Garland Say No

[love_that_reefer]

Jon Garland declined his $6.75 million mutual option for 2011 and elected to become a free agent.
Not much of a surprise, as he'll take home a $300,000 buyout, instead. Garland thrived in the cozy confines of PETCO this season, posting a 3.46 ERA over 33 starts with the Padres. While the 31-year-old right-hander averaged a career-high 6.12 K/9 this season, he also averaged 3.92 BB/9. He'll probably be able to squeeze a multi-year contract out of somebody, though his fantasy value will likely take a hit in the process.

Well the Padres are happy to save that $6.75 million but the Padres also have yet another rotation spot to fill. Chris Young, Kevin Correia and now Garland will all be on the free agent market. Padres have some work to do this offseason if they want to try and finish near the top of the West again.

[K-Zone]

I have heard the Orioles are interested in Garland. He would be a nice fit at the top of the rotation with Guthrie, Matusz, Arietta, and filling it out with either Bergesen or Tillman.

[ljshorty89]

I don't think he's the top of the line SP the Orioles could use, but certainly not a bad addition.

[K-Zone]

I don't think he's the top of the line SP the Orioles could use, but certainly not a bad addition.

He is certainly better than Millwood and you know the Orioles aredn't going to shell out Yankees & Red Sox sort of cash for that type of pitcher unfortunately.

[ljshorty89]

Very true. But at some point to turn the corner, they're gonna need a true #1.

[K-Zone]

Very true. But at some point to turn the corner, they're gonna need a true #1.

I think they are hoping in a year or two that guy can be Brian Matusz.

[HollywoodLeo]

Good riddance to Correia.

It would have been nice to have Garland back, though.

[love_that_reefer]

Torreabla also declined his part of the mutual option.