Vance Worley whiffs Pirates in arbitration case

Aug 13, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher

(46) walks off the field after being relieved in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, Vance Worley came out of nowhere to be a major contributor to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ march to the playoffs.  Now, he has accomplished something that Neil Walker and his representatives failed to accomplish days ago — he defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in his arbitration hearing.  With this result, Pedro Alvarez remains as the sole arbitration case on the slate.

As per mlbtraderumors.com, the 27-year-old bespectacled right handed (w)hurler, has been awarded $2.45 mil by an independent arbitrator, besting the $2 mil submitted by the Pirates organization. Worley was eligible for arbitration for the first time as a Super Two — the mysterious distinction that surfaces in conversation/debate among fans and Pirates administration alike whenever a potential mid-season call-up becomes news.

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As the Ray Searage success stories pile-up, the transformation of The Vanimal — as Worley is known to fans worldwide — tops the list. He’s the used engine the Pirates picked up from the baseball junkyard for petty cash during Spring last year. He debuted as a Pirate in the starting rotation in June 2014. To the surprise of all except perhaps Searage — the veritable Gandalf the Grey to Bucs’ pitching staff — Worley was more than simply serviceable.  He was impressive.

In 110 2/3 innings, he managed career lows in ERA (2.85), WHIP (1.21), and walks (22) in a season with 15 starts. With a four-pitch mix consisting of a 89-92mph four-seam fastball, 88-92mph two-seam fastball, oft-used slider, and occasional curveball, Worley posted a 6.4 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9 in 2014.

As the Ray Searage success stories pile-up, the transformation of The Vanimal tops the list. He’s the used engine the Pirates picked up from the baseball junkyard for petty cash in the spring of 2014.

Due to Worley’s Super Two contract status, The Bucs retain control of him for three more seasons.

Charlie Morton‘s impending return to the starting rotation may push Worley, or perhaps Jeff Locke, to the bullpen in 2015. But if The Vanimal can put together a campaign comparable to that of 2014, he’ll contribute mightily to the Pirates’ efforts to claim the NL Central crown this upcoming season.

Flex the specs, Bucco Nation.

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