Beimel's signing sparks flurry of moves in Jays' organization
WASHINGTON, DC (AP) -- A day after Scott Downs surrendered a game winning home run to the Phillies' Ryan Howard that would end the Jays' four game winning streak, management has beefed up the Jays' bullpen.
Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Riccardi announced after yesterday's game that they had come to terms with former Los Angles Dodger Joe Beimel for a 1 year deal worth close to 930K.
"Joe is a terrific player who has been solid wherever he has gone in the majors, we think he will be a tremendous acquisation for our team." The GM said yesterday at the team's hotel in Washington D.C.
Beimel went 5-1 with a 2.02 ERA in 43 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season before being sent down to Triple-A prior to the playoffs. He has a career mark of 21-23 with a 4.31 ERA in seven seasons with the Dodgers and Cleveland Indians.
"I'm just real happy to be able to pitch again, it was a letdown to not be signed by someone in the offseason but I know that I can help this team." The enthusiastic pitcher said while on his way to meet the team in Washington.
Riccardi also announced yesterday they had released relief pitcher Ken Takahashi to make room for Beimel on the roster. Takahashi was signed from the Japanese League in the offseason but injuries had hampered his season with the Jays' Double-A affiliate New Hampshire. He is expected to return to his former team, Hiroshima Toyo Carp, on Monday.
"It's sad to let someone go, especially someone has great as Ken was but to further our baseball team, certain changes needed to be made." Riccardi said of the move.
To make room for Beimel on the
MLB roster Riccardi demoted slugger Kevin Millar to Triple-A Las Vegas. Millar, brought in in the offseason, had been struggling in the majors and had not hit a major league home run since August 19, 2008. He was hitting .330 with 7 RBIs at the time of his demotion and is expected to be a mentor in Las Vegas.
"Kevin is a great guy and a terrific mentor for the kids but bottom line is, he wasn't producing and that's why we brought him in, hopefully he can regain some of his stroke in Vegas and we may look at a late season call up."
All this for one relief pitcher just happy to have a home. You bet Riccardi expects great things from Beimel but, promises the pitcher, great things will come.
"This team just got a lot better after this move." Beimel says.
For the Jays sake, let's hope he does speak the truth.