Here’s the latest on some relief situations from around baseball…
- Free agent righty Ross Ohlendorf has garnered multiple offers and could sign with a team as early as today, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation (Twitter link). Ohlendorf might even land a guaranteed Major League deal, Cotillo suggests. The 33-year-old opted out of his minor league contract with the Royals earlier this week, and the club subsequently released him. Ohlendorf, an eight-year veteran, threw 19 1/3 innings in relief for Texas last season and put up a 3.72 ERA, 8.84 K/9 and 3.26 BB/9. It’s worth noting that his average fastball velocity in 2015 was 93.7, a solid increase over his career mean (92.0).
- The Marlins are one of the teams connected to Ohlendorf, Peter Gammons of GammonsDaily.com reports. Miami took a hit to its bullpen with the news that Carter Capps will miss all of 2016 recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it makes sense that the Fish would be looking at relief help. Jim Benedict, the newly-hired Marlins VP of pitching development, is familiar with Ohlendorf from their shared time in the Pirates organization.
- The Astros’ trade for Ken Giles surprised many in the industry, ESPN’s Jayson Stark writes, particularly since dealing five young players for a reliever seemed so counter to Jeff Luhnow’s strategy since taking over Houston’s front office. Three factors seemed to fuel the trade — the Astros’ bullpen meltdown in last year’s ALDS, the trend around the game for a lockdown relief corps for late in games, and Giles’ own unique promise as a long-term star closer.
- Pirates lefty Cory Luebke has scouts “buzzing,” tweets MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, who notes that the 31-year-old is hitting 94mph with his fastball and 87mph with his curve this spring. Luebke has an out clause in the minor league contract he signed with the Pirates last month, meaning he could be available to sign anywhere soon if he doesn’t win a spot in the Bucs’ bullpen. Luebke last pitched in the majors in 2012, having since undergone a pair of Tommy John surgeries. His most extensive action came as a Padre in 2011, when he tossed 139.2 innings of 3.29 ERA ball to accompany an outstanding 9.92 K/9 and 2.84 BB/9. San Diego then signed the seemingly emerging starter to a four-year, $12MM extension, only for Luebke to fall victim to injuries. Luebke finally returned to the field last June to throw seven innings at three different minor league levels in the Padres organization, but a flexor strain diagnosis and a subsequent minor forearm surgery brought an end to his season.
Connor Byrne also contributed to this post
I like Russ Ohlendorf as a pitcher, but am curious to see what will happen once he retires. Considering he is the brains of the team with his education, I wonder if he will continue his baseball career in the front office.
On a separate note, I don’t think Luebke will make the Pirates team…..yet. It’s a roster crunch of who you want to put on waivers and risk losing (Floriman). However, if he sticks in there, I think he will be back in the majors. Here is the other issue, the Pirates currently have 6 starters at triple-A, which is looking like a six man rotation as opposed to one guy being forced in the bullpen. The reasoning for this is that they want to limit the amount of innings for certain players for the year. Once June rolls around, I can see the Pirates bringing up one or two starters (not Luebke) leaving a 5-man rotation. Only then, Luebke slips into a starter role at AAA, but eventually gets called up in a bullpen role. I see the Richards situation of last year reoccurring and don’t think Luebke will be happy with that. Especially, since there is already interest of him starting at the MLB level for another team. If you don’t use it, you lose it.
Really rooting for Luebke. Once looked like he was going to be a good one…
Imagine that, Talking about the Pirates and too many players for spots. Been a long time for this conversation. Been more like who the @#$%@# are these guys (a la Major League) and wondering how many or even if 1 might stick to the wall if thrown at it. They actually have talent in the minors that they have to actually worry about blocking…Scary…… Finally !!! 🙂
I’m right there with ya that kid looked incredible in San Diego for a minute. To see him find his way back and contribute would be a great story. If the last several seasons is any indicator he is in the right place to do it being with the Pirates. Just seems like they are one of those teams like the Rays/Royals who get a little extra out of players who become second priority or after thoughts to many organizations.
They should ditch Locke! And use the quality arm!
With both Alex Wilson, and Blaine Hardy looking to start the year on the DL for the Tigers, both Lubke, and Ohlendorf would should be of interest to the them. Lubke, in particular, because he throws harder than Hardy.
Luebke never threw 94 before the TJ surgeries, so that is awesome news for him. I don’t understand why the Padres didn’t offer him a minor league deal. They have millions invested in him including the buyout of his contract for this year and a minor league deal has no risk and tons of upside.
Really rooting for him. Great kid. Was looking like he was going to be a great pitcher.
Hope Giles does well, was one of 2 phillies players to watch last year.