I enjoyed the “Our Gang” comedies growing up especially “Spanky” McFarland and now T.J. McFarland is on the market. Spanky may be a better option than the now 28-year-old left-hander who pitched for Arizona in 2017 after four seasons with Baltimore.
The key ingredient with McFarland is his genetics that has assigned him the ability to throw with his left hand – an advantage that seems to create longevity that exceeds talent, but baseball always seems to have a place for a lefty out of the bullpen. The problem with this particular lefty is his career numbers are nothing spectacular.
McFarland’s has a 4.49 career ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, and a low 5.5 K/9. McFarland relies on a low-90s fastball 70% of the time with a change up and slider filling out the selection. And then there is a 10.8 H/9. So, the career numbers certainly have a storm warning flag as does a .270 career average by lefty hitters – so why waste the time?
McFarland – besides my childhood memories of Spanky – does offer up a player who may be on the cusp of unemployment. A perfect fit for a potential minor league deal and a check of short-term rentals in the Pawtucket housing market.
Signing Possibility: Moderate