Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Erik Bedard has been released. The Pirates opening day starter was 7-14, 5.01 in 125 1/3 IP, struggling mightily in his past three starts. The Pirates had a little bit of a logjam in their rotation after acquiring LHP Wandy Rodriguez from the Houston Astros. The initial move was to put Kevin Correia in the bullpen, a move that led to Correia asking for a trade. Now it seems Correia will return to a rotation that includes AJ Burnett, James McDonald, Rodriguez and Jeff Karstens.
As far as Bedard is concerned, I see some teams having interest in using him to make a couple of starts down the stretch. I could see the Nationals, Yankees and Dodgers having interest. Perhaps the most intriguing fit may be in Baltimore with the Orioles. Of course, Bedard was the budding star LHP that was traded to Seattle after the 2007 season for a prospect named Adam Jones. Jones is now the franchise player in Baltimore as Bedard has yet to surpass 130 IP since leaving Baltimore. I know the Orioles just added Joe Saunders, but Bedard could provide some depth for the back of a rotation that has struggled for consistency.
Baltimore has had performance issues with Tommy Hunter, Jake Arrieta and Brian Matusz, among others, and has had to deal with an injury to new found ace RHP Jason Hammel. Bedard, to me, would be a fit in Baltimore, a team not looking to spend a ton of money on a contract. Bedard signed a 1 year, $4.5 million deal with Pittsburgh, but that means nothing since the Pirates released him (assuming he clears waivers.) The signing team would be on the hook for a prorated portion of the MLB league minimum.
Baltimore has had performance issues with Tommy Hunter, Jake Arrieta and Brian Matusz, among others, and has had to deal with an injury to new found ace RHP Jason Hammel. Bedard, to me, would be a fit in Baltimore, a team not looking to spend a ton of money on a contract. Bedard signed a 1 year, $4.5 million deal with Pittsburgh, but that means nothing since the Pirates released him (assuming he clears waivers.) The signing team would be on the hook for a prorated portion of the MLB league minimum.
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