Scott Eyre Signs With Cubs

As has been reported in many places, the Cubs inked Scott Eyre today to a two-year deal with an option for the third year.  It's one of the first free agent signings, and Eyre will certainly solidify the Cubs' pen.

If you think $3MM+ per year is a little much for a lefty reliever with a 4.52 career ERA, you're probably right.  The Cubs are paying a premium for the safer choice by signing the 33 year-old.  The deal still looks to be better than the three year pact Hendry gave to Mike Remlinger.  Eyre should have at least one or two solid years for the Cubs.

Hendry's initial moves this offseason were summed up nicely by Bleed Cubbie Blue commenter zambranofan: 

"Hendry has been filling the roster with players who fit typical roles...and overpaying slightly for them.  $3M a year for a LOOGY?  $2.5M a year for a backup middle infielder?  $3M a year for a sixth starter and swing man?"

It's the quick fix approach to building a contender, and it should be an active offseason for the North Siders.  This will be a significantly different team in 2006.

Thanks to Ben K.

Comments

[NeifiChicken]

Having seen Scott Eyre this season, I think casting him off as a LOOGY (and I know it's not your words but zambranofan's) is not a good choice. His splits this year vs righties were .213/.292/.319, which is very good, especially for a lefty.

Tom Gordon, considered by many the best right handed setup man in the market, was hit harder by righties in 2005.

Eyre was exceptional in 2005, even better than his great numbers. The guy was used in 86 games and preserved countless games for the Giants. His success was no fluke either, Eyre lost 7-10 lbs this offseason and upped his conditioning. This weight loss led to more fluidity in his arm motion and mechanics, along with much more consistency to increase his command and control. The guy featured three plus pitches out of the pen, something many closers cannot say.

Eyre was the real deal in 2005, and for good measure due to his training and growth. The kind of abuse he endured under Felipe Alou's bulpen management only add further to his accomplishments.

HOWEVER, I still think three years, 11 million (plus incentives!) is too much for Scott Eyre. If he could bring what he brought in 2005, it'd certainly be worth it, but the odds are not great. He's 33, been overused severely by Alou the last two years (see Jim Brower 2003-04 followed by his 2005) and may not commit to his offseason regiment now that he's cashed in.

I'm glad he got his payday, he pitched excellently to earn it, but in the same breath I am glad it was another team that gave it to him.

[RumorMonger]

Informative take on Eyre from a Giants point of view. Thanks Neifi.