Reds Ink Cordero For 4 Years

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cincinnati Reds have signed closer Francisco Cordero to a 4-year deal worth $46M. The contract also includes an option for the fifth year. Thats $11.5M annually for all the non-math junkies out there. Quite a bit of money for a sub-.500 team who is having major rotation problems, but it's at least a step in the right direction. Did they overpay? Of course, but just like the Royals and Devil Rays, they must overpay to get players to suit up in their gear. Plus, looking at the numbers, if the Reds had an adequate 8th and 9th inning man last year, the would of been in first place of the NL Central come beginning of May.

If the Big Red Machine can go out and sign another pitcher, Carlos Silva maybe, they will definitely win more games next season. It seems like a broken record, but the smartest move for Cinci's front-office is to move their aging players (Griffey Jr.) and rebuild their minor league pitching program.

Carlos Silva Wants Four Years

Charley Walters of TwinCities.com (registration required) noted that the Minnesota Twins made a 3-year contract offer to starter Carlos Silva worth up to $7M per year, and he turned it down. Silva told the Twin's organization that he would need a 4-year deal, noting that Gil Meche and Kei Igawa received 4-year deals last year.

Silva was 13-14 this year with a 4.19 ERA, after bouncing back from a horrible '06 campaign. If Silva is re-signed by the club, it only raises their payroll higher and puts even more pressure on them making a Johan Santana trade.