Jonathan Albaladejo Signs with Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves to be the recipient of excellent luck when they signed Ian Kennedy in 2010.  The former Yankee found minimal success in New York after being toted as one of their top-tier prospects.  In 14 games for the Yankees, Kennedy posted a 6.03 ERA with a WHIP of 1.676, which is hardly the stuff of legend.

Since coming out west in 2010, Kennedy seems to have found his grove.  While starting 65 games for the Diamondbacks he has posted an ERA of 3.31, nearly half what he did in the AL East.  His WHIP has gone down considerably as well, posting a 1.139.  The desert has been kind to him.

It appears that the Diamondbacks are hoping to hit the jackpot twice off of Yankee castoffs.  Joel Sherman of the New York Post  tweeted yesterday that the Diamondbacks have signed reliever Jonathan Albaladejo, while initial reports held him going to the New York Mets.

In 2011, Albaladejo pitched in Japan.  Prior to that he pitched the entire 2010 season in the New York Yankees' Triple-A team in Scranton-Wilkes Barre, posting 43 saves and a 1.42 ERA.

His major league experience is limited, having spent one season pitching for the Washington Nationals in 2007, then the following three years with the Yankees organization.  In his 63-game major league career thus far, he has posted a 6-3 record with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.412.

It is worth repeating that most of this experience came not only in the American League, but in the toughest division as well, the American League East.

This could pan out to be an excellent signing by the Diamondbacks.  The 29-year-old stands 6'5" and weighs in at 255 pounds.  He can be an imposing figure on the mound.  While it comes across as a minor note on most teams' free agent board, this one could have a major impact for the snakes.

At the very least, he gives Arizona bullpen depth, something every team in baseball covets.