Thoughts on Duchscherer and Hendrickson

So, the Orioles made two transactions in the last two days, signing free-agent RHP Justin Duchscherer to a 1-year deal, and re-signing LHP Mark Hendrickson to a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training.

A couple thoughts on Duchsherer (33):

• I was more suprised than most in 2008 when the A's moved him to the starting rotation, and he not only pitched well, he actually made the All-Star team.
• Yes, he got hurt, but his numbers before the injury that year were excellent. They were similiar to his numbers as a reliever, actually, if not better... which yes, is a little wierd.
• But even if he was pitching over his head, I'll take him. He doesn't overpower anyone (his average fastball velocity in '08 was just a tick over 85 mph), but he commands the zone well, throws all three of his pitches (fastball, slider, and curveball) for strikes, and won't beat himself; he doesn't walk anyone, and doesn't give up many home runs. That offsets a modest strikeout rate.
• His deal is for 1 year, with a base salary of just $700,000. His contract escalates to $1.1 million once he makes the 25-man roster, and includes numerous incentives that could ultimately raise his salary to over $4 million.
• Supposedly, he's going to start for them; he probably slots in as their #2 or #3, depending on how you feel about Brian Matusz. According to the Baltimore Sun:

"Duchscherer, 33, chose the Orioles over the Washington Nationals and the Seattle Mariners, partially because he wanted to be close to his son in southern New Jersey and also because the Orioles will allow him to compete for a spot in their rotation and won't be using him as a reliever, a role he held for much of his eight seasons in the majors."

I have a little less to say about Hendrickson (36), mostly this:

• His was a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. He's got a shot to make the team; if he makes it, it's not becuase he's more talented than the compeition, but because he's left-handed, and flexible.
• He's usually not bad against lefties, except for last year.
• He's.. tall.