Waiting on Friday's starter
Orioles manager Dave Trembley said he'll wait until after tonight's game to announce Friday's starter, but it will be a huge upset if it isn't Radhames Liz.
Here's one reason that Kam Mickolio has joined the bullpen: He posted a 1.04 ERA against right-handed hitters at Triple-A Norfolk. He allowed only three hits in 8 2/3 innings, and right-handers were batting .107 against him.
"He's got movement, his arm angle is a little different, and obviously his size, I think, factors into it," manager Dave Trembley said. "He's got late life on his pitches. Obviously, he's very excited. Not too many guys from Montana get to come to the big leagues and he's here for the first time and we're glad to have him."
Mickolio wasn't too shabby against left-handers, either. He posted a 1.93 ERA in 9 1/3 innings.
"We kind of thought he'd be here by September if he progressed accordingly," Trembley said. "I think both of our pitching coaches at Double-A and Triple-A did a real nice job with him and he's a guy that we're glad to have. I'm going to use him."
Mickolio found out about his promotion after last night's game. He made sure to get a hair cut and "try to clean up as best I can."
"It's very exciting," he said. "I'm still trying to figure out how to control my emotions."
Let's hope he figures it out before facing David Ortiz.
Mickolio participated in pitchers fielding practice earlier today, so that might have worked out some of the nerves.
Mickolio's numbers actually improved after he moved up from Double-A Bowie, which he credits to a mechanical adjustment. He sought to become more consistent with his delivery, which can be tricky when you're 6 foot 9.
"I think with him, it might be a little easier, if that's the proper term, because of his arm angle," Trembley said. "He's not an over-the-top guy."
Mickolio is capable of going two innings, but he has no idea how the Orioles will use him. With the early exits from the starting pitchers, he could be needed at any time.
Roch, please tell me that you pepper those sun guys with split-balls now that you're sitting behind them. You can even use bits of the sun paper for ammo.
Belated comment on DCab.The 91 mph has been na insidious creep from the beginning of the season. I reckon it is at a rate of 1 mph per month.He was 95-96 in May and 92-93 at the end of July. Is this tied into greater control ? I don't know. And the other possibility is he is pitching through a sore (tired) arm.
But if he is going to stick around , he has to develop something else. I was hopeful a splitter would be in the offing.This makes more sense for him than the breaking ball as he is a power pitcher.
At age 27 , he should be peaking. But as a late bloomer , let's give him the benefit of the doubt. He is a 4-5 starter on a good rotation. Because he has progressed from last year, you have to stay the way. If it were the other way around, then it is a no brainer.
Roch, do us guys who done have poor grammar but guessed Mickolio get to move up a row?
If this guy turns into a quality reliever it just makes the Bedard deal look that much worse for Seattle. MacPhail for executive of the year?
Roch, how come they won't give one of those guys from AA a start to see what they can do.
6'9"?
Whoah. 18ip 11 hits 7 walks 20k's for Norfolk. Seems like he's not holding back. Hopefully he won't here either. Gotta watch those walks though.
Gives me a definite reason to watch tonight. I'm worried about Mr. Waters. Hopefully he can find some solid ground to stand on.
Roch: How would you pronounce punter Sam Koch's last name?
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It's "cook." Now the bonus question: How do you pronounce MY last name? - Roch
I'd pronounce it like "k-u-bat-ko" like mocking a coach uttering [O]k, [yo]u bat, Ko -- Ko being some nickname for the hypothetical bench warmer. Maybe this is the etymology of your last name?
So, going by your pronunciation for Sam Koch, your first name is pronounced "Rook"?!?
I just want to thank God for blessing me with uncanny humor, sarcasm, and satirical blogging skills. I just blog one day at a time and know that I'm in God's hands.
Don't be a blooter, keep it pithy and stay perspicacious.
Roch,
How come MASN does not have MASNHD for Verizon Fios?