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The Baltimore Orioles have contacted the Houston Astros about left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, reports Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com.
#orioles have contacted the #astros about Wandy Rodriguez. Yes, add him to the list. Duquette talking to lots of teams
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) July 7, 2012
This weekend the Orioles were tied to Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Zack Greinke. It’s evident that they are pursuing pitching, as they have been connected to arms, including Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster of the Chicago Cubs as well as Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Joe Saunders, for much of the summer.
Rodriguez would fit the mold of established veteran, and the 33-year-old doesn’t figure to cost as much as Greinke.
The southpaw has posted an ERA and WHIP of 3.38 and 1.230 over his 18 starts this season, and he owns career marks of 4.01 and 1.336 with 7.5 SO/9 and 3.1 BB/9.
Rodriguez is making $10 million this season, $13 million in 2013 and his $13 million option for 2014 becomes a player option if he is dealt.
No matter the pitcher they get in return, be it Greinke or Rodriguez, the Orioles are reportedly not willing to surrender top prospects Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado. Young starters Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta could be available.
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Should the Orioles target Greinke or Rodriguez?
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