Loewen released, but only on paper
The Orioles just announced that they have released Adam Loewen, but that doesn't necessarily mean that his career with the club is over. The Orioles are getting out of his major league contract, but apparently will try to sign him to a minor league contract.
Loewen was one of the club's top pitching prospects until a fracture developed in his pitching arm. He underwent surgery to put a large screw near his left elbow, but the repair didn't hold up to the rigors of being a major league pitcher. He went to the Florida Instructional League to see if he could follow in the footsteps of St. Louis Cardinal Rick Ankiel, who switched to the outfield after his pitching career unraveled.
The Orioles also outrighted Randor Bierd, Brandon Fahey, Omir Santos, Rocky Cherry and Jeff Fiorentino as part of the reshuffling of the 40-man roster in anticipation of some offseason moves and the Rule V draft.






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Comments
Peter,
Any chance this is a release/re-sign situation just to get him off the 40 man roster?
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Pete's reply: Yes, something like that. It's really a major league vs. minor league roster issue. This way, they can sign him and set up his comeback any way they want.
Posted by: Alex | October 20, 2008 5:44 PM
If they don't, I feel they owe him a position as an instructor, public relations specialist, or even an front-office intern. He joins the ranks of Beau Hale and other promising pitchers who were over worked and worn out before their 25th birthday.
Posted by: logiopath | October 20, 2008 7:43 PM
Hey Pete , it's too bad the O's didn't announce the release of about half of this sad sack team . I grew up watching players like Andy Etchebarren hustling on every play , guys running out ground balls etc .
I walked ten miles to scho...... :)
Posted by: jack in hebron | October 20, 2008 8:07 PM
Hopefully, Loewen will have the same outcome as Ankiel did and become a successful hitter. However, he certainly should give the O's every chance to reap any of his success.
Posted by: JLS | October 20, 2008 8:35 PM
It's a good thing Lowen/his agent fought and got millions of dollars to originally sign with us. He will never be in the major leagues.
Posted by: pete incaviglia | October 20, 2008 9:10 PM
With all the major-league quality outfielders on the Orioles roster, I wonder where they'll put him?
Maybe he'll play ROVER.
Posted by: Jeff | October 20, 2008 9:54 PM
I should have also mentioned that having four outfielders would be offset by the fact that they played without a shortstop all last year... apologies.
Posted by: Jeff | October 20, 2008 10:07 PM
so does that mean those 5 guys can be selected in the rule 5 draft or no?
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Pete's reply: I believe so, but I'm not 100 percent sure. I'll ask.
Posted by: Chuck Diesel | October 20, 2008 11:18 PM
i would like to hope adam loewen could make it back to the majors as a hitter.at age 24 time is still on his side.and how well his arm holds up
Posted by: leonard | October 21, 2008 12:09 AM
If he's going the Rick Ankiel way, does that mean he gets prescriptions for hGH too??
Too bad the O's got rid of Grimsley. He could probably streamline the process.
Posted by: Peter | October 21, 2008 3:39 AM
Pete, I am not sure how much one one one dealings you had with Adam Loewen, but it seems like people here, think of him as another guy who made millions without earning it, but that's what the draft is about in all sports, paying for POTENTIAL. I never got the feeling that Adam wasn't a hard worker or a gutsy guy. What's your perception of him?
I know on a couple of occasions, Buck mentioned that Adam was viewed as a much better major league hitting prospect than as a pitcher by many of the scouts he knows so I am still hoping for the best for Adam.
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Pete's reply; Totally agree. Adam was very well-liked here, for both his attitude and work ethic. He also was just a nice kid. Everybody liked him and hopes he can make this happen.
Posted by: Birdland Todd | October 21, 2008 4:17 AM
" The Orioles also outrighted Randor Bierd, Brandon Fahey, Omir Santos, Rocky Cherry and Jeff Fiorentino as part of the reshuffling of the 40-man roster in anticipation of some offseason moves and the Rule V draft."
Have to disagree with you Pete. Those moves were necessary to comply with ML rule 11 which states that all players on optional assignments ( those on the 60 day DL) must be returned to the 40 man or be outrighted and not as you stated. As I'm sure you are aware, the 40 man still stands at 40.
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Pete's reply: You're right and I'm wrong. Wouldn't be the first time, I'm sure.
Posted by: a fan with delusions of grandeur | October 21, 2008 7:06 AM
ughh....can anyone say who cares? This is news worthy for O's fans? Sorry Adam, injuries happen sometimes. At least you have your health. Good luck to you, because the O's will still suck while you are gone anyway.
Posted by: Jami | October 21, 2008 1:15 PM
Why even risk an injury to matt. Sit him and let him rest for the long mlb season ahead. Also we need to get tex even if it means breaking the bank for the guy. How long has Baltimore wanted a power hitting first baseman? Since Raffy (1st time around)... How long since the O's have had a gold glove first baseman? Ever? How long have the O's wanted a switch hitter with legit power? (no segui did not have legit power)..better than all that How long has been since the best FA nearing the prime of his career LOVES BALTIMORE? I guess Cal would be my answer there. Sign TEX.
Posted by: ALL O'S | October 21, 2008 4:18 PM
logiopath,
Shows how little you know. Adam's injury was not the result of over work. As a matter of fact, those involved in the game, namely pitching coaches and ex-pitchers questions the over use issue. The O's did not pressure Adam to come back too soon. And they received medical clearance on him entering ST. So, what is this over work issue you mention?
Based on the comments from scouts when Adam entered the draft, he obviously has some offensive skills. Some felt (as Birdland Todd correctly mentioned in his post) he had a higher upside as an outfielder than a pitcher. He may never turn out to be another Rick Ankiel, but he desrves the chance. And quite frankly, what do we have to lose?
Posted by: TX O's Fan | October 22, 2008 3:25 PM
logiopath,
Shows how little you know. Adam's injury was not the result of over work. As a matter of fact, those involved in the game, namely pitching coaches and ex-pitchers questions the over use issue. The O's did not pressure Adam to come back too soon. And they received medical clearance on him entering ST. So, what is this over work issue you mention?
Based on the comments from scouts when Adam entered the draft, he obviously has some offensive skills. Some felt (as Birdland Todd correctly mentioned in his post) he had a higher upside as an outfielder than a pitcher. He may never turn out to be another Rick Ankiel, but he deserves the chance. And quite frankly, what do we have to lose?
Posted by: TX O's Fan | October 22, 2008 3:27 PM