Baltimore Orioles sign one-year $4.5 million deal with Justin Duchscherer – MLB News
It looks like the Baltimore Orioles are building up their pitching rotation for the 2011 season by signing free agent pitcher Justin Duchscherer to a $4.5 million one-year deal.
Duchscherer was with the Oakland Athletics last season as he managed a 2-1 record with 18 strike-outs in five starts and an ERA of 2.89. Although last season, he was only able to pitch in 28 innings, he did have a decent overall record for Oakland with an
ERA of 3.01 and a 14-11 record in 32 innings.
The 33-year-old right hander will be looking to stay healthy and maintain his match fitness as he will have to make at least 30 starts in 2011 for the Orioles if he is to make the entire $4.5 million stated in his one-year deal.
The Orioles and Justin seem satisfied with deal, as Baltimore is looking to increase their pitching depth for the upcoming 2011 regular season. Orioles’ president of baseball operations Andy Macphail discussed Duchscherer and made the following comments.
“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.”
Many sources feel that Justin wanted to join Baltimore so he could be closer to his son that lives in New Jersey.
“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 sources.
The Orioles had a miserable last season with a dismal 66-69 record and an ERA of 4.59. The team was ranked second to last in the American League. However, it looks like the team is looking to put together some quality players before Spring Training to improve
their lacklustre performance.
The addition of Justin looks to be a good move for their pitching strength. The Orioles are desperate for a successful regular season and a possible chance at an appearance in the playoffs. However, the team understands the importance of working hard in
the offseason and putting in a good performance during Spring Training. It will be interesting to see what impact Justin has for the Orioles.
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