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Baltimore Orioles: Ten Trades We Wish Were April Fools’ Jokes

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25 Jun 1998: Steve Finley #12 of the San Diego Padres looks on during an interleague game against the Seattle Mariners at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Padres defeated the Mariners 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport
25 Jun 1998: Steve Finley #12 of the San Diego Padres looks on during an interleague game against the Seattle Mariners at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Padres defeated the Mariners 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport /
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Baltimore Orioles
BOSTON – MAY 1: Mike Timlin #50 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during their game at Fenway Park on May 1, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 7-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Mike Timlin’s time as a closer for the Baltimore Orioles was short-lived before a trade to the St. Louis Cardinals.

With more than 1,000 games played and four World Series rings in his collection, Mike Timlin’s reliability and production as a relief pitcher can be overlooked without a high number of saves next to his name. However, the 18-year MLB veteran excelled in the American League East, pitching into his early-40’s with the Boston Red Sox to close out his career.

Signed as a free agent before the 1999 season, Timlin’s time in Baltimore was short and uneventful, going 5-12 with 38 saves and a 4.04 ERA in 99 games. Mid-way through the 2000 season, Timlin found himself traded (along with cash considerations) to the St. Louis Cardinals for 1B/OF Chris Richard and pitcher Mark Nussbeck (never reached the major leagues).

Richard found some success with the Orioles, hitting 13 home runs in 56 games immediately after the trade. In his one full season in Baltimore, Richard hit 15 home runs with 31 doubles and a .265 average. He posted an on-base percentage of .335 both in 2000 and 2001.

At the end of the day, Timlin produced a bWAR of 12.0 after the trade, while the Orioles received just 2.6 wins-above replacement from Richard before he was traded to the Colorado Rockies for outfielder Jack Cust.

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