Speculation Nation: Koji Back to B-More

I’ve always been a fan of Koji and I just love what he did for this team. We all know how lacking the Orioles are with foreign players, but Koji isn’t part of that. He was always lights out when on the mound in the 8th inning (or 9th sometimes). He had an amazing strikeout to walk ratio and it felt like he’d strikeout 2 or 3 of the 3 or 4 batters he faced. He went like a million games without walking someone from 2009 to last season (he did eventually walk someone). He would hold games that the O’s would go on to win or he’d save games that the O’s would go on to win.

Until he was traded. To the Texas Rangers. The Orioles received first basemen (now third basemen) Chris Davis and starter (still starter) Tommy Hunter and it turned out to be a really good deal for them. Not so much for Texas. Yes, they’re still playing in the World Series right now, and will probably win, but Koji did absolutely nothing for the Rangers. And it was really unfortunate because he actually got national attention since he’s on a good team but he just did not perform. Maybe it’s because of the hot weather or maybe it’s because he loved it here and missed his guys, I’m not sure. But, he’s not on the Rangers’ World Series roster and I think that speaks for itself. (I feel so bad for Koji!)

I have a feeling the Rangers will send Koji back to Baltimore to get rid of his salary. And Baltimore will accept him with open arms! At least I will. Every single aspect of the Orioles pitching situation is unknown and terrifying so getting Koji back would be a huge step in the right direction of getting the bullpen straight.