Day one of the Winter Meetings is underway and we already know that Ruben Amaro is looking for talent. What kind of talent? Well, starting pitching of course! Since the offense doesn't need any help…
Ruben Amaro said his #1 priority at Winter Meeting is starting pitching.
— jon johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) December 8, 2014
Seems like Amaro's first target could be a recent minor league free agent, whom the Orioles outrighted in October to create room on the 40-man roster. Steve Johnson, 27, went 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA in his rookie season in 2012 and though the O's may hope to keep him, there is definitely interest from at least two teams, according to MASNSports Roch Kubatko.
Since my arrival at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, I've heard that the Phillies and Mariners are among the teams with interest in Johnson, who went 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 games as a rookie in 2012.
The Phillies have tried to acquire Johnson in the past and he could remain close to home by signing with them. Their Triple-A affiliate is based in the Lehigh Valley area in Pennsylvania. They figure to bring more appeal than a West Coast team, though he's not going to close the door on anyone at this point.
Don't forget that former Orioles executive Scott Proefrock is an assistant general manager with the Phillies and former Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan serves as Philadelphia's director of player development.
Johnson is currently recovering from surgery to take care of a spur behind his right shoulder. He went 0-2 with a 7.11 ERA in 13 games this season at the Triple-A level for Baltimore. Pending his successful rehab, Johnson could provide back end rotation depth for the Phillies.
Brandon Apter, Publishing Editor for Philliedelphia.com
