While some continue to believe the fantastical idea of the Orioles as big spenders this offseason, Roch Kubato of MASN Sports writes thatKoji Uehara will be used as a reliever in 2010.
Uehara posted a 4.05 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 48/12 K/BB ratio over 12 starts in 2009, but his debut campaign was cut short with a torn tendon in his right elbow in June. His FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) of 3.56 hints at even better results to come, if healthy. Uehara was recently given permission by his doctor to begin throwing at his home in Japan.
Uehara has stated a willingness to be a reliever, but it’s kind of a silly notion when you realize Orioles starters had a major-league worst 5.37 ERA to go along with a 1.52 WHIP (28th in MLB).
Sure, the Orioles have Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, Jeremy Guthrie, Brad Bergesen and a host of fifth-starter candidates in-house, but isn’t Uehara exactly the type of efficient starter the Orioles should be looking for?