Offseason on the West Coast

By Ryan Pfleiderer – 2/15/2010
The Arizona Diamondbacks can breathe a sigh of relief. Former Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb threw off a mound on last Tuesday for the first time since having shoulder surgery last August. The righty told mlb.com that “the ball came out well,” something Arizona fans have been waiting a long time to hear. Webb made just one start last season before landing on the 60-day DL.
Former Baltimore Oriole Melvin Mora has signed a one-year deal to play with the Colorado Rockies this season. In 2009 the utility man hit .260 with eight home runs and 48 RBIs in 125 games with Baltimore, and expects to move around the field more this year. The Rockies can play him in the outfield or at second base, helping bolster their bench and adding depth to their lineup. Mora’s contract is worth $1.275 milion.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking their chances with a long-time veteran. Outfielder Brian Giles is moving up north after playing seven seasons with the San Diego Padres. The 39-year-old was limited to just 61 games last season and hit .191 with two homers. Giles could be used as the Dodgers’ fifth outfielder, as well as their premiere left-handed pinch hitter.
Catcher Yorvit Torrealba is staying in the NL West. After playing for the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies, Torrealba is headed to San Diego to play the back-up role for Nick Hundley. Torrealba was a key part in the Rockies’ 2007 postseason run and is best known for his solid defense and clutch hitting. The one-year deal is worth $1.25 million with an option for the 2011 season.
The tension in San Francisco has finally been cut loose. Last year’s Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants avoided salary arbitration and agreed on a contract. After making just over $650,000 last season, Lincecum will be earning $23 million over the next two years. Lincecum can earn more money for performance bonuses, including a bonus if he wins another Cy Young Award.