By Jordan Long
The Texas Rangers report to spring training on February 14th. On Sunday, they decided to sign 44-year old starting pitcher Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract. He will also report to Spring Training. Spring Training will determine if he makes the 40-man roster. If Colon does, he will earn $1.75 million this year. According to Espn.com, Rangers’ General Manager Jon Daniels said, “Bartolo brings a track record of durability and success in the major leagues. He pounds the strike zone and provides quality competition for our rotation.”
Colon is a veteran pitcher who is entering his 21st MLB season. Colon knows how to win at the Major League level. In his career he has 240 wins. Last year was one to forget. He pitched for both the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves. His record was 7-14 with an ERA of 6.48. He gave up 28 home runs and was having trouble with his pitching command walking 35 batters.
The Rangers are taking a risk. Colon isn’t the pitcher he once was. Last season proved it. He couldn’t keep the ball down or throw strikes.
The Rangers are hoping to have the Colon from 2016. He was 15-8 with a 3.43 ERA. If Colon can win 10 to 15 games at his age for the Rangers that would be a huge accomplishment.
Colon must use Spring Training to work on his command. The Rangers can’t afford to see him leaving the ball up in the zone for easy home runs. If that happens, he will not make the team. Luckily for the Rangers, it won’t cost them anything if he doesn’t make the roster. This might be Colon’s last chance to make a Major League team. Hopefully he will make an impact.
What do you think of the Texas Rangers agreeing to a minor league contract with Bartolo Colon?
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