Padres showing interest in Michael Lorenzen
Credit: AP Photo
The San Diego Padres’ roster is full of holes.
There is a need for outfielders on the Padres roster, and there are also some question marks regarding the pitching staff.
With the addition of Enyel De Los Santos, Jeremiah Estrada, Woo Suk Go, and Yuki Matsui, the bullpen has taken shape and should be productive in the coming season, even with the loss of Josh Hader to the Houston Astros via free agency.
The starting staff has already lost Micheal Wacha, Seth Lugo, and Nick Martinez from last season via free agency: the team’s best pitcher and N.L. Cy Young Award-winner Blake Snell is surely going to sign soon, and it will likely not be with the Padres. They simply cannot meet his asking price.
In a report via Jon Morosi, the Padres are showing interest in right-handed pitcher Micheal Lorenzen.
Lorenzen is a free agent, and the Baltimore Orioles are also showing interest in him. The 32-year-old has pitched in the majors for nine years and is one of the better hitting pitchers in the league. However, that talent is no longer useful in the universal D.H. level we live in today. Lorenzen owns seven career homers in 133 at-bats in the majors.
Last year, Lorenzen was an All-Star for the Tigers after recording a 3.58 ERA and a 1.098 WHIP in 18 starts. The veteran was dealt to the Phillies at the trade deadline but did not pitch as well in the National League. Lorenzen went 4-2 with the Phillies but put up a 5.51 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP in seven starts.
The 2013 first-round pick is 40-38 in his career with a 4.11 ERA and a 1.325 WHIP.
The Padres will be looking for a team-friendly deal as they clearly do not have much money to spend. Lorenzen made $8.5 million last year and is expected to earn a slight raise and maybe a two- or three-year deal.
The Padres have work to do in completing their roster. Micheal Lorenzen makes sense, but it will come down to cost.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.