In addition to signing reliever Mike Adams, the Phillies have agreed to bring starting pitcher John Lannan into the fold. Lannan joins the Phillies on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, though he can make up to $5 million if he hits certain incentives which have not yet been made public, Lannan, 28, joins a rotation that includes Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels. One of these things is not like the others, one of these things is bad!

Okay, so that’s not entirely fair; Lannan has done a credible job of not being injured ever and one-hitting my drafted team in MLB: The Show 2010, Between the minor leagues and the Nationals, Lannan has been remarkably consistent when it comes to taking the mound every fifth day. I’m sure he’ll be just fine as a fifth starter around for the sole purpose of making sure someone shows up to pitch innings that would otherwise be vacated. He posted an impressive 3.71 FIP in 2012, but I guess I should include the part where he only pitched 32 2/3 innings.

Philadelphia fans will be at a loss for words after seeing the first three guys in their team’s rotation pitch and then witnessing Lannan’s brand of baseball throwing. Lannan never strikes out anyone, not ever; his career 4.71 K/9 rate is roughly the equivalent of Aroldis Champman’s K/2 rate. Strangely enough, he also isn’t particular good at limiting the free passes, as his career walk rate is 3.40/9 and approached the disgusting 4.0/9 mark during last season’s brief stint in the Washington rotation. There’s something to be said for Lannan’s durability, and he’s fine as a fifth starter for the Phillies in the short term until they can develop someone better, but a pitcher walking this kind of tightrope is always a dangerous one to have. Plus, it’s been a blast making fun of him for a few hundred words!

Tagged: John Lannan, MLB free agent signings, MLB hot stove, MLB transactions, Philadelphia Phillies