Thursday, March 7, 2013
O's shopping (for) starting pitchers
By Jason A. Churchill
The Baltimore Orioles aren't exactly loaded in the starting rotation as the 2013 schedule approaches, and are reportedly in the market for a proven veteran but FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports the O's are expected to check the market for left-hander Zach Britton this spring, citing a rival executive.
The Orioles have a number of arms but Britton, when healthy, seems to be one of the club's better options, along with Jason Hammel and Wei-Yin Chen. Chris Tillman and Steve Johnson each came on strong late in 2012, but there are questions about the future and tole of Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta. The club's top pitching prospects, Dylan Bundy, is generally expected to make an impact this season, too, but when that begins is unclear.
Britton, as he came up through the minors, was considered a potential No. 3 starter and showed flashes of such ability in 2011, but has battled shoulder problems and may be viewed as a great unknown and a risk, suggesting his trade value isn't likely to be very high.
Rosenthal's report suggested Arrieta also could hit the trade block, but such moves may not come until the final decisions have been made on the starting rotation for 2013, including the role of Matusz.
