Omaha signs 2 closing pitchers.(38.11)

[niles08]

Omaha knew the bullpen was a problem last season and it looks like they are taking any steps they can to correct that for 2038. Not only did they trade Hirotada Miura for 2 relievers who are expected to pitch in immediately, but they have now signed 2 closing pitchers from free agency.

Okay, so take a step back.

Not two all-star pitchers or pitchers who are going to blow the imaginary roof off Hawks field, but at least who could players who could help out when they were needed.

First, Omaha announced the signing of Masahiko Nemoto to a 1 year deal worth $1,000,000. Nemoto is an interesting player who actually has never been on a major league roster before in his life so has full team control for 6 seasons.

Is he spectacular? No.

Can he get the job done? More than likely.

Last season in AAA he had a 3.48 ERA over 53 games where he recorded 22 saves and had a WHIP of 1.05 and a WAR of 1.1. The 25 year old probably belongs on a BBA roster somewhere and Omaha may give him that chance.

The club did announce that Nemoto would be more than likely beginning the season at AAA Lincoln, but would be one of the first called up in the instance of injury or those currently on the BBA roster not getting the job done.

Now to the other guy.

Omaha also signed closer Pavel Bure Jr.

Bure spent last season between Wichita, Nashville, and finished in Long Beach. He had a rough ending to the season in Long Beach but had put together nice stops in Wichita & Nashville with 7 saves and an ERA under 3. He won’t get save opportunites in Omaha as Jose Canales has that position locked up, but Bure should certainly play a key role for the club in the setup role or in late inning relief.

Bure was signed to a 3 year contract worth $8,400,000 with $1,400,000 being owed this season and $2,000,000 being owed next season. There is a $5,000,000 salary in 2040 that the team would have to pay $1,400,000 to buyout. Bure also does hold an opt-out at the end of this season so this could come down to a 1 year $1,400,000 deal when all is said and done.

One thing for certain, Omaha isn’t hurting themselves by stocking up on bullpen help after last season’s bullpen issues nearly cost the team the division.