Yahoo!'s Tim Brown is reporting via Twitter that Jose Valverde got a two-year deal from the Detroit Tigers. The contract is worth 14 million with a 9 million option.
Obviously, this means the Astros land the No. 19 pick in the 2010 draft and No. 34 overall (in the compensation round), according to Brian McTaggart. I couldn't be happier about this, considering what the Astros did with the 21st pick last season (Jiovanni Mier). Another way to look at this is that the Astros gained 7.8 million in the deal (19th pick worth 5.2 million, 34th worth 2.6). It was the best-case scenario for the Astros and made Wade's decision to offer arbitration work out.
Again, my prognostication skills get a workout. From my profile of Valverde's free agent market:
[Valverde] will sign a two year deal for somewhere around 18 million, with a possible third year option for 10 million.
Four million off, but nailed the length and almost nailed the option. Not bad at all.
What do you think? Was that too much money for Valverde? Are you sad to see him go for that kind of contract? React away...