Late Innings

Baltimore made an interesting move today, inking Japanese free agent pitcher Koji Uehara to a two year deal worth about 10MM. Incentives could push this up around 16MM, however it’s a very low risk signing. Hopefully this will cajole Kenshin Kawakami to have interest in the O’s now as well.

I’ve said it before often on here, Baltimore has some intriguing arms coming up in the minors, names such as Brian Matusz, Jake Arietta and Chris Tillman. And of course, last season’s Double-A rotation (Tillman included) was stacked. Their Double-A affiliate Bowie challenged for the Eastern League crown. In either case, the arms won’t be here for another year yet, so stop gap arms (like Mark Hendrickson) must be brought in to eat the innings. Signing these imports for two year deals isn’t a bad move on Andy MacPhail’s behalf. Due to the slow market and teams cutting back, there are many bargain arms that can be found, and it’s clearly a buyer’s market. Sooner or later, someone will scoop up Tim Redding and Braden Looper. (On an aside, BTBS wrote a great essay outlining why Redding is a bargain.)

To summarize, I like this signing. I wouldn’t mind another starter, and a backup catcher, which I think Baltimore is looking at currently. If anyone is interested, Uehara should fare as a high-end #4, low end #3 starter, pitching in the AL East. I’m guessing a 4.30 ERA for him in 2009. Marcel does not include him in their projections for 2009.