The Cubs off-season signings started Thursday night when the Cubs signed left-handed reliever Scott Eyre. Eyre was 2-2 with a 2.63 ERA with the San Francisco Giants in 2005. Eyre signed a 2-year deal, with a player option for a third year worth $11 million dollars (if Eyre exercises his option). Eyre is 33 and will give the Cubs an excellent option out of the bullpen to go along with lefty Will Ohman. While Ohman is more of a left-handed specialist, Eyre has equal success against left-handers and right-handers. In 2005, lefties hit .182 and righties hit only .213. Eyre played with the Giants during the stretch run in 2002, after being picked up off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. He had a 1.59 in 21 games for the Giants in 2002. Eyre says he likes Dusty Baker and wanted to play for him again.
I like this signing (and they kept Eyre off of the Southside). I think Eyre will compliment Ohman, Novoa, Wuertz and Williamson very well and could be a good setup man for Ryan Dempster. This is a positive move for the Cubs and one of many over the next few weeks.