Seattle Mariners: Are they Right to Let Arquimedes Caminero Go?
By Paul Taylor
The Seattle Mariners will reportedly allow Arquimedes Caminero to continue his career in Japan, but are they being too hasty with the rocket-armed pitcher?
As reported by The Tacoma News Tribune‘s Bob Dutton, Arquimedes Caminero is set to leave the Seattle Mariners. Caminero is close to signing an agreement with the Yomiuri Giants of Japan’s Central League.
As Dutton noted, the front office have already agreed to sell the 29-year old’s contract, alluding to his being unlikely to win a spot in the bullpen. Given that the Mariners are likely to carry five right-handed relievers next season, this speaks volumes about the lack of faith in him.
Regardless, the question still has to be asked if general manger Jerry Dipoto is making the right decision? They are several reasons for wondering, starting with the fact Caminero is under club control for another four years.
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Another aspect is the Dominican Republic native’s pitching velocity. His average fastball during the 60.2 innings of action in 2016 was 97.9 MPH, second-highest in the Majors.
Throw in a career 3.83 ERA in 149 appearances, and it seems entirely reasonable to question the Mariners’ decision, at least on the surface. However, once you delve deeper, there appears to be more justification for the move.
For a start, the former Florida Marlins’ free agent pickup has had an issue with walks, since entering the Majors in 2013. This was particularly problematic during this past season, with him averaging 4.9 walks per nine innings.
Several baseball analysts also point to Caminero’s over-reliance on his fastball, with the suggestion being that this has compromised his ability to fulfill his potential. In addition, he is out of options, meaning he has to clear waivers to be sent to the minors.
On balance, the Mariners are probably making the right move, which will also open up a spot on the 40-man roster. However, there will always be a sense of what might have been, with the rocket-armed pitcher.
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What do you make of the speculation surrounding Arquimedes Caminero? Are you on board with the prospect of him leaving or would you prefer the Mariners to retain his contract, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.