My do-over (updated)
I reserve the right to change my mind, and I'm going to do it right now.
I recently posted a entry that included an assumption that Matt Wieters would begin next season at Triple-A Norfolk and receive an early call-up if he continued to destroy minor league pitching. But I'm reversing course as if I'm being chased by a 260-pound linebacker with 4.4 speed.
I'll now predict that Wieters makes the Opening Day roster next year. That would necessitate Ramon Hernandez no longer being part of the team, but I'll go out on that limb and take my chances - without looking down, of course.
I know a vibe when I feel one.
Garrett Olson is starting again tonight for Triple-A Norfolk, and he'd have a shutout through five innings if not for that pesky three-run homer by Dan Johnson. Olson has struck out seven, and the Tides lead Durham, 4-3.
Eider Torres has doubled, tripled and scored twice. Mike Costanzo is 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs. Luis Terrero contributed a two-run double.
Jim Callis, over at Baseball America, made the same statement about Wieters yesterday. Between Callis and Roch, that's enough confirmation for me.
Roch, it was announced that Wieters (along with Reimold, Davis and Snyder) will play in the AFL this year. Wouldn't Matt be better off with a break in the fall? Or, is this simply getting him as much PT as possible?
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His break will come when Bowie's season ends. The Orioles want him to continue developing behind the plate. - Roch
Roch-Do you think the O's are finally ready to cut ties with Cabrera? I am gonna go out on a limb and say he will never live up to the hype. This season is as good as he will ever get. David Hernandez will take over that power righty spot next season and be much better as a 23 y.o.
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I'm going to pose this question later. The team could non-tender Cabrera rather than give him another raise, which he's sure to be awarded in arbitration. - Roch
"He gave up only 3 runs on 4 hits over 7 IP with 9 strikeouts."
Now see... why are we not seeing this Garrett Olson in the Majors? 9 K's? 7 innings?
Heck, he hasn't even gotten to that point yet in innings and strikeouts yet in his Major League career. What's up with this guy in the Majors and then in the Minors?
Is it that the Minor League batters are just too impatient and Olson can get strikeouts? Or what? Can you see if you can find out, Roch?
And now, onto other news.... I believe with the way Ramon is playing this season, the Front Office will attempt to move him, trade him, or cut him, or whatever they can do. They will do the same thing with Jamie Walker. Both of these players are just playing very badly, and they both don't even figure in the plans for the "rebuilding" next year. So yes, Matt Wieters will have a very good chance of being the Opening Day catcher.
Roch--I believe quite a few of us can feel that vibe. Wieters is ready. And Ramon Hernandez has increased his trade value since the All-Star break. He's hitting more balls the opposite way, always a good sign for him.
Oh, those pesky 3 run home runs! Always getting in the way of a shutout.
So do you have an inside source on this Wieters thing? Or is it just your instinct talking?
I'm with DK. Sounds like Roch heard something on background from someone. And that's cool. If official word can't be sent, then I (and probably others) are happy to hear about your "vibes". As long as those vibes only O's related...
Do you think Hernandez will be the DH next year if Millar is indeed gone and Huff is at first base? Do you think they will also try him at first in September?
I was at the game tonight. It was spectacular to watch after being at a game against the Red Sox, Yankees and last night's game.
We win because:
THAT'S HOW WE DO IT IN BALTIMORE!
I like this change of mind. Not that it's worse than the last mind you had, but I like this one better than others.
Keep up with whatever is giving you these premonitions. Unless it's an overdose of Red Bull which is the driving force behind your 436 blog entries each day because I refuse to believe that anyone actually LIKES the taste of cough-syrup disguised as "energy drink".
Why the change of heart? I'm guessing someone in the organization fed you that info, but who did it come from?
With all the talk about calling up another catcher in September, do the O's not have much confidence in Quiroz either?
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Most teams want a third catcher to give them a little more flexibility late in games. The Orioles would like to add a catch-and-throw guy like Chris Heintz, who handles pitchers very well and calls a good game - traits that mean a lot to team officials. - Roch
A nice bounce-back from Olson tonight. He gave up only 3 runs on 4 hits over 7 IP with 9 strikeouts.
Roch
Dave T. said that Matt would def not be up.. Or did I hear that wrong...
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Wieters won't be up this season. Trembley didn't say anything about 2009. - Roch
Hey Roch-
You think ramon will be traded or cut? wouldnt bother me either way...unlike his effort behind the plate. i dont think it would serve the team well to have him a reserve role. if his effort is this bad while starting imagine what it would be if he's riding the pine.
also, do you think castillo will earn a role in the pen next year if he continues to pitch well the rest of the season? at this point i've got a lot more confidence in him than walker vs. lefties
love the blog...keep up the good work
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Thanks! I think the Orioles will try hard to move Hernandez over the winter. And Castillo has a shot. The Orioles would like to move Walker's contract, so there will be an opening for a situational lefty. - Roch
I see Ramon as a Sunday catcher and frequent DH. This leaves Millar as the odd man out, maybe as soon as Sept. 1st. Perhaps even a return to the Red Sox.