Report: Aardsma could earn $1 million if he makes Indians' Opening Day roster
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David Aardsma has a million reasons to head to Cleveland with the Indians after spring training:
If veteran reliever David Aardsma breaks camp with the #Indians, he'll earn $1 million. Coming to camp on minor league deal.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) January 24, 2014
Aardsma had a 4.31 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 39 2/3 innings for the Mets in 2013. He struck out 36 and walked 19.
Aardsma's days as a closer seem done, and he's struggled since coming back from Tommy John surgery, which cost him the 2011 season. He averaged 91.2 miles per hour on his fastball last year, well down from the 94 he averaged before having elbow surgery.
Aardsma used to be able to push his fastball into the upper 90s. He hit 97.8 miles per hour in 2010, and 99 miles per hour in 2008. He's going to have to adjust now, post-surgery, and as he ages. The 32-year-old's going to have to become more of a pitcher than a hard thrower.