Goodbye, RAN-DOR!

The O's Rule V pick from last year, right-handed reliever Randor Bierd, has been traded to the Boston Red Sox in return for 25 year-old right-hander David Pauley.

Bierd wasn't anything special last year (4.91 ERA, 5.23 tRA) but I thought he was an interesting arm.

Pauley started 25 games in AAA in 2008, posting a 3.55 ERA, 3.72 FIP, 6.3 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9. The scouting report from soxprospects.com:

"Pauley mixes a very good sinker with a low 90s fastball with good movement, a good changeup, and a nice curveball. Has 5th starter potential at the MLB level. Pauley has demonstrated solid success against AAA competition for extended periods of time, but has yet to impress much at the big league level, although he hasn't been given much of an opportunity. Needs to improve his control somewhat. Gives up a lot of home runs. Good fielder with a strong pick-off move."

I guess you could call that a minor upgrade for the O's, as Pauley should be able to match or beat Bierd production if he was put in the pen. Bierd wasn't even likely to make the team anyway. I will, however, miss having a guy on the roster named Randor.