Orioles Claim Armando Gabino

The Orioles made minor news today, claiming Twins pitcher Armando Gabino off waivers.  Gabino, is a big guy at 6-4 and only 26 years old. The now Orioles pitcher went 6-4 with three saves and a 2.94 ERA (98.0IP, 32ER) in 38 games (seven starts) with Triple-A Rochester in 2009.

He also had his major league debut this past season, against no other team than the O’s.  He allowed four runs and five hits in 2 2/3 innings. Not impressive stats, but also not enough MLB innings to see his true value.

Gabino will be put on our 40-man roster, leaving only a few spots available. The club can also try to take him off the roster, and hope he passes through waivers an send him to Norfolk. That is a gamble that I don’t see the O’s willing to make.

What I’ve seen and heard about Gabino, it sounds like he may have some upside. He’s not going to be a starter, but may turn into a decent arm in the bullpen. He reminds me a lot of Bass, as he doesn’t have one special pitch but can find ways to get batters out. Gabino an also start in spot situations.

Let’s have a little look at Gabino’s past. He signed with the Indians as an undrafted free-agent out of the Dominican Republic when he was only 17 years old. Also, interestingly enough he was a third-baseman an only converted to pitching in 2003.

I believe that Gabino was a decent pick up that adds depth to the bullpen. He has some upside, and is one of them players AM likes to bring in as a ‘project’. I see this guy having a much higher ceiling than much older Rich Hill. This upcoming spring training will be huge for his career.