Minor league signings roundup

Cleveland Indians

Earlier today, the Indians announced that they had signed two pitchers to minor-league deals that also included invitations to spring training.

We've added LHPs Tom Gorzelanny and Joe Thatcher on minor-league deals w/invites to Spring. https://t.co/c8I7Yw0LL8 pic.twitter.com/YcHvCxhKCa

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) December 21, 2015

It's somewhat surprising to see Thatcher have to settle for a minor-league deal, as he's pitched well over the last three seasons. Since the beginning of the 2012 season, he's thrown 124 innings, posted a K/9 of 9.29, a BB/9 of 2.90, and an ERA of 3.41.

Gorzelanny has also been effective over that time period, and is the owner of a 3.64 ERA along with a 3.96 FIP. His 2015 season however was a disappointment, which is likely an underlying factor for him needing to accept a minor league deal.

Texas Rangers

The Rangers added some starting pitching depth today, as they signed a former A's starter to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.

#Rangers agree with RHP A.J. Griffin on a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) December 21, 2015

Griffin enjoyed success from 2012-2013, as he pitched 282.1 innings, and posted an ERA of 3.60, along with an FIP of 4.34. His biggest problem was a penchant for giving up home runs (HR/9 of 1.47), but he was a more than serviceable back-end starter.

Unfortunately for Griffin, he missed the entire 2014 season due to Tommy John surgery, and only managed to throw 14.1 innings during 2015 (all in the minor leagues).