And the two things are not necessarily related.
The Cubs signed Ted Lilly today, to a 4-year, $40 million contract. All I have to say is that's $10 million a year for a league-average pitcher.
He's much more likely to give the Cubs league-average performance than, say, Gary Matthews Jr. is likely to do so for the same amount of money for the Angels.
Jim Hendry's in the hospital tonight. All best wishes from BCB to Jim to feel better soon.
And when he does, perhaps it's time to revisit acquiring the one Japanese pitcher who hasn't been signed yet, and who has been a bit under the radar -- Kazumi Saito. Saito, if memory serves, is a free agent and doesn't have to go through the posting process. He's 29 years old, and put up an 18-5 record with a 1.75 ERA in 2006, with excellent control.
He'd be way better than Gil Meche, anyway.
Also: IMPORTANT SITE NOTE!!! Please stop posting extra diaries on the Lilly signing -- diaries are supposed to be about topics that are NOT already covered in another diary! Check the recent diary list BEFORE you post. I've had to delete several diaries already. Thanks.
Have at it.