The Rockies agreed to sign John Maine to a minor league deal with an invitation to Major League Spring Training, the team announced (on Twitter). ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, who first reported the agreement, notes that Maine could earn about $3MM for making the Opening Day roster and can opt out if he doesn't make the big league team (Twitter links).
The Phillies and Royals showed interest in the 29-year-old right-hander as recently as yesterday, but they'll have to turn elsewhere for pitching depth.
Maine auditioned for teams last month after the Mets non-tendered him in December. He pitched to a 4.01 ERA with 7.7 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 in 87 starts from 2006-09, but struggled to stay healthy and pitch effectively in 2010. Maine limped through nine early-season starts last year and didn't pitch after injuring his shoulder in May. He underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in July.
Good luck to him in Colorado. Hate to see a promising guy get derailed by age 29.
Just from a pure action standpoint–trades, extensions, FA’s, and minor league signings–I think the Rockies have done more this off-season than any other team. And I like it.
I’m not at all sure why the Orioles did not make a play for Maine. Many in Baltimore were sore to see him go and have success in NY after developing him in the Oriole farm system. This would have been a good low risk pickup for the O’s. Yet, it is water under the bridge. Good luck in Mile High country.
Who will be the Phillies’ 8th starter now?!
Oh god. this will be horrific.
Decent AAA depth if he can get right. Just the sort of low-risk flyer the Rockies need to be taking right now, in my opinion. They don’t have anyone at AAA that could be counted on in the least to step in the the big-league rotation should one of those guys go down.
I think we are forgetting the forgotten guy in the Holliday trade. Smith pitched decently for Oakland and has just struggled with injuries. He could be a dark horse this year.
I agree he could be a dark horse, but it wasn’t just injuries that dampered his chances at staying on the MLB club, he really did have his struggles in April last year but if Cook struggles early i believe O’Dowd will be quick to pull the trigger on getting someone else some starts such as Smith or now Maine.
I think it’s more likely that Felipe Paulino would get the first shot at the rotation if someone goes down. Personally, I think he ought to be given a legit shot at a spot from the get-go. His numbers (aside from W-L) were better as a starter than Cook’s were last season.
I’d agree with you and I’m sure Paulino will get his shot at some point early in 2011 and i think the only reason Cook is getting the nod is because of his salary, you can’t let 10 million sit in the pen for the entire season, he’s got to be given the chance but O’Dowd can’t let it go on for as long as it did in ’10. We now have a veteran presence that will be more than willing to step in and battle so i hope the club takes advantage of that if the guys in the rotation falter.
yea good luck with that colorado…
nmvm