Ernesto Frieri has signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, the contract is worth $3.15 million. The Rays had to clear roster space to sign Frieri and designated Sean Rodriguez for assignment.
Fireri pitched 41 2/3 innings last season for the Pirates and Angels, posting an ERA of 7.34 ERA. He is 29 and could still have his best years ahead of him.
Last season was the worse one in Ernesto Frieri career and he had never had a season with an ERA above 3.80 until last season. During his tenure with the Padres he never had an ERA above 2.71.
The Rays hope they get that Frieri and not the one from last season. He has a solid 94 mph fastball to go with and a nasty slider that is in the range of 83 mph.
Overall I think this is a great move by the Rays and I love the idea of the one-year contract for Frieri. The Rays know they will need to load up on pitching if they want to contend in the loaded AL East.
