Orioles: Getting Baez started
There is a lot on the line for the Orioles and Danys Baez this spring. The club would like some return on the $5.5 million he's guaranteed in the final year of his three-year, $19 million contract, and Baez wants to re-establish himself as a quality pitcher.
Today's start against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fort Lauderdale Stadium could be the first real step in that direction. Baez is coming back from Tommy John surgery and reached the same conclusion as the team this winter -- that his best shot might be as a starter.
If you want to read more on the subject, check out Jeff Zrebiec's story in today's Sun sports section.
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Comments
There are 6 million bad reasons to waste our time w/ Baez. He was mediocre at best 7 years ago as a starter Now he is supposed to take a spot in a rotation in the AL East? He says his arm can not hold up to back to back appearances ot of the bullpen. Matt Albers also goes today..PETE, CAN YOU NAME me any pitchers that have successfully resumed their careers after labrum tears W/O UNDERGOING SURGERY? No insurance underwriter would insure these 'bad risks' to make it through the season..
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Pete's reply: Trouble is, he's already insured, since he gets paid either way, so I guess you take a look.
Posted by: stevO's | February 26, 2009 10:04 AM
I don't think Baez was mediocre. I think he became predictable as a result of overuse. That was a result of decision making on the part of the Lee Mazzilli.
Posted by: Kevin from Baltimore | February 26, 2009 11:29 AM
Kevin. I believe Baez was signed after Mazzilli was fired. I also feel that his signing will eventually go down as one of the worst ever in O's history. The only saving grace is that the O's recouped some $$$ with his stint on the DL.
I really can't see him being anywhere near effective as a starter .I really hope they don't keep sending him out there to get lit up just because he's making 6 mill per. I get the cost factor but sometimes you just have to accept bad mistakes and move on. Another option is to use him in middle relief and if he's effective, then maybe toss him out there in a starting role-make him earn his way...
Posted by: Anonymous | February 26, 2009 2:37 PM
You know what...
I think you're right. Well I take back that part of my comment.
Posted by: Kevin from Baltimore | February 27, 2009 12:21 PM