Toronto signs Kerry Ligtenburg

[Area51's]

From Rotoworld:

"Kerry Ligtenberg - R - Toronto Blue Jays Dec 8

Blue Jays signed RHP Kerry Ligtenberg, who had been with the Baltimore Orioles, to a two-year, $4.5 million contract.
The Orioles didn't think Ligtenberg was worth $1.2 million for 2004. That was probably a mistake on their part, but the Blue Jays are overpaying here. Maybe Ligtenberg will pitch well enough to be worth $2.25 million per season, but no one else was going to pay him this kind of money. If the Blue Jays like him this much, perhaps they'll use him over Aquilino Lopez in the closer's role. "


I think they overpaid, but they definitely needed somebody other than the dynamic duo of A. Lopez/C. Pollite, so I guess its not that bad

[LBJackal]

I'm not a big Politte fan at all, but I'm also not a fan of paying that much for a guy who's never been a great closer. But it's not my money, so I guess they gotta do what they gotta do. Aquilino Lopez's value takes a hit IMO, even though he has potential to be a great closer, with Ligtenberg here for 2 years and at that price, Lopez will be hard pressed to keep the job. He'll have a lot of pressure on him.

Why didn't they just sign Mark Wohlers, or John Rocker, or "INSERT REJECTED BRAVES CLOSER HERE" for cheaper than $4M+? Geez.

[Madison]

Seems awful expensive to me. I agree, at that price, it would make sense for him to close.

[shortsavage]

Yeah, this news earned Ligtenberg a spot on my $1/waiver wire closer list.

[j_d_mcnugent]

Seems awful expensive to me. I agree, at that price, it would make sense for him to close.

2.25 million is more than what i would have paid him but i dont think its that egregious. toronto's bullpen wasnt that great last year if i remember correctly and if they have to overpay a little to improve it then they have to overpay a little. they probably could have gotten him for 500k a year less but thats not really going to break the bank.

[Madison]

Seems awful expensive to me. I agree, at that price, it would make sense for him to close.

2.25 million is more than what i would have paid him but i dont think its that egregious. toronto's bullpen wasnt that great last year if i remember correctly and if they have to overpay a little to improve it then they have to overpay a little. they probably could have gotten him for 500k a year less but thats not really going to break the bank.

Those are some good points.

[d]

Seems awful expensive to me. I agree, at that price, it would make sense for him to close.

2.25 million is more than what i would have paid him but i dont think its that egregious. toronto's bullpen wasnt that great last year if i remember correctly and if they have to overpay a little to improve it then they have to overpay a little. they probably could have gotten him for 500k a year less but thats not really going to break the bank.

We don't have a clear closer all last year anyway, he would be in the closer mix definitely.

[DieHardCubbie]

Should be worth watching in the later rounds.......

[swingaway]

lol looks liek the jays over paid but hey this guy could be a nice pick up in free agnecy if he becomes closer.

[j_d_mcnugent]

after seeing what worrell signed for in philly, i retract my previous statement. worrell is getting 500k per year more than ligtenburg and is a lot better option.