Friday, November 19, 2010

TIGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH JOAQUIN BENOIT

In Play on Facebook


Righthanded Pitcher Agrees to Three-Year Contract

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has agreed to terms with righthanded pitcher Joaquin Benoit on a three-year contract, a contract that runs through the 2013 season.

Benoit appeared in 63 games for the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2010 season, posting a 1-2 record, 1.34 ERA (60.1IP/9ER) and 75 strikeouts. He limited opponents to a .147 batting average (30x204), while he issued 11 walks.

“Joaquin is a solid addition to our bullpen,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “One of our off-season goals was adding an established late inning arm to our bullpen and Joaquin has had success pitching in critical situations late in the game and he fits that role for our club.”

Benoit topped all American League relievers with a 1.34 ERA, .147 batting average against, 4.48 hits per nine innings and 6.12 baserunners per nine innings with Tampa Bay during the 2010 season, while he finished second with 1.64 walks per nine innings and 6.82 strikeouts per walk, third with 11.19 strikeouts per nine innings and fifth with 75 strikeouts.

A veteran of nine seasons at the major league level with the Texas Rangers (2001-08) and Rays (2010), he has compiled a 31-28 record, 4.47 ERA (651.2IP/324ER) and 613 strikeouts in 336 games (55 starts). In 281 relief appearances during his career, Benoit has posted a 17-9 record, 3.32 ERA (377.0IP/139ER) and 380 strikeouts.