RUSS ORTIZ now a D-Back!

[DODGER DEB]

Our local station here in NY, NBC4 is reporting that RUSS ORTIZ signed a contract with the D-Backs today!

c.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Yes! I mean no, it doesn't matter. Russ Ortiz has signed a 4 year, $45 million deal with the D-Backs. He posted a 15-9 record with the A-Town Braves last year, and with the signing of Russ, could mean an end to Randy Johnson's tenure in 'Zona.


Here is the article on MLB.com:


12/10/2004 5:00 PM ET
Ortiz signs with Diamondbacks
Arizona locks up former Braves ace for four years
By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com


Russ Ortiz, a resident of the Phoenix area, was 15-9 with a 4.13 ERA in 204. (Jared Ravich/MLB.com)



• Official club release
• Russ Ortiz talks about his new deal
• D-Backs announce the signing of Russ Ortiz
• D-Backs managing partner discusses Ortiz
• Steve Gilbert on the D-Backs' moves


ANAHEIM -- Another day, another free agent signing for the Diamondbacks.
Arizona agreed to a four-year contract with former Braves pitcher Russ Ortiz on Friday.

Ortiz is the second big-name free agent to sign with the D-Backs in as many days. On Thursday, Arizona inked slugger Troy Glaus to a four-year deal worth $45 million.

At the press conference to announce the Glaus signing, Diamondbacks lead investor Ken Kendrick said the organization was not done making improvements to a club that was 51-111 last year.




"We have told you over the last couple of months repeatedly that our intent is not to rebuild, but to reload," Kendrick said at the time. "We are reloading. We told you our intent was to be competitive and we're going to be."

Starting pitching was one of the areas the Diamondbacks were looking to work on.

"We're still talking about starting pitching, middle infield and outfield situations," Arizona general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said Thursday.

The 30-year-old Ortiz gives the Diamondbacks a solid No. 2 starter behind Randy Johnson and in front of Brandon Webb. Ortiz, a resident of the Phoenix area, was 15-9 with a 4.13 ERA last year for the Braves and won 21 games for Atlanta in 2003. In his seven year career, he has a 103-60 mark.

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[4-Man_Rotation]

Very nice for the D-Backs.

Russ Ortiz is a solid starter for the Braves.

Troy Glaus will hopefully stop the revolving door at third.

Arizona hasn't had stability at third since Matty in '98-00 ...

[4-Man_Rotation]

Yes! I mean no, it doesn't matter. Russ Ortiz has signed a 4 year, $45 million deal with the D-Backs. He posted a 15-9 record with the A-Town Braves last year, and with the signing of Russ, could mean an end to Randy Johnson's tenure in 'Zona.

Then again ... AZ dropped a TON of money ...

How many guys are still on deferment from '01??

RJ's sure to retire after '05 anyway ... he MAY stick around for '06 but he won't play in AZ...

I sometimes wonder if he's looking at 5714 but that's 4-5 years AT LEAST...

(oops, did I just say that?)

There's no way ...

He's tough ... he knows he's accomplished all there is ...

hang em up, play some drums and be a photographer...

[JohnGelnarFan]

The Orioles signed Russ Ortiz today.I know you D-Back fans are sorry to see him go! ;)

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

RJ's sure to retire after '05 anyway ... he MAY stick around for '06 but he won't play in AZ...




Funny, RJ is still pitching. But, Ortiz only won 5 games in Arizona, it was supposed to be the perfect situation for him. The $20 Million+ the D'Backs ate was the biggest contract eaten in MLB history.