My awakening
I finally pulled myself out of bed this morning after having a dream that I got beat on a story because someone from the national media decided to feed it to one of my competitors.
Here's why it was so ridiculous that it could only happen in a dream: The national reporter is a friend of mine who wouldn't burn me, I'm not writing for a newspaper anymore, and the story involved the Orioles contacting Melvin Mora's agent to begin talks on a long-term extension.
I really have to stop eating spicy foods before bed.
Actually, has anyone had the scallops appetizer at Mama's On The Half Shell? Three of 'em, on a bed of creamed spinach that's spread over some sort of hash brown concoction. Outstanding. But I digress...
I make my first appearance at Camden Yards later today as a part of the MASN family - which is a whole lot better than being part of the Manson family. Nobody named "Squeaky" telling you what to do. I'll be blogging, as always, beginning with today's lineup and anything interesting from manager Dave Trembley's pre-game session with the media.
The last time we saw Trembley at home, he was puffing on a cigar after the Orioles ended their Sunday losing streak at 15 games. It seems like a season ago.
My suggestion to the Orioles is to bring up Hayden Penn and return Dennis Sarfate to the bullpen, though Dave Johnson made a good point a few days ago that staying in the rotation allows Sarfate to build up innings and perhaps more rapidly learn his craft.
Why involve another pitcher in the transaction? If the Orioles don't have any intention of keeping Rocky Cherry, Bob McCrory or Kam Mickolio over these last two months, don't just give them a cameo appearance.
I tried contacting Chad Bradford yesterday and, assuming he has the same number, he didn't pick up. No voice mail, either.
A little something from down on the farm: Brad Bergesen lasted only 2 1/3 innings, allowing five runs and six hits, in Bowie's 7-5 victory. Felix Romero replaced him and retired all 11 batters he faced, striking out seven - including five in a row.
Single-A Frederick's Tim Bascom allowed two runs over six innings. Manager Richie Hebner was ejected for arguing that a ball hit by Chris Vinyard should have been ruled a home run.
Triple-A Norfolk's Chris Roberson leads the International League with 18 outfield assists.
Penn will not be brought up today, he needs to heal and have another good start on Sunday with Norfolk. Trembley has already said Sarfate will start and I doubt he'll change his mind. They'll bring Penn up to start next Friday in Detroit. Cormier will be released to make room pending injury or another trade. My guess on today's roster move is McCrory but Mickolio is also a good choice.
I like the idea of keeping that core group of Baby Birds at Bowie. Let them learn and develop together. The chemistry that they develop in a AA penant race will be useful when they are all up in the Bigs together. That's the Oriole way, ask Palmer he'll tell you.
Speaking of Palmer, he did a phone interview on ESPN last night talking about Mussina getting to his 11th season with 15 or more wins. Palmer said he pitched in the "Cartoon Character Steroid Era" which when he's done should be taken into consideration for his HOF candidacy.
Mark C
You are one of the many who have proposed all our young players be brought up for September. I think it is very likely that we will see Penn and Mcrory with the team since they are both on the 40 man roster. As for Reimold, I think he is ready for his call up and Chris Ray could be moved to the 60 day DL to make room. On the other hand, I would not be surprised if McPhail leaves him and Mickolio out of the mix for one more year. He has shown the willingness to wait it out on prospects if he has any doubt that they are not ready
Mark...
I believe the reason that there is downside is it starts the clock on Weiters. MacPhail mentioned this a couple weeks ago actually.
Roberson has not shown much consistency with the bat this season, but he is an amazing defensive outfielder. I saw a game against Pawtucket about a month ago in which the hitter tried to stretch a double into a triple. Chris threw a bullet on the fly from the warning track in the right field corner and hit the third baseman's glove about a foot off the ground for the putout. It was amazing.
Now if only he could hit like Oscar Salazar . . .
Mark C., while I agree with you that we could bring those guys from Bowie up, there would be one downside. Bowie is playing really well this year and has a good chance of making the playoffs. While this has no real impact, it does give the prospects some post-season experience. The Orioles aren't going to compete next year so it's not like we have to make decissions on these guys right now anyway. We have lots of time to let Wieters, Reimold, Tillman, etc... develop in the minors and at the big league level but I'd rather let them stay in a playoff race at Bowie for the end of this year and get used to that winning kind of baseball then bring them up to get killed by the yankees, redsox and rays at the end of the year.
If it were me making the decisions, I would have all of them up for the month of September. Why the heck not? Wieters, Reimhold, Penn, McCrory, etc. (just no more shortstops, please)
Start Montanez every game. No need to see any more starts from Peyton.
We have a good view of Sarfate already. Need to see more Waters and Penn.
I know the perceived dangers of "rushing" players, but I think this can be handled in a no-pressure situation by the coaches, particularly with Trembley's minor league managing experience.
Be fun for the fans, a learning experience for the players, and better preparation for the off-season moves and future years.
What was the downside, again?
Any word on other player that the O's have floated through waivers this August?
Roch
That appetizer sounds amazing. I agree with the return of Sarfate to the pen. I'm heading to the game Sunday and was hopeful it would be Waters instead of Sarfate taking the hill. And it makes sense to bring up Penn and give him another shot, but first double check his organs and suit him for leg plates. Seriously though I just hope the kid's luck turns around. You mentioned about the O's trading Payton which i would be all for and think he has some value for a contendor the way he's been playing as of late. But I have to wonder who would man center for the O's if he were to be shipped out? Would we call someone up or could Montanez handle the move?