I have a brilliant (??) idea to at least fix our bullpen. Sign one or all of these guys to minor league contracts. None of them have pitched in the majors for at least 2 years. All of them were former starters who were demoted to mop up duty in the bullpen. So each has bullpen experience . Whoever of these guys we sign start them in the pen, in the minors. If any refuse a minor league assignment, release them right away. But my theory is that each will be very glad to get yet another chance.
First clear up roster space by DFAing Straly. Then sign these guys to minor league contracts. Two of them are former Orioles and one (a 2 time Cy Young winner i) s not. Here they are:
Tim Lincicum. Never been an Oriole . Got demoted to the pen by the Giants a few weeks after having pitched a nohitter. Spent the rest of the season pitching mop up. Also post season, including the World Series. Giant's management let him go; it was the end of his contract. Giant's fans loved him.
Ubaldo Jimenez. Spent 4 years as an Oriole never living up to his 4 year contract. Very inconsistent. Never could figure it out, no matter how hard he worked. Became the most hated player on the Orioles. Got demoted to the pen severral times. He even earned a save. Was let go after his contract ended.
Chris Tilllman. Injured his pitching shoulder. Thought it was cured after some time on the disabled (injured) list. After that he became wild, no pitch command. Eventually demoted.to mop up. Let go after the season.
So what do we lose after signing at least one of these guys to a minor league contract? I know it's nuts but you never know..