When Double-A Bowie's rotation was announced last week ahead of minor league Opening Day, it was clear that it would be a strength for the team. I don't know if anyone thought it would be this good, at least the first time through.
Dylan Bundy's three scoreless innings on just 34 pitches Monday completed the first turn through the five-man group, and Bundy combined with Tim Berry, Elih Villanueva, Parker Bridwell, and Brandon Kline for 22 2/3 innings.
Only three earned runs from Bridwell, who struck out nine on Saturday, and one run allowed by Villanueva, went against the Baysox starters. Kline might have turned in the best pitching performance in the organization so far this season, with five scoreless innings and 10 strikeouts on Sunday.
Overall, that places the rotation's ERA at 1.59. The numbers could tell a far different story after a second time through, but when I get down there this weekend, I suspect to see that they're telling the truth and this is one of the best Orioles minor league rotations in recent memory.
Bullpen success stories
Without reading too much into one week, the fun might not end when the starter gets chased for the Baysox. Mychal Givens, a converted shortstop selected in the second round of the 2009 draft, already has a pair of saves and seven strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings for the Baysox. He's reportedly hitting 98 mph on stadium guns, which are to be taken with a pound of salt, but however hard he's throwing, if he can command it from his low arm slot, he's an interesting prospect.
The team's first-round pick that year, Matt Hobgood, finally climbed to Double-A after shoulder issues forced him to miss all of 2012, and he's getting results out of the bullpen as well. He's fanned three in 5 1/3 innings so far, with three hits allowed and just one walk.
Both pitchers have had a tough road so far and are late in their entry-level contracts. At this point in their careers, they're basically auditioning for both the Orioles and other teams. But for arms with that much velocity, it's easy to hope that things are finally coming together.
Slow starts
None of the hitting prospects in Bowie have gotten off to a fast start through the first weekend, with just 12 runs scored in the first five games -- seven of those coming in one game. Among those who should improve with time are outfielders Mike Yastrzemski (.208 batting average) and Glynn Davis (.190), plus third baseman Jason Esposito, who doesn't have a hit in three games.
Roster moves
Thursday: Final roster set
Sunday: Pitcher Cesar Cabral sent to Triple-A Norfolk. Pitcher Ben Rowan and catcher Chris O'Brien, acquired from the Dodgers in the Ryan Webb trade, added to roster.