Freddy Garcia: Good Veteran Addition to the Padres Starting Rotation?

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the San Diego Padres have agreed to a minor league contract with right-handed veteran pitcher Freddy Garcia.

While this is no where near a spectacular signing, it's definitely a low-risk addition that could pay off if Garcia can stay healthy.  

The 36-year-old is a two-time All-Star, received Cy Young award votes twice in his career and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 1999.

Garcia went 7-6 last season for the Yankees with a 5.20 ERA, 89 strikeouts in 107.3 innings pitched and is expected to compete for a spot in the rotation with other candidates Anthony Bass, Eric Stults, Tyson Ross and Casey Kelly.  

He also has a lifetime 152-101 record, a 4.15 ERA and 1,575 strikeouts in 2,183.2 innings pitched.  

With the exception of a brief stint with the Phillies in 2007, this will mark Garcia's first venture into the National League in his 14-year career.

Though this isn't the kind of arm Padres fans were expecting when general managers Josh Byrnes said he would be going after two starting pitchers to add to the rotation in 2013, it's certainly a decent veteran addition to a staff that's currently cluttered with young and unproven players.  

As a fan, I've been very disappointed with the Padres front office's lack of moves this offseason, but at least they are attempting to add a veteran pitcher who could potentially resurrect his career in spacious Petco Park and haven't completely abandoned the fans in their search for additional arms.  

Not trying to be pessimistic, but let's just hope Garcia can stay healthy and pitch the way he did earlier in his career.

Fingers crossed...

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