgers’ general manager Ned Colletti, recently released a statement saying, "We're very pleased to have Jon join this group and give us five very strong starters going into Spring Training. We saw what Jon was capable of down
the stretch in 2009 and again last year within our division. Year after year, he takes the ball 30-plus times and gives his team a chance to win every time out."
Jon explained his transfer to the side, saying, "A lot of it is the calls coming in. I looked at my options and, in my eyes, this was best for me. I have a lot to offer the team. Coming back to a place I've been, where it was comfortable
for me. It made a difference for me being around my family. I came in and pitched well after I was traded here. It's a positive outcome for me and the Dodgers."
Garland is set to get $5 million for the coming year with an extra $3 million in incentives. He will further top that amount with $8 million if his option for 2012 is exercised.
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