The Tampa Bay Rays have found their closer for the 2014 season and his name is Grant Balfour. Their previous closer had been Fernando Rodney, but after his departure via free agency this winter, the Rays had a vacancy that Balfour should fill nicely. Balfour originally looked to be headed to Baltimore for 2014, but was not signed by the Orioles after their physical results came back from the righty. The 36 year old will take a $3 million pay cut from the Orioles to the Rays, but will remain in the same division.
Balfour debuted with the Minnesota twins in 2001, and has bounced around a bit since then. Balfour has only been a closer since 2012, but has been solid since being handed the role. In the past 2 years he has notched 62 saves to go along with a sub-2.60 ERA. This will end up being Balfour's 2nd trip to Tampa as a player, having played there from 2007-2010.
At only $6 million per year, the Rays should be more than happy getting Balfour to close for them. In this case, the failed deal with the Orioles helped the Rays immensely as it shored up the Rays hole at closer all the while saving them some money on the deal. Balfour, on the other hand, still got his two year deal despite the injury concerns now surrounding him. I think both sides should be satisfied with this deal and only time will tell how it works out.
Balfour debuted with the Minnesota twins in 2001, and has bounced around a bit since then. Balfour has only been a closer since 2012, but has been solid since being handed the role. In the past 2 years he has notched 62 saves to go along with a sub-2.60 ERA. This will end up being Balfour's 2nd trip to Tampa as a player, having played there from 2007-2010.
At only $6 million per year, the Rays should be more than happy getting Balfour to close for them. In this case, the failed deal with the Orioles helped the Rays immensely as it shored up the Rays hole at closer all the while saving them some money on the deal. Balfour, on the other hand, still got his two year deal despite the injury concerns now surrounding him. I think both sides should be satisfied with this deal and only time will tell how it works out.