Bronson Arroyo Could Replace A.J. Burnett In Pittsburgh

Aug 9, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo (61) pitches during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

If A.J. Burnett retires – and Pittsburgh would really like A.J. to make up his mind about that, like now if possible – the Pirates will be short one grizzled veteran pitcher. Enter Bronson Arroyo?

Buster Olney says the Pirates do plan to meet with Arroyo’s agent Terry Bross at this week’s winter meetings. The 36-year-old free agent pitcher has been linked to various teams including the Giants, Orioles, Twins, Phillies, Dodgers and Angels. So pretty much everyone looking for a back-of-the-rotation guy who won’t blow up their payroll.

Arroyo may not be the sexiest name out there but he eats innings. From 2005 to 2013, Arroyo has ended with under 200 innings in a season just once, finishing at a paltry 199 in 2011. Arroyo has won at least 9 games every year since 2004, topping out at 17 in 2010.

It’s too bad his first name isn’t Eddie, cause then they could call him “Steady Eddie.” I don’t know what to do with Bronson from a rhyming standpoint.

The free agent Arroyo is believed to be seeking a multi-year deal. He’s turning 37 next year but that shouldn’t matter. This guy just devours innings. His arm is made of some kind of space-aged super-material that resists damage caused by repetitive stress. His arm could be used to tether space-craft together as they tumble through earth’s orbit, locked in a delicate gravitational dance.

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