Seattle Mariners Sign Scott Baker
By Todd Pheifer
Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Scott Baker (32) pitches in the first inning of the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Mariners made a splash when they signed Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240 million contract. Since then, the organization has failed to register any additional splashes.
More like tiny pebbles in the water. Tiny.
Can you name the latest player that is joining the organization? Wait for it…come on down….Scott Baker!
Who? Exactly.
Feast your eyes on these career stats:
63-48, 4.14 ERA
Not bad, but you have to put those numbers in context. The 32-year-old Baker had some solid years from 2008-10 when he went 38-22. Baker had Tommy John surgery in 2012 and pitched briefly for the Chicago Cubs in 2013.
By the way, what did Mr. Baker do statistically in 2013? I’m glad you asked. Here are his season stats:
0-0, 3.60 ERA, 3 games pitched
Can someone explain to me why a team like the Mariners continues to be fascinated with the nebulas position of “veteran” pitcher? I understand the value of experience, but in the case of the Mariners, “veteran” often feels like a code word for “yet another reclamation project.”
Are Taijuan Walker and James Paxton expected to fail? Does the organization have no faith in Erasmo Ramirez? Is Brandon Maurer done as a starter?
I can understand the hesitancy to throw a bunch of kids into the rotation, but at some point the Mariners have to decide that the future is now. No more one-year deals to guys who are struggling to stay in the league. No more contracts for pitchers that have “experience” but had their best year in 2008.
Perhaps Scott Baker will be an incredibly productive pitcher in Seattle. Then again, his name might be added to a long list of guys who have used the Mariners for short-term employment.
Welcome to the club, Mr. Baker. Hopefully you do better than Joe Saunders.