Yesterday, at around 5:00 PM, the Orioles shipped Koji Uehara to the Texas Rangers for 1B Chris Davis and RHP Tommy Hunter.
Koji Uehara Stats/Facts
- Uehara’s career K/BB ratio of 6.52 is the best in the MLB since 1890 (min 150 IP).
- He struck out 35.6% of the batters he faced this season, while walking just 4.6%.
- His K/BB ratio of 7.75 ranks first among AL relievers this season.
Instead of focusing on what the Orioles received from the Rangers (Don already broke both down), I want to take some time to recognize Koji’s time in Baltimore.
Not only was Uehara a dominant reliever according to the stats, but when watching him pitch it was obvious that the Orioles had a special reliever on their hands. I know I’ve said this before, and I am happy with what the Orioles got for Uehara, but I sure am going to miss watching Koji Uehara blow 89 mph fastballs right by hitters.
There were so many things that made Uehara great: the sideburns, the pinpoint command, the inscrutable fastball — and the puzzling looks on hitters’ faces after he blew it by them. Koji was a gem.
Thanks for your time in Baltimore, Koji. You were a pleasure to watch, should have been the closer over Kevin Gregg all along, and I will, along with most of Baltimore, be rooting for you.
