Impact of the Karstens deal

Monday, 14 January 2013 19:34

Written by Bill Brink

So remember Monday morning when I said the roster projection would last about a day?

We didn't even make it that far.

The Pirates agreed to terms with Jeff Karstens on a one-year contract, in theory solidifying the rotation.

The impact of the deal:

***While exact figures are not yet known, Karstens is expected to make around $2.5 million. That makes sense given the fact that Charlie Morton avoided arbitration with a $2 million contract (and will miss half of 2013) and Karstens pitched more than Morton in 2012.

***It signals that the Pirates are not optimistic about coming to terms with Francisco Liriano. They are probably hoping to re-negotiate that contract after Liriano injured his non-throwing arm in late December, after the terms were agreed to but before taking a physical.

***But, the inexpensive nature of Karstens' contract means the Pirates may still be able to afford Liriano on new terms, or possibly Shaun Marcum. Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi reported that the Pirates had interest in Marcum.

***It removes the chance that both Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson will make the Pirates' rotation. They are inexperienced and have had mixed results in their brief major league time.

***But, it doesn't guarantee that Karstens will secure a spot for 30 starts or 190 innings. He missed a good portion of last season due to two separate injuries, even after revamping his offseason workouts before the 2012 season with the goal of becoming stronger.

-- Photo courtesy of Jared Wickerham/Getty Images.