Esteban Yan was a starter last year in Japan, so he could pitch in long and middle relief for the Orioles. We won't toss his name into the bucket of fifth-starter candidates.
Yan acknowledged that the Orioles were his only option this spring, and he pitched in Japan last year because nobody was interested in signing him. Time is running out.
Yan's fastball used to touch 99 mph. He can still reach 94, which isn't bad for a guy who's been pitching since Mike Cuellar was a rookie.
Two players who are getting the most raves in camp won't be on the Opening Day roster: Matt Wieters and Chris Ray. Ramon Hernandez is also getting a lot of love, and the coaching staff raves about Dennis Sarfate's power arm.
Chris Tillman has also been impressive, but he'll eventually get reassigned to the minor league camp. Team president Andy MacPhail isn't going to rush his prospects, and that includes keeping them in the major league camp for an extended period.
I'm told Kam Mickolio pronounces his last name "Mick-o-lie-o." I've been saying "Mick-o-lee-o."
Either way, he's huge. He has to lower his head to walk into the trainers room. I'm not exaggerating. Catchers block the plate. This guy blocks the sun.
roch.kubatko@baltsun.com
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