Now free agents are dropping like flies. The most recent free agent acquisition was made by the Detroit Tigers who signed Anibal Sanchez to a five-year, $80 million deal on Friday morning.
The man got paid!
It comes to no surprise as Sanchez pitched well at the right time of the year. He closed out the 2012 season in strong fashion and then performed wel beyond expectations in the playoffs.
He came up through the Marlins' organization and was supposed to be the future along with Josh Johnson. However, he never reached his full potential. His best season was his rookie year in 2006 going 10-3 with a 2.83 ERA. Sanchez finished 9th in Rookie of the Year voting.
As a Marlin, Sanchez wrapped up his career with a 44-45 record and a 3.75 ERA.
Sanchez showed the world what he had in the postseason, shutting down the New York Yankees in just his second career playoff start. He went seven innings allowing just three hits, three walks and recorded seven strikeouts.
His playoff record might be 1-2, but his stuff in the postseason was working as his line reads 20.1 IP, 4 ER, 6 BB, 14H and 18 SO.
Sanchez will turn 29 by the time the season begins. He will likely be a third starter behind Justin Verlander and Doug Fister.
The Tigers look just about done with their offseason acquisitions. They added a starter and they have Torii Hunter out in right field.
