ORLANDO, Fla. - The Cubs continued their off-season spending spree Wednesday, reaching preliminary agreement with free-agent left-hander Ted Lilly on a four-year, $40 million contract, FOXSports.com has learned.
Lilly, who turns 31 on Jan. 4, becomes the Cubs' first major pitching acquisition. The team has now signed seven free agents for a total of $272.5 million, spending $251 million alone on Lilly, third baseman Aramis Ramirez and outfielder Alfonso Soriano.
The Blue Jays badly wanted to retain Lilly, who went 15-13 last season with a 4.31 ERA. They are now battling with the Cubs over right-hander Gil Meche. Both teams entered Wednesday with the goal of signing both pitchers.
Lilly, 59-58 lifetime with a 4.60 ERA, will join a Cubs' rotation that already includes right-hander Carlos Zambrano and left-hander Rich Hill. The Cubs are not counting on right-hander Mark Prior, figuring that if healthy, he would be a bonus.
Good move in my opinion, 4 years 40 mill is gonna be adverage for a #3 or 4 pitcher these days.. One thing is stated is that we are still actively pursing Meche, who im a huge fan of... I think Lilly will do good in the adverage hitting central compared to the Beefy AL teams.. decent pick up!!!!! Next on the list please...
3 comments:
Now that we have signed Lilly, have you head anything about Meche and his destination? I would love to see him pitching at Wrigley this summer. I think he could be on the verge of a breakout season.
well i have just heard what everyone else has heard.. the jays want him but Gil wants to play for Lou and his heart is in Chicago.. Hendry and Lou have both said they are making a strong push for him and its bascially between cubs and the jays.. He does have electric stuff and if aquired heres our rotation
Big Z
Meche
Lilly
Hill
Prior/miller
Thats a strong rotation!!!1
CBS Sportsline is reporting that the Jays think that meche will sign with either the Cubs or the Royals.
I heard another rumor on Cubs.com that said that Hendry has told Lilly that the Cubs are on the verge of picking up a good left-handed bat. I assume it is Floyd, but wouldn't it be great if it were a trade for Crawford?
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