From A to Zink

The signing of former Rays’ outfielder Rocco Baldelli has caused the Red Sox to bump knuckleballer Charlie Zink from the club’s 40-man roster. It’s the first time Zink has been designated for assignment so he will remain in the organization unless another team grabs him on the waiver wire – or trades for him.

It would be a shock if someone does not take a shot at the right-hander. Zink is still young in knuckleball years at the age of 29 and there certainly are not a lot of pitchers that can consistently throw the pitch with any type of success. In 2008 at Triple-A, Zink allowed just 144 hits in 174.1 innings, with rates of 2.53 BB/9 and 5.47 K/9. He’s done a nice job of keeping the ball in the park during his career and he allowed just 13 home runs in 2008 (0.67 HR/9). On the superficial level, he went 14-6 and had an ERA of 2.84 (but a FIP of 3.99). Zink would have received a much larger big league opportunity in 2008 in just about any other Major League organization, but Boston’s starting pitching depth was just too deep.

In his only career MLB appearance, which came on Aug. 12, 2008 against Texas, he allowed eight runs and 11 hits (but just one walk) in 4.1 innings. During that start, almost 73% of his pitches were knuckleballs averaging out at 68.5 mph. He threw 21.4% fastball (at an average of 82.2 mph) and mixed in a few 76 mph sliders. Zink threw a first-pitch strike 60% of the time.

It would be shocking if this was Zink’s one and only MLB appearance. There are a lot of teams out there that could use a fourth or fifth starter with his potential, especially after his solid 2008 Triple-A season and given his unique repertoire. Clubs that should consider Zink include San Diego, Houston, Milwaukee, Texas, and Baltimore.