The Orioles have signed left-handed relief pitcher J.C. Romero to a minor-league deal, the club announced Thursday afternoon. Romero began the season with the Cardinals, but was released after a terrible stretch where he coughed up 10 hits and nine earned runs in 3 1/3 innings pitched (a span of three games). He allowed far too many baserunners last season, too, sporting a 1.74 WHIP.
In glancing at the Orioles' bullpen, one might notice the five relievers with an ERA of no worse than 1.93 (including Matt Lindstrom, who is on the DL). One might also notice the only left-handers in the 'pen are Troy Patton and Dana Eveland, who only has 44 career relief appearances in his career, compared to 60 starts.
So it's rather obvious where Romero fits. He's left-handed relief depth. Even if, at age 35, he could very well be washed up. The lesson? When your son starts tossing around a baseball as a toddler, fathers everywhere, hope it's with his left hand.
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