Garrett Olson Bio: Pirates Claim LHP Off Waivers

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates added to their weakest position as Spring Training winds down: left-handed pitching. The team claimed 27-year-old Garrett Olson off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. With lefty reliever Joe Beimel struggling mightily with elbow pain and ineffectiveness when he does pitch (18.00 ERA in 2 IP), in addition to left-hander Scott Olsen failing to solidify a spot in the rotation (15.43 ERA, 2HR in 2.1 IP), the Bucs are in dire need of some left-handed tossers. Unfortunately, this claim is nothing to get excited about. In 2010, Olson threw 37.2 innings in 35 games, with a 4.54 ERA. He did whiff 31 batters, but also walked 15 for essentially a 2:1 K/BB ratio, which was somehow well above his career average. He also held a 1.513 WHIP (Walks + Hits per Inning Pitched). Olson’s career MLB numbers are even worse. Owner of a 6.20 ERA and a 1.661 WHIP, Garrett also only boasts a 1.36 K/BB ratio. He’ll fit right into the Bucs’ pitching staff. ...