The free agent pitching market is largely on hold due to the pending decision on whether Masahiro Tanaka will be posted. One of the starters left in a holding pattern is veteran Bronson Arroyo, who tells ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that he's anxiously waiting for his phone to ring with a strong opportunity.
While it was previously rumored that the Reds offered him a one-year deal, Arroyo says that never happened. Arroyo, 37 in February, also denies that he was ever close to an agreement with the Twins. However, Crasnick notes that the Reds could still ultimately be in the mix for him and we heard earlier today that the Twins have maintained dialogue with the free agent hurler.
Minnesota's interest in Arroyo has been known for some time, but they've already committed about $84MM to Ricky Nolasco, Phil Hughes, and Mike Pelfrey this offseason. The Reds, meanwhile, need pitching depth, but they could be wary of the price tag on one of baseball's most durable pitchers. Arroyo is the only pitcher in baseball to make at least 32 starts per year from 2005 through 2013.
Many scouts and evaluators think Arroyo would be better served pitching in the National League than the American, but his performance in hitter-friendly Great American Park has made him confident that he can survive anywhere. Arroyo would prefer the East Coast to the West Coast, but he says that's not a deal-breaker by any means.
"There's no point in me really thinking about where my perfect place is, because I don't know who's interested," Arroyo told Crasnick. "It's like going to a party and the whole premise is to find a wife. There are ten girls there, and three of them are smoking hot, but they don't even look in your direction twice, so there's no point in going after them. Then maybe somebody else comes along who didn't seem so attractive at first, and you like what she's saying and you think, 'Hey, maybe this is the one.' That's the way I see it. I can't pick and choose teams. They have to choose me, and I realize it could take a long time for them to get where they need to be. I've been fine, but if it's January 15th and I'm still spinning my wheels, I'll probably change my tune."
i wish the padres would try to sign him, he would love pitching at Petco!
Bronson in search of an organization with a nice personality!
I like Arroyo’s comment. Very funny. The Twins are definitely not the sexiest girl in the room but maybe, once he talks to them for while, he will find they have a winning personality.
Winning personality, maybe. Competent, winning organization? Not until Ryan and Gardenhire are gone.
Totaly agree!!
I wish the Angels would sign Arroyo. He’s really a inning eater
He’ll be back with the Reds once we realize that Homer Bailey is only willing to sign a contract extension with Texas based teams. I see the Reds trading Homer Bailey to Houston for a handful of minor picks and then resigning Bronson for the 3 year contract he is dreaming for. ($11.5 million per year). This is exactly what is going to happen.
Analogies about parties is one of the main reasons Arroyo isn’t signed yet.
Reds, Yankees, twins, angels
I’d like Arroyo on the Orioles just from his description of the “courtship process” – sounds like he’d be a good addition to the clubhouse and the O’s certainly need a proven starter.
He is great in the clubhouse. One of my all-time favorite Reds players, along with Billy Hatcher, Sean Casey and Joe Oliver.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Bronson back with the Reds on a reasonable deal.
Thank god the Twins are not the front runners. 37 year old demanding 13 million a year and three years, hell no!
Only the young and the young at heart would come up with such an analogy. I wouldn’t mind seeing him as a Red again as long as that price tag drops.
One with an and option works fine with me. Just need to see Bronson to sign off on that. My guess is he’ll push hard for that 2nd year though
The twins are still connected in talking with Arroyo, which is fine. However, has there been any indication that the Twins are trying to get a couple of outfielders that can hit as well as play defense. Angels just signed Ibanez for 2.75m, and he would have been a good fit in the Twins outfield. No indication they even talked to him. Lance Berkman, although a journeyman, can still hit the ball, play right field and play first base. Once again, no word on the Twins talking to him or any other veteran free agent. Pitching, on paper, has improved, but the Twins need to add a couple outfielders that have pop in their bats as well as play good defense.