El Duque: Right-hander Orlando Hernandez Signs Minor League Contract With Rangers

Posted on June 11th, 2009 3:32pm by Evan Grant
Filed under Rangers notes, Roster report, Texas Rangers

Last update: 4:58 p.m.

The Rangers have signed RHP Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez to a minor league contract and he will join Triple-A Oklahoma City immediately. Hernandez has not pitched in the majors since 2007 and has been recovering from foot surgery.

Hernandez, the 1999 ALCS MVP, was 9-5 for the New York Mets in 2007 before undergoing surgery at the end of that season. Hernandez could become insurance for the big league starting rotation once he’s up to speed. He has a career record of 90-65 with a 4.13 ERA. Hernandez is officially listed as 39 years old, according to major league baseball, but a divorce decree granted him in Cuba years ago lists his birthdate as Oct. 11, 1965. That would make him 43.

We expect to speak with Rangers GM Jon Daniels on the back-story behind this signing at some point this evening, but in the meantime, I asked manager Ron Washington if Hernandez is merely a flyer or somebody the Rangers expect to see pitching in the majors this season:

“We’ll let him get acclimated down there and then you never know what might happen,” Washington said. “We’re better off getting as much depth as possible. But his reputation says he’s probably going to pitch up here.”

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13 Comments to “El Duque: Right-hander Orlando Hernandez Signs Minor League Contract With Rangers”
  • Jed E. @ June 11th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

    Uh…ok

  • Dennis A. Lokey @ June 11th, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    We don’t want Glavine or Pedro I guess. Who’s next? Oil Can Boyd?

  • Tom B @ June 11th, 2009 at 3:55 pm

    Sooo, does this mean we can expect Rangers games on TV in Cuba? If this works out positive, then JD deserves GM of the year.

  • peppersquad @ June 11th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    Cuz pedro and glavin would have cost more than a bag of peanuts.

  • JustSaying @ June 11th, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    Cuban birthdays are like the radar guns at some of the stadiums……they’re juiced!

    I’m still waiting for Kenny Rogers to pitch in ’09 in conjuntion with southpark night……

  • walrus @ June 11th, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    I can’t wait till the Rangers sign A.J.Burnett and Greinke, 15 years from now.

  • Jack Daddy @ June 11th, 2009 at 5:07 pm

    On the one hand, this signing is ignorant. I’m as likely to contribute to this thing. On the other hand, also like signing me, it didn’t cost them anything so who gives a flip? My only wish is that they continue to roll Holland out there every fifth day, let him get in a groove and see what he can bring. The guy can be special.

  • Mike E @ June 11th, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    Getting him ready for the playoff run against the Yankees.

  • dwc @ June 11th, 2009 at 6:43 pm

    I like it.

    If he rounds into shape in OKC and the team needs a spot start in September, when a playoff race is going on (See Sept 1 DH v. Toronto), would you rather have El Duque or Feliz make that spot start?

    If he is going well in OKC, the decision is easy. If he fouls up down there it cost some minor league meal money to find out he is done. But if he contributes a quality start or two because he’s been there and done that, then bring it on.

  • JustSaying @ June 11th, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    @jack it looks like mcCarthy made that decision for everyone…..

  • JustSaying @ June 11th, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    i still don’t holland is “ready” but i sure as hell think he’s a better option than mathis.

  • The Beer Guy @ June 11th, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    Just a wild guess here (sarcasm), but don’t you think several other factors enter into it than those commonly mentioned by the bemoaners of this (and other similar) deals? (a) willingness of said free agent to actually sign with Texas, (b) cost, (c) terms (willing to accept AAA assignment?), (d) cost judged against perceived quality and contribution.

    Best deal in the world? Of course not. But reasonable? Sure. Maybe Glavine doesn’t want to come to Texas, or maybe his price is too steep.

  • elduqueheadquartershavanacuba @ June 11th, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    el duque estoy aqui. Magnifico.

    God save the queen!