Cubs Sign Scott Baker to 1 Year Deal

[1972 Cubs]

Isn't the real value going to come when he is traded in July ? If he isn't traded what is the point of signing an injured player to a 1 year deal on a bad team.

[petrey10]

i don't see this as one of the two SP for the rotation.... does anybody else feel this way?

I feel like he is just going to battle for our 5 spot

[gocubs2118]

Definitely would of liked to seen an option year on top of the 1 year deal.

[Jones-in]

Theo is just going to keep signing one and two year contracts and showcasing them before the trade deadline. If playoff contenders think that Scott has gotten over the injury they will send some prospects are way and we rebuild the system.

I don't see any starting pitcher signings as a long term plan.

[Yagyu+]

I liked Baker pre-injury, and I hope I like him post, but my immediate response was something along the lines of, "Okay, what else?"

[CubbieSteve]

I like it. Add Marcum or McCarthey to the rotation and it starts to look pretty solid.

[SenorGato]

Boring but necessary. Agreed with Petrey in that I don't see him as anything but a guy who can help full out the rotation in the back, not a significant signing by himself. One year alone says a lot...

[Tryptamine]

I see it differently, I think this is an audition for a long term deal with the Cubs. If Baker can return to form you have a borderline 3 to a really good 4.

[Yagyu+]

Boring but necessary.

This is where I fall in. Baker is pitching for a chance to be traded to a contender, and I'll be pulling for him right up until he is.

[ReJo]

I like it. I have no problems taking a chance on a guy coming off Tommy John surgery with the success rate being so high.

[shrek]

never heard of this guy. what's the point of signing players to one year contract? he will probably get traded halfway thru the season

[ReJo]

The ink isn't even dry on the contract and everybody is already talking about trading him

So much optimism for the 2013 team

[gaughan333]

I see it differently, I think this is an audition for a long term deal with the Cubs. If Baker can return to form you have a borderline 3 to a really good 4.

He's 31

[terencem]

I see it differently, I think this is an audition for a long term deal with the Cubs. If Baker can return to form you have a borderline 3 to a really good 4.

This is how I see Baker, too. Baker has the peripherals of a #3 starter with a career K/9 over 7 and K/BB ratio over 3. He's been an effective flyball pitcher without having a crazy low BABIP that usually sends up red flags. He's probably the 3rd best starter the Cubs have right now if he returns to form.

[gaughan333]

never heard of this guy. what's the point of signing players to one year contract? he will probably get traded halfway thru the season

you answered your own question