Seattle Mariners reportedly sign pitcher Joe Beimel to Minor League contract
By Brad Rowland
Amid the flurry of Major League Baseball transactions revolving around the league’s arbitration deadline, the Seattle Mariners took on a no-risk flyer that could pay off at the Major League level.
Tim Brown of Yahoo is reporting that the Mariners and left-hander Joe Beimel have agreed to a Minor League contract with an MLB Spring Training invite, and I love this deal for the M’s. Prior to the 2011 season, Beimel posted a sub-4.00 ERA in 6 straight seasons, and according to Brown, his velocity has returned to the peak form that he showed before going down with Tommy John Surgery in 2012.
If there’s a “downside” to the deal for Seattle, it is that Beimeil will be 37 years old by the end of April, but for a lefty option in the bullpen, his age is largely irrelevant. Beimel could be a highly effective middle-inning bullpen option if his velocity and movement are back to his pre-surgery levels, but if not, the Mariners will likely be able to recognize his shortcomings by the end of Spring Training, and simply end the relationship.
Seems like a win-win to me.