Tuesday, December 7, 2010

IS BRANDON WEBB READY TO PITCH OR IS HE THIS YEAR'S CHIEN-MING WANG?

It's been a roller-coaster type of day already, and it's not even noon.

Multiple sources were suggesting this morning that there was a "mystery team" that was willing to give free agent pitcher Cliff Lee that coveted seventh year that he badly wants, something the Yankees are adamant they will not do. There was even a report that the Nationals were about to officially make that offer with dollars that were in the "ridiculous" range.

But Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post put the kibosh on that story pretty quickly.

So we're back to Carl Pavano and Brandon Webb as possible additions to the rotation.

It's hard to find out exactly what is the status of Webb, who outside of a one-game stint in 2009 hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2008. During his best years (2005-2008), Webb averaged 18-9, 3.23 similar numbers to Chien-Ming Wang's 19-6, 3.87.

His shoulder surgery didn't repair any damage but rather cleaned out the loose pieces and floaties within the shoulder. By this past September, he was ready to pitch but the Diamondbacks said no, probably for fear of making him any more valuable as a free agent.

Webb pitched two innings in the team's instructional league and gave up two runs and three hits in two innings.

But that's all I know. He could be ready to take the ball on Opening Day or he might spend the summer in Viera. I've put out some feelers to try to get a better feel for his health and prognosis, but as of yet, he's just another injured pitcher who is coming back from injured reserve.

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