Hammel was a fairly well known prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays system before he was traded to the Rockies. Tampa Bay had given up on him and the Rockies almost didn't have a spot in theit rotation for him last year. Hammel was 7-13, 4.76 in 27 starts and struck out 94 in 170 1/3 IP. So far in five starts this season, he has struck out 30 batters in 32 IP over 5 starts, averaging almost 7 innings a start. He is 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA and along with Wei-Yin Chen are the two aces of a Baltimore staff that currently leads the AL East.
Guthrie struck out 130 batters in 208 IP last year, finishing with a 9-17 record, leading the league in losses for the second time in three years. He was a bulldog, though, and consistently gave the team innings every time out. So far this season, he is 2-1, 5.92 in 4 starts and has struck out just 5 batters in 24 1/3 IP. And now he is on the DL.
Add in Lindstrom who has not given up an earned run in 8 2/3 IP over 8 games, and this looks like a very good deal for the Orioles. Hammel may be a late bloomer and has showed signs of becoming a big time pitcher. Maybe this is one of those fluke things that make a team like the Baltimore Orioles competitive again.