Baltimore Orioles add Justin Duchscherer with one-year deal worth $4.5 million – MLB News
The Baltimore Orioles look to be adding some depth to their pitching line-up as they recently signed free agent pitcher Justin Duchscherer to their team with a contract estimated at $4.5 million for 2011.
It is interesting to note that the in order for Duchscherer to receive the total $4.5 million, he must make at least 30 starts in the 2011 regular season. He will definitely be hoping that he stays healthy and that his match fitness is at its peak during
the later parts of Spring Training.
Apparently Justin has impressed many in the Orioles’ management with his skilled pitching style. Orioles’ president of baseball operations Andy Macphail made the following comments regarding the deal with Justin.
“We have seen, this year, three or four guys throwing in side sessions like we saw Justin throw the other day,” Macphail said “we have been pleased with what we have seen, but you can only learn so much in those kinds of climates.”
Justin had a decent season last year with the Oakland Athletics as he managed a 14-11 record with an ERA average of 3.01 in 32 innings. He also had 18 strike-outs in five starts.
Although Justin was getting offers from teams like Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals, he chose the Orioles so that he could be close to where his son lives.
“It got me chance to be with my son. I am at his best with my family. I don’t why, but when I am fit and healthy, I am among the best Major League Baseball players. I have proven my performance,” he told to the sources.
The Orioles are desperate for a successful regular season with a possible chance at making it into the playoffs. The team is doing what they can in the off-season to add depth and strength to their pitching and batting line-ups. The addition of Justin will
definitely add some talent to the Orioles’ pitching rotation as long as he stays healthy during the most part of the 2011 regular season.
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