Hayden Finch Re-Signs With Birmingham

[aaronweiner]

In a surprise move, Hayden Finch has re-signed with the Birmingham Bandits, signing a two year contract worth $8 million dollars per season with a third year team option at another $8 million. In related news, Finch has also fired his agent, Sleazy McSleaze Boras.

"That sonovabitch kept telling the team that I wanted $13 million dollars a season, and what I really wanted was to end my career in Birmingham," said Finch. "They're paying me well and I'm happy to be back for two or three more seasons."

GM Aaron Weiner confirmed Finch's story.

"Well, yes, his agent kept saying that he required another three guaranteed years and another $40 million to sign," said Weiner. "So I called Hayden directly, and I asked him, 'Do you know what your agent's asking us?' He said he didn't but that he assumed it was fair, and I think he dropped the phone when I told him."

Finch, 38, had posted excellent numbers for Birmingham. The righty has allowed an inordinate amount of homers over the past two seasons, but has otherwise been untouchable and posted an ERA+ of 111 last year, giving him a VORP of 37.9, clearly making him the second-most valuable pitcher on the team. This move locks up the starting rotation in Birmingham for at least the next two seasons, and with the vastly improved bullpen and some potential noise in free agency, Birmingham is primed for their biggest year yet.

One player that this move affects directly is James Randolph, who recently signed a one-year extension for $4.4 million. Randolph was promised the #5 starter spot, but it appears that the righty will be in competition with Angelo Hidalgo for that spot. The team has promised Randolph the opportunity to get multiple starts next year and the veteran righty may yet get his opportunity.

"If I had to choose between being in the rotation and us losing Hayden, I'd take Hayden every time," said Randolph. "He's such a big part of this ballclub, and I'm not just talking about his size."

[lchronister]

Man, if he could keep the ball in the park he'd be worth that $13 million a year, even at that age.

[aaronweiner]

Yup. That said, he's worth the $8 million I'm now paying him.

Damn Boras.

I wasn't gonna re-sign him because he was actually asking for $40 million for three years. $16 million for two years I can handle for a 38-year old.

[recte44]

Great stuff, awful movement. Finch maddened me back when he was a Hustler.

[lynchy34]

His movement kept him from consistently being a star, but with that stuff and control, he's still very solid.