Orioles sign Nate Karns

[Frobby]

Well, I guess atomic can sleep at night now, knowing that we’ve signed a major league free agent.   Good luck to Karns, I hope his shoulder stays attached to his body.   

[interloper]

3 minutes ago, Frobby said:

Well, I guess atomic can sleep at night now, knowing that we’ve signed a major league free agent.   Good luck to Karns, I hope his shoulder stays attached to his body.   

Narrator: "It didn't." 

[Diehard_O's_Fan]

I don't think Mike and Sig would have signed him if he wasn't healthy. Come on guys. They are very busy people and wouldn't waste there time signing a guy who wasn't healthy.

[HowAboutThat]

I was happy to see some stats about Karns. His homerun rate isn’t great, and will probably be worse in Baltimore, but his other counting stats seemed to be trending up. A solid pick up when you compare Karns with Most of the slop we’ll be throwing out there in the four and five spots. I think he can do well.

if Dan were still around, he’d be signing someone with as much baggage for 30 times the money So even if Karns fails, it’s an improvement.

[jabba72]

5 minutes ago, Frobby said:

Well, I guess atomic can sleep at night now, knowing that we’ve signed a major league free agent.   Good luck to Karns, I hope his shoulder stays attached to his body.   

He has Tillmans injury? If so im not counting on Karns taking the #4. #5 Maybe. 

[Number5]

11 minutes ago, Enjoy Terror said:

I’d hate to burst everyone’s bubble, but rehabs from thoracic outlet surgery rarely go well for pitchers. This isn’t Tommy John; this is a hope and a prayer.

$800K.

[Enjoy Terror]

Just now, Number5 said:

$800K.

What about it

[wildcard]

3 minutes ago, Diehard_O's_Fan said:

I don't think Mike and Sig would have signed him if he wasn't healthy. Come on guys. They are very busy people and wouldn't waste there time signing a guy who wasn't healthy.

I don't know if that is true.   They could think he will be healthy sometime this season and help the O's.  We don't have enough information yet to know how Karns healthy is to start ST.

[weams]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_outlet_syndrome

https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-harveys-surgical-procedure-demystified/c-217925354

https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2018/07/18/thoracic-outlet-surgery-becoming-go-to-move-for-ailing-pitchers/

[Tx Oriole]

16 minutes ago, Enjoy Terror said:

I’d hate to burst everyone’s bubble, but rehabs from thoracic outlet surgery rarely go well for pitchers. This isn’t Tommy John; this is a hope and a prayer.

Well we just have to wait and see how he does. 

[Diehard_O's_Fan]

I have faith in Mike and Sig. I got to believe that Nate is going to help the Orioles this year rather than spend most of his time on the DL.

[Ruzious]

108 OPS+ last season and an outstanding SO rate... I think we stumbled on a good 5th starter.  It'd be nice if we had a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th starter as well, but... baby bird steps.

[MurphDogg]

I think you guys are being a little pessimistic on his chances to return. Clayton Richard, Tyson Ross and Matt Harvey have all returned from thoracic outlet surgery. It isn't established as Tommy John surgery, but it isn't a new experimental procedure.

[interloper]

Some folks seem to be missing the point that nothing matters. If he happens to chew some innings to the tune of 4.50 era or better, great. If not, great. If he gets hurt and a guy like Yefry steps in, great. 

Lol. 

It doesn't matter! $800k is only marginally more than the major league minimum, so it's a non-factor in terms of salary. 

The guy has an option, but you can just release if you want because he's essentially free. 

Rebuilding is freeing, man. I kinda love it. 

Also, if he's good you trade him because the other team will find his arb year and option attractive. 

[Dipper9]

Is this where we post the "print the playoff tickets" line?

Just kidding.  Seems like a pretty decent pickup for back end of the rotation for no cost.