Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
Email me at btimmermann@gmail.com
Select a date:
Orioles lefty Adam Loewen has decided that after multiple arm injuries that a pitching career isn't going to work for him and is planning to make a comeback as an outfielder.
After visiting several doctors, Loewen realized his elbow wouldn’t be able to take the stress of throwing up to 100 times in the span of three hours.
“They believe the only reason my arm feels the way it does is strictly from throwing off the mound (with) high intensity,” he said. “So, if I was playing first base or outfield, or having time between throws, not throwing 90 to 93 off the mound, then my arm is going to be fine. It’s not going to bother me swinging the bat.
“…It was devastating news, but I always had a backup plan so I’m sure I didn’t take it as hard as anyone else would.”
The Orioles will need to rework Loewen's contract because he is out of options and cannot be sent to the minors without being exposed to waivers. The Orioles would likely want to pay Loewen less money as a minor league outfielder than as a major league pitcher.
(And why is it called extended spring training anymore? Maybe organized rehab or something.)
I don't think anyone is going to claim him off waivers -- he can't pitch anymore and shifting from pitching to hitting isn't a guarantee.
I assume Loewen could "retire," but I imagine it's a matter of dollars more than anything else.
I don't get how they can rework his contract. He's on the DL, which means that they're already paying him for not pitching. The only question I see is whether that money will go to a minor-league outfielder or a major leaguer who can't play.
Comment status: comments have been closed. Baseball Toaster is now out of business.