The Brewers signed right handed starting pitcher Claudio Vargas to a one year, $2.5 million deal and in the process, both sides will avoid arbitration. Pegged as a fourth or fifth starter, Vargas had a solid season for the Diamondbacks in 2006. He struck out 123 in 16 2/3 and he has a 4.83 ERA. He came over from the Diamondbacks in the trade that also brought Johnny Estrada to town.
The $2.5 million pretty much split the difference between the Brewers and Vargas. $2.5 million is pretty cheap for even a back end starter, now it’d just be nice if Vargas had some breakthroughs in 2007.
