Andy MacPhail Working Out His Kinks, Heading Towards Good Rotation

Heading into the 2009 offseason, the Baltimore Orioles were in need of pitching. Last year, the O's finished 68-93 because of the lack of healthy, competent arms. Jeremy Guthrie was the only good starting pitcher. Despite finishing 10-12, he finished with a  solid 3.63 ERA. Jim Johnson was phenomenal, but the bullpen was abysmal all year long. Jamie Walker finished with a 6.87 ERA, George Sherrill, the closer, had a 4.72 ERA on the year and a horrible 6.59 ERA after the All-Star break. Orioles pitchers posted a 5.13 earned run average.

It's obvious to the Orioles that they need some arms. The free agent market for remaining starting pitchers isn't as strong as Andy MacPhail would like, considering CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett have signed with the Yankees, it's not a very good one. However, the O's have signed two veteran pitchers: Koji Uehara and Mark Hendrickson. Uehara was 102-55 in his Japan career. Hendrickson struggled last year but was brought in to provide a veteran presence for the youngsters and maybe have a role as a long man in the bullpen. The O's also made a trade for Red Sox young pitcher David Pauley. So far, it's been a good offseason for the Orioles.

The O's are also in hot pursuit of free agent Braden Looper and Cubs young left hander Rich Hill. Looper was 12-14 with a 4.16 ERA with St. Louis last year, but it was just his second full year as a starting pitcher. If signed, Looper could provide versatility. He could be a No. 3 starter and should he struggle, could move to the 'pen. At 34, he could provide a veteran presence.

Rich Hill is the one O's fans are more excited about. The O's are apparently close to acquiring Hill for a player to be named later. The 6'5", 205 pound lefty struggled with his wildness last year while going 1-0 with a 4.12 ERA in five starts. But, he walked 18 in 15 innings. However, in 2007, Hill went 11-8 with a 3.92 ERA for the Cubs. He struck out 183 and walked just 63. Hill is only 28, and could make contributions to a staff in disaray.

This would be the second trade the O's have made with the Cubs in one month. Earlier, the O's traded Garrett Olson and Henry Williamson to the Cubs for outfielder Felix Pie.

Last year, the rotation opening day consisted of Jeremy Guthrie, Daniel Cabrera, Adam Loewen, Steve Trachsel and Brian Burres. This year, it will look a lot better if the Looper deal and Hill trade get done. The rotation will likely be led again by Guthrie, followed by Koji Uehara, Rich Hill, Braden Looper and Mark Hendrickson, unless another youngster makes his splash. Andy MacPhail has finally worked out his kinks and is making a competitive team, something owner Peter Angelos hasn't been able to do in the last ten miserable seasons.

 

2008 rotation

SP #1: Jeremy Guthrie

SP #2: Daniel Cabrera

SP #3: Adam Loewen

SP #4: Steve Trachsel

SP #5: Brian Burres

 

2009 rotation (likely)

SP #1: Jeremy Guthrie

SP #2: Koji Uehara

SP #3: Rich Hill

SP #4: Braden Looper

SP #5: Mark Hendrickson