San Diego re-signed Rod Beck to a one-year $1.85M contract that includes a $100,000 buyout on a $1.75M option for 2005. Colorado was interested in Beck as a closer, and he could have received larger salaries from other teams looking for setup help. However, he evidently preferred to remain with the Padres.

Beck compiled a 32:11 K:BB with 25 H and 4 HR allowed in 35.1 IP for a 1.78 ERA over 36 appearances last year. Any slip in the San Diego defense will hurt his ERA and WHIP, but I don't anticipate a significant decline in the 35-year-old's numbers provided he maintains whatever conditioning program transformed him from stout to svelte prior to the 2003 season.

While Beck successfully converted all 20 save opportunities he received, Trevor Hoffman of course will resume the Padres' closing duties. Beck will be there as his setup man and has proven capable of covering if Hoffman runs into injury trouble again. While I normally don't like spending money on bullpens, this signing is a good insurance move for San Diego and they were able to retain Beck for a sensible price. If the Padres find their minor league system overflowing with inexpensive alternatives, then the club can always deal Beck during the season.