Where Matusz might land
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson reportedly has changed his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco.
I guess "moron" and "attention-grabber" were already taken. Sort of like a license plate. Can't have more than one of 'em.
I wasn't really worried about the Orioles' rotation until tonight. If Jeremy Guthrie can't pull his weight...well...now we have a problem.
I know many of us are curious where first-round pick Brian Matusz will be pitching later - the Arizona Fall League or the Hawaiian Winter League. Either way, I'm trying to milk a trip out of MASN.
I'm aware of the rule concerning only one player below Double-A being allowed on an AFL roster, and the Orioles already have designated Single-A Frederick's Brandon Snyder for the Rafters of Surprise, AZ. That would suggest that Matusz either is going to pitch in Hawaii or be assigned to Double-A Bowie.
Or neither.
I'm told that the Royals have two Single-A players on the Surprise roster and the Orioles simply need approval from Major League Baseball to include two of their own. That would allow them to send Snyder and Matusz, which seems to be their preference.
Just passing along what I'm hearing.
Matusz would prefer pitching in Arizona because he'd be home, and he'd like to face the stiffer competition. For now, he continues to work out with the Aberdeen IronBirds, wearing their uniform but not being allowed to play in their games. Minor league pitching coordinator Dave Schmidt has placed him on a throwing program.
Meanwhile, Eric Perlozzo's average at Aberdeen is down to .248, and I'd like to personally apologize if I jinxed him.
Single-A Delmarva's Zach Britton improved to 12-7 by holding Lake County to one run and four hits over six innings, and striking out seven. Hank Williamson (one of my all-time favorite country music singers, right up there with Johnny Cashson) picked up his first save with three scoreless innings. He allowed only one hit, walked none and struck out five.
Roch, is Matusz facing batters and is he as advertised? Just curious.
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I'm told he's working out with the IronBirds and has been put on some sort of a throwing program. And the Orioles believe he'll move through the system quickly - which was a major appeal at draft time. When you keep getting compared to Cole Hamels, that's a good thing. - Roch
hey Roch, when you say Matusz might be assigned to Bowie does that mean he wouldn't get any work in until they start their season next year? I'm assuming they wouldn't just throw him into the rotation now in the midst of the playoffs.
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I was actually implying that he'd be assigned to Frederick and the Orioles would be able to send two Single-A players to the AFL, rather than him being assigned to Bowie or going to Hawaii. Nothing is definite. Just throwing out possibilities, and what I'm hearing. Either way, he's not pitching for an affiliate this season. He signed too late. - Roch
That would be jinxed, not jinked, but since you posted at 2:30 in the morning, I'll give you a free pass on that one.
If Guthrie can't help us down the stretch, there goes our pennant chances. And I was feeling so good about our odds.
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Thanks for catching my typo. I fixed it. The K and the X are so close together on the keyboard, you know... - Roch
I hear there are a few good pitchers coming out of Japan this year. Do you know if the O's have a line on any of them? Or know where Japan is?
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I haven't heard any talk of the Orioles being linked to a Japanese pitcher. But I bet I could find Japan on a map! - Roch
Does it really matter where he is assigned, Bowie or Frederick? He could be assigned to Bowie, pitch one game for them and be reassigned to Frederick, couldn't he? Seems like a minor thing. Not like options or time for free agency.
Rich
I'm only like five days late in finding this post, so I don't suppose anybody will ever read this comment.
However, since Matusz signed a major league contract, I don't think he's considered a minor league player, so he can play in the Arizona League along with Snyder with no waiver needed.