The Pirates finally have someone for the back of the rotation and I personally like this signing. Out of the guys like Tomo Okha and even Jeff Weaver, I think Tony Armas, Jr. has the most upside. In addition, if you make him the fifth starter, you have a little more control over his innings since he’s had such a problem with injuries in the past.
The one thing I’m hoping for Armas is for him to get his strikeout rate up. It was good but not nearly as good as his breakout season in 2001. Even something in the middle 6’s per nine innings would be nice. Regardless, Armas is coming off his best season since 2002 and that’s worth something. Hopefully he can now build on that.
