Brandon Webb signs with Rangers

[Nyi28nhl]

Source: Brandon Webb joining Rangers
sports.espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=5956794

Will Webb get back his effectiveness, or will he be a bust as Texas' Cliff Lee replacement?

[MxT13]

I'm definitely rooting for him to do well, it's been a while since we've seen his Cy Young performances. It doesn't help that he's being re-born in the American League, but the West is full of pitcher's parks so Texas might be a blessing.

If I had to speculate...I'll take a guess and say that if his fastball has improved since we last saw him throw in September he'll be okay to start out and gradually get his sea legs back. But if he comes out throwing 85-86 he's definitely going to struggle, especially outside the division.

[Nyi28nhl]

I hope he does well, I really liked him from early on in his career when ESPN did some special on his daily preparation. I wonder why the Mets didn't take a flier on this guy considering they could use pitching and play in the NL.

[MxT13]

I specifically remember seeing that ESPN piece, and coincidently I happened to be in Arizona at the time.

I think he was a little pricey for Sandy Alderson in that I don't think they were willing to pay a possible $8-10 million in incentives. Remember the Mets aren't necessarily in a position to compete right now, and I could see how a Webb signing would make sense as a low-risk, high-reward deal. But once you start talking about additional money with a squad that is very close to dismantling I think they become a little more conservative.

Either that, or they were making room for this stud: www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/mets-acquire-chin-lung-hu.html

[BlackOps]

Yeah, I was hoping the Mets would take a stab but there's a strict amount of money they're allowed to spend in FA, and it's some crazy low amount like 3M. I think they're saving their money for next year's FA class. Something like 1M+incentives would've been what I wanted but he got 3 plug incentives.

[Nyi28nhl]

Next FA class isn't even supposed to be that special. They are just waiting for money to come off their payroll.

[ozzie]

I hope he does good...he's kinda gone off the map the last couple of years.