The Houston Astros and pitcher Brian Moehler exercised a mutual $3 million contract option for next season.  From Yahoo! Sports:

The right-hander was 8-12 with a 5.47 ERA in 29 starts this year. His deal originally included a $2.3 million club option for 2010 with a $250,000 buyout, but it became a mutual option at a higher salary because he reached 150 innings this year.

“We’re happy to have Brian back in the fold for next season,” general manager Ed Wade said in a statement. “He’s a solid pitcher whose value doesn’t always show up in the numbers. He keeps you in games and gives you a chance to win. And, because of his makeup and work ethic, he’s a great example for our young pitchers.”

Honestly, the Astros could have saved their money and just set the ball on a tee for the other team during the games Moehler is scheduled to pitch.  I think the results would be pretty similar to actually letting Moehler throw the ball, but the tee would finish the season with a slightly lower ERA.  Really – have a bat boy take the mound, run up to the tee at home plate, place the ball down, and run back to field his position.  Save yourself $3 million and make a kid’s dream come true at the same time.

Two things from this signing jump out at me:

1.  The option was mutual.  Well, duh.  You think there’s any 37-year old who would turn down $3 million to throw batting practice every five days?

2. Ed Wade says Moehler’s “value doesn’t always show up in the numbers.”  Well no shit, Ed.  If you have an ERA between 5 and 6, you better be one funny motherfucker and keep the rest of the guys in the clubhouse happy.  Unless he’s channelling Rodney Dangerfield, I can’t imagine Moehler adding much value at all.*

*I would have used Jim Gaffigan as my example, but I met him last night and he was sort of a dick.