Go for Kazmir?

by Mess76 on Jun 16, 2011 4:52 PM EDT

Yesterday the Angels released LHP Scott Kazmir - who a few years back was a dominate force on the Rays. The guy is only 27 and I would say the Jays maybe of all teams have the right coaches in place to help ressurect a guy's career - and since it seems this season is not going to be one of contention why not gamble on a guy like Kazmir - maybe turn him into a Billy Wagner if he can't find his stuff as a starter again. Jeff Sullivan on Baseball Nation (http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/6/16/2227444/on-scott-kazmir-and-pitcher-reclamation-projects) writes an interesting article regarding the pros and cons of taking a chance on Kazmir. I think if they could get him on a contract to start back in the minors and see what happens, then why not give it a shot?

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a turn in Las Vegas is not what Kazmir needs. he’s done.

by ayjackson on Jun 16, 2011 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

He is still just 27 years old so its probably a little bit premature to say he is done. He can still figure it out and it might be a mechanical or mental issue, perhaps both.

I would sign him to a minor league deal and see if he can figure it out. probably put him in Dunedin and let him work his way up

by Sniderlover on Jun 16, 2011 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I dunno

he’s been utterly awful for a few years now. it’s not like you risk anything by signing him to a minor league deal, but I really doubt he’s got a chance to come back

by benk on Jun 16, 2011 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think he will ever get back to the level he once used to be but he could still turn into a decent/bottom end starter.

by Sniderlover on Jun 16, 2011 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

even that’s highly unlikely. he’s been below replacement level for 2 years now and he’s lost like 6 mph of velocity. he’s much less likely to turn into a decent/bottom end starter than drabek, stewart, mills, rzepczynski, richmond, cecil, alvarez, jenkins, carreno and probably about 10 other pitchers in our system right now. i mean, maybe if we have an open rotation spot on one of our A ball teams it could make sense, but he’s almost certainly done as a major league player.

by Jono411 on Jun 16, 2011 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions