Free Agent Starting Pitching: De La Rosa or Francis?

With the recent release of pitcher Zack Duke, the Pittsburgh Pirates have almost ensured the signing of a free agent starting pitcher. There has been several names rumored to be sought out by the Pirates; Jorge De La Rosa, Brandon Webb, Jeff Francis and Justin Duchscherer, just to name a few. Newly hired, and former Colorado Rockies manager, Clint Hurdle, has experience managing De La Rosa and Francis. Both, De La Rosa and Francis, are in their prime, at 29 years of age, 30 years by the start of the 2011 season.

Jorge De La Rosa, a seven year veteran, debuted with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2004 and was side lined for the remainder of the season with blisters. He had two other stints on the disabled list; one in 2008 with a left groin injury, which he missed the post season, and in 2010 with a torn left flexor tendon band in his left hand, sidelining him for two months of the season. In the 2010 season, he made $5.6 million, and is said that he is looking for at least a three year deal, though the Colorado Rockies informally offered him $15 million for two years, it was not agreed upon.

Jeff Francis, also a seven year veteran, made his debut with the Colorado Rockies in 2004. In 2006, after winning his 30^th career game, he became the most winning left handed starter, in Rockies history. In 2007, was the first Canadian born pitcher to win a post season game, and after an atrocious 2008 season, he admitted to playing through a shoulder injury, which sidelined him through the entire 2009 season. Making his return in May of 2010, he only pitched in 20 games and was unable to get back into form. Francis made $5.75 million in 2010, and was in line for a club option at $7 million, which the Rockies declined.

The Pirates, actively pursuing both, are set to expand the payroll by $10 - $15 million, and wouldn’t be able to sign both, without giving up hopes of signing another bat. Starting pitching was the major downfall of the 2010 season, and is in definite need of an upgrade, while at the same time the offense, who struggled severely, needs an upgrade. There have been numerous rumors, surrounding the Pirates and several big named, big money, free agents, it is unlikely they will be able to sign more than just one, without both sides having to concede a little.

Jorge De La Rosa Career Stats: 49 – 47; 5.02 ERA; 603 K’s w/ 3 teams (MIL, KC, COL)

Jeff Francis Career Stats: 55 – 50; 4.77 ERA; 603 K’s w/ 1 team (COL)