The Free Press is reporting that Tiger relief pitcher Fernando Rodney was signed to a 1-year deal worth $1.05 M. Rodney was eligable for arbitration this year and the Tigers are apparently looking to sign him for a longer period of time.

Fernando had a great 2006 season ending with a 3.52 ERA, 65 SO, 34 BB in 71.7 innings. His salary last year was $385,000. Congrats Fernando on your 270%+ raise! You earned it; even if you did worry me many times with your walks.

An interesting quote from the article on Rodney’s possibility as a closer should Todd Jones leave after 2007.

“He’s in position to be thought of as a possible closer in 2008,” Rego said. “It would be his dream, if that would happen.”

That would certainly allow for some continued late inning stress.

[UPDATE] The Tigers have also signed Infante, Monroe and Nate Robertson. This means that there are no more arbitration eligible players left for this year. There is an article on the Tigers official web site with more information.

ESPN is reporting that Monroe will make $4,775,000 next year. This is a 170% raise on his 2006 salary of $2,800,000. This seems high to me and Baseball Prospectus Pecota MORP for 2007 is $3,150,000. I think he made out well but this amount won’t really affect the Tigers bottom line in any significant way.

[UPDATE 2] The rest of the numbers are available at the Free Press now. Robertson: 3.26M, Infante: 1.3M. As Kurt points out at the Mack Avenue Tigers this puts the Tigers overall payroll at around $95M. It is great to see the Tigers investing their money after a great season, and in my view wisely.