Tim Hudson and Carlos Ruiz Sign

They were not in my top 25 free agent signings, but they have both found homes. Tim Hudson is heading back to the Bay Area with a 2 year $23 Million deal from the San Francisco Giants and Carlos Ruiz is returning back to Philadelphia on a 3 year $23 Million deal.

Tim Hudson returns to the Bay Area

Tim Hudson was injured for a large portion of the 2013 season, so the Giants scored a bargain. Hudson had a 55% ground ball rate which is below his career average, but is still great for any pitcher. His 26% fly ball rate is great for AT&T park and even if that rate were to go up, Hudson would continue to find success.

The Giants lead the league in signing free agents named Tim in this off season. Hudson and Lincecum will make up a rotation that may find much success in 2014. Bumgarner, Cain, Lincecum, Hudson, and the mysterious fifth starter will take the mound in San Fran all summer long. Josh Johnson personally reached out to the Giants and the Padres, because he wanted to pitch there, and was willing to take a one year deal to rejuvenate his career. Josh Johnson, Bronson Arroyo, or Ryan Vogelsong may get the role of fifth starter for the Giants.

Carlos Ruiz played 92 games for the Phillies in 2013 and secures a very valuable position as a right handed bat in their lefty heavy lineup. Ruiz's batting average was .325 in 2012 and plummeted to .268 in 2013. His OBP also followed a 70 point drop. The Phillies maintain a catcher that could handle their rotation, but they have a huge question mark for what offense Ruiz could provide.