Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks reach 6-year deal

Greinke’s postseason history is pretty good, though not elite, as he doesn’t have a signature win to his record. The Washington Nationals signed Max Scherzer to a seven year, $210 million, while the Chicago Cubs gave Jon Lester a six year, $155 million deal.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because there hadn’t been an official announcement.

Even up until December 1st, the race for Greinke’s services was still expected to be a two-horse race, with the big market Giants and Dodgers duking it out for the Cy Young runner-up. Several days later, left-hander David Price signed for a record $217 million over seven years with the Boston Red Sox. The moves came as teams prepared to head this weekend to the winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

Spurned in recent weeks by Cueto, who rejected $120 million over six years, the Diamondbacks went into the offseason desperate for starting pitching. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the team is still interested in Leake, despite their suddenly revamped rotation.

Greinke’s contract gave him the flexibility to find a new home. The 32-year-old Greinke helped the Dodgers win their third straight division title this season, then opted out of his contract to become a free agent. But nothing says respect like three parades in six years – and, hey, next year is an even year. “We are now hard at work on our alternatives”.

Greinke was something of an anomaly last season, a clear ace who was the No. 2 pitcher on his team. Their payroll last season was $85 million. In June, they traded pitcher Bronson Arroyo to Atlanta to further reduce their payroll.

So maybe, when we get to Nashville, Cueto will sign with the Phillies and Jason Heyward with the Brewers and we’ll find more reason to be surprised. “God knows that. That’s all that matters to me”.

Before Friday night, the D-backs were already a trendy pick among analysts as a sleeper team in 2016. His 1.66 ERA was the lowest since Greg Maddux in 1995. During one stretch of the season, Greinke threw 45 2/3 scoreless innings. He was 19-3 and pitched six or more innings in all 32 of his starts. He lost once after June 13 until October 15, when he was outpitched by Jacob deGrom in Game 5 of the division series.

By Adding Greinke, the Diamondbacks solidified themselves as contenders in the National League, as they look to make their mark under the Tony LaRussa regime. Other Dodgers starters combined for a 4.41 ERA.

Greinke’s departure from the Dodgers significantly weakens their rotation but not for long.

Bonds is joining the staff of new Marlins manager Don Mattingly as hitting coach.

But the reality is, the Giants have Madison Bumgarner to front their rotation (an excellent spot in which to be) and Chris Heston as a promising 28-year-old behind him.