They got it done before Opening Day:
I'm thrilled that Turnbow will have some security and won't be distracted as he tries to repeat his incredible 2005 season. Depending on the dollars involved, I'm not sure I'm 100% behind this move, though. Doug Melvin is a wizard at finding super relief arms on the cheap, and I would hate to see us fall into the trap of giving "proven closers" big bucks when we don't need to. I would imagine we're safe this time: buying out his first two years of arbitration isn't exactly like signing Billy Wagner as a free agent.
But I don't want to spoil the party. Just yet, anyway :). Congratulations, Derrick: I hope you're pitching in the ninth inning tomorrow night!
Update [2006-4-2 18:18:19 by Jeff]: Total value on the deal is $6.5m, broken down as follows:
Doug Davis may be next in line for an extension, as his deal only goes through this season. Apparently the club is already in contact with his agent. For some reason I was assuming we'd let him walk. I'd be sad, but I'd accept it. But I'm thinking like a tiny-market fan, and Attanasio is making it clear he is not thinking like a tiny-market owner. I like it.