Scott Williamson

The Cubs today signed Scott Williamson to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring training. This is a signing that I absolutely love. I know that he has a history of major elbow problems and they probably will continue the rest of his career, but who cares. When Williamson pitches he is usually unhittable. He had a bad time in Boston in the 2nd half of 2003, but I suspect that was more of his arm bothering him than his skill. Last year in his 28 innings there he was unhittable giving up an unbelievable .423 OPS.
If healthy having Williamson, Hawkins, Dempster, Ohman, Remlinger, Borowksi and whom ever wins out with Leicester, Wuertz, Wellemeyer, Randolph, Fox, Farnsworth (assuming they keep him after his leaving the pen/game on last day of the season) will be one of the best pens around to go with a great rotation. The pen has been a weakness that over the last few seasons the Cubs just could not overcome, hopefully now they can.

UPDATE: Scott Williamson will not be pitching until the end of July or early August since he had elbow surgery again in mid-October. I still think this is a great signing as it is a very low risk with potential of a very high return.

Contract Update: Williamson's contract will pay him the minimum in 2005, and if he is activated, it will increase to $500,000. There is a $2 million club option for 2006.