On the day of Tanaka's signing, another possible impact signing occurred, this time on the west coast. Relief pitcher Eric O'Flaherty has agreed to a two year $7 million deal with the Oakland Athletics. O'Flaherty, 28, who was originally acquired by the Braves in 2009, has been one of the most dominant relievers in the game the past few years. He posted a 3.04 ERA in his first year with the Braves on 2009 and continued to improve thereafter. Since 2009, he has not produced an ERA over 2.50 and over the course of his career lefties are slashing a miniscule .200/.262/.269 against the lefty.
2013 was an unfortunate year for O'Flaherty, not because he pitched bad, but beacuse early in the year he learned that he would need Tommy John surgery. O'Flaherty is currently working his way back after surgery and is expected back around July, and if he is fully healthy, he could take over a major role in the Oakland bullpen for the stretch run.
When O'Flaherty recovers, he will join a revamped bullpen in Oakland that includes the likes of Jim Johnson and Luke Gregorson who were both added through trades this winter. If O'Flaherty can recover in time, he will be a much needed lefty specialist, if not more in their bullpen, and contending teams can always use more pitching depth. Good move for both sides, and could be a bargain if O'Flaherty regains his previous form.
2013 was an unfortunate year for O'Flaherty, not because he pitched bad, but beacuse early in the year he learned that he would need Tommy John surgery. O'Flaherty is currently working his way back after surgery and is expected back around July, and if he is fully healthy, he could take over a major role in the Oakland bullpen for the stretch run.
When O'Flaherty recovers, he will join a revamped bullpen in Oakland that includes the likes of Jim Johnson and Luke Gregorson who were both added through trades this winter. If O'Flaherty can recover in time, he will be a much needed lefty specialist, if not more in their bullpen, and contending teams can always use more pitching depth. Good move for both sides, and could be a bargain if O'Flaherty regains his previous form.