Peter Schmuck grades the Orioles
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Starting rotation
Measured against the outstanding performance of the starters during the season-opening series against the Twins, it's hard to get too excited about the overall results from the rotation over the past two series, but we're not grading on a curve here. The starters have held their own and pitched deep enough into games -- on average -- to keep the Orioles competitive. Jake Arrieta, Tommy Hunter and Jason Hammel each have pitched at least 13 innings over two starts and the O's are 5-1 in those games. Wei-Yin Chen (pictured) held his own in his major league debut. Only Brian Matusz has bad numbers, and they're deceptive. He pitched pretty well Sunday. Grade: B
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Comments (5)
Add / View comments | Discussion FAQToo early to give up on Matusz. There aren't many pitchers of his age that can throw 4 different pitches for strikes. His velocity is back but his command of his fastball is lacking--he has trouble keeping the ball down in the zone. It can be fixed with proper mechanics.
Arrieta has the stuff to be a decent #2 or #3 starter; his problem has been that he frequently creates too many hitters counts. You can't keep falling behind MLB batters and expect to get away with it in the long run--esp. in the AL East. He needs to trust his stuff and attack hitters.
Hammel is an enigma. You look at his height and the velocity of his pitches--he should be better. But as a groundball pitcher, he's perfect for Camden Yards.
Finally, the Orioles need to get with the TX/Nolan Ryan regimen for all of their starters. Ryan knows that when a pitcher gets tired, it's the legs that go first, not the arm. Roadwork and leg strength building exercises should be mandatory for all pitchers in the organization, top to bottom. Ask Halladay or Clemens about the value of such regimens.
since we are rating people here lets rate schmuck------
should write for the style section or the travel guide--perhaps the food reviewer----has no idea what he's talking about if the subject is baseball or football-----he should hang out with kevin cowherd, another know nothing with a pen----
Nice thoughts. But I would like to add a dimension to it. I tried to sit back and not do a knee jerk reaction on Gregg.
1. As I understand it Buck advised Gregg, the O's would be trying to trade him over the winter.
2. Gregg and Buck have had run-in's last year
3. Gregg's effectiveness is questionable.
4. A young team with an abundance of pitching that needs to prove it worth. As a young team it needs VETS to provide leadership in field performance.
5 Wada and Britton will soon be ready. Britton is going to be sent to the minors.
6. Matusuk needs to go to minors for at least several months to work on mechanics and confidence. .
It is a wise organization that knows when it is time to cut losses and move forward. I think this is a 1 step back ( eating salary) and 2 steps forward with someone else blending with the team and performing much better.
Right know the media is coloring Hunter as a main stay in the rotation. Personally I am starting to think he is either of 2 situations.
1. Reliever
2. Trade bait in July with Reynolds. If Davis cannot show consistency by July he is traded or released.
This team cannot sit on its laurels and wait forever for people to catch on.
June is the MAGIC TIME. Not in 14 years has the O's had good June. This has to be a year the June Swoon is no more!!!!!
