Chicago Cubs Sign Scott Baker

The Chicago Cubs in their continued confusing pattern of signing guys that seem to have little-to-no bearing on their future inked former Minnesota Twins hurler Scott Baker to a one-year deal worth 5.5 million dollars. Baker can earn an additional 1.5 million in incentives.

Baker injured his elbow in 2012 and missed the whole season. He went 8-6 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts in 2011 with the Twins. While Baker would be a nice addition for a team looking for a fifth starter, I’m not sure how much value he has to a non-contending team. Many feel the Cubs may eventually use him as trade bait, but he has to actually prove he can pitch again.

As a Cubs fan, I am just beyond confused at to what exactly is going on with this organization. I’d like to see them actually improve the talent on this ball club, and while a pre-injured Baker is better than what they had last season, there’s no way to know where the 31-year-old hurler will be this season. He’s still rehabbing the elbow, so there’s no way to even know what he’ll be able to do on the bump.

If anyone can give me a reason to be excited about the Cubs, please start talking. I do not buy that this organization is heading in the right direction. Maybe I am seeing things wrong, but I do not see this team losing less than 95 games this season.

Follow me on Twitter @ChicagoBearJew.