Ricky Nolasco to Minnesota Twins (4 years, $49 million)

Ricky Nolasco has signed a four year deal with the Minnesota Twins for $49 million. Since being traded to the Dodgers from the Marlins at the trade deadline, Nolasco pitched to a 3.52 ERA over 15 starts. He has been an average pitcher throughout his career but 2013 marked his best season since 2008. Luckily for Nolasco, it happened to occur during his contract year and he was paid well for just one season of good pitching. He represents the first piece in the Twins rebuilding process and is actually the largest contract that Minnesota had ever given to an external free agent. Entering his age 31 season, Nolasco looks to improve on last year and help the miserable Twins rotation of last season, owners of a league-worst 5.26 ERA. Expect Nolasco to lead the charge on a lengthy rebuilding process currently in effect for the Twins.

Fantasy Impact- As always, free agents will be overpaid in real life just like they will be over-drafted in fantasy. Always be cautious regarding out-of-the-ordinary seasons for pitchers anyway. Nolasco is only a fringe starter on a standard league and should be treated as such. Therefore, he only deserves a draft pick in the last few rounds. 

Predictions - 6-10, 200 IP, 195 H, 88 ER, 32 BB, 155 K (3.96 ERA, 1.14 WHIP)

For more info on Nolasco's signing see: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/phil-rogers-additions-of-ricky-nolasco-phil-hughes-point-minnesota-twins-in-right-direction?ymd=20131130&content_id=64295666&vkey=news_mlb

Image citations in order of page: http://www.rgj.com/usatoday/article/2504631

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