The Padres have signed ace-by-default Cory Luebke to a contract extension through the 2015 season. The deal also includes team options for 2016 and 2017. CBSSports.com Insider Jon Heyman reports that Luebke's new contract guarantees him at least $12 million, and MLB.com's Corey Brock puts the total potential worth at $27.75 million. “Cory is a talented, athletic pitcher,” GM Josh Byrnes said in an official statement. “He is a high-character player who continues to improve. We feel that he is well-positioned to build on his 2011 success.”
In 2011, Luebke crafted a 3.29 ERA, and he's more than just an illusory product of the game's stingiest home park. If Luebke had logged a qualifying number of innings last season, then he would've ranked third in the majors in strikeouts-per-nine. Most notably, though, his K rate, K/BB ratio and HR rate were all better away from pitcher-friendly Petco Park in 2011.
Luebke boasts excellent movement on his fastball, throws a hard slider for strikes and can also go to a workable changeup when needed. He's never been on the DL and, at age 27, Luebke should be at his best over the life of his new contract.
