Kyle Terada-US Presswire
The Chicago White Sox have added a valuable arm in the bullpen. Pending a physical, the White Sox have signed hard throwing right hander Matt Lindstrom to a one year contract with a club option in 2014. This is a good move by the White Sox.
Here is some information about Lindstrom if you haven’t heard of him. In his six years in the MLB he has primarily been used as a setup man. He has some experience closing. In 2009 with the then Florida Marlins he recorded 15 saves and with the Houston Astros the following year he notched 23 saves.
In his six year career, Lindstrom has a 3.64 ERA in 326 innings. He also has 263 strikeouts. In the last two seasons he has posted a 2.85 ERA in 101 innings of work. In 2012 he pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and the Arizona Diamondbacks. With both teams he posted a 2.68 ERA in 47 innings and struck out 40 batters.
2013 will be Lindstrom’s first full season in the American League. He was traded by the Orioles to the Diamondbacks late in 2012. Before appearing in 34 games with the Orioles, Lindstrom only pitched in the National League. Lindstrom will be tested with the better hitters in the American League and the hitter friendly ballpark of U.S. Cellular Field.
The addition of Lindstrom will give Robin Ventura some room in his bullpen. Lindstrom can be used as a setup man if Jesse Crain needs some time off. His addition to the bullpen will also give Ventura another hard throwing right handed pitcher to go along with Nate Jones and Addison Reed.
The option for 2014 also gives the White Sox some options in the bullpen. If Lindstrom has a good year and the White Sox can’t resign Crain, who is in the last year of his contract, they can sign Lindstrom. Personally, I think if both have a good year that the White Sox should lock both of them up.
Now, the White Sox just have to find another lefty in the bullpen and the bullpen will be set for 2013.
What do you think about the White Sox signing Matt Lindstrom? Let me know and follow me on Twitter @EvanCrum1319
