In need of a LOOGY, the Indians acquire one without giving up much in return. Rzepczynski has spent the majority of the 2013 season with the AAA Memphis Redbirds (44 innings) and a little time with the Cardinals (10.1 innings). He is not your typical LOOGY, however, as he is not an extreme groundball pitcher and his walk rate has always been somewhat a concern.
His career walk rate of 3.95 BB/9 probably raises eyebrows at first glance. In fact, he was right around par with his career average at AAA this season (3.68 BB/9). So obviously, control is certainly the main issue with Rzepczynski and a reason why he was not in the Cardinals bullpen this season.
With all the numbers aside, the Indians made this deal because the asking price was not as high for Rzepczynski as it is/was for LHP Javier Lopez or LHP Josh Outman.
With all the teams in contention this season, finding under-valued commodities turns into the strategy of choice for organizations which are buyers.
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