Johan Santana, once one of baseball's most feared pitchers, couldn't touch 80 miles an hour on the radar gun in a recent workout for multiple ballclubs. Despite the frightening drop in velocity and multiple shoulder surgeries, the Baltimore Orioles are feeling lucky.
Blue Jays, Mariners, Orioles all in hunt for Ervin Santana?
According to reports, the Orioles have inked the left-hander to a minor league contract and he is said to be in competition for the starting rotation. With his velocity shot though, he may offer value as a left-handed specialist out of the bullpen.
The O's currently have Brian Matusz as their lone LOOGY option in the stable; he was 2-1 with a 3.53 ERA and 1.157 WHIP last season but has the ability to go longer than one batter.
While Santana's pedigree is that of a high-end starter-he has two Cy Young awards and the only no-hitter in New York Mets' history under his belt-his last effective season in that role was in 2010. He last pitched in 2012 for the Mets, going 6-9 with a 4.85 ERA and 1.33 WHIP.
Orioles add Ubaldo to staff. Was it a mistake?
When signing Santana was just an idea, first baseman Chris Davis was open about the positive impact he could have. There's no doubt that in the past he was one of the best," Davis said. "Hopefully, he can regain his form and be a help for us. There are some things you just can't coach and experience is one of those things and he definitely brings that to the table."
The signing of Johan could be signaling the death knell of any Ervin Santana rumors. Johan's arrival brings the total of pitchers competing for a rotation spot to eight, while inking Ervin would cancel out one of those spots. In addition, they just added Ubaldo Jimenez to the fold, and he brings his own risks in terms of consistency.
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