Radhames Liz knew he wanted to extend his baseball career but had the option of following the money and going to Japan or trusting his gut feeling.
He went with his heart.
“This year I had a good offer to go over there [Japan],” Liz said. “It was better money and a better offer but this is where I want to be. Sometimes it’s just not about the money.”
Now for the first time since 2009, Liz is back on major league roster, this time as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Liz started his major league journey in 2003 when he was signed by the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent. After pitching through the minor leagues, Liz made his debut on August 25, 2007. Liz started a game against the Minnesota Twins and threw six innings allowing five runs on four hits while walking three batters and striking out another five.
That season Liz appeared in nine games, four of which were starts and posted an 0-2 record with a 6.93 ERA. While had a high strikeouts-per-nine total [8.8] his walks-per-nine also were large [8.4].
Liz made 17 started in the 2008 season, also with the Orioles. This resulted in a 6-6 record and a 6.72 ERA. Liz continued to have control problems as evidenced by his walks-per-nine total which was 5.4. While this was a decrease from last season, Liz’s strikeouts-per-nine also decreased to 6.1.
“The control thing is sometimes about mechanics but sometimes it’s up in the mind,” said Liz. “Most of the times it’s mental, but sometimes you make mistakes. It’s more about growing mentally.”
Liz made two appearances for the Orioles in 2009, which totaled 1.1 innings of a 67.50 ERA. Liz allowed 10 runs in those two starts.
On November 25, 2009 the San Diego Padres claimed Liz off waivers. He posted an 8-8 record with a 4.83 ERA with the Triple-A affiliate Portland Beavers. He ultimately was released January 5, 2011. Two days later he signed to play baseball in Korea signing with the LG Twins, which were members of the Korean Baseball Organization.
While in Korea, Liz posted a 26-38 record. In 2013 he led the KBO in strikeouts with 188. Also in 2013, Liz had the option of pitching in Japan but waited too long to sign.
Liz’s success landed him another opportunity in the major leagues when he signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Liz started the season on the disabled list, however he spent time with both the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats and the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. Combined Liz posted a 7-2 record with a 2.66 ERA. He allowed 70 hits in 84.2 innings, and struck out 7,8 batters-per-nine and walked 3.1 batters-per-nine.
When it came time to find an opportunity for the 2015 season the Pirates and Japan were each options. Liz also stated that another offer was potentially out there.
Unsure, Liz turned to his friend and former Pirates minor league pitcher Daniel Cabrera. Cabrera has pitched in Japan and was a minor leaguer with the Pirates before being acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade on August 16, 2012.
“[Cabrera] told me all about this team and this is what made me more interested in coming here. This is what I needed, a team that made me feel comfortable and confident. Coming back, I feel as though I am starting over again and I needed that comfort and confidence which is why I came here,” Liz said.
Liz had control inconsistencies once again during Spring Training but his low ERA and lack of options were among the reasons he broke north with the team.
“The time I spent in Korea, I learned a lot about my mentality and the way I think,” Liz said of what has changed from his first stint in the majors. “Baseball is really different. Maybe I don’t throw as hard as I used to throw but mentally I’m better.”
On April 23, Liz earned his first win since the 2008 season. As of May 5, Liz is 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA. Liz has 9.9 strikeouts-per-nine although the walks-per-nine are at 5.4.
During the first home stand of the season, manager Clint Hurdle discussed an arrangement Liz was working on with keeping his head still through delivery.
When reflecting on his baseball journey to date, Liz recalled that he thought the Orioles were his team but after being claimed by the Padres he kept moving. Now with the Pirates, Liz once again feels like he belongs.
“Right now I believe I have the stuff and my mind is right,” said Liz. “I just have to do my job and do what I can do.”
