As a result of the rash of negative energy in the Cardinals blogosphere surrounding the signing of Ryan Franklin, I thought I'd add to lboros' comparison of Franklin against various other pitchers over the past few years. My point, however, is that no matter how mediocre Franklin has been, at $1 million he's an incredible value. Take these stats, for example, taken from Franklin's and an example pitcher's last three years as a full-time starter:

                    G/GS   IP   	H/9	HR/9	BB/9	K/9	WHIP	ERA
Franklin '03-'05   96/94   603    	9.48	1.42	2.75	4.42	1.36	4.49
Pitcher B          98/97   602 2/3	9.59	1.34	3.20	4.99	1.42	4.60

Even if the ERA Franklin produces in a half-season (or whatever) of starting for the Cards is a full point higher than that 3-year total, he's still more than half a point better than that of what the Cards got out of their fifth starter a year ago. And in case you didn't guess, "Pitcher B" is just that fifth starter from a year ago, Jason Marquis, and the numbers are from his three years as a Cardinal ('04-'06). Marquis, who is entering his age-29 season, will be making $7 mil/year through 2009, courtesy of the Tribune Company. Franklin will be entering his age-35 season in 2007; despite the age difference, is it really worth $6 mil more in 2007 for half a K per 9 IP, since it's the only significant edge Marquis has? I say no way, and commend Walt for a good job finding a serviceable pitcher for way below the going rate.