Comments on: Baltimore Pitching is Ready to Fly

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:58:26 +0000

Could someone explain why David Hernandez is being projected as a #4/5 starter while Tillman and Matusz project as 1/2? Before he came up, I had heard that he got by with fringe stuff, but he has actually thrown harder (92.9mph) than both in his time in the majors. His minor league numbers leave very little to complain about, what with consistent K/9 of about 10 and good control outside of a blip at AA in 2008. Is it explained entirely by his age? Is there some issue with his secondary stuff? As an O’s fan, I am trying to figure out why I shouldn’t be excited about this guy.

By: Tim S.

Tim S. — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:33:55 +0000

The peak years of these young pitchers are probably years away, and they won’t all hit their upside scenarios, either. It’s great to see the youngsters and to finally have some hope for the future. But the idea that these 23-year olds will lead the Orioles to contention in 2010 is still pretty far-fetched.

By: Ray

Ray — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:32:52 +0000

So with all this in mind, if the O’s open the 2010 season with a rotation of Guthrie – Uehara – Tillman – Matusz – Bergesen, and work in Arrieta and Erbe as the seasons wears on, do the make the AL East a 4 team race, or are they still a year away from competing with the Big Three? With an OF full of guys who continue to improve, a catcher who could be the best in the game this time next year and an infield full of quality veterans I think they could at least get within shouting distance next season.

As a Red Sox fan that both excites and scares me.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:10:22 +0000

Uehara in long relief would be a great way to help manage the pitch counts for these guys.

I think keeping Guthrie around after arbitration would be wise. Veteran leadership counts for a lot, especially when you’re mentioning seven pitchers under the age of 25.

Any free agent starters they might pick up next year? The names I’m looking at are either too good (Lackey, Lee, Webb) or too bad (Cabrera, Ponson, Benson. Hum!)

By: Corey

Corey — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:35:34 +0000

Koji has already been moved to the pen and I think you can expect him to stay there next season. He’s looked good as a starter but due to his age and stamina concerns (he loses it after 80-85 pitches) and his fragility, he belongs in the pen, where he could really excel.

Koji should start 2010 as our closer, build up his value a la Flat Breezy then trade him at the deadline.

By: OsandRoayals

OsandRoayals — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:49:48 +0000

Uehara has been good for the first 5 innings, but becomes extremely homer-prone as he fatigues. This may be due to his fore-mentioned arm injury or very likely due to his spring training being shortened. Probably a combination of both

By: Marc Hulet

Marc Hulet — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:38:07 +0000

I’d say that Uehara is great insurance, if healthy, until all the rookie pitchers are ready to contribute on a full-time basis. Uehara is 34, so he won’t pitch at a high level for much longer (1-2 seasons?).

By: Drew M

Drew M — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:29:54 +0000

Great article. Thanks for showing the O’s a little love.

By: Davidceisen

Davidceisen — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:38:18 +0000

If Koji Uehara can stay healthy, he isn’t exactly shabby either. I imagine he will be part of the opening rotation next season. Guthrie hasn’t been bad in the previous two seasons either, but he might be the odd man out next year. Do they offer him arbitration?