Oscar Villarreal and Latroy Hawkins signed deals with new teams today. Hawkins will now be pitching as a member of the New York Yankees, and Villarreal signed a 2 year deal with the Houston Astros. Last year Hawkins played for the Colorado Rockies, and Villarreal was a member of the Atlanta Braves. The Rockies’ signing of Luis Vizcaino didn’t leave room for Hawkins to be a Rockie in 2008. Hawkins signed a one year contract worth 3.75 million dollars, and Villarreal signed a more economical deal for 2 years worth 2.85 million dollars.

Though overpriced, I’d say that Latroy Hawkins is a good fit for the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees heavily work their bullpen, and with 1072 Major League innings inked, he clearly brings a veteran presence and a durable arm. In 2007 Hawkins was 2-5 with a 3.42 ERA and 55 innings pitched.

Oscar Villarreal is a very good pitcher, and the Astros organization will find him to be well worth 2.85 million dollars. Though Villarreal couldn’t live up to his 2006 season (In which he posted a 9-1 record) but he was a core member of the 2007 Braves bullpen. He inked 76.1 innings and struck out 58 on the year. The ‘Stros are definitely looking to rebound from their disappointing 2007 season, and this is a nice addition. Houston also acquired veteran Doug Brocail this offseason (76.2 innings pitched in 2007), so there will certainly be less pressure for Roy Oswalt and the rest of the Houston starting staff to go long into games this upcoming season.