SUNDAY, 4:48pm: Colon will have a chance to earn up to $1.25MM in incentives, per Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tweets that the contract has a March 24 opt-out date if Colon has not yet been added to the MLB roster. Meanwhile, Heyman tweeted the breakdown of the incentives package.
4:09pm: The deal comes with a $1.75MM salary if Colon makes Texas’ roster, Grant tweets.
4:47pm: Colon has agreed to a minors deal with the Rangers, according to an announcement from executive vice president of communications John Blake (Twitter link). The pact includes an invitation to spring training.
“Bartolo brings a track record of durability and success in the Major Leagues,” general manager Jon Daniels said (via Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, on Twitter). “He pounds the strike zone and provides quality competition for our rotation. Welcome to Texas, Big Sexy!”
9:52am: Colon and the Rangers are “close” to an agreement, Jon Heyman of FanRag tweets.
SATURDAY: The Rangers and 44-year-old right-hander Bartolo Colon are in talks on a minor-league contract, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports. Sanchez adds that there is “momentum”. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com confirms that the two sides are working on a deal, but cautions that “nothing is done yet”.
Since debuting with the Indians in 1997, Colon has seen MLB playing time in 20 seasons. After a handful of successful campaigns in Cleveland, Colon was shipped to the Expos for Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips in what would later become known as one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history. Just a few years later, Colon won the 2005 AL Cy Young award while pitching for the Angels.
In the years following, the righty’s performance fell off for a few seasons due to injuries and ineffectiveness. He failed to top 100 innings in any of the 2006-2009 campaigns, and averaged just half a win above replacement across those seasons. His 5.18 ERA during that span wasn’t indicative of the early-career Colon. He ultimately chose to sit out the 2010 season due to ongoing pains resulting from damage to his rotator cuff, ligaments and tendons. At 36 years of age, it seemed possible his career might have come to an end.
Prior to the 2011 season, however, Colon opted to undergo a somewhat controversial treatment during which his shoulder and elbow were injected with fat and bone marrow stem cells. The right-hander’s velocity shot back up to 95 MPH, and he subsequently enjoyed a bounceback 2011 season with the Yankees in which he posted a 4.00 ERA across 29 appearances (26 starts) for the Bombers. Fangraphs estimated his performance at 2.7 WAR. That success earned Colon a one-year $3MM contract with the Athletics.
Colon went on to post at least 2.4 fWAR in each of the next five seasons, including a 2016 season in which he endearingly became the oldest MLB pitcher to hit his first home run (42 years old). But age seemed to finally catch up with him last season across 143 innings with the Braves and Twins, as he posted a 6.48 ERA that ranked second-worst among MLB pitchers to throw at least 100 innings. His 5.60 K/9 also ranked in the bottom five.
It remains to be seen if Colon, who’ll turn 45 in May, has anything left in the tank. But the two sides end up reaching a deal, he can compete for the fifth spot in the Rangers’ rotation behind Cole Hamels, Matt Moore, Doug Fister and Mike Minor.
there wasn’t an extra recliner sitting in the clubhouse we could sign instead?
That rotation…..
YES Bartolo Big Sex has signed!!! Another season of seeing big sex.
Nice.
I Love It When You Call Me Big Sexy!
Throw your hands in the air if youse a true player.
Big Sloppi
Bring Big Sexy to Texas!
Big Texy!
Big Sexy Texy!
They should sign him just to sell sandwiches using that name
Watching Colon while destroying your colon.
Colon seems like he belongs in the 2018 Ranger rotation.
Unfortunately, he’s got nothing left in the tank.
This is a blanket statement,– His tank is subject to many variables.
Maybe Bartolo converts to a Knuckle ball Pitcher?
Or maybe he roids up again? I always found it odd that Bartolo got a free pass due to his personality.
He doesn’t even have a personality it’s just people find a big fat fella funny looking and just give him a free pass as if he’s a lovable fat teddy bear.
What free pass?? He was suspended, paid for it and now he should be able to play just like anyone else.
I agree, but my comment was how others perceive him. They give him a free pass because he’s like a carnival sideshow, come see The Bearded Lady and Big Sloppi
Bartolo goes for 300 Wins! 350?
He’ll go as far as science, pharmacy and technology takes him.
Can’t sign Yu, sign BART
Can, but don’t want to pay that much. They know him better than anyone. Obviously the Rangers aren’t alone in his price tag
Sign me!
Cy Young candidate!
Bartolo vs. Time
Bartolo VS. The Buffet Table
The most exciting thing to happen all off season, and I’m ok with it.
Giancarlo was traded like 5 minutes after being named the MVP!
But then he might not get to bat :/
Noooo, he needs to be in the NL so we can watch him hit
Interleaague away games
He’s going to be so, so sweaty this season.
You can call that trade lop-sided if you want, but it is not one of the MOST lop-sided trades. He has outlasted 2 out of those 3 prospects he was traded for. It was a fair trade that the Indians got EXTREMELY lucky that all 3 prospects worked out well.
Apt to point out that Colon outlasted some of those players, but the fact remains that the Expos only got half a season of Colon while the Indians got many years (and nearly 40 fWAR) out of Sizemore and Lee alone.
And yet the Tribe totally lucked out in that Phillips was the center piece of that deal and they got nothing from him. Wedge and the front office thought enough to bury him in the minors and then deal him for a bag of bp balls and somehow couldn’t crack their lineup but found stardom in Cincy.
That’s not how the situation played out at all.
“The Franchise”s immaturity and stubbornness is what led to his horrific play, punishments and eventual dumping out of Cleveland.
It was only his recognizing the wakeup call and working to ensure a future for himself that led to his career progression change – but that said, even it was fueled first by anger and a “I’ll show them” attitude, not the maturity he would only eventually develop
And Cleveland was dead set on both Sizemore and Lee from the start (I remember they were two of the first three names I heard were desired targets even, with the Phillips addition coming as a bit of a surprise to me when his name started being tossed around)
Phillips was the main package, Lee and Sizemore were in demand by Cleveland but secondary to BP. BP was young and immature and probably led astray by Milton Bradley, but to think he didn’t show enough talent to break camp as part of the roster is assinine anyway you cut it.
Phillips was the guy they didn’t think they were seriously going to get – and they only did because Montreal thought they were going to be contracted and therefore had no future anyway. Omar Minaya has openly admitted that, that they thought the team was about to be gone so they were playing for the then and now (a couple months later is when baseball finally gave up on that insane idea)
So yeah, the top-20 in game prospect became the centerpiece when Montreal offered to include him, but the other two were the ones Cleveland was targeting to ensure they were included. They didn’t “totally luck out” landing them (as you had said) – they set out to specifically land them
And Phillips did open 2003 (his first full year after the trade) as the Indians starting 2B, so not sure what you are even talking about.
…now what he didn’t do is actually hit. At all (553 ops in ML, 526 when sent to the minors) – and towards the point of that demotion also started another trend, one that would see him stop running out flies, not show up on time if he did at all, leave when he wanted, argue with anyone and everyone he could find, and on and on. He was unconcerned as he had that “The Franchise” tag he had given himself (even wrote on his shoes) as he walked in the doors in Cleveland, and he felt that tag he gave himself meant he didn’t need to listen to a single person anywhere.
Cleveland tried to make him part of the club, but his attitude ensured it would never happen. And the thing is, it almost ensured it never happened anywhere too …he was out of options for 2006, but he had still shown nothing which indicated he had the mental makeup to be in the MLs, and he was getting worse with his play in the minors. So the Indians contacted every team to guage interest …and there was NONE. No one wanted him because of his attidue. Only one team was willing to give him a 25 man spot for the 2006 season (meaning 29 teams didn’t think he was worth breaking camp with)
That one team willing to give him a shot was Cincy, and Cleveland gave him that opportunity rather than waiving him as they thought they likely would have to do.
Never said they lucked out in getting Lee and Sizemore, my comment was about the success of the trade given they got nothing from Phillips. Also didn’t say he didn’t make the team, I commented about when he was out if options and couldn’t make the team. My comments about them dumping a guy with skills like that; he didn’t just develop talent in Cincy, he had to have shown glimpses of talent in practice and batting practice. They got nothing for Phillips and got hosed in the Lee trade to Philly, until Carrasco turned the corner at the last chance, so again they got lucky.
cant he just go away?
Exactly..what is up with these guys showing love for a fat two time caught and probably doing it again cheater. These same posters showed vitriol and disdain on posts about cheaters and the HOF. He should be banned from the sport for life and this shows how really weak the testing is. Downvote if you will but respond why exactly you feel differently about this cheat!!
Agreed 100%.
Because baseball is still a skill game, not a weight lifting competition, and real fans don’t care, only ESPN-zombies do. I have never said I wanted anyone out of the HOF, I want a big HOF. I also think it’s wildly stupid to let Ty Cobb in but then ding other guys for the “character” clause. Let them all in, who cares, it’s a made-up honor with no real impact on the world.
They’re all good players, Collin.
Yay he doesn’t have to be forced into retirement, which I suspect is Matt Holliday’s fate, after batting .262/.366/.511 with 15 home runs in the first half, and .179/.225/.300 in the second half, battling through a virus, for a .231/.316/.432 overall season line.
Holiday was extremely valuable in the first half and taught the kids so much even when he wasn’t playing well. He can be a valued coach after retirement
Agreed! But I want his career to continue— And wish Girardi played him more in the playoffs.
I don’t know if anyone could notice from that 1st post, but I’m a huge Holliday fan. I think that virus he contracted must’ve be not yet discovered by the medical community, if in fact — it was responsible for that 2nd half 😉
I agree about Holiday! He was well liked in that Yankee clubhouse
and the kids were learning a lot from him about hitting. I wish the Cards would hire him as a hitting coach!
The problem with Holliday is that he can’t pitch. 😉
Really? So what’s your point?
I wish someone would sign Ichiro
Same
Rangers could. Check out his pitching stats.
Giants anyone?
Yeah, are they being serious thinking Gorkys Hernandez and Jarrett Parker are going to be better than Ichiro in 2018? Doesn’t make sense, those 2 are trash.
The wild boar returns
And they say only lefties pitch forever lol. Imagine him pitching Arlington, yikes
Lefty’s don’t
Lefty relievers don’t last as long as righty’s
Colon had one of his best starts of the year against the Rangers in Texas last season.
It’s amazing that he can continue to get a job, but Ichiro can’t. Smh
He’s pitched in parts of three decades ! 90’s 2000-2010 and 2011 onward. Insane
They’re throwing a minor league did for this old fat guy, but not one for Ichiro
Deal*
Ichiro won’t accept a minor league deal
Ichiro is going to go back to Japan, win the MVP and then just shake his head at every MLB team for not signing him.
*goes 24-0 with a 0.87 ERA and a 0.500 WHIP*
Only Pitcher I know, who went 24-0 is Tanaka in Japan Lol (Just before being posted)
These are Cool stats. hope see anofher 20-0, in my lifetime, Minors, Japan, whatever!
Clemens was close in 2001. If he wasn’t thrown off by 9/11 he might have done it
Yeah, because no one else was thrown off by it. lol what??
Cant wait to see what Houstons lineup will do to this guy.
Can’t wait to see what the World Series hangover does to Houston’s record this season.
Should suffer a little as the Angels actually improved. Rangers didn’t do anything to harm the Astros record. Colon should be good entertainment.
I second that. WS hangover will be a challenge for them!
Martin Perez is also in the Rangers rotation so it seems that they have the rotation locked up for the most part. However, it’s entirely possible that one or more of Fister, Moore, Perez or Minor flame out.
Just as I thought nothing but down votes on my previous post and no one answered the question. I guess cheating is OK for this guy and not others. Truly pathetic!!!
Has America taught you nothing? Of course cheating is ok for some people and not for others.
Get over it. Everyone was cheating during that time and MLB was ignoring it. You probably don’t think Bonds deserves to be in the HOF either.
Exactly. Or perhaps we should kick out every pitcher in the HOF from before the 1960s because they were throwing spitters and scuffed balls.
“Everyone was cheating during that time and MLB was ignoring it” This pos has been caught since the testing was implemented and no not everyone was doing it. Yes Bonds deserves to be in the HOF.
“Just as I thought nothing but down votes on my previous post and no one answered the question. I guess cheating is OK for this guy and not others. Truly pathetic!!!”
I up-voted this, because I know the feeling 🙂
xabial I’ve seen you downvoted for actually quoting correct facts and stats. It really is weak when people downvote and just to do it or start something never to follow up. I asked the question the second time a different way and got the old “everyone was cheating” and the old reliable but unsupported HOF stuff..should we kick out people. Those examples are not what I asked. People post on here about this guy thinking it’s so funny and cool. Look at this guys track record with substances,he makes Arod look almost clean. He shouldn’t be allowed on a Major League mound again.
I don’t agree with the thought but I could see it being the fact that he’s fat most people associate steroids with people in better physical condition. Just a thought not one that I agree with.
Generally, reading the way you wrote your post, I’m guessing no one cared to bite into your conversation. It just wasn’t worth the argument/ discussing.
How was that? A simple response of some kind as to why this guy seems to be laughed off instead of looked down on would have sufficed. That’s fine though the non response and down votes sums it up. Oh well.
I don’t normally post in non-Padres articles, but I thought I would here because I agree with what you’re saying. Here’s my take on it:
Colon’s unending popularity stems from the same reasons as to why things like the Kardashians and Adam Sandler movies are still popular. People like stupid, base-level stuff that they think is “funny”. Hence, why Colon is treated like MLB’s court jester, can still find jobs, and can still be cheered by fans when in actuality he’s not a very good person off the field. Luckily, this is just a minor league deal, so maybe he won’t even make the roster. However, it does say something about the thinking capacity of society.
He also might sell a couple extra tickets
Quick piece of advice: downvotes, and upvotes for that matter, mean nothing. They aren’t earned. They are a click of a button from some strangers mouse. When someone posts worried about downvotes, guess what people tend to do? Downvote it just to piss them off. Welcome to the internet.
Come on, Mets, get in the game!
Bartolo you got to retire bro…
No
I heard he was seen outside their offices with a sign that said Will Work for Food!
It’s official. The Rangers have switched from the figurative to the literal in their quest to become the 2017 Braves.
At what point do they announce the trade for R.A. Dickey?
Nice signing, especially with Perez’ injury. If he works out maybe we can move Minor to the bullpen
The Mets announcers call for colons home run in San Diego is one of my all time favs lol
Been in the league 20 years and still can’t speak the ENGLISH language !!
That’s not part of the job description.
Vlad too.
His command of the language ends at “give me 2 #4s and supersize them”…
That sounds like Jon Daniels’ offseason wishlist. Except he’s ordering No.. 6s off the Extra Value Menu.
Stock tip of the day; invest in Taco Cabana.
The reason that he’s signing with the Rangers is because Dan Wharthan is there and he probably thinks he can fix him.
Just convinces me that the Rangers aren’t serious in contending. Prepare Ranger fans for four or five years of very mediocre baseball.
I’ve been following the stl. cardinals since in my mother’s womb. (she was a great stl. fan!) I’m 63 yrs. old. I say this because we will never win another world series as long as current ownership is building ballpark village. this reminds me of the years after August Busch died. they did not care and we suffered. this ownership cared about winning until construction started. our team has gone done hill ever since. the need for a closer is obvious. We need at least one starter, An ace, and power hitting 1st or 3rd baseman. all were available fa. Not one of those needs were met. money must all be going elsewhere(must have somewhere else,insert no village)
If they don’t care about winning why did they trade for Ozuna?
I don’t see howdyrj@att.net helping the cardinals win a World Series. To busy moaning and whining how they’ll never win another World Series. They’ll win sometime again, just to prove you wrong.
Ahh, poor Bart. No daily Vegas buffet’s after all.
Anyway, as always, wishing him the best!
Damn you Mets, damn you to hell!! ✊
I hope the Rangers weighed him before they signed him.
Fatty Arbuckle…..what a joke, he’ll be released by May 1
Nearly 100 comments on a Bartolo Colon minor league deal signing. lol.
They will win the pennant with their own version of Colonsplay. He knows the ins and the outs and most importantly has the baseballs needed.
They will win the pennant with their own version of Colonsplay. He knows the ins and the outs and most importantly has the baseballs needed.
It’s a MINOR league signing..
Houston Texans should sign him as a run stuffer to add to their d-line.
The best part about BC is he did this all naturally in an era where everyone did steroids.
Did what naturally? Eat his way to obesity? Because he did cheat the game multiple ways.
New season, new team, new family
Now THAT’S funny.
Best possible outcome: the Texas humidity adds ridiculous movement to his straight fastballs, and he suddenly becomes unhittable and wins the Cy Young!
Now, never say I’m not a silver linings guy….
Also: Bartolo and Adrian??? Sign me up!
Who knows, plus he’s going to have old man strength starting to kick in. You never know.
Rangers not even trying to hide that they’re not interested in contending
Scott boras must be rolling over in his grave that el barto colon didn’t get 5/$150 mil