The Baltimore Orioles’ starting rotation finished 25th in the MLB last season with a grotesque 4.53 combined ERA. It doesn’t look like the team is willing to let that fly again in 2016 (no pun intended).
According to a report by Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports on Monday, the Orioles have trade interest in Padres righty Andrew Cashner.
Cashner, 29, was unimpressive in 2015, going 6-16 with a 4.34 ERA. But he suffered from a comically bad Padres’ defense behind him and was often given pitiful run support. Cashner’s 2.87 ERA from 2013 to 2014 is probably a much better indication of the value that he brings to the table.
The TCU product has great swing-and-miss stuff, recording 165 strikeouts last season. When Cashner is firing on all cylinders, he definitely looks like an ace-level hurler with his vast arsenal of pitches.
Right now, the Orioles’ starters strike fear into the hearts of absolutely no one. Charles Tillman is the nominal ace on a staff of underwhelming arms that also includes Miguel Gonzalez, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Kevin Gausman. Adding Cashner, who is also set to become a free agent after the 2016 campaign, sooner or later could be a difference-maker for Baltimore at what apears to be their weakest position.
The Orioles have been busy this offseason, re-signing Chris Davis to a seven-year deal and also sniffing around Yoenis Cespedes (albeit, unsuccessfully). But perhaps it’s now time to start shoring up their forces on the other side of the ball. A pitcher of Cashner’s caliber would be a great place to start.
H/T Rotoworld
