Free-agent reliever Justin Speier switched allegiances Tuesday, bolting the Toronto Blue Jays to join the Los Angeles Angels.
Speier, 33, ended a three-year tenure in Toronto by signing a four-year, $18-million US contract to pitch in Anaheim.
Justin Speier pitched 185 times for Toronto, going 8-10 with 7 saves.
(Ric Francis/Associated Press)
The veteran right-hander will earn $3.75 million US next season, $4.25 million US in 2008, $4.75 million US in 2009 and $5.25 million US in 2010.
"This is a dream job, with a team that's going places, a team that's definitely in championship contention," he said. "It was an opportunity I could not pass up."
"A lot of general managers are watching the playoffs these days and realizing a strong bullpen is essential," Speier figured. "You started seeing setup guys getting paid more than in years past."
Speier went 2-0 with a 2.98 earned-run average in 58 relief appearances for the Blue Jays last season, primarily as the setup man for all-star closer B.J. Ryan.
"I'm going to miss everybody in Toronto," said Speier, who struck out 55 batters and walked just 21 in 51 1/3 innings pitched.
"We wanted Justin here," Angels GM Bill Stoneman said. "He was the best guy out there and the guy we wanted."
With Los Angeles, Speier bolsters a bullpen already boasting Francisco (K-Rod) Rodriguez and Scot Shields, who is rumoured to be on the trading block.
"They are both quality relievers," Speier said. "I'm just going to do what I can to fit into this mix.
"There was some other teams offering me chances to close and definitely set up. That's never been an issue for me.
"I love pitching with the game on the line, whether it's the sixth, seventh, eighth inning. I don't have an ego on that.
"The more quality arms you have on a team, the better chance you have to win. I'm just excited about being a part of a good bullpen."
Speier is 27-20 lifetime with a 4.02 ERA and 17 saves in 459 relief appearances over nine MLB campaigns for the Chicago Cubs, Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies and Blue Jays.
With files from the Associated Press
