Tigers Extend Bonderman
December 18, 2006 by Geoff Young
Filed under Hot Stove
The Detroit Tigers have re-upped right-hander Jeremy Bonderman to a 4-year, $38 million deal. Bonderman, 24, is one of the brighter young pitchers in the American League. He’s already pretty darned good and only going to get better.
Bonderman has pitched four seasons in the big leagues, all with Detroit, and seen his ERA drop each year (5.56, 4.89, 4.57, 4.08). He’s also seen his strikeouts steadily increase and homers steadily drop. In other words, all signs point to continued growth.
Billfer at Detroit Tigers Weblog likes the deal, and compares it to the one Minnesota gave Johan Santana last year. Acknowledging that Bonderman isn’t the talent that Santana is, in a market that places the value of Gil Meche at $11 million, it’s hard to argue with Billfer’s assessment. Nice move by the Tigers.
Geoff, I think it’s safe to say, all Tigers fans were rejoicing as soon as they heard the news.
As well they should be, Kurt. Guys like Bonderman don’t grow on trees. On a big picture note, I am still amazed at how quickly that organization has righted itself. Great job by Dombrowski et al.