The Colorado Rockies acquired veteran right-hander Jeremy Guthrie from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for right-handed pitchers Matt Lindstrom and Jason Hammel on Monday.
Hammel, a 2000 graduate of South Kitsap High School, was drafted by the Mariners in the 23rd round in 2000 but did not sign, choosing instead to play for Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore. He signed with Tampa Bay after getting picked in the 10th round in 2002.
Hammel was solid for the Rockies last season while shuffling between the bullpen and the rotation. He was 7-13 with a 4.67 ERA in 32 appearances.
The 29-year-old is quite familiar with the American League East after starting his career with the Rays.
“I’m going to have to learn some new guys,” he said. “But no matter what league or division you’re playing in, the game doesn’t change. It all comes down to execution and making pitches.”
Guthrie, the Orioles’ opening day starter three of the past four seasons, lost 17 games last season, the most in the American League, and finished with a 4.33 ERA.
He agreed to a one-year, $8.2 million contract with the Rockies, avoiding arbitration.
SHORT HOPS
The Atlanta Braves unveiled a new alternate home uniform based on the jersey worn when the team moved from Milwaukee in 1966. … Miami Marlins pitcher Anibal Sanchez became the first player to win his salary arbitration case this year when a three-person panel awarded him $8 million rather than the team’s offer of $6.9 million. … Right-hander Alfredo Aceves and the Boston Red Sox agreed to a $1.2 million, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration. … Utility infielder Alex Cora, younger brother of former Mariners second baseman Joey Cora, agreed to a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. … The Washington Nationals agreed to a minor league contract with outfielder Rick Ankiel. … Left-handed reliever Joe Beimel and first baseman-outfielder Conor Jackson agreed to minor league contracts with the Texas Rangers.
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