Jaret Wright knows all about success at a young age, having led the Cleveland Indians to the 1997 American League pennant as a 21-year-old in just his second season.
Nine years later, Wright, 30, joins an Orioles? rotation where he is the second-oldest starter ? a role he looks forward to.
“I?ve always tried to talk to young guys and try and help them,” Wright said. “And, in turn, find out what they?re thinking and maybe that helps me.”
Wright was acquired from the Yankees Sunday in a trade that sent right-hander Chris Britton, 23, to New York. The Yankees also included $4 million, which will go towards Wright?s $7 million contract for 2007.
Leo Mazzone will help Wright?s transition to Baltimore. The Orioles? pitching coach held the same position in Atlanta when Wright pitched there in 2003-04.
“I definitely think Leo had a lot to do with what happened to me in Atlanta,” said Wright, who won a career-best 15 games for the Braves in 2004. “As far as mechanics and what he talks about, I just picked up what he was saying. I thought Leo was a big reason for my success.”
Mazzone is happy to add more balance to a rotation that last season featured Kris Benson, 32, Erik Bedard, 27, Daniel Cabrera, 25, and Adam Loewen, 22.
“I think that we?ve added a solid pitcher to our staff and a guy that?s still young and still throws hard,” Mazzone said. “He?s got great makeup, a tremendous competitor. Great on the field and in the clubhouse.”
The clubhouse Wright enters has endured nine consecutive losing seasons, a distinct change from that of the Yankees.
“I liked being a Yankee and all that stuff,” Wright said. “It?s the first time I?ve been traded, so it?s kind of a different deal, but once it comes out there?s nothing you can do about it.”
Wright said he?s most excited about reconnecting with Mazzone and playing at Camden Yards.
“Now, I?m an Oriole, and that gets all my attention,” Wright said. “The Yankee thing is in the past now.”
O?S PROJECTED ROTATION
» Erik Bedard: Focused lefty developed into the staff ace in ?06, winning 15 games with a 3.75 ERA. The likely Opening Day starter.
» Kris Benson: The veteran of the staff at 32, Benson was a stabilizing constant with 11 wins. Solid No. 2 starter barring a trade or free-agent acquisition.
» Jaret Wright: New addition allows young pitchers to develop and the front office to ponder trade options. Anything beyond 12 wins would be a plus.
» Daniel Cabrera: An enigmatic talent, he shows flashes of star potential between bouts of wildness. Potential future ace currently holds mid-rotation slot.
» Adam Loewen: Rookie entered the scene in June, going 6-6, including five wins after July. Contract states he must be on 2007 roster.
» Hayden Penn: Young right-hander could be odd man out, heading to Triple-A or the bullpen. Has minor-league options and trade value, but little big-league experience.
