I'm looking forward to watching Garrett Olson pitch tonight. The Orioles are purchasing his contract from Triple-A Norfolk to replace Steve Trachsel, though it could be a temporary assignment with the All-Star break approaching. He's only needed for one start.
I'll try to temper my enthusiasm, knowing it's unrealistic to expect him to achieve the same results he's been getting at Norfolk. But I'm still interested in seeing how he handles the Chicago White Sox's lineup. At least it's not Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium. And he certainly deserves a shot.
The Orioles used to take a kid like Olson and break him in by letting him pitch out of the bullpen, rather than throwing him in the deep end of the pool. He would learn about life in the majors and build up innings without the pressure that comes from being in a rotation.
roch.kubatko@baltsun.com
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