BALTIMORE — Perhaps the most crucial cog for the Orioles as they climb through the American League East pitched only two games in 2003. Though the club will be an offensive force with the additions of Rafael Palmeiro, Miguel Tejada and Javy Lopez, there are questions about the depth and prowess of the starting rotation, which will be led by veteran Sidney Ponson.
The O’s signed Ponson in January after trading him last season to the Giants, for whom he pitched three months last year. Baltimore acquired pitchers Damian Moss, Ryan Hannaman and Kurt Ainsworth in the deal.
The Orioles signed Ponson for just $1.5 million more than they offered him in July, meaning Moss, Hannaman and Ainsworth cost the team less than $2 million. Though Moss was not tendered a contract, Ainsworth and Hannaman could prove to be the two biggest bargains in recent memory if they prove effective.
Ainsworth could enter the season as the No. 2 starter but will enter Spring Training as a relative unknown because of a three-month stint on the disabled list last season. He pitched twice for the O’s after recovering from a fractured shoulder blade, yielding David Ortiz’s home run that clinched Boston’s Wild Card berth.
But Orioles fans should get a healthy and more polished Ainsworth in 2004. He gained 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason when he wasn’t following his alma mater, Louisiana State, en route to a victory in college football’s BCS.
“I let my arm completely heal. And ever since, I have started back hard and it feels better than it has in years,” he said. “I think I am a little ahead of schedule right now because I wanted to be ready for spring.”
Ainsworth was tabbed a can’t-miss prospect when the Giants selected him in the first round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft. He had reached Triple-A Fresno within two years and won 10 games for the Grizzlies in 2001, earning himself a promotion to the Giants later that season. He pitched in eight combined games in 2001 and in ’02 before earning a starting spot out of Spring Training last season.
The Giants organization barely got to reap the benefits of Ainsworth’s talents before the Orioles asked for him in the Ponson deal. By then, Ainsworth was on the disabled list with the shoulder blade injury.
Ainsworth could only throw in the bullpen while the Orioles’ starting rotation was battered in the final two months of the season. Meanwhile, Moss was struggling, overweight and ineffective, and Ainsworth emerged as the key part of the trade.
Though Ponson is cemented as the No. 1 starter, Ainsworth is mentioned in the unproven group of Eric DuBose and Matt Riley as potential No. 2 starters. Unlike past years, when Ainsworth’s biggest concern was making the 25-man roster, he will be relied upon to produce for a staff that needs him to fulfill his potential.
“I’m fired up about the chance to be here,” he said. “I love the pressure. I want to be one of those top starters. I want to come in and win one of those jobs. If I don’t get it, it won’t be because of my work ethic. I think it’s an exciting time to be an Oriole player or fan. I am very excited.”
Ainsworth is eager to impress new manager Lee Mazzilli, who has yet to see him pitch in person. But there will be some familiar eyes on Ainsworth in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as pitching coach Mark Wiley, who closely watched Ainsworth’s rehabilitation last season, will return.
“It will be good to pitch in front of new eyes and a fresh perspective,” he said. “I think that’s good for me. I am confident that I can make a good impression.”
by Gary Washburn
MLB.com