Orioles Sign Justin Duchscherer

"Free agent pitcher Justin Duchscherer has reached agreement on a one-year major league contract with the Baltimore Orioles, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (ESPN)."

Duchscherer when he plays is very good, but much like Eric Bedard just can't seem to find a way to stay on the field. He has suffered from everything from hip problems to depression. Still, it's only a one year deal, and the Orioles have a ton of young pitching talent behind him, so it is kind of a no lose scenario. Duchscherer can be a reliever also, but he has stated that he wants to be in the rotation, and I would think that's where they will put him to start the season.

Red Sox Scout Duchscherer

This is funny, because I was actually saying this to DP last night...

"Oakland right-haander Justin Duchscherer is scheduled to throw 60 pitches in a rookie league game Thursday night, and the San Francisco Chronicle reports that scouts from the Tigers and Red Sox are expected to be in attendance in Scottsdale, Arizona. If Duchscherer is not traded, the Chronicle reports that Duchscherer could make his season debut Tuesday against the Yankees. That is the next day the A's need a fifth starter. Duchscherer is recovering from elbow surgery (ESPN)."

So why would the Sox be looking at this guy? Well for one thing when he is healthy he is one of the best pitchers in the AL. The problem is he is never healthy, but since there is little to nothing left on his contract it is really worth the risk. Even if Dice-K and Wake come back healthy Duchscherer is used to being a reliever also, and could provide the spark to get the Sox bullpen rolling again. Not sure how close the Sox are to pulling this off, but it is certainly something they should keep an eye on...

Duchscherer Season In Trouble?

"Manager Bob Geren said this morning that No. 1 starter Justin Duchscherer was having his sore right elbow looked at by a doctor (Sportsline)."

One day after getting Orlando Cabrera, the A's worries now have to turn to their rotation. If the A's are going to do anything this year they are really going to need Duchscherer to stay healthy. Duchscherer was arguably the best pitcher in the MLB the first half of last year, but asking him to do it for a full year may be too much. The A's have a shit load of young pitching talent in the minors, but throwing them into the fire to start the year, may not be the best option, but if they want to take advantage of Holliday's 1 year stay with the team, it may be their only option.