Octavio Dotel can still throw heat and the Pirates are putting the task of closing out ball games for the 2010 season for him as they signed him to a 1-year/$3.5 million deal.  There is a club option for $4.5 million in 2011 and a $250,000 buy out.  Dotel wanted to close while with the White Sox, that much was clear.  What was unknown heading into the offseason was what team was willing to sign him and have him close?  Keep in mind Dotel is 35, but again he still can get the ball in the upper 90′s and is striking out more batters than innings pitched.  It turns out the Pirates were the only team willing to spend the cash on Dotel to have him close and as long as Dotel doesn’t care about winning this will be a great fit for him.

Grade for the Pirates: A-; I know it’s the Pirates, but still think about it.  They signed a closer who you know will be reliable and for under $4 million, that’s unheard of in this generation of baseball.  So much emphasis is placed on the closer that the top tier closers make over $10 million a year.  Dotel’s job security is great too, he can suck and still be the closer the entire year.  Like I said, if Dotel doesn’t mind losing then this is a great fit for him and the Pirates.

Shane Victorino and the Phillies have agreed to a 3-year/$22 million extension to keep him through 2012, according to Jayson Stark.  I think the Phillies got Victorino on the cheap!  They are paying Joe Blanton more than the Flyin’ Hawaiian now.  Victorino is a very consistent hitter who you know will bat .290 with a .350 OBP with at least 22 steals and 60 RBI and score 90-100 runs.  That’s pretty productive for just over $7 million a year.  Not to mention he is a gold glove center fielder.

Grade for the Phillies: A-; All these A’s!  I think they are well deserved though.  Victorino is still just 28 and in the prime of his career; it’s not like they signed him for 7 years when he will be 35.  The only downfall is this will delay the arrival of some Phillies OF prospects who could hit the Majors this year, unless of course they switch positions.