Jesse Crain Signs Three Year Contract With The Twins
By Michael Williams (4/2/2007)
Righted handed reliever Jesse Crain has signed a 3 year contract with the Twins worth $3.25 million. This will ensure that 25 year old Crain stays with the Twins through the 2009 season.
Last season Crain was 4-5 with a 3.52 ERA and one save in 68 appearances. In the last 22 appearances of the season, Crain was 2-0 with a 0.38 ERA. Crain started playing for the Twins in 2004 season and he has become one of the main setup players along with Juan Rincon. In the total time that Crain has spent with the Twins, he has a record of 19-10 with an ERA of 2.95.
The Twins believe that Crain has it in him to become a closer and this could happen sooner than anticipated if the Twins cannot extend Nathan’s contract. According to Rob Antony, director of baseball operations and contracts, Crain has been a success as a setup player and he thinks that Crain would also be successful as a ninth inning player.
If Crain had not signed the contract with the Twins, he would have been eligible for arbitration after this season. Now the Twins have managed to buy out the first two years of his arbitration. By signing on Crain, the Twins have taken the first step in locking up the bullpen. Last season the Twins’ bullpen was ranked first in the American League.
The contract has ensured that Crain would receive incentives if he becomes a closer. The incentives would be based on the number of games he closes and this is to ensure that he would not be paid the same amount as a middle reliever. |