Monday, March 15, 2010

Dana Eveland making impression at Jays camp

Perhaps the most unheralded acquisition in Alex Anthopoulos' first off season as Jays General Manager was prying pitcher Dana Eveland away from the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations. The way the 26 year old lefty has pitched in spring training, it's easy to see why Anthopoulos was so high on the southpaw in the first place.

Eveland, locked in a battle for either a rotation spot or a job in a crowded bullpen, has surrendered no earned runs in eight innings of work over the course of three appearances, striking out six. After posting a respectable 9-9 record in 29 starts two seasons ago, Eveland fell out of favour with the A's in '09 after yielding an ugly 7.40 ERA in his first six appearances of the campaign. He didn't fare a whole lot better in the minors with an ERA just shy of 5.00 in 21 starts.

Though it is unlikely at this point he'd make the Blue Birds starting rotation, he could be a valuable long reliever and spot starter. Toronto must think long and hard about keeping him with the team, however, because Eveland is out of options and he'd need to clear waivers before being sent down to AAA Las Vegas. Given his past success at the major league level and the fact it only took cash to acquire him from the A's, this could wind up being one savvy move by the Blue Jays rookie General Manager.

5 comments:

The Man With The Golden Arm said...

Didn't know I sorta stole your name till after I did it.

Michael Harrison said...

Haha I noticed the new bluejaysway blog the other day, and wasn't sure if it was a new one or if I had stepped on your toes lol. how did you stumble across this blog?

take care,

Michael Harrison

The Man With The Golden Arm said...

sports snipe:
http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1788492/toronto-blue-jays-way-joey-gathright-seeks-roster-spot.html
it's a good name...I will add you to my blogroll!

Jay McMahon said...

...well boy, back to Eveland. I have seen Brian Tallet have tremendous success in outings in the past. He tends to follow them up with mediocre ones at best and has never had great numbers. Dana Eveland is a chance to take on the 5th spot in the rotation, but the potential upside is much higher than the low ceiling on Tallet.

Michael Harrison said...

I've been saying for the last year or so that if a team is desperate for starting pitching and offers the Jays a trade for Tallet, Toronto should for sure do it. His value isn't really going to get much higher...