Pittsburgh Pirates: Former Pitcher Esteban Loaiza Arrested

Every year, there are always a few interesting stories that come out regarding former MLB players.  The most recent story involves a former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher.

The Pittsburgh Pirates franchise has had an interesting offseason.  It started with head international scout Rene Gayo getting fired for taking side payments, to them trading away two faces of the franchise in Andrew McCutchen and Gerrit Cole, and, of course, the recent abduction of Elias Diaz‘s mother.  However, the most interesting story to come out may have to do with a former pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

According to multiple media outlets, former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Esteban Loaiza was arrested Friday.  The police report comes out of San Diego, were Loaiza currently lives.  Apparently in retirement, Loaiza decided to look to make some cash under the table.  He was caught with over 20 kilograms of cocaine and heroin.  Here are more details from ESPN on the former two time all-star’s arrest:

"“Loaiza is being held on $200,000 bail by the San Diego Sheriff’s office on three felony charges: possession of heroin and cocaine over 20 kilograms, possession of narcotics for sale, and possession and transportation of narcotics for sale.”"

The former right-handed pitcher threw in 14 big league seasons for eight different teams.  This list includes the Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. Loaiza came up with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and pitched in three and a half seasons for them, ranging from 1995 to 1998, or his his age 23-26 seasons.  Meanwhile, he never had a very effective season with the Buccos. In his 3.5 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates his lowest ERA was 4.13. Of course, the Pirates traded him before he broke out.  The Bucs dealt him to the Rangers for two players in Todd Van Poppel and Warren Morris.

Next: Update on Elias Diaz's mother

Loaiza is second all time in wins by a Mexican pitcher, with Fernando Valenzuela being the first on the list.  Loiaza had a career record of 126-114 with a career ERA of 4.65.  He was a two-time all-star with the Chicago White Sox in 2003 and 2004. Furthermore, his best year was in 2003 when he recorded a record of 21-9 with a 2.90 ERA and led the American League in strikeouts with 207.  Loaiza’s richest contract came prior to the 2006 season when he signed with the Athletics for three years at $21.5 million.  Obviously, he felt that he needed more money in retirement.

*Also, all stats are courtesy of Baseball Reference