Ramon Ortiz

[Surfs up]

Anybody think Ramon Ortiz is worth picking up for a buck? Rumors have it he could be traded or move back into the rotation. I need K's and if he does get a starting job he could help . He was once known as Little Pedro. Any Angel fans got the inside scoop?

[thehat]

You don't have to be an Angels fan to know this one. Ortiz will eventually either get some starts for Anaheim or will be traded, as he's reportedly unhappy in the bullpen.

As for the "Little Pedro" reference, that's true, but it never had anything much to do with reality. They're from the same country, Pedro is his idol, etc. Plus the name took hold for a bit a few years back when Ortiz pitched the best game of his life in outdueling Pedro in a terrific pitcher's duel. ( I was called "Little Sandy" when I was a little kid. Like Koufax, I threw left, batted right, and he was my favorite player. Trust me, that's as much as we had in common.)

Ortiz was a prospect of note...until it was discovered that he was about three years older than originally listed.

Is he worth a buck? No! Ortiz is a negative value pitcher whose presence on a roto roster is a liability.