Veteran pitcher Freddy Garcia signs with professional team in Taiwan
By Brad Rowland
It has been just over a month since veteran Major League starter Freddy Garcia was unceremoniously released by the Atlanta Braves, but now, he has a new job that will grant him an impressive distinction.
The Associated Press sheds light on Garcia’s new gig, as he has officially signed to become a member of the EDA Rhinos in Taiwan.
"Garcia signed a seven-month contract worth up to $56,000 per month, reportedly topping the amount Manny Ramirez was offered during his three months with the team last year.The club said Garcia was looking for a change, his agent was seeking opportunities for him outside of the United States and “we reached each other.”"
It was a bit of a surprise to see Garcia released by the Braves (who immediately signed Aaron Harang in his place) earlier in the Spring, but the days of the 37-year-old acting as a dominant workhorse are long over. Still, Garcia pitched impressively during Atlanta’s playoff series against the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, when he famously out-dueled Clayton Kershaw, and he has a big name that should play well overseas.
Garcia being the highest-paid player in any professional baseball league seems a bit odd, but it’s always interesting to see when a guy keeps his professional career going after MLB teams go silent.