Notebook: Zumaya guaranteed $400,000; Twins ink Brad Thompson
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The low-risk signing of right-hander Joel Zumaya by the Minnesota Twins is even more low-risk than initially thought.
An MLB source confirmed Thursday that only $400,000 of Zumaya's $850,000 base salary is guaranteed. Zumaya will earn the full sum if he makes the 25-man roster out of spring training, which is almost a certainty if he stays healthy through February and March.
Zumaya can earn up to $1.8 million in 2012 through incentives.
The 27-year-old was clocked between 92-94 mph during a December bullpen session in Houston, and in a conference call with reporters Thursday morning he said "I'm 27 years old. I still have a lot of gas left in my tank," and added he expects to touch 100 mph again.
"But right now I feel like I can get away with 95-96."
Due to numerous arm injuries, Zumaya has not pitched more than 38 innings in a season since 2006.
Not done yet?
When asked on the conference call whether the Twins were done making moves this offseason, general manager Terry Ryan said, "We'll continue to keep looking around... I don't think you should ever say you're set to go."
The Twins' payroll currently sits at approximately $98.5 million.
Twins ink Brad Thompson
According to Baseball Prospectus, the Twins have also signed 29-year-old right-hander Brad Thompson to what is likely a minor league contract.
Thompson last pitched with the Kansas City Royals in 2010, where he posted a 6.41 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings. In his six-year career, most of it spent with the St. Louis Cardinals, he owns a 4.46 ERA in 405 1/3 innings.
Heading into Thursday, the Twins' 40-man roster was full, including Zumaya, and 65 players had been invited to spring training.
