The AL East is trembling:
Quote:
The Orioles likely will show interest in veteran right-hander Russ Ortiz once he becomes a free agent today. The Arizona Diamondbacks released Ortiz last week, because he had been grossly ineffective since signing a four-year deal before last season.
Ortiz posted his only 20-win season under Leo Mazzone's tutelage in Atlanta. His agent, John Boggs, said he expects significant league-wide interest in the pitcher.
"I would like to think there is going to be a lot of interest. We're talking about an established pitcher here," Boggs said. "We're looking for a team that shows confidence in Russ and can give him an opportunity."
Boggs said Ortiz's familiarity with Mazzone can only help the Orioles' cause.
"Leo knows Russ and knows what he is capable of," he said. "In the case of Baltimore, it could be a perfect situation because he knows Leo. You go back to people you believe in. He's just trying to find the best place where he can be the pitcher he knows he is capable of being."
The 32-year-old right-hander signed a $33 million deal with Arizona but was 5-11 with a 6.89 ERA in 2005 and 0-5 with a 7.54 ERA this season. He won just one of his last 19 starts for the Diamondbacks, who still owe Ortiz about $22 million.
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That fatass couldn't ecape the NL West without a 7.00 ERA, the AL East will tear him apart.