Per ESPN.com, Scott Linebrink has signed with the White Sox for 4 years, $19M. Linebrink’s 31, hasn’t really been anything special since 2005 (113 ERA+ each of the past two years), and has strikeout rates trending the wrong way. No offense to Kenny Williams (who I’m sure is a reader), but this is a stupid contract. It may not be crippling for the White Sox, but they’re going to regret it, probably as soon as 2008.
I read somewhere this week that the Reds could/should sign Linebrink for 2 years, $6M or something. It sure sounded low at the time, and this is proof that the free agent market for relievers has picked up right where it left off last winter. Not a time to be shopping for bullpen help.