Millwood is working out in Calif., waiting for a call
Right-hander Kevin Millwood, who was the Orioles’ Opening Day starter last season, is now in Irvine, Calif., working out and waiting for a job.
For the past week, Millwood, 36, has been training at a Southern California facility run by his agent, Scott Boras. Millwood works out every morning, running, lifting weights and throwing. Every two to three days, he has thrown a bullpen side session and expects to pitch to college hitters next week.
“I am just kind of keeping going, staying in shape and getting my arm ready to go when something does happen,” Millwood said.
A free agent this past offseason, Millwood was 4-16 with a 5.10 ERA in 31 starts with the Orioles in 2010. He had a disastrous stint in June and July, posting an 8.94 ERA in nine starts. In the first two months and final two months of 2010, spanning 22 starts, Millwood posted a 3.78 ERA. A lack of run support cost him, though, and he lost his first eight decisions of the season.
In 2009, Millwood was 13-10 with a 3.67 ERA in 31 starts with the Texas Rangers before he was dealt to the Orioles that December.
The Orioles had lukewarm interest in re-signing Millwood this winter but used their available funds in other areas. The New York Yankees have been linked to Millwood, but the sides have not been able to work out a deal. At various points in the offseason, Millwood drew interest from the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies, among others.
One team that could be a potential fit is the St. Louis Cardinals, which may have lost ace Adam Wainwright for an extended period because of an injury on Monday. Wainwright was sent back to St. Louis on Wednesday to have his right elbow examined, and it is feared he might need surgery -- a significant blow to the perennially contending Cardinals.
For now, Millwood is relegated to a waiting game hoping someone provides an opportunity. It’s the first time since 1997 that he isn’t assured of pitching in the majors.
“It’s definitely a little strange, but I still want to play and still feel like there is a lot left and I feel like I can contribute in a good way,” he said. “So I am kind of hanging out and making sure I am ready to go when and if somebody needs me.”
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Comments
Pick him up you can never have to many arms
Posted by: dcrich | February 23, 2011 8:50 PM
Someone is going to be happy they signed Millwood. Mark my words.
As, an Orioles fan, here's to Duchscherer.
Posted by: Mike in Columbia | February 23, 2011 9:43 PM
Please re-sign Millwood. He pitched better last year than his statistics show.
Early on in the year he pitched well but didn't get any run support. I admit he didn't pitch as well at the end of the year...but he has the experience and can log innings....and with this year's team we should be able to score more runs for him. Sign him Andy. You won't be disappointed.
Posted by: Sid | February 24, 2011 9:22 AM
The lesson is that: When you are on top of your game, Scott Boras is your best friend, when your best years are behind you, Scott Boras will be holding you back. I refuse to believe, a pitcher, but for 2 months, when everyone on the O's stunk, was a reliable, consistent started couldn't find work. The only explanation is that clubs looking to gamble on a back of the rotation guy, don't want the extra hassle of Boras. There is a long list of solid players looking for work over the past few years with the boldface print on mlbtraderumors indicating Boras is their agent.
Posted by: Josh | February 24, 2011 11:25 AM
Millwood will end up being close to, if not The comebsck player of the year. He is a proud Man. Still feel that the O's made a mistake not bringing him back, he was a major factor in getting the kids in the right frame of mind during the worse part of last season.. He never gave up all season. As I said He is A MAN
Posted by: Richard, Old O's Fan | February 24, 2011 7:44 PM