The Search For the Next Al Reyes
Aug 23rd 2007eMLB & Minor League Baseball
As I watched the Orioles surrender run after run last night there was only one thought that kept popping into my head. “This is what happens when one of your key relievers hasn’t been an effective pitcher since Carlos Baerga was an all-star.”
Paul Shuey’s suckiness aside, it is now a golden age for semi-retired journeyman relievers. Team’s are so desperate for pitching they’re willing to give anybody a chance. This season Shuey (along with Troy Percival) is just one of numerous other pitchers attempting to work their way back to the big leagues after a lengthy hiatus.
First and foremost, there’s the great Alan Mills. Until this season the 40 year-old righthander hadn’t pitched in the majors since 2001. Now he’s attempting to make a comeback with the Tigers, and so far its going fairly well. In 25 innings with Double A Erie Mills has and ERA of 1.42 and opponents are batting just .122 against him. Joel Zumaya had better watch his back.
Not far behind Mills is 34 year-old Jose Paniagua. This summer the Pirates decided to give Paniagua another chance despite the fact that he last pitched in the major leagues in 2003. After dominating hitters half is age in five rookie league innings, Paniagua was promoted to Double A Altoona. He pitched a scoreless inning in his one appearance since the promotion.
Unfortunately, not all comeback attempts end with the thrill of minor league bus rides and daily meal money. This season former Cardinals reliever Dave Veres was attempting to become the first man to pitch in the major leagues with an artificial hip. The 40 year-old Veres hadn’t pitched anywhere since 2004, but the Rockies decided to give him a chance. That chance would be shortlived—after five games and a 9.64 ERA with Triple A Colorado Springs, the Rockies released him.
All of this has left me excitedly wondering what former hurler will reappear next. Rob Nen? Billy Koch? Matt Mantei? Somebody get their agents on the phone–there are lucrative minor league contracts to be signed.
2 Comments »
on 23 Aug 2007 at 3:25 pm #
Glendon Rusch is hurt that you left him off this list. He will be out 4-6 weeks.
on 23 Aug 2007 at 5:16 pm #
he just hasn’t been the same since the Yankees passed him up to sign ron villone.