Luke Scott and Nolan Reimold powered the Orioles to yet another victory last night as we defeated the Detroit Tigers by a score of 5-1. Luke Scott looks healthy as ever, hitting another two HR's in yesterday's contest. David Hernandez had a solid major league debut pitching 5 2/3 innings and only yielding a run on five hits. This was the fourth time this season an Orioles pitcher was victorious in their major league debut. The Orioles improved their record to 22 and 26.
The best part of it all is that more is yet to come. Tonight, all eyes will be on catcher Matt Wieters, rated as the number one prospect in all of baseball. He will make his long awaited Oriole debut tonight against Dontrelle Willis, who has worked his way back from anxiety issues and has put together some great outings lately.
The younger Orioles are contributing better than most have expected at this point in the season, which really shows how far our minor leagues and scouting have come. One thing is for sure, the Orioles are exciting to watch once again!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Another Major League Debut on Thursday
With the current Orioles injury situation on their pitching staff, they needed someone to fill the slot of Koji Uehrara, who is out with a hamstring injury. The O's decided to dip down in to the minor leagues once again and promote David Hernandez from Triple A Norfolk. Hernandez, 23, had a 3-1 record in Norfolk to go along with a 2.91 ERA.
Hernandez is known to be a strikeout pitcher, who struck out 14 batters his last start in the minors. This is the latest addition by a team that I previously stated has lots of pitching depth down in the minors. The fact of the matter is that these are not just journeyman pitchers, but pitchers who are young and demonstrating skills at the minor league level.
Overall, I now feel like maybe the Orioles can start making some noise in the crazy AL East division. As it stands before play starts today, we have a 21-26 record; only 5 games under the mark of .500. Nolan Reimold came through in a huge way for us yesterday hitting the walk-off 3-run HR which propelled us to victory in extra innings. For a fan like myself, this youth movement is becoming exciting to watch, and it will only get better.
With Matt Wieters' debut looming, the Orioles will be fielding a rotation with three rookies, a rookie C, a rookie LF, and a second year CF. The future and even remainder of this season is looking bright for Baltimore. Finishing at .500 is entirely possible as this young team mixed with its share of veteran leadership learns to play together and mature.
Hernandez is known to be a strikeout pitcher, who struck out 14 batters his last start in the minors. This is the latest addition by a team that I previously stated has lots of pitching depth down in the minors. The fact of the matter is that these are not just journeyman pitchers, but pitchers who are young and demonstrating skills at the minor league level.
Overall, I now feel like maybe the Orioles can start making some noise in the crazy AL East division. As it stands before play starts today, we have a 21-26 record; only 5 games under the mark of .500. Nolan Reimold came through in a huge way for us yesterday hitting the walk-off 3-run HR which propelled us to victory in extra innings. For a fan like myself, this youth movement is becoming exciting to watch, and it will only get better.
With Matt Wieters' debut looming, the Orioles will be fielding a rotation with three rookies, a rookie C, a rookie LF, and a second year CF. The future and even remainder of this season is looking bright for Baltimore. Finishing at .500 is entirely possible as this young team mixed with its share of veteran leadership learns to play together and mature.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Uehara Will Hit the DL
Koji Uehara did some jogging on the field today and limited throwing but the hamstring injury has still not fully-healed. All signs point to Koji missing his turn in the rotation on Thursday and will spend time on the disabled list. This is a precaution because the pitcher is older and will most likely have an increased workload than what he is used to in Japan.
It has not been decided who will take the turn in the rotation for him but someone may make the move from the bullpen such as Matt Albers or Mark Hendrickson. Manager, Dave Trembley, wants to maintain all of his bullpen for the stretch of these upcoming games so another starter may have to be promoted from the minors.
It has not been decided who will take the turn in the rotation for him but someone may make the move from the bullpen such as Matt Albers or Mark Hendrickson. Manager, Dave Trembley, wants to maintain all of his bullpen for the stretch of these upcoming games so another starter may have to be promoted from the minors.
Breaking News: Wieters Debut Announced
According to preliminary sources, Matt Wieters has been said to be making his long awaited major league debut for the Orioles on Friday. In some people's opinions, Wieters may have not been performing as well as had been hoped in Triple A Norfolk. He had an injury he sustained early in the year but as of late, the catcher has been hitting and will get his shot at the big leagues.
More information on this will be posted when available regarding a corresponding roster move and if the Orioles will keep three catchers.
UPDATE: Andy McPhail said this live on the MASN broadcast so expect to see Wieters in the lineup against Dontrelle Willis on Friday. Time to look forward to our future O's fans!
More information on this will be posted when available regarding a corresponding roster move and if the Orioles will keep three catchers.
UPDATE: Andy McPhail said this live on the MASN broadcast so expect to see Wieters in the lineup against Dontrelle Willis on Friday. Time to look forward to our future O's fans!
Orioles Trade Options
As the year progresses forward, the Orioles will have some decisions to make regarding players who are performing at a high level and can bring some young prospects back in trades. Players that fit this mold are Danys Baez and Aubrey Huff and Jeremy Guthrie. Other names being tossed around the trade market are Chris Ray, Melvin Mora, Mark Hendrickson, Jamie Walker, and George Sherrill.
As far as the rest of the roster is concerned, there are very few untouchables at this point. We can all agree that Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Brian Roberts, and Nolan Reimold are not going anywhere. There is possibility even Luke Scott is dealt, depending on how well he returns from injury. On the pitchng side, Jim Johnson will stay put, as will Brad Bergeson and Koji Uehara.
The team believed to have interest in acquiring Aubrey Huff is the New York Mets, having lost 1B Carlos Delgado for an extended period of time. This is just a thought but the San Francisco Giants, in desperate need of power, could take a flier on Huff as well. The Giants have young pitching to deal from both in the minor leagues and in the majors.
Jeremy Guthrie could be dealt because he is cheap, durable, and under team control for a few more years. Guthrie will not bring in the haul that Erik Bedard did from Seattle but expect a decent return if he is dealt.
I am by no means signaling that the Orioles are going to throw in the towel now or any time soon, but if some of these trades may better the club now or in the future, they deserve to be looked at. An alternative route the Orioles could go is to let their free agents leave and get draft picks from the teams that sign them depending on Type A or B free agent status. Only time will tell what the Orioles decide to do and if trades are in their future.
As far as the rest of the roster is concerned, there are very few untouchables at this point. We can all agree that Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Brian Roberts, and Nolan Reimold are not going anywhere. There is possibility even Luke Scott is dealt, depending on how well he returns from injury. On the pitchng side, Jim Johnson will stay put, as will Brad Bergeson and Koji Uehara.
The team believed to have interest in acquiring Aubrey Huff is the New York Mets, having lost 1B Carlos Delgado for an extended period of time. This is just a thought but the San Francisco Giants, in desperate need of power, could take a flier on Huff as well. The Giants have young pitching to deal from both in the minor leagues and in the majors.
Jeremy Guthrie could be dealt because he is cheap, durable, and under team control for a few more years. Guthrie will not bring in the haul that Erik Bedard did from Seattle but expect a decent return if he is dealt.
I am by no means signaling that the Orioles are going to throw in the towel now or any time soon, but if some of these trades may better the club now or in the future, they deserve to be looked at. An alternative route the Orioles could go is to let their free agents leave and get draft picks from the teams that sign them depending on Type A or B free agent status. Only time will tell what the Orioles decide to do and if trades are in their future.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Pitcher Call-Up: Jason Berken
The Orioles made the announcement that minor-league pitcher, Jason Berken, will be called up to make his major league debut on Tuesday against the Blue Jays.
Berken is not one of the star-crop of minor league pitchers for the future, but he has had great success this season and seems to be the most ready to pitch in the major leagues now. Brad Bergeson has been decent since he has been called up and the success will be expected of the young Berken as well.
Other pitchers considered for the spot included Troy Patton and Chris Waters. With these names, as well as the triumvirate group of potential star starters, the Orioles now have great depth within the minor league system for pitching. The recognizable names, Arrieta, Matusz, and Tillman are not going to be called up because the Orioles want them to gain experience and spend more time feeling out their skills.
Jason Berken will oppose another rookie, SP Ricky Romero for the Jays. Romero got off to a great start but then was shelved for some time due to a strained right oblique. This should be a great pitching match up as these talented rookies go head to head.
Berken is not one of the star-crop of minor league pitchers for the future, but he has had great success this season and seems to be the most ready to pitch in the major leagues now. Brad Bergeson has been decent since he has been called up and the success will be expected of the young Berken as well.
Other pitchers considered for the spot included Troy Patton and Chris Waters. With these names, as well as the triumvirate group of potential star starters, the Orioles now have great depth within the minor league system for pitching. The recognizable names, Arrieta, Matusz, and Tillman are not going to be called up because the Orioles want them to gain experience and spend more time feeling out their skills.
Jason Berken will oppose another rookie, SP Ricky Romero for the Jays. Romero got off to a great start but then was shelved for some time due to a strained right oblique. This should be a great pitching match up as these talented rookies go head to head.
Injury Updates: Uehara and Montanez
Two Orioles who have been bit by the injury bug are Koji Uehara and Lou Montanez. Montanez who was getting playing time in LF has a thumb-injury, said to be some type of partial tear. If Montanez decides on surgery, which seems likely, he may be out for a few months. This injury will open the door for Nolan Reimold, who is heating up a bit as of late, to play the majority of left field even when Luke Scott returns from the DL.
Pitcher Koji Uehara had to be removed from his start, after 3 innings on Saturday versus the Nationals because of what was originally thought to be something weather related. It turns out that Uehara had a sore left hamstring. This is a similar problem to what the Japanese rookie experienced during Spring Training. Koji has been the Orioles most consistant pitcher, with his record suffering from bullpen meltdowns late in games. Due to the injury to Uehara and the release of Eaton, the Orioles now have two holes in the rotation.
Pitcher Koji Uehara had to be removed from his start, after 3 innings on Saturday versus the Nationals because of what was originally thought to be something weather related. It turns out that Uehara had a sore left hamstring. This is a similar problem to what the Japanese rookie experienced during Spring Training. Koji has been the Orioles most consistant pitcher, with his record suffering from bullpen meltdowns late in games. Due to the injury to Uehara and the release of Eaton, the Orioles now have two holes in the rotation.
Orioles Weekend Summary: The Battle of the Beltway Part 1
For the many fans of both the Orioles and the Washington Nationals, this past weekend brought the two teams together for the annual "Battle of the Beltway" series. Tons of people came out to newly-made Nationals Park for the three-game series.
The Nationals and Orioles meet for two series' in 2009 and the Orioles took the first, by winning 2 of 3 games from our beltway counterparts. Adam Jones showed his immense talent once again, coming up with key hits in games including a HR (his 10th) in game number three. Jones definitely warrants All-Star game consideration with the magnificent year he is having both offensively and defensively.
The Nationals showcased some of their young arms, including Shairon Martis and Jordan Zimmerman. Another young arm, Joel Hanrahan flashed his potential as he shut down the Orioles one, two, three in the bottom of the 9th inning to win game three for the Nats. The Nationals are building quite a starting pitching foundation, soon to have the company of mega-prospect Stephen Strasburg. Offensively, 3B Ryan Zimmerman was very steady, reaching base in each game. Adam Dunn, the big signing of the offseason for Washington had a 2 HR and 6 RBI game and was a star this weekend.
One last note, the announce team was split down the middle for the broadcasts. The combination I saw was Jim Palmer and Rob Dibble. Other broadcasters, Gary Thorne and Bob Carpenter were featured as well. That was the first time that I ever noticed the announce team that way. After a few innings, the duo would change to give a different view of the game. After this series, the Orioles start a series with the Blue Jays and Washington will travel to take on the New York Mets.
The Nationals and Orioles meet for two series' in 2009 and the Orioles took the first, by winning 2 of 3 games from our beltway counterparts. Adam Jones showed his immense talent once again, coming up with key hits in games including a HR (his 10th) in game number three. Jones definitely warrants All-Star game consideration with the magnificent year he is having both offensively and defensively.
The Nationals showcased some of their young arms, including Shairon Martis and Jordan Zimmerman. Another young arm, Joel Hanrahan flashed his potential as he shut down the Orioles one, two, three in the bottom of the 9th inning to win game three for the Nats. The Nationals are building quite a starting pitching foundation, soon to have the company of mega-prospect Stephen Strasburg. Offensively, 3B Ryan Zimmerman was very steady, reaching base in each game. Adam Dunn, the big signing of the offseason for Washington had a 2 HR and 6 RBI game and was a star this weekend.
One last note, the announce team was split down the middle for the broadcasts. The combination I saw was Jim Palmer and Rob Dibble. Other broadcasters, Gary Thorne and Bob Carpenter were featured as well. That was the first time that I ever noticed the announce team that way. After a few innings, the duo would change to give a different view of the game. After this series, the Orioles start a series with the Blue Jays and Washington will travel to take on the New York Mets.
Adam Eaton's Orioles Tenure Comes to an End With his Release
Pitcher, Adam Eaton, who the Orioles signed close to the end of spring training has reached the end of his leash as the O's finally decided to release him. Eaton was having a dismal 2009, going 2-5 with an 8.57 ERA. He was prone to big innings as well as being unable to go deep in to most of the games he had started.
In the corresponding roster move, Dave Trembley called up Matt Albers, who will be working out of the bullpen for the Orioles. The one question that remains is who will be taking over the rotation slot vacated by Eaton's departure. The Orioles already moved Mark Hendrickson to the bullpen.
Options for the rotation spot are down in the minor leagues, as Brad Bergeson was the first Orioles young arm to be given the call this season. Time will tell who will fill in for Eaton and if Trembley decides to use a 13-man pitching staff. In my opinion, the young arms we have slated for our future need more seasoning and it would be irresponsible to call any of them up in this situation. The free agent market posesses some arms such as Paul Byrd, Pedro Martinez, and Ben Sheets, who is healing from injury.
In the corresponding roster move, Dave Trembley called up Matt Albers, who will be working out of the bullpen for the Orioles. The one question that remains is who will be taking over the rotation slot vacated by Eaton's departure. The Orioles already moved Mark Hendrickson to the bullpen.
Options for the rotation spot are down in the minor leagues, as Brad Bergeson was the first Orioles young arm to be given the call this season. Time will tell who will fill in for Eaton and if Trembley decides to use a 13-man pitching staff. In my opinion, the young arms we have slated for our future need more seasoning and it would be irresponsible to call any of them up in this situation. The free agent market posesses some arms such as Paul Byrd, Pedro Martinez, and Ben Sheets, who is healing from injury.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Orioles Swap Outfielders
Last week, the Orioles traded unhappy OF/IF Ryan Freel to the Chicago Cubs for speedy outfield reserve Joey Gathright. Freel was unhappy with his playing time here in Baltimore and was injured and unproductive. Gathright brings speed but lack of any real power. The Orioles assigned Gathright to the the minor leagues for the time being.
This trade had to happen because Freel and Andy McPhail both agreed that Freel was more apt to receive playing time elsewhere, which ended up being the National League where reserves come into the game more. The Cubs just had an injury happen with star 3rd baseman Aramis Ramirez so let's hope that Freel gets that playing time he's hoped for. I wish him good luck in the remainder of his baseball career.
This trade had to happen because Freel and Andy McPhail both agreed that Freel was more apt to receive playing time elsewhere, which ended up being the National League where reserves come into the game more. The Cubs just had an injury happen with star 3rd baseman Aramis Ramirez so let's hope that Freel gets that playing time he's hoped for. I wish him good luck in the remainder of his baseball career.
Pitching Update
Rich Hill finally made his debut in the 2009 season this past Saturday and notched his first win, beating the Kansas City Royals. Hill went 5 and 2/3 innings while walking two batters and striking out six.
Hill will help to fortify the number three slot in the Orioles rotation behind Jeremy Guthrie and Koji Uehara, who has exhibited great command since his arrival in the major leagues. As for the odd man out of the rotation, it looks to be Mark Hendrickson, who the Orioles originally signed to use as a long man in relief.
Another positive sign of things to come is the great performances of top pitching prospects, Jake Arrieta, Brian Matusz, and Chris Tillman. Arrieta tossed a complete game one-hitter in Double A on Saturday night, striking out a career-high ten batters. If this continues, the future looks bright for the Orioles pitching staff in the coming years.
Hill will help to fortify the number three slot in the Orioles rotation behind Jeremy Guthrie and Koji Uehara, who has exhibited great command since his arrival in the major leagues. As for the odd man out of the rotation, it looks to be Mark Hendrickson, who the Orioles originally signed to use as a long man in relief.
Another positive sign of things to come is the great performances of top pitching prospects, Jake Arrieta, Brian Matusz, and Chris Tillman. Arrieta tossed a complete game one-hitter in Double A on Saturday night, striking out a career-high ten batters. If this continues, the future looks bright for the Orioles pitching staff in the coming years.
Adam Jones to Return on Tuesday
At Yankee stadium in the first game of a three-game series, Orioles center fielder, Adam Jones should be back in the starting lineup. Jones has been out of action since Wednesday because of a mild right hamstring strain. This is good news for Baltimore since the top of the lineup just has not been the same (no offense, Mr. Izturis).
We will have to see what this will mean for top prospect, Nolan Reimold, who was just promoted to the big leagues because of Jones, Luke Scott, and Lou Montanez's injuries.
Introduction
Hey everybody! The 2009 season is in full swing as the Orioles hope to develop their talent and start to contend in the coming years. This blog will serve as a reference for Orioles fans of all kinds. Come and keep track of Baltimore's team, with updates, opinions, and transactions. Let's hope for a great year!
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