Yesterday, RHP Jon Lieber signed a three-year, $21M contract with Philadelphia. The deal includes a $1M signing bonus in addition to salaries of $5.25M in 2005, $7.25M in 2006, and $7.5M in 2007. The Phillies plan to slip Lieber into the top of their rotation.

While a groin injury delayed Lieber's return from Tommy John this spring, he joined the Yankees in May and held his place in New York's rotation through the post-season. Unsurprisingly, his already somewhat low strikeout rate dipped a bit upon his return. However, his Ks increased as the season progressed, and his outstanding control skills survived the surgery fully intact. The 34-year-old compiled a 102:18 K:BB with 216 H and 20 HR allowed in 176.2 IP for a 4.33 ERA. Philadelphia should provide him with better defensive support than he received from the Yankees, further polishing his numbers. Although I certainly do not consider this contract a bargain, Lieber appears past his arm problems for the moment and as a control pitcher should be able to maintain his effectiveness over the course of the deal. Consequently, I do not think the Phillies will regret more than a couple million dollars of his salary.