Texas Rangers Should Consider Claiming Shaun Marcum

To say that the Texas Rangers are in need of pitching help would be an understatement. They have almost an entire pitching staff on the disabled list already, making it where any pitcher with a pulse and something resembling a fastball could be of interest to the Rangers. In fact, if that really is Old Hoss Radbourn on Twitter, the Rangers may be willing to forgo that entire caveat about having a pulse.

As it turns out, there may be a solid candidate that has just come available for the Rangers. In an interesting move, the Cleveland Indians have designated Shaun Marcum for assignment. Due to the injury of Yan Gomes, the Indians needed to clear the roster spot for Brett Hayes, leaving Marcum available on waivers.

Although the former Blue Jays and Brewers starter had battled injuries over the past few seasons, he may well be healthy once again. Marcum produced a 1.29 ERA and a 0.857 WHiP in seven innings during Spring Training, and in his one outing with the Indians this year, only gave up one run on three hits and three walks in five innings of work. It may not have been a stellar outing, but it was certainly passable.

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Giving Shaun Marcum a look would certainly be within the realm of possibility. After all, they had claimed Stolmy Pimentel off of waivers from the Pirates, and signed Wandy Rodriguez to a minor league contract. This does indicate at least a modicum of concern as to the Rangers pitching depth. Bringing in someone like Marcum, who would not likely cost much, would be a perfect low risk/high reward move.

If healthy and ready to contribute at the major league level again, Marcum is just three years removed from a three year run when he averaged an 11-6 record with a 3.62 ERA and a 1.179 WHiP. During that time frame, Marcum struck out just over three batters for every walk allowed. While it is not likely that he would approach those same numbers, Marcum could prove to be a viable option for the Rangers, especially given the walking wounded of their pitching staff.

With the Texas Rangers looking at every option, Shaun Marcum certainly deserves a look. Perhaps in the next few days, the Rangers will have a new member of the rotation.

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