Update on the Baltimore Orioles’ Quest for Pitching
By Nate Wardle
I want to have some sort of update on the Baltimore Orioles. Something, anything.
Does Gavin Floyd count?
The team is currently holding a minicamp and is considering inviting Floyd. Floyd, a Baltimore ‘kid’ who grew up an Orioles fan, is now 33 and has dealt with his fair share of injuries. One would think it might be a long-shot for him to make it through the dreaded Orioles’ physical.
So, while looking at Floyd, let’s think about what other pitchers the team could still target, since they are taking just as long to dive into the pitching pool as the hitting pool.
We already know all about Yovani Gallardo, who would cost a draft pick and at least $10 million a year. We also know all about Wei-Yin Chen, who is looking for a deal worth more than $100 million.
Several other remaining starters are likely to retire. These names include Tim Hudson, A.J. Burnett, and Randy Wolf.
Then there are the older players looking for one or two-year deals, guys like Kyle Lohse, Mark Buehrle, Cliff Lee, Aaron Harang, Joe Saunders, and Jeremy Guthrie. The last two on this list, both important names of the past ten years in Baltimore, will probably have to settle for minor league deals with Spring Training invites.
So, does that leave anyone else who would be an upgrade over Chris Tillman, Ubaldo Jimenez, Kevin Gausman, Miguel Gonzalez, and Tyler Wilson/Mike Wright/Vance Worley?
There are a few names out there. One is Ian Kennedy, who was a first round pick (we know Dan loves those!) of the Yankees back in 2006. At only 31 years old, Kennedy still has some life left in his arm and could certainly be a player who could contribute. However, except for his stellar 2011 campaign in which he went 21-4, Kennedy is a career 54-64 pitcher with an ERA over 4.00. And most of that is while pitching in Arizona and San Diego, two ballparks that are much larger than Camden Yards.
More from Baltimore Orioles
- What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
- Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
- Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
- The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
- Orioles Josh Rogers Expectations in his Major League Debut
Another name is Mike Minor, who did not pitch in the majors in 2015 after undergoing shoulder surgery. He was expected to be a number 3 pitcher, but never really lived up to it in Atlanta. The Orioles have said they would be willing to take a chance on a pitcher making a comeback, much like they tried to with Johan Santana a few years back. Maybe Minor is one of the guys they had in mind.
Mat Latos played for three different teams in 2015, and had the worst year of his career. A career 64-55 pitcher, he went 4-10 in 2015 with an ERA of 4.95, by far the highest of any of his full professional seasons. Latos is the type of player that might be worth a one-year, prove-it deal and be able to be successful with it. Or, if last year is any indication, maybe he would be feasted upon in the AL.
Doug Fister is a guy who makes sense for the Orioles. He has pitched in the AL more than anyone else on this list, for both Seattle and Detroit, although those stadiums are much different than Baltimore. He is a guy who has shown great success, highlighted by his 8-1 finish to 2011 with the Tigers after being traded by the Mariners. He is a guy who, at his best, keeps the ball in the ballpark, something the Orioles need. But, he also made over $10 million for the Nationals last year, so the price tag would be higher.
Next: Orioles fielders turned pitchers: Mychal Givens and Dick Hall
The Orioles have to upgrade the pitching. It could be one of these four, or Gallardo, or it could be a trade.
It all starts with starting pitching. Always.