SATURDAY: Simon told reporters (including MLB.com's Britt Ghiroli) that he expects to get claimed off waivers, but will elect free agency is he's not.
FRIDAY: The Orioles have waived right-hander Alfredo Simon, a source confirmed to Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Simon, 30, had a 4.90 ERA with 6.5 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in 16 starts and seven relief appearances last season.
One National League exec told Connolly (via Twitter) that it's hard to imagine Simon not getting claimed based on his ability, though consistency is a concern with him. Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com tweets that the move will help to create room on the 40-man roster as the O's need space for Nick Johnson and Ronny Paulino.
Mike Axisa contributed to this post.
Gregg, you’re next.
5,4,3,2,1…before the Royals try to sign him.
Seriously, though I am disappointed by this.
He can throw almost a 100 mph when healthy.
He has a nasty splitter.
If anything they could have converted him to a closer.
I know he had some trouble with off the field issues which concerned me, however strictly looking at this as a baseball decision, I don’t like the decision made here by Duquette and Showalter.
Simon actually was the closer when Showalter took over and was used as such for most of the end of ’10. There was an issue (injury or visa or something) that caused him to not be in spring training last year, in addition to the Gregg signing… which contributed to his not being in the position anymore. I feel like if Showalter thought he was a closer he would be the closer, as he had his shot, with Showalter as the manager, at it already.
Furthermore, the idea that a fan doesn’t like the idea of cutting a 30 year old guy with a career ERA over 5 is a little silly.
I kind of want a postcard.
Except, I’ll be honest. It kind of creeps me out a little too.
Check out Mr. Research over here! Just put something in the ask and I’ll send you one… or if you’re close enough I’ll hang outside your bedroom window for awhile and make sure you sleep okay tonight…
Oh! Oh! that second one!
For the record – I didn’t mean for any of this to sound like I’m mocking. I really wasn’t. Thinking it over it kind of felt like it might have, but I really didn’t mean for it to be like that.
If that makes any sense.
Don’t back down now man!!!
But seriously, I didn’t think you were mocking…
I did end up leaving you a note.
Though it wouldn’t let me add a link. I’d like to speak to customer service.
The “issue” was that he was accused of murder and was in jail.
I wish the O’s could have found a way to trade him: he has a good arm and this seems like a waste.
@ Thomas, the “issue” was that he was charged in the Dominican with discharging a gun on New Year’s Eve that resulted in the death of a friend. He was jailed for a time and had to continue to go back to the DR for various court appearances. He was ultimately found to be not guilty of anything (other than stupidity, which unfortunately is not a criminal act).
I’m glad to be rid of him, if only because I think the Orioles have better. Simon being taken off the team makes it more likely that Neshek will make it, that they will be able to keep Strop, and/or that both Patton and Phillips make it. All of these guys plus O’Day are better than Simon and have had better spring trainings.
Looking at the 40-man roster and knowing that if Paulino, Johnson, and Neshek are to make it, two more guys have to get DFA’d. I’m predicting that Josh Bell is the first to go, and then one of the many relievers gets moved via trade or release with Gregg and Berken being my picks. Option 3 is that Jai Miller gets the ax, but I put that as behind moving a reliever in order of preference.
Brittany Ghiroli is saying DD told her that Simon is “still on the roster”, so who knows what’s going on?
According to Roch DD did not confirm this but only because the “waiver” process is confidential. Which means he is hoping he slips through the cracks and we can sign him as a minor league free agent. Which makes it ironic that local media is letting the cat out of the bag. Sure, it’s their job, but still.
Ultimately, after so many losing seasons I’m upset we let him walk. He is effective in a lot of roles.
Then i gained some perspective and realized how little this was ultimately going to impact our progress and realized in a best case scenario we might be able to get a prospect or two at the deadline if he pitches like an all star…god i love being an os fan
Maybe DD is trying to change the culture in Baltimore? Look at his numbers, he’s a AAA reliever/spot starter on any legitimate team. You’re saying he was effective or earlier had great stuff, but he’s 30 and he hasn’t figured it out yet. And he’s not really even close. So why not give that shot to someone younger?
It’ll be a miracle if they don’t finish 5th this year, so what’s gained by wasting a roster spot on a guy in his age 31 year who’s still trying to figure it out?
I’d take a flier on him.
You know, don’t underestimate the value of getting out of pitching half your games in Camden Yards against the AL east. I can see Simon as having some utility, even success for another team in another league. Pittsburgh or Chicago Cubs should pick him up.
That’s the problem here. Teagarden cost the O’s a pitcher in trade.
Heck, Ned Colletti ripped us off by getting two players for Eveland and Colletti is supposed to be a son of a “Silly Person”. Watch Monty Python you will get what I am saying. I mean even Billy Beane got money for Jai Miller.
What is Duquette going to get for Simon? Nothing! Duquette is only good at putting out signs on the curbside stating “Free to a Good Home”.The man has no idea as to what he is doing. Plus, we just sent down Tillman, yet Showalter expects him to have a big year. How is that possible having a “Big Year” and being on the “B Team”
PS To the Orioles fans thinking Double D is going to DFA Kevin Gregg. You really think Angelos is going to eat that salary? You’re out of your mind if you think that. I mean we are on the hook for Guerrero for another 3 million because of deferred salary. Angelos is in the business to make money , not throw it out the window. Kevin Gregg sadly, stays!
Was the update written by that Master Yoda guy?
Classic case of a thrower, not a pitcher
Ha ha…a murder joke about Baltimore? Why…I’m shocked, never seen anyone do that before.
Ugh.
Hey come on, that guy just happened to be under that bullet in the Dominican Republic, not Baltimore!
But seriously, fantastic response…
Hicks is on the A’s now.
Are you complaining about the frequency, or lack there of, of people making fun of Baltimore? I have literally never heard a person talk about Baltimore’s crime before. On the other hand, people won’t shut up about Detroit.
Big fan of “The Wire”?