Cubs sign Jose Veras

[ctcf]

The Cubs are set to sign Jose Veras to a one-year, $4MM deal, according to Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com (via Twitter). The deal includes a $5.5MM option for 2015 and incentives.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/12/cubs-to-sign-jose-veras.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

 

I dig it.

[ctcf]

Shadows Of Wrigley @ShadowofWrigley

Over the last 4 seasons, Jose Veras has averaged 62 innings of 3.55 ERA ball, with a 9.8 K/9, 4.1 BB/9, and just 6.9 H/9 #Cubs

[Sammy Sofa]

I like it, but it almost seems a shame to shore up the bullpen for this kind of beast. There must be more to come... Edited December 17, 2013 by Sammy Sofa

[Rob]

It's an alright move. "Proven closer" on a cheap one year deal with an option. Reminds me of the Maholm signing.

 

As for his peripherals, I'm not seeing much to explain why his strikeout and walk rates fell significantly last year. I wouldn't be surprised if they both bounce back up a bit.

[jersey cubs fan]

So we have a "closer" now?

[Irrelevant Dude]

So we have a "closer" now?

Until the trade deadline.

[Schwarber Fan]

Strop, Veras, Wright, Fujikawa... me like

[HoopsCubs]

So we have a "closer" now?

Until the trade deadline.

 

That's when Kyuji steps back in.

[Post Count Padder]

I like it. Reasonable contract for an effective reliever. Our bullpen is shaping up to be quietly solid next year.

[Guest]

Veras seems like a nice get if you want a nominal closer. He'll strike out a good number of guys, isn't overly prone to home runs, and doesn't have much of a platoon split. The pen looks pretty good at the moment with Veras, Strop, Parker, Wright, Russell, Rondon, and [pick your favorite other RP]

[Guancous]

Relatively cheap, moderate floor, additional depth... this will do.

[ctcf]

Yea, the Cubs will have their share of problems this year but the bullpen doesn't look like it will be one of them. At least heading into the year, that is.

[HoopsCubs]

Veras seems like a nice get if you want a nominal closer. He'll strike out a good number of guys, isn't overly prone to home runs, and doesn't have much of a platoon split. The pen looks pretty good at the moment with Veras, Strop, Parker, Wright, Russell, Rondon, and [pick your favorite other RP]

 

TT - my gut still tells me they're going to move Russell.

[Rob]

There are quite a few talented arms who could spend time in the bullpen this year and emerge as legitimate late innings guys (i.e. Not James Russell)

 

Veras

Fujikawa

Strop

Parker

Vizcaino

Cabrera

Arrieta

Villanueva

Rondon

Wright*

Rosscup*

 

Not bad.

[HoopsCubs]

Veras seems like a nice get if you want a nominal closer. He'll strike out a good number of guys, isn't overly prone to home runs, and doesn't have much of a platoon split. The pen looks pretty good at the moment with Veras, Strop, Parker, Wright, Russell, Rondon, and [pick your favorite other RP]

 

Where do you have Villanueva? Rotation? "Favorite other RP"? Dealt?

[sneakypower]

he was awesome in the playoffs, probably the Tigers' best RP

 

maybe he will bring us our own Danry Vasquez!

[Guest]

Veras seems like a nice get if you want a nominal closer. He'll strike out a good number of guys, isn't overly prone to home runs, and doesn't have much of a platoon split. The pen looks pretty good at the moment with Veras, Strop, Parker, Wright, Russell, Rondon, and [pick your favorite other RP]

 

TT - my gut still tells me they're going to move Russell.

 

Me too, but he's there for now so I included him. Sub in Rosscup/Rusin/Raley if you're so inclined.

[HoopsCubs]

There are quite a few talented arms who could spend time in the bullpen this year and emerge as legitimate late innings guys (i.e. Not James Russell)

 

Veras

Fujikawa

Strop

Parker

Vizcaino

Cabrera

Arrieta

Villanueva

Rondon

Wright*

Rosscup*

 

Not bad.

 

I still think Justin Grimm can factor into that bullpen.

[Bruno7481]

There are quite a few talented arms who could spend time in the bullpen this year and emerge as legitimate late innings guys (i.e. Not James Russell)

 

Veras

Fujikawa

Strop

Parker

Vizcaino

Cabrera

Arrieta

Villanueva

Rondon

Wright*

Rosscup*

 

Not bad.

 

Not a believer in Grimm as a decent pen arm?

[WrigleyField 22]

At this point, if they don't get Tanaka, we shouldn't be surprised if they just go with a 4 man rotation and piggy back right?

[Bruno7481]

At this point, if they don't get Tanaka, we shouldn't be surprised if they just go with a 4 man rotation and piggy back right?

 

It would surprise me. Doubt that is a likely scenario.

[UMFan83]

Out of curiosity, a few years ago the prevailing thought seemed to be that relievers are inconsistent year to year and it wasn't the best use of resources on the FA market. Now it seems to be applauded. Was there a change in philosophy or was the Cubs bullpen so bad the last few years that this is now a prudent way to improve the club?

[SouthSideRyan]

I like it.

[WrigleyField 22]

At this point, if they don't get Tanaka, we shouldn't be surprised if they just go with a 4 man rotation and piggy back right?

 

It would surprise me. Doubt that is a likely scenario.

No I don't actually think so either, but it seems like they'll probably have a short bench and maybe have someone unexpected in mind as a starter?

[WrigleyField 22]

Out of curiosity, a few years ago the prevailing thought seemed to be that relievers are inconsistent year to year and it wasn't the best use of resources on the FA market. Now it seems to be applauded. Was there a change in philosophy or was the Cubs bullpen so bad the last few years that this is now a prudent way to improve the club?

I do think this 4M with incentives and 5.5 option is a lot. Someone like Wright at a little over a million is a pretty low risk.

 

I'm not totally put off by it, but hopefully there is still some money left for elsewhere, like Tanaka and other bat.