O’s Still After Chan Ho Park
Just a small note from the bottom of a New York Post article today – the Mets and Orioles have had trade discussions regarding 34 year-old starter Chan Ho Park.
Before the season, the Mets signed Park for $600,000, with an additional $2.4MM in incentives based on innings pitched. Park has struggled with the long ball in five Triple A starts, and it’s contributed to his 6.67 ERA. Those looking for a silver lining can take solace in his 4.5 K/BB. PECOTA calls for a 4.75 ERA for him this year, not bad at all as far as fifth starters go. However, the AL East is a harsh environment.
Odalis Perez is the other guy said to be on Baltimore’s radar for the fifth starter vacancy.
Perrotto’s Latest
John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus has quickly become another fine source for trade rumors. Some highlights from his latest column:
- The Twins would surrender a solid arm – maybe Jesse Crain, Juan Rincon, or Scott Baker – in return for a right-handed hitter. My own speculation: perhaps Wayne Krivsky, looking to stabilize his bullpen, would trade Edwin Encarnacion for Rincon. Rincon has been one of the best setup men in baseball for the past four years. On the other hand, Baker could really flourish in the National League and Kyle Lohse may leave via free agency after the season. Terry Ryan might want a more proven, reliable bat though. Buster Olney throws out Morgan Ensberg‘s name in his blog today.
- Some clubs already have center fielder Torii Hunter on the radar: the Red Sox, White Sox, Cardinals, and Rangers. I think there is no doubt the Rangers go in for one of the "name" center fielders this winter. I can see the Red Sox testing the waters but it would seem odd to block Jacoby Ellsbury for four or five years. Hunter is making the contract year argument, hitting .324/.358/.618 in 35 games. His previous career high in slugging was .524 in ’02.
- Perrotto confirms the finding of Michael Gluskin – Odalis Perez and Chan Ho Park are two names on the Orioles’ target list of starting pitchers. The O’s might have found some relief in the shrewd Jeremy Guthrie pickup – his last two starts against the Devil Rays and Red Sox were excellent.
Orioles Have A List
Though it appears Adam Loewen won’t need surgery, the Orioles still don’t want to continue too far along with both Brian Burres and Jeremy Guthrie in the starting rotation. Based on their last starts, Guthrie might be the one who sticks.
VP Jim Duquette has a list of about a dozen trade candidates, and apparently Josh Fogg and Byung-Hyun Kim aren’t included. Duquette gave us a hint – a player from another team who has fallen out of favor and perhaps landed in the bullpen. Zack Greinke and Kei Igawa fit the description, but they aren’t getting traded. Shawn Chacon would hardly help. Adam Eaton? Wade Miller? Jeff Weaver? Oh yes, Jeff Weaver. Maybe a little Mazzone could get him right. Got any other "fallen out of favor" starter candidates?
UPDATE: Michael Gluskin was able to determine a few of the pitchers on Duquette’s radar, after talking to a club source. The O’s have had internal discussions regarding Jason Davis, Odalis Perez, and Chan Ho Park.
Mets Sign Chan Ho Park
According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, the Mets will add righty Chan Ho Park soon. A Korean newspaper mentions that the deal is for $3MM with an option. Park also had an offer from the Padres. Hat tip to MetsBlog for originally finding this one.
Back in December, Scott Boras was reportedly trying to sell the Red Sox on the idea of using Park as a closer. Park will be helpful for the Mets as a swingman. I like the way Omar Minaya is building his pitching staff backwards. I think it’ll work.
PECOTA says to expect a 4.70 ERA from Park in 115 innings.
Mets Sign Chan Ho Park
According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, the Mets will add righty Chan Ho Park soon. A Korean newspaper mentions that the deal is for $3MM with an option. Park also had an offer from the Padres. Hat tip to MetsBlog for originally finding this one.
Back in December, Scott Boras was reportedly trying to sell the Red Sox on the idea of using Park as a closer. Park will be helpful for the Mets as a swingman. I like the way Omar Minaya is building his pitching staff backwards. I think it’ll work.
PECOTA says to expect a 4.70 ERA from Park in 115 innings.
Chan Ho Park A Closer Candidate?
Interesting note from the Boston Globe:
"A source told the Globe’s Nick Cafardo that during the Matsuzaka negotiations, Boras was trying to sell the Red Sox on signing Chan Ho Park to be the team’s closer."
It’s a smart idea, grabbing a failed starter and converting him to relief. Park currently posts mediocre strikeout rates, but it stands to reason that he could bump that up if used in one-inning bursts. Other starters who could excel in relief: Renyel Pinto, Oliver Perez, Angel Guzman, Jorge de la Rosa, Ian Snell, or Mark Prior.