FOX Sports baseball writer Ken Rosenthal tweeted about free agent former closer David Aardsma who is inviting teams to a bullpen session to spark interest in signing him.
From David Aardsma’s agent, Jamie Murphy: “David is going to throw a bullpen for interested teams next Monday in Tempe…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 31, 2015
…(Aardsma) is looking to showcase added velocity after a change in mechanics and an extremely intense offseason workout regimen.“
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 31, 2015
According to Steve Adams of mlbtraderumors.com, “next Monday” means February 9th.
Free agent/former #Mariners closer David Aardsma will throw a bullpen for teams on Feb. 9 in Tempe.
— Steve Adams (@Adams_Steve) January 31, 2015
Aardsma was originally drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the first round of the 2003 draft out of Rice University whom he had led to that year’s National Championship. He also pitched for both Chicago clubs before he arrived in Boston for the 2008 season. He did not perform especially well, going 4-2 with a 5.55 ERA (4.65 FIP). Aardsma did not pitch in the postseason for the Red Sox that year. In January of 2009, Aardsma was traded to Seattle for a minor leaguer. Aardsma was not slated to be the closer for the Mariners, but stepped into the role and flourished.
In 2009, Aardsma saved 38 games for Seattle with a 2.52 ERA (3.65 FIP). Aardsma racked up another 31 saves in the role in 2010. After that season he developed elbow problems which he attempted to rehab but eventually led to Tommy John surgery in July 2011. In 2012, he signed with the Yankees but managed to pitch only seven innings that season between the majors and minors.
In 2013, Aardsma signed with Miami, who did not bring him to the majors despite a 2.57 ERA over 14 innings so he opted out of his contract on May 15. The Mets signed him five days later. Aardsma’s 1.46 ERA at the minor league level that season prompted the Mets to bring him to the majors in June, where he stayed the rest of the season, posting a 4.31 ERA in 39.2 innings. After his release from the Indians in Spring Training in 2014, the Cardinals signed him to a minor league deal. Despite a 1.29 ERA (and a 1.06 WHIP) and 11 saves in 35 innings at AAA Memphis, the Cardinals did not bring him to the majors.
Though he has struggled at the major league level since his surgery, Aardsma has struck people out wherever he has gone, striking out 36 in his 39.2 innings with the Mets and 305 in 306.1 career major league innings. He is now three and a half years removed from surgery, so perhaps he has something left in the tank and simply needs another opportunity at the major league level.
Though the Red Sox have many pitchers on their 40 man roster, the Red Sox would at least have to send a person to Aardsma’s bullpen in Tempe to see if he is worth a flyer. Spring Training is the time for comebacks from injury. Should the Red Sox take a chance on David Aardsma?