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I Never Miss a Chance to Make Fun of Russ Ortiz
2006-06-13 17:00
by Mark T.R. Donohue

Here's some amusing news while wondering why the Rockies can't get anything going against a soft-tossing lefty who was in single A last year: famed waste of money/batting practice pitcher Russ Ortiz was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks. Ortiz has more than two years and $22 million remaining on the 4-year, $33 million deal the since-departed Arizona management team signed him to in December 2004.

For their trouble Arizona received 138 2/3 innings pitched, a 6.95 ERA, and a 5-15 record in 28 starts. Let's all laugh at Arizona.

Comments
2006-06-13 17:12:26
1.   Bob Timmermann
Normally, I would say we already have a post about it.

But I'm now discovering more and more that I have in common with Mark.

1. Loving soccer
2. Hating Russ Ortiz

2006-06-13 17:18:36
2.   Mark T.R. Donohue
And seriously, what else is there?
2006-06-13 17:57:06
3.   Bob Timmermann
Maybe Russ Ortiz can fill in on the U.S. World Cup team.

It couldn't hurt.

2006-06-13 18:49:48
4.   dianagramr
OK .... I'm now imagining Russ Ortiz in his bed, rolling around naked amidst all those dollar bills.

(eeeeewwwww)

2006-06-13 18:59:24
5.   Bob Timmermann
The Rockies like "character" guys and Russ is "born again."

Sadly, that just applies to his soul rather than to his arm.

2006-06-13 20:03:01
6.   Mark T.R. Donohue
If the 2006 Rockies end up getting positive contributions from Josh Fogg, Jose Mesa, Kaz Matsui, AND Russ Ortiz, I'll...I don't know what I'll do. But it will be dramatic.
2006-06-14 09:32:05
7.   JJoeScott
Grimsley and Ortiz both released in the same week? Coincidence? I think not ...
2006-06-14 13:09:22
8.   scareduck
How's that Denny Neagle contract doing?
2006-08-16 13:36:41
9.   Coach G
Grimsley was a steroid cheat; Ortiz got his mechanics changed by an idiot pitching coach in Arizona that caused injuries and a loss of movement and velocity, all in the name of more control.

Actually, I think I represent the majority when I say:

1. I hate soccer
2. I really like Russ Ortiz

He doesn't flaunt being "Born again", but he does seem to live out his faith and is a stand-up guy. He seems to have straightened out his mechanics in his last two starts after working again with genius pitching coach Leo Mazzone, so he could be a bargain for some team this off season.

And if he wanted to roll around in his money, why would be take a bullpen assignment for another team instead of going home for the season? Perhaps you should think before you type.

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