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The Orioles have scheduled meetings later today with the agents for Japanese pitchers Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara. Former baseball executive Dan Evans represents Kawakami and Mark Pieper represents Uehara.
Both pitchers are 33 years old and are coming off solid careers in Japan, but are considered by scouts to be likely No. 4 or No. 5 starters in the American major leagues.
Peter Schmuck wants you to know that, contrary to popular belief, he is more than just a bon vivant, raconteur and collector of blousy flowered shirts. He is a semi-respected journalist who has covered virtually every sport -- except luge, of course – and tackled issues that transcend the mere games people play. If that isn’t enough to qualify him to provide witty, wide-ranging commentary on the sports world ... and the rest of the world, for that matter ... he is an avid reader of history, biography and the classics, as well as a charming blowhard who pops off on both sports and politics on WBAL Radio. That means you can expect a little of everything in The Schmuck Stops Here, but the major focus will be keeping you up to the minute on Baltimore’s major sports teams and themes, whether it’s throwing up the Orioles lineup the minute it’s announced or updating you on the latest sprained ankle in Owings Mills. Oh, and by the way, that’s Mr. Schmuck to you. 
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Comments
Which player do you think the Orioles will likely sign?
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Pete's reply: Probably whichever one they can.
Posted by: Ben W | December 9, 2008 4:49 PM
Uehara has a history of leg cramping and other various leg injuries that would probably knock him down to a 5th starter.
Kawakami is supposed to throw a little harder and have a little better stuff.
I don't know what the salary demands are for these guys, but I wouldn't mind seeing both of them in the Orioles rotation. They can't be any worse than what we've had.
Kawakami was supposedly offered a 4 year and roughly $20 million dollar offer from his Japanese team to stay with them.
Posted by: The Mythical One | December 9, 2008 4:51 PM
Those spots are open in the Os rotation.
Posted by: Rusty | December 9, 2008 4:54 PM
Pete - the O's most likely wont land a 'big' free agent until they prove worthy of contention. Is this why we are only looking at 2nd tier players? This would solidify they will be rebuilding for a couple more years.
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Pete's reply: I think you're right.
Posted by: Henry James | December 9, 2008 4:56 PM
Geee-- Could they be any worse than Liz, Penn, Olson and Crabrera?
Posted by: cjterps98 | December 9, 2008 5:30 PM
I agree one hundred % Sign one or both and give our kids one more year down on the farm . They can't be any worse then the ones we've put out there . Thanks Curt
Posted by: curt | December 10, 2008 6:36 AM