Orioles Trade Jeremy Guthrie to Rockies for Jason Hammel, Matt Lindstrom

The Rockies and Orioles got the week off to a fast start, completing a trade involving a trio of veteran pitchers.  The Orioles sent their de facto ace Jeremy Guthrie to Colorado for right-hander Jason Hammel and reliever Matt Lindstrom.

Guthrie went from the waiver wire, to the Orioles rotation to Opening Day starter in a matter of seasons.  The right-hander shined from 2007-2008 in Baltimore, maintaining an ERA and WHIP near 3.65 and 1.215 over his 266 innings pitched.  Guts went on to struggle mightily in 2009, but rebounded for solid seasons in 2010-11.

For his career, Guthrie sports an ERA and WHIP of 4.19 and 1.291, though his numbers were slightly better since joining the Orioles (4.12 ERA, 1.273 WHIP).

In exchange for Guthrie, the Orioles are receiving right-handed starter Jason Hammel.  The 29-year-old came up with the Rays but was dealt to the Rockies prior to the 2009 season.  Hammel was impressive in 2009-10, but ineffective last season in Colorado.  After beginning the year in the Rockies rotation, Hammel was ultimately moved to the ‘pen.

Still, the Orioles figure to view Hammel as a starter, hoping he can return to his 2009-10 form.  Hammel has a career ERA and WHIP of 4.99 and 1.470, but his numbers were better during his time with the Rockies (4.63 ERA, 1.403 WHIP).

Along with Hammel, the Orioles received veteran reliever Matt Lindstrom.  The right-hander maintained an ERA of an even 3.00 and a 1.222 WHIP over his 63 appearances spanning 54 innings in 2011.

Lindstrom brings late-inning and even closing experience to the Orioles, as the 31-year-old saved 15 and 23 games in 2009-2010.  Lindstrom sports a career ERA of 3.81 to go with his 1.441 WHIP.

For more on the Rockies and Orioles, be sure to check out Rox Pile and Birds Watcher.

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