DECEMBER 16: Seattle announced that Caminero has officially been released to pursue the opportunity in Japan.
DECEMBER 10: Mariners righty Arquimedes Caminero is close to a deal with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, as noted by Yahoo! Japan (via Beyond The Box Score’s Kazuto Yamazaki and Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune, who notes that the Mariners have already agreed to sell Caminero’s contract).
The 29-year-old Caminero is out of options, and the Mariners’ decision suggests that they don’t foresee much of a future for him on a team with plenty of right-handed bullpen possibilities, even though he has four years of control remaining before free agency and has tantalizing velocity. Caminero throws harder than almost anyone — his 97.9-MPH average fastball velocity last year was faster than anyone except Aroldis Chapman’s.
Caminero has had persistent problems with walks, with 4.9 BB/9 last year. His 3.56 ERA last year between the Pirates and Mariners looks decent on the surface, but his peripheral numbers have generally been unimpressive, and he’s never been as dominant as his velocity would suggest, perhaps in part because he relies too heavily on his fastball. Through parts of four seasons in the big leagues with the Marlins and Pirates in addition to the Mariners, Caminero has a 3.83 ERA, 8.3 K/9 and 4.0 BB/9 in 155 innings.
Throw hard, but never straight. sayonara.
He’s STILL better than you
At what? Pitching? No duh, but then again I’m not a professional athlete. What a goofball comment, bro.
Don’t want it straight bro
You’re telling me not one team would have a place for him? This is crazy!
Also seems weird we’d let him go for next to nothing, but hey; it opens up a roster spot. Maybe this move will bring Shaffer back?
Usually, there’s a fairly nice cash return on those types of deals.
If another system wanted to send a valid piece, it’s one thing. But getting a legitimate cash return beats “a struggling pitcher in A-Ball”
What a great name. They are going to have a lot of fun with that in Japan.
What?!? You mean he played for Pittsburgh all those years and they couldn’t fix his issues? Call me shocked. That blows a hole in the infatuation some have here that the coaching staff there (and some of the fans) where they can fix every pitcher which comes up here as available with some issue.
Well they seem to fix an awful lot of pitchers who have question marks. Melancon, liriano, volquez, Nova, happ, grilli…
That’s 6, keep going…
How many examples does he need? Don’t be that guy. They’re not miracle workers in Pittsburgh, but they’re well respected for getting the best out of pitchers with good stuff and poor prior results.
Considering that Caminero was barely serviceable in AAA while with the Marlins, then had a pretty good 2015 in Pittsburgh, I’d say that the Bucs were able to do something with him. Not sure if taking 15 seconds to look at his numbers would “shock” you or not, but give it a try before posting next time.
their pitching wizard works for the marlins now
Marlins needed one. I like them and always have, but that team pretty much always has done the opposite when they tinkered with the mechanics of a pitcher.. Just blew them apart and some other organization might have been able to salvage.
Miller, Dontrelle Willis, whom might have never came back, but they had the guy falling off the mound his entire career and no 2 pitching actions the same. becket and his constant blister issues while there that totally disapeared after he left with proper attention. Anibal Sanchez and his short warmup routine that led to constant arm problems early on the marlins allowed him to get away with for years.
They just didn’t learn.
The office version of the wizard works for Miami. The true wizard is still a Pirate: Ray Searage.
didn’t he have control issues with the bucs and that led to his departure? did he contribute to the mariners? maybe some teams wanted to avoid the arm control….
What a shame
I really enjoyed watching Caminero as a Mariner, when his control was on MAN he can throw!
When Nick Vincent dipped, Caminero Stepped up. I could see him as a set-up guy for sure If someone gave him a chance. He should do well In Japan
He has the stuff to be a setup guy, but right now not the consistency. He also relies too much on his fastball and needs to develop more confidence in other pitches. He seems like a great guy and I hope he flourishes in Japan
I really wish Caminero well. When his control of his fastball is on, he is lights out. One thing I really liked about watching him pitch as a Pirate was his demeanor on the mound. Whether he gave up a homer or struck out the side, he had the same stoic, intense expression. I actually think it’s a great idea for him to go to Japan, as he should do very well there and possibly lead to a better opportunity back in the States when/if he wants to
Pirates 2016 Rotation is going to be Cole their front 4 in AAA in ’15. Should be interesting. I wonder if they’ll still trade Cutch for a few arms, because Cole and Taillon are smallest question marks, and they still have a ton of red flags, starting with injury.