Sanchez Signs with Tigers, Hamilton with Halos, as Free Agency Gets Rolling

Baseball's big-name free agents are finally starting to put pen to paper, with two big signings rocking fans and executives alike; Anibal Sanchez has signed with the Detroit Tigers, and Josh Hamilton has signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Sanchez, the big right-hander who had an exceptional playoff run for the Tigers, received an $80 million five year deal to remain in the motor city. Hamilton, the left-handed slugger with a sordid history, scribbled his name on a five year, $125 million deal with the Angels.

Anibal Sanchez began his career in Miami, and spent most of last season with the Miami Marlins, before making his way to Detroit in a midseason deal. He struggled out of the gate with the Tigers, but eventually found his stride and carried them into the playoffs despite finishing the postseason with a 1-2 record, which was a result of getting shutout twice. Over the course of his career, Sanchez has compiled a 48-51 win-loss record, with a 3.75 earned run average.

Josh Hamilton, originally a draft pick of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, has spent the majority of his career, and last season, with the Texas Rangers. He was a big component of Ranger's teams that have made it all the way to the World Series, though they were never able to win it all. A career .304 hitter with serious power, Hamilton is famous for his drug-riddled past in which he almost lost his career and life to abuse of illicit substances. His departure for Anaheim has left a bitter taste in Ranger's fans mouths, but it was expected because Texas could not match the money and length of contract that Hamilton was looking for.

The signing of Sanchez further bolsters an already incredible pitching rotation in Detroit, which includes Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, and Doug Fister. They are looking to get back to the World Series, and have made a strong push in free agency. Hamilton joins a potent lineup in Anaheim, where he, Albert Pujols, and Mike Trout will be tasked with carrying the Angels to post season success. Angel's owner Art Moreno has dedicated himself to putting together a roster that will provide some punch, and draw fans to his billion dollar television network.

For baseball fans, things are getting exciting, but it's hard to keep up with all of the players moving across country. Opening day next year will feature a litany of new lineups, a prospect that many of us are looking forward to. Things will continue to evolve as more signings are made, meaning we'll all have to do some work to keep up, but the baseball future is bright.