Five Players That The Baltimore Orioles Could Be Targeting

Jorge De La Rosa, SP

Jun 8, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa (29) reacts after being pulled in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

This is a name that has come up frequently over the last month or two and Orioles fans aren’t too thrilled about it. The reason being because La Rosa doesn’t exactly have the most attractive numbers. He has been a pretty inconsistent pitcher throughout his career — some good years some bad years.

La Rosa has battled injuries throughout his career. He suffered a strained groin in 2009, a torn flexor tendon band in 2010, and topped it off with a tear of the UCL which required the deadly Tommy John surgery, thus ending his 2011 season. He responded pretty well to the surgery, posting ERA’s of 3.49 and 4.56 over the next two seasons.

La Rosa’s best year was probably in 2010. He struggled at the start of the season, going 0-6 in his first ten starts. However, in the second half of the season, La Rosa was one of the best pitchers in baseball. He would go on to win 16 games and help the Rockies clinch the NL Wild Card. He ended the year going 16-9 (third in the NL) with an ERA of 4.38 and 193 strikeouts.

Although the Orioles might not be looking for a middle-of-the-line pitcher, which is what Le Rosa is, they still might take a shot at him. It can never hurt to add more depth to the rotation and the Rockies might not have such a high price tag on him either.