Former Oriole closer BJ Ryan was released by Toronto today.
The Jays owe him the remainder of $10M this year, and $10M for 2010.
The O’s should be on the phone with him now, and making him an Oriole.
He has had a horrible 20.2 innings in 2009, so what?
In 2008, Ryan appeared in 60 games… 2-4, 32 saves, and a 2.95 era.
More importantly in 58 innings, 46 hits allowed, 4 homers, 28 walks, 58 k’s.
An OPS against of .652, and a BAA of .216.
He never relied on velocity, he relied on deception.
Ryan has a body of work, of proven success in the American League East.
Signing him, and moving Mickolio back to AAA really carries zero risk.
If he performs for you… great. If he does not… what have you lost?
He had been feuding with Toronto Manager (and Baltimore ‘favorite’) Cito Gaston for weeks, saying he needed more regular work…. Sign him, and give him the opportunity.
By the way, while the contract he signed with Toronto was ridiculous; he never should have hit the market to begin with. The O’s should have extended him during 2004, and before 2005 when he assumed the closer role. He had clearly ascended to a top LOOGY, and there was plenty of reason to think he would succeed as a closer. Once he did, he was priced out of the O’s uniform.
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.