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Zumaya signs with Minnesota

Print | Comments () Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff January 15, 2012 02:57 PM

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By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

The Red Sox were interested in former Detroit reliever Joel Zumaya, but not enough to keep him away from the Twins. MLB.com reports that Minnesota signed the righthander to a one-year deal worth $800,000 with a possible $900,000 in incentives.

Zumaya was a stud for the Tigers in his rookie season of 2006, appearing in 62 games. He struck out 97 in 83.1 innings and had one of the best fastballs in the game.

He has appeared in only 109 games since, his career undone by a series of injuries. Zumaya has had surgery on his shoulder (twice), elbow (twice) and middle finger.

When he can pitch, Zumaya pitched fairly well. In the last four seasons, over 126.1 innings, he has 113 strikeouts (albeit with 72 walks) while allowing 113 hits. He is a classic low risk signing who could provide a high reward.

The Red Sox, at this point, do not necessarily need another reliever. But they could use a few hopefuls to bring to camp and challenge the likes of Matt Albers.

The Sox officially announced today (via Twitter) RHPs Aaron Cook and Justin Germano were signed to minor league contracts and invited to spring training.