On Friday, the 38-year-old pitcher signed a one-year contract with Detroit that will reportedly bring him $1.1 million, or $400,000 more than he made last year.

Then, he added: "What happens if a pitcher you sign for $5 million tears his rotor cuff and never pitches again?

Eighteen other starting pitchers have signed new contracts as free agents, and none gained more than three years.

If this had transpired during the winter meetings when so many other pitchers signed, it would have fallen into place.

In the five weeks after Black signed, 11 other pitchers signed contracts averaging $2 million or more.

The pitcher received some initial inquiries during the winter, but did not sign with any team for 2011.

Alexandre became the youngest French player and the first French pitcher to sign professionally.

The pitcher then signed a two-year free agent contract with the Yankees.

Five pitchers signed contracts that guarantee their salary for four years.

Both pitchers who started here Friday signed three-year, $21 million contracts before last season.