More than a two-pitch pitcher
I was expecting to see a steady diet of fastballs and sliders from David Hernandez tonight, but he mixed in his changeup and the occasional curveball.
He's just following instructions.
"His changeup is his equalizer," manager Dave Trembley said. "He uses his changeup very effectively. That's what he was working on and that's one of the things he was told to work on, going from Double-A to Triple-A. That was one of the things (Rick) Kranitz really emphasized with him and a couple of those other guys - (Brian) Matusz and (Chris) Tillman.
"I don't think he threw it very much last year, and Mike Griffin, his pitching coach, when he sent the report in to Alan Dunn, it was emphatic - make sure you make him use his changeup and make sure if he throws it for a ball, make sure you have him double up and throw it again because that will make his fastball even more effective. And I thought that was a real key thing for him tonight."
Hernandez became the Orioles' fourth starting pitcher to win his major league debut this season, joining Koji Uehara, Brad Bergesen and Jason Berken. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only other trio of teammates to win their debuts during the expansion era was Chase Wright, Tyler Clippard and Ian Kennedy of the 2007 Yankees.
By my count, the Orioles have them beat. And how often have we been able to say that?
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Please explain to me why every local news source yesterday and this morning were saying that the O's hadn't swept the Blue Jays at home since 1994, when in fact, they swept them at home on 4/20-22/07? MASN first reported that during yesterdays game, and then every other source went along with the stat. Does anybody check their facts before reporting them?
Roch, I know you've been waiting for Hernandez for a long time now. Doesn't this feel good tonight!??!! Wow! What an awesome stretch we are in with these guys. Don't look now, but we're only 6 games out with a refreshed attitude. Instead of looking at a June swoon, we could expect this team to soar. What a turn around from year's past!
Roch where has Hendrickson been, I do not think he has pitched since the Nats series. I thought they were saving him for tonights game just in case Hernandez didnt go deep.
I guess Trembley doesnt have faith in him to hold a close game.
hope we dont see him tomarrow
that's so awesome!!!!
Roch,
Another good game tonight! Hopefully the pitching can continue with it's recent hot streak. Two runs or less in 5 of the last 7 games, I'd take that all season long.
On a side note, any early odds on Wieters getting the shaving cream to the face after the game? They have to be pretty good, I'm thinking 3-1 maybe 2-1.
Keep up the good work, as always you Roch!
Ok, let's this out there before the Haters can spew their negativity.
These guys are NOT the Cavalary; they are the Advanced Scouts; they will some day make up a Great Bullpen and let the STUDS carry the load. Bye Bye Walker, Hendrickson and other subpar relievers.
THE ORIOLE WAY IS BACK. GET ON OR BE A HATER FOR LIFE.
Do you know if the Orioles trading one of the catchers, sending him down, or releasing him? The Padres migh want a upgrade at catcher.
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I haven't heard anything about a trade. The Orioles would like to keep Moeller in the organization. - Roch
Hard not to get excited about the Birds, it seems like they are making all of the right moves. Best move of the off season was signing Nick and BRob long term. Don't forget that. From where we were a few years ago to now as an organization is impressive. We have waves of pitchers coming up and the first wave is here. The road won't be smooth, we will have ups and downs. Adam Jones won't hit 350 with 60 homers -- he will slump some over the long season. I vote for patience. We have to be patient with all of our players -- lets not release Jamie Walker yet, he may get hot and at the right time bring a bucket of balls (and we won't have to pay his salary). Keep patient with Wigginton. Sure he pops up a lot but I think he is streaky and is great to have around to fill in and pinch hit. The next wave of pitchers are the real deal -- Patton, Tillman, Arrieta and Matusz included. We are going to have plenty of tough decisions on who to keep and we will have to trade some real good prospects but the best commodity in all baseball young and cheap arms and we have plenty. We really only a couple of holes to fill -- third and first base long term and perhaps shortstop. I wouldn't mind keeping Huff. It is a great time to be an O's fan but let's not get to excited -- the plan is for us to really compete in 2010 (and I say and mean plan we really have one).
I though Hernandez had four pitches fastball, slider, changeup & curveball? Well its going to be great to see all 5 players back together again Bergesen, Reimold, Berken, Hernandez & Wieters. When Uehara & Sarfate come back & cut Walker & Hendrickson O's could have a very strong team.
Great job Dave. 5 outta 6, with the youth infusion. I'll take it. Love these O's. F. the haters.
I have never watched a more meaningful week of Orioles baseball than I have this one. I am only 20, so I do remember us being a good team in the 90's, but it has been a long time coming to see some good young players. This team is getting younger and hungrier.
And imagine, if you will... it's quite likely that we haven't seen the top four starters in the organization (Tillman, Matusz, Arrieta, and Patton), plus the high likelihood that the O's take a polished and soon-to-be-ready pitcher with their #5 pick in the upcoming draft, someone like Kyle Gibson, Aaron Crow, Tanner Sheppers, or Alex White.
To Sean, you spoke the TRUTH and we need more of that around here.
Awesome the way the youth are pitching. The o's are the first team in a loooong time to have 4 rookies win.
Chris Waters last year makes five debut wins in a row.