Chris Jakubauskas, pitcher

Can he help the Orioles in 2012? Will he?

Not unless there’s another move; he signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks.

Is he a major-league pitcher?

He’s a longshot to do much in the major leagues in 2012, or for that matter at any time in the future. His backstory is much more interesting than his pitching ability. Apparently undrafted out of the University of Oklahoma, he spent four years in low-level independent leagues before getting a chance with the American Association in 2007. He pitched well and was signed by Seattle to help them finish out the 2007 season. He pitched just well enough to stick with the organization in 2008, and pitched brilliantly. He made the Mariners in 2009 and pitched unimpressively as a spot starter / long reliever; was claimed on waivers by the Pirates and was probably injured for most 0f 2010 (12 total appearances); and was signed as a free agent by the Orioles for 2011.

Jakubauskas was hurt for April, and spent most of May working himself back into shape at Norfolk. He started out pitching poorly but pitched better as the month wore on. He was recalled to Baltimore at the end of May and didn’t pitch well.

Jakubausakas is 33. He has not done anything in the major leagues to indicate that he can pitch, and in fact aside from half of 2007 and all of 2008 hasn’t done anything outside of the majors, either, to indicate that he can pitch. He’s an AAA innings-eater, someone who can stay in a AAA rotation and not drive the team to frustration. But there’s no evidence that he’s anything better than that.