Another league-average pitcher to add to the mix:
The Reds have agreed to a contract with left-hander Jeremy Affeldt, pending a physical.
Affeldt is expected to come to Cincinnati Tuesday or Wednesday for the physical. General manager Wayne Krivsky would not confirm the deal.
“I have nothing to say,” Krivsky said. “We’ll announce something when we have it.”
That is Krivsky’s usual policy. Foxsports.com reported deal is for one year and $3 million.
Affeldt, 28, was 4-3 with a 3.51 ERA with the Colorado Rockies last season. He was used exclusively in relief, but 42 of his 286 major-league appearances are as a starter. He made nine starts in 2006 for Kansas City.
Affeldt is reputed to have decent stuff, is left-handed, and should be entering his prime. However, I’m not sure what in his history makes anyone believe he’ll be a better option as a starter for this team than, say, Matt Belisle or Edinson Volquez. If nothing else, he should be better than Mike Stanton out of the bullpen.
I have no problem with this signing, though I wouldn’t put him ahead of Belisle, Volquez, Johnny Cueto, or Matt Maloney for a spot in the starting rotation.