Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Rockies still an unlikely fit for Lohse
By Doug Mittler
With spring training underway, the pressure is building on free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse and agent Scott Boras to get a deal done. We know that Boras is famous for picking an unexpected suitor out of his hat, but don’t expect him to work his magic in Denver.
The Rockies, owners of the worst ERA in the majors last season, are desperate for pitching, but GM Dan O’Dowd has given no indication he is willing spend big money on a free agent pitcher, says Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.
Lohse is looking to pitch for a contender, making Colorado an even less likely destination. And even if the 34-year-old is willing to settle for a one-year deal in hopes of landing a long-term contract elsewhere next season, he might be taking a career risk by pitching at hitter-friendly Coors Field.
As we all know by now, Lohse will cost the signing club a first-round draft pick, unless that team drafts in the Top 10 or has already surrendered its pick for signing another free agent tied to a qualifying offer. One such team is the Washington Nationals, who lost their selection after inking Rafael Soriano this winter.
The Nats have been linked to Lohse in recent weeks, and FanGraphs' Mike Petriello writes for ESPN Insider that Washington would do well to sign Lohse.
ESPN.com's Jim Bowden predicted earlier this month that Lohse will sign with either the Brewers or the Texas Rangers.
