New Free Agents the Baltimore Orioles Should Look at
By Nate Wardle
Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Steve Cishek (28) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the seventh inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
2. Steve Cishek – The tall reliever Cishek finished 2015 with the St. Louis Cardinals, after spending the rest of his career with the Florida/Miami Marlins. The Cardinals and their strong bullpen non-tendered Cishek.
The 29-year-old struggled immensely in 2015 in the closer role for Miami, but he was a good closer for the Marlins in 2013 and 2014. This is a guy who has only allowed 14 home runs throughout five full seasons in the majors. He has a career ERA of 2.82. Sure, this was mainly in the expansive ballpark in Florida, but it is quite clear that he is a very capable major league pitcher.
3. Ryan Cook – Speaking of one-time closers, Cook was a part-time closer and set up man for the Oakland Athletics in 2012, 2013 and 2014. He struggled immensely in 2015 for the A’s and Boston Red Sox, but has a career 3.43 ERA, and has always been a high strike-out guy.
Cook is only 28 years old, so he has room to grow as a reliever as well. Cook was an All-Star in 2012, and Dan Duquette loves his reclamation projects. Cook has struggled a little more than Cishek and Alvarez recently, but after being waived by the Chicago Cubs, he might be worth an offer.
Next: Two more players worthy of consideration...