When informed he wouldn’t make the Mariners rotation, Jon Garland asked for and received his release yesterday. He could have multiple options available if reports are true. (Image Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Veteran right-hander Jon Garland is back on the free agent market, having received his release from the Seattle Mariners yesterday, and multiple teams have already reached out and expressed interest. The Colorado Rockies appear to be the latest team linked to the 33 year old, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports also suggests that the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers could be in the mix, given the two team’s apparent desire to add starting pitching.

Garland has missed most of the past season and a half to injury, but has thrown well in four starts this Spring for the Mariners. He’s largely kept the ball down in the zone and has shown signs that he’s healthy once again, despite poor peripheral numbers in his 12.0 innings of work (1.5 HR/9, 3.8 BB/9, 3.0 K/9). Seattle had signed Garland to a minor league deal in mid-February with a provision that a decision be made regarding his roster status no later than yesterday. When it became apparent he wouldn’t make the team’s roster, giving the final spot in their rotation to either Blake Beavan or Erasmo Ramirez, he requested his unconditional release.

Colorado’s interest is not truly surprising. They appear set to enter the season with a rotation fronted by Jhoulys Chacin, Jeff Francis, Jorge De La Rosa, and Juan Nicasio. Barring an outside addition, Drew Pomeranz will likely take the final spot in the rotation. Tyler Chatwood, Chris Volstad, Christian Friedrich, and Daniel Rosenbaum (a Rule 5 pick) could also be starting options. Collectively the group has some limited MLB experience, but none have seen significant success to date. Volstad and Rosenbaum could both find their way into the Rockies bullpen initially, while Chatwood and Friedrich both appear ticketed for Triple-A to begin the season. Pomeranz would presumably join them if he’s bumped from the rotation.

While the Rockies have options, from a numbers standpoint, there is a lack of a true experienced option among the group. Garland could offer a veteran presence that could prove beneficial in the clubhouse, as well as on the field. He’s thrown 2,083 innings in his 12 year career, posting a 132-119 record and 4.32 ERA. His last full season came in 2010 with San Diego, when he went 14-12 with a 3.47 ERA in 33 starts (200.0 IP).

Jun 1, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starter Jon Garland (21) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Garland, once a top prospect for the White Sox, including being ranked as the 32nd best prospect per Baseball America prior to the 2000 season, never morphed into an ace or #2 starter but was a solid pitching arm that ate up innings while still producing quality results. Over his twelve year big league career, Garland owns a lifetime record of 132-119 with a 4.32 ERA and a 4.9 K/9. Its highly unlikely that he sees anytime at the major league level this year unless Seattle’s pitching staff suffers a few injuries, however, its hard to go wrong when you sign a veteran to a minor league deal.

Taking a physical is just a formality, however, the Indians signed Garland to a minor league deal last offseason but voided the deal when Garland refused to take a physical. Its highly doubtful that he repeats that same mistake twice, but its worth throwing it out there just in case.

Garland was able to throw for the first time since landing on the DL, but didn’t exactly seem enthused by the event.  The 31 year old not only expressed concerns about his return this season, but how the injury could impact his career. (more…)