We interrupt the crazy Cliff Lee/Carl Crawford/Adrian Beltre chatter to tell you that the Astros have signed pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith. That from Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Yes, we realize that this isn’t an Earth-shattering signing, but it’s nice to have a transaction that doesn’t invoke the name of large, monied east coast teams.
Rowland-Smith had a couple of good years in Seattle, working out of the pen exclusively his first year, and then transitioning into a swingman (though usually a starter). He hit a wall last year, however, culminating in a late July start in which he allowed 11 runs to the White Sox. After a stint on the disabled list — which some of us thought was questionable — he returned for four more games in which he was at least serviceable.
If he can return to his pre-2010 form — he had a 4.57 ERA in 362 career innings — he’ll be a cheap and useful pickup for the Astros. If not, well, he’ll still be cheap.
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- Brian - Dec 9, 2010 at 11:45 AM
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You mean he didn’t get a 7 year contract? He’s perverting the economics of baseball!!!!
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- bloodysock - Dec 9, 2010 at 11:50 AM
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This is news because he’s probably the only free agent with a hypenated last name
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- mtner77 - Dec 9, 2010 at 12:02 PM
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I am just happy that he won’t be pitching in Safeco this year. Nice guy. Horrible pitcher.
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- IdahoMariner - Dec 9, 2010 at 12:31 PM
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Incredibly nice guy — I hope the change of scenery does him some good.
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- Reflex - Dec 9, 2010 at 3:06 PM
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Was also going to say that he’s a very nice guy in person. I wish him well over there and I know a couple female friends who will be quite dissapointed in this.
