Looking to bolster their beleaguered bullpen, the Brewers announced today the signing of 27-year-old free agent right handed pitcher Ernie Camacho. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Drafted in the first round by Oakland in 1976, Camacho fought to climb past Triple-A Ogden in the A’s system before making a brief five-game appearance with Oakland in 1980. In April of 1981, Camacho was sent to the Pirates in a trade for pitcher Bob Owchinko. After a pedestrian year in which Camacho compiled a 2-3 record and 4.74 ERA with Triple-A Portland and 4.98 ERA in seven appearances with the Pirates, he was dealt with Vance Law to the White Sox for Ross Baumgarten and Butch Edge. The reliever pitched seven games for Triple-A Edmonton in 1982 before the Orioles picked him up. In all, Ernie pitched 37.1 innings this season between those two systems, logging an 0-1 record and 2.65 ERA.
Camacho may have had a long journey, but his recent success may be evidence that he is ready to contribute in the big leagues. He will compete in spring training for a job in a bullpen that struggled last season and could use another dependable arm.
What do you think, is Camacho a solid addition?