2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Angels Interested in O’s Jeremy Guthrie

We’ve already seen several pitchers come up in trade rumors this offseason.  With the lack of talent available on the free agent market, more clubs figure to take offers on their starters as teams become more and more desperate to bolster their rotations.  Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports reports that there are several starting options to be had on the trade market this winter.  Beyond the usual suspects of Braves starter Jair Jurrjens, the White Sox John Danks, Matt Garza of the Cubs and A’s lefty Gio Gonzalez, Morosi reports that the Angels and Orioles have discussed a deal involving Jeremy Guthrie.

Guthrie is another name that seems to find its way into trade rumors year in and year out, probably because the O’s are perennial losers and seemingly always looking to rebuild.

On a team with a few trade chips, Guthrie is a player that has drawn steady interest over the years.  Though he’s considered by most teams to be a middle-of-the-rotation starter, Guthrie has sat atop the Orioles staff for years now.

Losing 12, 17, 14, and 17 games over the past four seasons doesn’t bode too well for a pitcher’s numbers, but Guthrie hasn’t been all that bad during his time in Charm City.  Since joining the Orioles in 2007, Guthrie has maintained a career ERA of 4.12 and 1.273 WHIP.  While his peripherals aren’t jaw-dropping, Guthrie has provided the Birds with at least 175 1/3 innings since 2007.  The 32-year-old, who has surpassed the 200 innings plateau three straight years, keeps himself in fantastic shape.

Guthrie is also a good clubhouse guy and has become a fan favorite in Baltimore.  At this point, though he clearly has value to contending clubs, it’s TBD if the O’s think they can get value for Guthrie on the trade market.  A 2012 Orioles rotation sans Guthrie is an ugly one.  Baltimore needs some sort of veteran presence that can be counted on to provide innings.

Guthrie figures to interest a team such as the Angels, looking to fill out their rotation with another solid arm.  Not only has Guthrie been durable, but he’s seen success in the toughest division in baseball, the AL East.

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