Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo has explicitly said what his club must add in the offseason to ensure a better 2010. Throughout October, Cheers & Jeers will look at those positions of need and see what is available on Major League Baseball’s free-agent market. Today: The starting rotation.
If there’s anything Washington needs this offseason, it’s a reliable starting pitcher — or two. Now, there are 29 other teams in baseball who will say the exact same thing. But reliable doesn’t necessarily mean great. Or even good. Instead, the Nats would settle for a pair of veterans who can give them 180 to 200 innings. If even just one of them can produce an ERA somewhere south of 5.00 that would help.
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Livan Hernandez is one candidate. Waived by the Mets in August, he signed on for a second tour of duty with the Nats. And while the numbers are a little scary (5.36 ERA), Hernandez did average six innings per start. That’s just not something Rizzo can count on with his crop of minor-league pitchers. Yes, Stephen Strasburg will make his big-league debut sometime next summer. But probably not right out of spring training. So — without breaking the bank — here are some realistic options.
Jason Marquis, Rockies » A ground ball pitcher whose ERA always bounces between 4.00 and 5.00. Coming off one of the best years of his career and probably won’t match his performance in 2009. But he doesn’t have to. Expect the Rockies to fight to keep him.
Joel Pineiro, Cardinals » The third member of Cardinals’ vaunted rotation. He won 15 games and posted 3.49 ERA in 214 innings and doesn’t walk anybody. Nats must hope St. Louis runs out of money re-signing outfielder Matt Holliday and make a substantial offer. Losing teams always pay a premium.
Randy Wolf, Dodgers » What might have been. Last winter the Dodgers grabbed Wolf for a one-year, $5 million deal. Almost any team in baseball could have had him. The return was 11 wins and a 3.23 ERA. A better bet? Find next year’s Randy Wolf.
