The Orioles signed right handed starting pitcher Steve Trachsel, formerly of the Mets, to a one year deal with a club option for 2008.
Trachsel: 15-8, 4.97 ERA, 164.2 IP, 1.60 WHIP, 4.32 K/9
Cost: 1 year/$3.1 Million, 2008 club option/$4.75 Million
Grade: C
The Orioles pretty much had to sign a veteran pitcher to replace Kris Benson after he injured his shoulder. I would say Steve Trachsel was the best choice out of what was left out there. Others included Mark Redman and Ron Villone. I just hope they don’t guarantee him a spot in the rotation. I would rather see him battle with Hayden Penn, Garrett Olson, and Jeremy Guthrie in Spring Training with the best of the group grabbing the 5th starter’s spot. I would have liked to have had Rodrigo Lopez to put in this spot, but there was no way the O’s could have seen the injury coming. Trachsel should come close to what Benson would have produced, if not we have other options. There is no way that club option gets picked up.
Related posts: