Vogelsong To Return, Giants Bolster Pitching Rotation

Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America

Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America

The San Francisco Giants have resigned starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong to a one-year, $4 million dollar deal to return to the team that resurrected his career in 2011 where he became an All-Star.

The Vogelsong signing is probably used as insurance, since the Giants already have their five man starting rotation with Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, Tim Hudson, Jake Peavy, and Yusmeiro Petit.  A few weeks ago Hudson had an ankle procedure while Cain is attempting to return from ankle and elbow surgeries from last season.

At 37, Vogelsong’s velocity is diminishing and his statistics have regressed over the past two years.  Vogelsong’s ERA the last four years are as followed: 2011- 2.71, 2012- 3.37, 2013- 5.73, and 2014- 4.00.

Ultimately, it is still a good signing as Vogelsong can be used as a backup starter and give you some emergency relief innings. It is also nice to have a veteran who has won a few championships to be present in the lockerroom as well.  The 37-year-old does have 3-0 record and a 2.92 ERA in eight postseason games with the Giants.