Who the hell is Rick Vanden Hurk?

Where are your cleats Rick?

The Orioles recalled RHP Rick Vanden Hurk from AAA Norfolk yesterday when Jason Berken was placed on the 15 day DL. You may be asking, who the hell is Rick Vanden Hurk? Good question. Vanden Hurk is a 25 year old right hander of Dutch decent. He was acquired from the Florida Marlins for Will Ohman just before the 7/31 trade deadline. He’s logged over 150 innings in the big leagues with the Marlins over the past 4 seasons. Vanden Hurk’s biggest issue has been control as he’s walked 4.6 batters per 9 innings in his limited Major League experience. He seems to be another live, young arm that McPhail can throw on the stockpile. Most likely he’s a AAAA type guy like Armando Gabino or the fast-fading Alfredo Simon, but he’s under club control for the next 4 seasons. Not a bad return for a journeyman lefty like Ohman.