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It's a four year deal and the money hasn't been released yet. I had spectulated 4 for $20 a couple weeks ago so I'm only surprised he ended up with the Angels who you wouldn't think would need him. I'm also a little surprised Speier didn't head somewhere where he'd have a chance to close.
Speier is an 'A' player so the Jays will pick up a sandwich pick. They'll also receive a pick from the Angels. The Angels pick 24th which is what the Jays would get today, but it's very possible they'll sign another free agent ranked higher than Speier so that could drop.
It was pretty unlikely that the Jays were going to re-sign Speier so picking up a couple draft picks is a nice bonus regardless of where the picks end up being.
Heres the story from Toronto;
The Angels appear to be close to adding free-agent right-hander Justin Speier to their bullpen. According to ESPN.com, Los Angeles agreed to a four-year contract with the 33-year-old reliever on Sunday.
Speier spent the last three seasons with the Blue Jays, posting a 3.18 ERA with 163 strikeouts over that span. Last year, he went 2-0 with a 2.98 ERA in 58 appearances -- mainly serving as Toronto's setup man. Speier also struck out 55 batters over 51 1/3 innings in 2006.
In 2005, Speier posted a 2.57 ERA in 65 outings for the Jays. Twice over the last three seasons -- in 2004 and again last year -- Speier had stints on the disabled list due to a right forearm strain. He missed about a month both times. Over nine seasons, Speier has gone 27-20 with a 4.02 ERA and 17 saves with the Jays, Rockies, Indians, Braves, Marlins and Cubs.
Speier is an 'A' player so the Jays will pick up a sandwich pick. They'll also receive a pick from the Angels. The Angels pick 24th which is what the Jays would get today, but it's very possible they'll sign another free agent ranked higher than Speier so that could drop.
It was pretty unlikely that the Jays were going to re-sign Speier so picking up a couple draft picks is a nice bonus regardless of where the picks end up being.
Heres the story from Toronto;
The Angels appear to be close to adding free-agent right-hander Justin Speier to their bullpen. According to ESPN.com, Los Angeles agreed to a four-year contract with the 33-year-old reliever on Sunday.
Speier spent the last three seasons with the Blue Jays, posting a 3.18 ERA with 163 strikeouts over that span. Last year, he went 2-0 with a 2.98 ERA in 58 appearances -- mainly serving as Toronto's setup man. Speier also struck out 55 batters over 51 1/3 innings in 2006.
In 2005, Speier posted a 2.57 ERA in 65 outings for the Jays. Twice over the last three seasons -- in 2004 and again last year -- Speier had stints on the disabled list due to a right forearm strain. He missed about a month both times. Over nine seasons, Speier has gone 27-20 with a 4.02 ERA and 17 saves with the Jays, Rockies, Indians, Braves, Marlins and Cubs.
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