Orioles Add Another International Arm
The story this offseason for the Orioles has been pitching, pitching, and pitching. We have brought in overseas talent as well as major league veterans, hoping to catch some lightening in a bottle. At worst, this will create competition in Spring Training, which will show the most capable arms for 2012.
This time, the Orioles tapped into Taiwan, which produced current Washington Nationals pitcher and former Yankee, Chien-Ming Wang.
Ken Rosenthal & Dan Connelly reported that the Orioles signed Wei-Yin Chen, reportedly to a three year deal, with the third year possibly being an option year. According to MLBTradeRumors, “As a Taiwanese player in Nippon Professional Baseball, Chen had free agency negotiated into his contract with the Chunichi Dragons. Last year in Japan, Chen posted a 2.68 ERA, 5.1 K/9, 1.7 BB/9, and 0.49 HR/9 in 164 2/3 innings.”
Chen is still relatively young at 26 and throws relatively hard for a southpaw; as high as 92-94 when he’s right, according to scout, Keith Law. The Orioles have tons of arms stockpiled and will still probably add more before pitchers and catchers report. Competition is often said to bring out the best in people so let’s hope some of these guys can show their talent and start fulfilling their potential.
Until next time, stay tuned to the MSB for Orioles news and updates.
