Fernando Rodney to Mariners

[Guest]

he Seattle Mariners have agreed to sign free agent closer Fernando Rodney to a two-year, $14 million deal, Jon Heyman has confirmed. The was first reported by Jonah Keri of Grantland.

Rodney, 36, was unbelievable for the Rays in 2012 when he closed 48 games in 50 chances with a 0.60 ERA (641 OPS+!). He took a step backward last season, though, when he went 37 for 45 in save chances with a 3.38 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 82 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings. He was excellent in September, though, with a 0.82 ERA and 0.82 WHIP.

Rodney will slide in immediately as the Mariners closer in all likelihood, with Danny Farquhar and Tom Wilhelmsen getting setup duty.

Any teams still looking for a reliever with closing experience would now be forced to turn to Francisco Rodriguez.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-...-with-mariners

I guess the Orioles never wanted a closer after all. Can't see them bringing back K-Rod either, as they just brought in EVAN MEEK and MATT LAPORTA, two huge signings that will surely make a difference.

Not that I even wanted a closer in the end, just another great reliever near the back end who could be part of a committee. We had a great pen in 2012 because of the depth, I still don't see that for next year.

[NAHSTE]

Rodney is old and not that good. Mariners aren't going anywhere til they clean house in the front office.

[MVPete]

This is the new #trend going around.

[Guest]

This is the new #trend going around.

Eh, unless I am missing something, I am not sure I am seeing the point here. Rodney got two years at $14 million. On the final two arbitration years, Jim Johnson received $6.5 million and $10 million. Failing to see how signing the vets is trying to suppress salaries for younger RPs.

[MVPete]

Eh, unless I am missing something, I am not sure I am seeing the point here. Rodney got two years at $14 million. On the final two arbitration years, Jim Johnson received $6.5 million and $10 million. Failing to see how signing the vets is trying to suppress salaries for younger RPs.

You're keeping their costs down so you can save money building your bullpen in the future. Farquhar obviously has closer type stuff, so you try and avoid giving him save opportunities because young pitcher plus saves= a ton of money in arbitration. Basically every small market, even the medium market teams are looking for ways to cut corners, and this is something you'll probably see continue as long as young stud pitchers who close out games earn a ton of money in their arbitration years.

[NAHSTE]

Eh, unless I am missing something, I am not sure I am seeing the point here. Rodney got two years at $14 million. On the final two arbitration years, Jim Johnson received $6.5 million and $10 million. Failing to see how signing the vets is trying to suppress salaries for younger RPs.

Craig Kimbrel just asked for $9 million for his first year of arb. Granted he's the best closer of all time through this stage of his career, but you can also look at the Papelbon rates to see where this is quickly getting a bit out of hand for relievers.

[Golden Taters]

If we have the money keep spending it.