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It's been reported that relief pitcher Ryan Webb has been signed to a two-year, $4.5 million contract by the Baltimore Orioles. The report comes from Jonah Keri:
Actual scoop! Source confirms #Orioles have agreement with Ryan Webb for 2-year deal worth $4.5 million, pending physical.
— Jonah Keri (@jonahkeri) December 6, 2013
Webb has been a successful relief pitcher since breaking into the big leagues in 2009 with the San Diego Padres. He was non-tendered by the Marlins last week despite a very successful 2013 season, so let's hope they don't know something that the Orioles don't.
On first glance Webb's numbers might not dazzle you, as he averages just about six strikeouts and three walks per nine innings. But what he does bring to the table is a good ground ball rate of 57.4% over his career, something that will work well with the Orioles infield defense. He throws a sinker that averages between 93-94 miles per hour and a fastball just a tick below that.
Webb hasn't had the success of Jim Johnson, but I wouldn't say he's leagues below him, stuff wise. And the Orioles signed him for two years at less than half the money it would have cost them to keep JJ.
Welcome to Birdland, Ryan!
