The Marlins have added switch-pitcher Pat Venditte on a minor-league deal, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports on Twitter. He had been with the organization during Spring Training.
Venditte, 35, has long been one of the game’s quirkiest players due to his ability to work off the mound with either arm, depending upon the handedness of the hitter. It’s more than a gimmick. He has done enough to warrant MLB stints with five teams over parts of four seasons.
While Venditte’s unique path to the majors is worthy of celebration, he has had a hard time carving out a permanent role. All told, he owns a 5.03 ERA in 68 innings at the game’s highest level. For the Marlins, who are dealing with a coronavirus outbreak that has covered half of the active roster, the key consideration is to pick up another experienced player who is capable of holding his own in the majors.
when are the Marlins hosting an open tryout?
Miami marlins have signed Dr. Anthony Fauci to a minor-league deal
Are we going to get a situation like when there was an expansion team during the 40’s and 50’s and the team would bring in high school and college kids to play?
if so im waiting on my phone call
Do you mean during World War II, when a lot of players were drafted?
That, or like the 1962 New York Mets expansion when they had Ed Kranepool as a 17 year old.
Does Venditte have the cure for COVID19?
yea. He can keep one hand for touching his face and another hand for touching objects because he’s ambidextrous.
Can catch Covid with both hands
I hear wild thing and Willie mays hays are available. Oh and that guy from State Farm!
But he can’t wear his khakis when pitching.
Are you thinking of Dennis Haysbert from the AllState commercials? He played Pedro Cerrano in Major League, not Jake from State Farm.
I’m happy he is back in the game. We need more switch pitchers
When he shakes off the catcher, he becomes a pitch switcher…
With so many teams struggling, especially in the bullpen, hopefully Venditte will get a good chance, especially being able to pitch with both hands. He’s been great in the minor leagues, but has never spent an entire season at the ML level; short leash every time or he’s the 25th/26th guy that gets bounced back and forth.
When you always suck you tend to get short leases.
What does his success have to do with trying to get a lease.
Maybe his uneven employment history has had an impact on his credit and he’s not a well-qualified lessee?
Which hand did Venditte sign with?
Something tells me ol Sid Finch is loosening up the shoulder, prepping for Miami.
No thanks. I’d rather stay imaginary.
Big Sexy, come on down!
It’s cute how the Marlins are still acting like they’re a real baseball team or something.
No, it’s really not.
Canseco bought to get the call up
Hope he is healthy and can get some outs. I think his career hit a detour when one of his arms was injured…
I remember reading about Mattingly and/or G. Brett taking infield fielding practice back in the day lefty and righty. The idea of ambidextrous throwing is one thing, but to make it pitching both ways in professional baseball is pretty cool.