MacPhail talks starting pitching
When looking ahead to the 2010 season, it seems the O's have four starting pitchers pretty set in their rotation with Jeremy Guthrie, Brad Bergesen, Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman.
That would leave the O's needing to add just one starter to the rotation. But O's president Andy MacPhail isn't ready to say that just yet.
"I would say we are in far better (rotation) shape than we have been in years past because of those four. But they are not necessarily assured of anything. We could potentially via trade or free agency add more than one (pitcher).
"Those four are the logical four to go forward with based on their 2009 performance. And it may end up that way. But, it's not set in stone. With the exception of Jeremy, it's still a mighty young group."
There are a few pitchers on the free agent market this year, former Oriole Erik Bedard and Ben Sheets included, that are coming off injuries. The O's won't rule out adding a quality pitcher that has a recent injury history.
"We would consider them. They would have to be vetted medically. They don't get excluded from consideration. We recognize there is a risk that goes with it, but if the potential reward is just as great or greater than the risk, it's something you have to look at.
"We are in a position where we can consider some risk."
With such a young pitching staff, do the O's hope to sign or acquire a starting pitcher that can also serve as a mentor to the young guns and be a leader of the staff?
MacPhail says that would be nice, but just adding a quality pitcher is important even if that person is not best suited for a mentor role.
"We'd take either. We'd also value someone that we are confident would gobble up innings for us and take weight off the rest of the staff."
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
Why when I read or expect to read "innings eater" do I think of Sydney Ponson?
An excess of starting pitching is always good and if these high risk signings pan out then they can always be traded at the signing deadline for more prospects.
Hope you had an enjoyable turkey day.
Steve,
Sounds to me like MacPhail might got get more than one SP. If so good idea (can't have too much pitching).
The whole mentoring by fellow players has always been overated to me. That's what coaches are for.
Go Cornhuskers!
It sounds to me like the O's will make a run at Lackey, but if they don't get him will try and land one solid veteran "innings eater" (I hate that term) and one high risk high reward Bedard, Harden, Sheets - type. So Steve...
who out there available either by FA or trade would you consider a veteran innings eater WHO can still stay competitive in the AL Beast?
Unless they get Sheets long term it is really not upside. Even if he pitches well they will stink in 2010. They simply do not benefit like a contender would yet they share the downside. Not worth it. You want high upside sign the Cuban sensation.
The old "you never have enough pitching" is still true. I like our top four projected starters a lot, but it's pretty rare for anybody's top 4 to be as healthy and effective all season as they'd like. Andy should add a starter or two and a closer. On the off chance every thing goes better than expected, there is always a market for pitching during the season.
Interesting on Thanksgiving that MacPhail is looking for someone to GOOBLE up innings
Sounds like Bedard is a possibility based on AM's statement that the pticher does not have to be a mentor. Yet, he also said that the pitcher needs to eat innings, not a strong point for Bedard. If healthy. Harden does too but he figures to go to a contender.
Steve, who do you think realistically fits the bill?
I would be insanely happy if we can land either of those pitchers. Both have injury, but think if they make it through most of season? We all of a sudden have a pitching staff that can compete with the rest of baseball.
I just feel like getting Bedard back here would make that trade all the more epic, all the more abuse on them, all the more hilarious to me. Baseball risks aside, I feel like I really want him back.
CRAIG
Sheets or Harden would be great for an incentive deal maybe for 2 years each? I'm not sure if they would loose a draft pick but I would imagine they are type A free agents. We would lose a 2nd round pick if we got one I believe. That suits me. Need the power arms, the finesse pitchers such as Garland seem like they get blown up in OPACY, Fenway and the Bronx.
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According to MLB trade rumors, Harden is type B and Sheets is neither an A or B.
It looks like Lackey is the only starting pitcher free agent that is type A.
Steve
Has anyone herd anything about trading for Josh Johnson? The contract talks with him and the marlins have not gone very well. He is a dominate starter that is only 25 that we could sign to along term deal. Check out his career stats!
34 - 16 3.40 ERA in 76 starts.
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Yeah, he's a great pitcher. No definite word on if they will deal him. It would likely take an enormous package to get him. - Steve
With all of the other young pitchers that could make a difference shortly, I think ONE good starter is needed.
When I hear Innings Eater... Livan Hernandez comes to mind and whenever the term eater comes up you have to mention Bartolo Colon. Not that I wold want either on the team just wanted to throw those out there.
I am currently home in MI and wanted to throw it out there that Detroit is looking to seriously drop payroll. The only person NOT available is Justin Verlander. They are willing to part with any of their starters, outfielders and corner infielders. Coming off surgery Brandon Inge could be a cheap pick up. Miguel Cabrera would cost a little more but he is really young. We don't need Granderson, but Jackson would be interesting options as a starter. They'd probably like to keep Porcello, he is young and inexpensive, but you can never go wrong with getting a player that has hip tossed Kevin Youklis.