The Curious Case Of Adam Loewen

Not many expected Adam Loewen's career record to be 8-8 by the time he finished pitching. Nor did they expect that he would finish with an ERA over 5.00. Let's just say that Loewen has done lots of things many would never expect. His latest antic took place on July 19 of this season. The oft-injured lefty announced the findings of his latest doctor's visit and MRI, and then proceeded to stun the room with the announcement: he would abandon pitching and try to come back as a full-time hitter and outfielder/first baseman.

Six years after being taken with the fourth pick in the 2002 draft, no one saw this coming for Loewen. Many expected him to establish himself as the greatest Canadian pitcher ever. At the worst, he would be a serviceable number three starter at the Major League level. He had it all. The perfect pitcher's frame: 6-6 220. The perfect arsenal of pitches: a 90-95 fastball, a legitimate 12-6 curveball (his best pitch), and a decent changeup and slider. 

After sucessful turns at Aberdeen and Frederick, Loewen took his turn pitching for the Canadian team in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006. In his one start, he pitched 3.2 shutout innings against the dangerous United States, earning international attention. 

He began the 2006 season in the rotation at double A Bowie, where he made quick work of hitters, winning four of his eight starts, striking out 55 in 49 innings before earning the call-up to Ottawa. The southpaw continued his hot start at AAA, clearly enjoying pitching back in Canada, and after going 2-0 in six great starts he got the call to Baltimore. Many feel that he was rushed to Baltimore as a result of signing a Major League contract that mandated that Loewen be in the big leagues by 2007, but Loewen certainly pitched well enough to warrant his rise to the majors in 2006.

His successes at double and triple A didn't translate as well as the O's had hoped. Of course, his luck didn't dictate his success either. Loewen set a ML record by facing past Cy Young Award winners in his first four starts. He didn't pitch poorly, but as the season went on it became clear the lefty was in over his head. He finished his first tour with Baltimore 6-6 with a 3:2 strikeout ratio and a 5.37 ERA. 

2007 began with promise for the 23 year old. He was assured the #3 spot in the rotation and pitched well in spring training. The season began and it appeared that Loewen had arrived. He won two of his first six starts despite rarely reaching the sixth inning and walking more batters than he struck out, and appeared headed for a breakout season. In his sixth start, however, Loewen suffered a stress fracture in his right elbow. After an unsuccessful rehab attempt, Loewen was shelved for the season.

He was ready for Spring Training but showed the rust of not pitching in almost a year, leading the Grapefruit League in walks. Loewen began the season in the rotation, but many felt that he wasn't completely healed from his elbow injury, based on his performance. He didn't do anything to help his cause giving up 16 earned runs in 18 innings, walking 18. Again, he reported that he was pitching through pain and the O's shelved him and tried to rehab him in the minors. He pitched well on his rehab tour, striking out 11 while walking only two in nine innings.

He returned to Baltimore, this time in the bullpen. The O's announced they would use him from the pen for the rest of 2008, trying to rest his arm the best they could. That experiment got off to a good start, Loewen pitched two shutout innings in his debut as a reliever. It was all downhill from there, though, as Loewen couldn't record an out in his next outing, giving up three earned runs, and then walked two in his next outing before having to leave the game with another injury.

Thirteen days later, Loewen reported the news that his career as a pitcher was coming to an end. He sounded more upbeat and positive than ever before, and seemed grateful to be able to put his injuries behind him. "It was devastating news," he said of learning that he'd re-injured his pitching elbow. "But I've always had a backup plan, so I'm sure I didn't take it as hard as anybody else would." Loewen both pitched and hit for all his teams in high school and junior college and often showed the same ability to become a hitting prospect.

Only time will tell whether or not Loewen can become the next Rick Ankiel. The Orioles agreed to rework his contract to allow him to re-enter the system as a hitter, beginning at the Instructional League level. If the early returns are any indication, Loewen may have made the right choice. The former batting champion went 7 for his first 17 at bats in the Instructional League, making solid contact and showing good pop. He is only 24 now and provided he finds a place in the O's system in 2009, he could provide an interesting option for the Orioles in the future. Let's hope he can make it back. The O's could use a hitting first baseman.