Texas Rangers sign Bartolo Colon to minor league contract

The Texas Rangers have helped make baseball a better place, as they have signed Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal.

Few players bring joy to the fanbase quite like Bartolo Colon does. From his entertaining at bats, to his ability to just pound the strike zone with fastball after fastball, baseball’s favorite jollux is a sight to behold on the field. Baseball is a better game when Big Sexy is on a roster.

Heading into the offseason, there were questions as to whether or not Colon would be able to locate a job. He had struggled mightily in 2017, posting a 7-14 record with a 6.48 ERA and a 1.587 WHiP, his career seemingly on life support. Fortunately, the Texas Rangers have come to the rescue, signing Colon to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Should he make the major league roster, Colon will earn $1.75 million, with a chance to get another $1.25 million in incentives. Colon would also appear with his 12th different franchise in the majors, leaving him one team away from tying Octavio Dotel for the most franchises in major league history. As it stands, he would tie Mike Morgan, Matt Stairs, and Ron Villone with his 12th different team.

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It may not be that difficult a task for Colon to earn a spot as the Rangers fifth starter. Cole Hamels, Matt Moore, and Doug Fister are likely locked into the rotation, but the same cannot be said for Martin Perez and Mike Minor. While Minor is going to be given a chance to earn a spot in the rotation this Spring, his success in the bullpen last year may lead to his being used in a similar role with Texas.

Colon also serves another role on the Rangers. As the rotation currently stands, Texas would have four lefties starting, with Fister as the only righty. Due to his being right handed, and his ability to throw strikes, Colon may have a better chance to crack the rotation than he would appear to at first glance.

Given that potential to make the Opening Day rotation, one can understand why Colon would head to Arlington. He is just six wins away from becoming the all time leading in wins amongst Latin American pitchers, as he chases down Dennis Martinez. The Rangers may give him the best chance to take over that title this year.

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Bartolo Colon has signed, joining the Texas Rangers on a minor league contract. With that signing, baseball is just a little bit better today.