Roster move
The Orioles have made room for Rich Hill on the 25-man roster by placing Luke Scott on the disabled list. Scott is eligible to be activated on May 26.
The pitching staff is back to 12. We'll find out later whether Adam Jones is back in center field.
So Hill makes his long-awaited first start tonight. Anyone care to predict his line?
During yesterday's baseball show with Tom Davis and Dave Johnson on MASN, which included me for the first hour, we got into a discussion about Felix Pie and what the future could hold.
Johnson made an interesting point, saying it wouldn't matter if another team claimed Pie off waivers, and that the Orioles don't need him taking up a roster spot at Triple-A.
When you think about it, would there be any benefit to having Pie at Norfolk, besides maybe increasing the Tides' chances of winning the International League title?
We already know he can mash minor league pitching. He's a career .300 hitter in parts of three Triple-A seasons, with 34 home runs in 1,123 at-bats. He's twice been named the No. 1 prospect in the Chicago Cubs' system by Baseball America.
We get it. He's one heck of a minor league player.
The Orioles need to find out whether he can be productive in the majors, whether he can flash more than two tools (running and throwing, and I only give him 1 1/2 because his accuracy needs to improve). He's hitting .197 after going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts last night, leaving his career average at .218 with five homers in 331 career at-bats over parts of three seasons.
He'd be a nice addition to Norfolk's roster if the Orioles passed him through waivers, but whatever numbers he put up would seem hollow. He needs to get it done up here. And the sooner, the better.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Hill's line tonight: 6IP, 5 Hits, 2 Runs, 3BB's, 5K's (98 pitches).
Roch,
I don't like to criticize people, but what is Dave Johnson talking about. Why would it not matter if someone else claimed Pie off waivers? Does he just not understand that this guy could be a great player if he is given a chance, or does he just think that 60 At Bats is a good enough measuring stick for a player. Too bad we can't place Dave Johnson on waivers, but who would claim him. By the way, this is not directly in response to his most recent bonehead comment, but I just think he is awful in his pre-game role.
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The point is, the Orioles obviously wouldn't feel like he was close to being a great player, or they wouldn't put him on waivers. And having Pie hit .400 in Triple-A would be meaningless if he came back up here and hit .180. - Roch
Shouldn't you also subtract half a point from his running since he's not
a good base stealer, making him a 1 tool player in the majors?
Does he have any trade value left, or has his stock crashed harder
than the Dow Jones over the past year?
Roch,
You called the scOtt to DL - way to go! Hill should have a few jitters but the KC lineup isn't too stacked. I see 6 IP, 4 K, 2 BB, 2 R, 90 pitches.
Dave Johnson was on point regardless of what alot of people think. I keep hearing about the 60 at bats but he didn'trun out of options this season. He was given chances in Chicago, and he can't hit the breaking ball. Did anybody else notice Weiters' power picking up?
Hill's Line - 6 IP, 5 hits, 2 earned runs,
4 BB, and 7 k's. 98 Pitches, 61 for strikes.
Orioles Win!
I can see where Dave Johnson is coming from on Pie. We already have two everyday outfielders, which leaves one position for Pie, Reimold, and Montanez. Reimold is an everyday player. He will be our leftfielder next year. Pie is intriguing and has certainly looked more relaxed and much better in the last week. Someday he could be a very good outfielder in the major leagues, but I just don't see how he fits for the O's. Unless you are going to trade Reimold(I believe that would upset the fan base greatly) or switch him to first base, where does Pie play?
Mike - Your comment about "breaking their contracts" in reference to bringing up young players is flawed.
At least Luke was honest enough to say his shoulder wasn't good enough to play.I'm sure he isn't happy about going on the DL but they just can't continue with a wounded duck forever. Wish it was Eaton that went but at least it wasn't Reimold.
Never thought about the Pie angle before about him being a waste at Norfolk and his needing to prove himself at the ML level. But how does he get the AB's to do that unless you go back to playing him every day again? There could be a fan revolt if they send Reimold back to make room for Pie playing every day. I say just keep him for a bench player.Then again you can't keep him and Lou on the bench.The positive about getting rid of Pie is it would get rid of the distraction his situation has caused all year.The major leagues isn't supposed to be about working wrinkles out of 3-4 things about a player's problems.McPhail's footdragging on this decision just keeps everybody on edge. Reimold is the best investment of AB's right now.The rest of this season should be about next year.
Oh boy. Luke Scott is not going to be happy... Anyway, I've been waiting a long time to see Rich Hill out there; it's going to be fun to watch.
5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 7 K.
5 2/3 IP, 5 Hits, 3 walks, 6 K's, 4 runs, pitch count 94
Hmmmmmm 331 at bats in the majors and he is hitting .218 with most of those at bats coming in the pitching weak NL. Pie is at best a 1 tool player. I agree with the one poster. there are a lot of talented scouts and executives in the Cubs organization. Do you think they were all wrong when they gave up on Pie...case and point Cabrera
Pie, needs to go somewhere. Just not in the majors. He needs to work on his judement of the hits, be able to gun them down in the outfield, like nick and adam (i know big shoes to compare him too, but still). Also needs work with his batting..if my friends and i can say what is going to happen 99% of the time hes at the plate there is something wrong!
It would be interesting to get Nolan's take on what he's seen since being called up. Norfolk is doing well with a pitching staff that get's the job done. Imagine what he thinks standing out in left field waiting for Eaton to serve up another "cement mixer".
I understand that there is a player/reporter confidential understanding but I'd love to be a fly on the wall.
What do the bloggers think would happen if the O's and Tides met?
This was the right move. MacPhail took his time, took every possibility into consideration, and once again made the right choice in a timely fashion beating tonight's game time start by five hours. Heck, he may even have time to get 18 in at Bull Rock and catch dinner before Rich Hill makes his Cubs(oops), Orioles debut.
We have been playing how long now with Scott hurting. The bench has been so short for how long. For Andrew to come out and just now place Scott on the DL after knowing the results for 4 days is a tribute to the game has past him by.
Sorry Andrew, you dont sacrifice the flexibility of the team at the expense of your indecisivness
Roch,
Any word on how Luke took the news?
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No. Clubhouse doesn't open for another hour and I'm not there. I'm sure he's disapponted, but he hasn't played since last Sunday and still isn't ready. It makes sense at this point. - Roch
Hi Rock - Here is a crazy idea that I can't get out of my head. Despite the long man doing a good job last night, the bullpen has been bad. The starters can't get past 6 innings.I think I may have a solution.
Each night, we have a starter go 5-6 innings and a finisher close out the last 3+ innings. What I mean is this.Starter #1/Matusz...Starter # 2/Tillman...Starter#3/Arrieta....Starter#4/Patton....Starter #5/Whoever.This way the young guns get their feet wet at the big league level.
This way we have quality pitching for 9 innings and the young guys don't throw too many pitches.Plus you can still have Sherrill,Johnson,and Ray to fill in the blanks.
I know this is radical and I'll probably get lit up for writing this.But what do you think?
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Interesting idea, and I like that you're thinking outside the box. But the Orioles would prefer waiting until the young guys can go deep into a game before bringing them up. I'm sure you'll spark a nice debate, though. - Roch
Hey Roch
Do you have any idea of what Pie's relationship with The Crow is like ? I ask because last night Amber said Pie turns to the scout that discovered him for advice because he respects him and his opinion more than anyone and it made me wonder if whatever advice The Crow is giving him is going in one ear and out the other.
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Crowley and Trembley have praised Pie's work ethic. Crowley tutors Pie daily. I don't think there's an issue between player and hitting coach. - Roch
The Os have a dilemma. Neither Pie nor Lou have anything left to prove in the minors. Sending either down right now (assuming Pie could clear waivers) would be tantamount to admitting that he is merely insurance in case "real" member of the major league team gets hurt and goes on the DL. And yet it's possible that both will blossom if given enough big-league experience to get comfortable. Unlike some posters on this blog, I don't claim to be an expert on such things, but I like the way Lou handles himself at the plate and in the field better than the way Pie looks. Even though Lou hasn't been getting hits recently, he doesn't look lost at the plate. He looks pretty comfortable and appears to be up there with a plan. Even in the field, he seems to get decent reads on balls, and his throwing has improved dramatically (indeed, it was dramatically bad last year, but now looks fine). Pie may have more natural talent but I haven't seen any evidence of it yet. At the plate, he looks nervous, and his fielding doesn't give me much confidence. Even the couple of sensational catches he's made seemed to follow bad reads/jumps on the ball. His apparent lack of comfort at the plate is also puzzling, since his excellent minor league numbers would imply that he's different down there. Even when Markakis got off to such a slow start during his rookie year, he always looked comfortable at the plate -- like he knew what he wanted to do but the balls off his bat simply weren't dropping. Pie doesn't give me that impression, and given his minor league successes, I find that puzzling. But as I said at the outset, I'm no expert on these matters.
Double edge sword... He's gotta play to show that he can perforn and he's gotta perform to keep playing.
Roch, you're just stoking the fire with this entry.
Johnson is right on one count: Pie has nothing to prove in the minors. Sending him to Norfolk won't help. The question is whether he has the mental make-up to translate his minor league success to the majors. Maybe he doesn't, and maybe his issue has just been unfair expectations and impatience on the part of his managers (like Piniela). However, it would matter if another team claimed him. We made the decision to give him a shot, we need to follow through rather than jump ship like the Cubs did with him year after year. Going halfway has burned the Orioles for years ("we'll sign a free agent, just not the best one"), and if you always only go halfway you'll find it takes you forever and you never get where you want to be. Even if we "ease" him in - play him against most righties, sit him against lefties, use him as a defensive replacement and our back-up CF - he's a useful part of the roster and we get an extended chance to see how he does when he sees an organization has the confidence in him to keep him in the majors.
3IP, 6H, 5R, 6BB, 4K ;)
Pie should be kept as the 4th outfielder. Because he's a lefty, he doesn't directly conflict with Reimold. It is really Pie and Montanez who directly conflict, since both are left-handed hitting left-fielders. Of the two who do you keep? I say it should be Pie. Both players have nothing left to prove in AAA. While I agree that Montanez has swung the bat slightly better than Pie, the difference is negliable, especially over such a small sample from both players. On the other hand, Pie is three years younger, and has better speed and defensive abilities. Overall, he seems to have a substantially higher ceiling than Montanez. People who argue that Pie should be put on waivers need to convincingly demonstrate that Montanez is so much better offensively than Pie that it warrents releasing a very similar player who is three years younger with greater speed and more potential upside. Montanez himself hasn't yet demonstrated that on the field. When Scott comes back, Montanez should be sent back down.
As for the subject of Roch's last post, I agree with many others that Eaton has now worn out his welcome. He came pretty much as advertised - gave us starts for the first 6 weeks of the season, won us a few games, gave the younger arms some more time to mature. But now its time to move on and actually get those young arms up here. I believe Tillman should get the call now. He's dominating AAA. Yes, he's young, but I think age should be secondary to whether he or not he is ready. The best demonstration that a player is ready for the MLB is to dominate in AAA (like Reimold did). I think that sets an important precedent throughout the minor league system. The message is: if you dominate this level, you will get called up to the next level. This contrasts with the implicit message that rang throughout our franchise during the decade in the wilderness, which was: if you're decent in either AA or AAA, we'll promote you to the big leagues no matter what, because we really need the help. That doesn't breed excellence throughout a franchise.
When Tillman gets called up, Patton should take his place in the Norfolk rotation. Up the ladder the prospects go.
I think this is the best decision all around. No one loses a job and Scott gets some extra time to heal.
It would be an utter humiliation for Andrew to have to climbdown from his earlier stated strategy of " When we bring these kids up, they are here to stay" just 48 hours after bringing up Reimold.
The Orioles will be in the middle of a series with the Blue Jays on May 26. Scott may not be activated until Thursday, May 28, the first day of a series against the Tigers as a result. Hopefully that will also be the second start by Eaton's replacement. The first start by Eaton's replacement, of course, should be next Saturday against the Nationals.
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The Orioles can activate a player in the middle of a series. Scott should be ready before that date, so I'd expect him to be activated on time. - Roch
You have to wonder if there is a communication problem here. Did the medical staff fully explain to the baseball genius what was wrong with Scott? Did the baseball genius understand what they said (anatomy can be a tough subject)? Was Scott straight forward with his condition and how he felt? Or did certain people fail to ask him the proper questions? Are you hurt Luke? Can you swing? Can you throw? Best and worst case scenario for when you might be able to play again?
When an injury saga drags out for nearly a week, these are the sorts of questions that need to be asked of the person in charge.
Sorry, Roch, I really don't agree with you on Pie. The minor leagues is a place to learn, not a waystation to pile up numbers. Good numbers can be byproducts of learning but players who don't learn can also post good numbers too. Fans often get misled by a myth of linear progression. Pitchers target K rates and hitters target the HRs because they know some clubs will call them up for it.
Both Montanez and Pie have proven they can hit AAA pitching, but based on their short MLB stints this season, there's an obvious gap in skills and knowledge between the two. Montanez is lightyears ahead of Pie. Montanez knows hot to read situations, take pitches, go the other way, identify what the pitcher is trying to do to him, and cut down the swing with 2 strikes. Pie has gotten a little better since he got food poisoning but he's still pretty raw. A minorleague stint would help him out because he can learn those skills. The last topflight Cubs prospect I can recall who needed to bottom out in order to start adding those skills was, Luis Montanez.
Ryan don't you think the cubs, and the orioles this year gave him a chance come on look at the numbers they will tell the story. if this is what your going to get outta Pie then there is no need to keep him hear. i cant wait to see Hill's start i think he will pitch good tonight, and for the season. i just hope he can pitch the rest of thee season and not get hurt. we need him really bad.
and one more thing, im praying that eaton does not make another start, its bad for the o's and its bad for him. hes hurting himself, the team, and the bullpen. i think Palmer said it best when he faced new york, the o's gave him a 8run lead he still walks batters, doesn't go right at them and throws alot of pitches this is what you are getting from him all year.i feel bad for the guy but he is not getting the job done.
I'm with Johnson. What real future does he have with the team? Center is his natural position, but he will never replace Jones. He could go to Norfolk to learn to play left, but you want your left fielder to have some pop in his bat, so the future there looks to be Reimold....Hill's line? 8 innings, 0 runs 10 k's and 1 walk.....or will it be 3 innings 8 runs 1 k and 10 walks? Who knows where is head is and how is mechanics will be...It's a risk bringing him up, but with the state of our rotation a calculated one! Baez and Bass better be ready. keep Rochin...
If going oh for four against Greinke (who seems to have the makings of a somewhat better than average majpr league pitcher - you read it here first!) means you get sent down to the bushes, when does Markakis leave?
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I'm pretty sure Pie is being judged on more than four at-bats vs. Greinke. - Roch
Sorry Roch, I know this is a baseball blog. But in the spirit of champions I have to shout:
Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
Glory glory Man united,
As the reds go marching on on on!
3 straight titles and counting.
Do you think that Luke Scott is sour about being put in the DL? I remember he said that he was just about ready. At least it's only 10 days...he's not missing much at all.
5 IP, 2H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Pie is really a tough riddle to solve. Yesterday, he went after two balls in centerfield but couldn't get to either one. However, the quick reflexes and the speed he showed, in chasing those balls, were impressive. He can develop great range. It could all come together for him one day.
Orioles should look at him as a 4th outfielder. Adam Jones has been a bit injury prone so a backup true CF is desirable. The O's aren't going anywhere this year so they can afford to be patient with him even though it can be frustrating at times. They should make a determination on him after winter ball and spring training next year.
Jack--The O's didn't lose any flexibility by placing Scott on the DL (or by not placing him on the DL early enough). He's really only there 10 more days, which means they have 10 more days to figure out the outfield mess. This gives them more flexibility, actually. You should be happy they aren't sending either Reimold or Montanez down just yet.
The way Scott's shoulder improved the couple days after he hurt it is why he didn't get placed on the DL. Where were the O's short this week? Wigginton hit well the first game. Pie stepped up, hit a HR when he was half-dead. Then they brought up Reimold. Really, Montanez was the only guy that didn't do much since Scott became injured. He's lucky as hell they didn't ship him out. All he has done is hit as weakly as Pie, even after 40 some ABs.
Roch I understand that they want to wait until they can go deep into games.
I check all the time and we are coddling our young guys down on the farm. They do not go deep into games unless they are 7 inning games. We have them on it seems a 100 pitch, pitch count and out by six. Same thing at the big league level. We teach pitchers they only need to go 6 innings and they have done their jobs. I also understand we have had a problem with young pitchers and arm problems in the recent past. Not all of those injuries were from over use, many were from poor mechanics. It will be interesting to see how the Nolan Ryan experiment works. At least he is getting his pitchers mentally prepared to go out and pitch as long as they can.
Back to the point our kids in the minors are pitching 6 innings without problems. They could be doing the same in the majors. We do not let a 34 year old go past 6 innings and 95 pitches why would anyone think a younger pitcher can't do the same. If the argument is that they are not good enough then so be it, keep them down.
One more gripe. It is time to call a spade a spade. The only reason Wieters is still in AAA is because of the potential dollar loss. If he is as good as we all think, we are going to have to pay him millions and millions over the years. Might as well pay the piper a few years earlier and possibly put some fannies in the seats.
Just my two cents.
I would certainly not be opposed to seeing either Tillman or Patton although I can wait a bit longer. I don't mind building up and monitoring Patton at Bowie, but if he continues his sheer dominance his ticket will be punched soon enough.
From what I've seen of Tillman, he could easily get the call as well in June. If he can just build up to another inning or so. The main thing with him is he is a strikeout pitcher necessitating a higher pitch count in fewer innings. I definitely think he has the potential to go 6-7 innings and minimize the damage against him.
It's the right move to DL Scott, no harm in that. Retroactive 5 days ago so he'll be back soon enough. I hope AJ can get back tonight or tomorrow, we'll be alright bench wise til then.
As for Pie, the only thing that would benefit him in AAA is playing LF everyday. Other than that he's proved that he can hit minor league pitching.
Debating about going to the Tides game tonight, rain forecasted and I really want to see Rich Hill. I'll be going to the afternoon game tomorrow (if it isn't rained out).
As for Hill tonight, I think 6+ 5 hits, 2er, 3bb, 7 k's and O's continue their dominance against the Royals in KC.
Does this mean Reimold will be the every day LF and, Montanez will DH or Wigginton?
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That's the assumption, but don't forget about Pie. Not sure how this will unfold. Maybe Dave Trembley can shed a little light on it later. - Roch
Guthrie
Uehara
Hill
Bergesen
Eaton or Berken
Scott will be gone for 10 days. He won't be happy, but he'll get over it like a pro. Pie has 10 days to show he should still be given a chance. Reimold has 10 days to show what he can do, and then will probably be sent back to Norfolk. Lou has probabyly until the all-star break to show whether he is an O or trade bait.
Come July 1st, our starting rotation should be
Guthrie
Uehara
Bergensen
Tillman
Patton
Let Arietta, Matusz and Berkin be the second wave for the ones that falter.
I am sorry I have absolutely no faith in Hill as a pitcher. One good year in the majors and everyone is supposed to think he is Clemens. He is a perrennial injury case. ANd we just got rid of one of them in Bedard.
Can someone please answer me to where has all the money from the savings gone. We have cut players, contracts have falling off, and we were promised things would change when MASN took off. Well they say we expanded internation scouting and we signed our normal draft picks.
But where has all the money saved went
WHERE PETE....WHERE ANDREW
Our 4th OF needs to be able to play CF, and right now the only guys in the system that can play CF are Pie and Gathright. I know Reimold and even Markakis have spent time there, but neither should be asked to move there short of both CFs going down in the same game. Pie or Gathright as the 4th OF. Pick your poison.
Call me crazy, but we need to decide what we're going to do with Huff. If we're going to resign him, we've got to do it soon and move Luke. and let Reimold/Montanez handle LF/DH with Pie spelling someone in the OF twice a week. If we're not going to resign Huff (or he doesn't want to stay), trade him and find out if Luke can play 1B. If not, he goes as well.
Roch,
Let me pose this question to the trolls: Is it fair to surmise that Rich Hill is not ready for tonight's start? Just look at his numbers at Norfolk -- sure the 1.35 era looks great -- but three walks at AAA in six innings in his last start just doesn't cut it for me. The issue of control translates to more hits and runs being let up on the Major League level (yes, even against the Royals).
Call me a hater, but I'm not sold just yet that Hill can be called on as a solid contributor to a flailing rotation.
Is Billy Butler MLB's version of Big Baby Davis? Prince Fielder would be the obvious choice, but hell, Fielder is a vegetarian. Doubt Butler has ever met a hamburger he didn't like.
His favorite meal? A Royale with cheese.
On a side note, will you be attending the Marlins/Orioles series in July? If so plan on hitting the town hard with my buddies and I. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but given your obvious prowess in the gym, I'd probably peg you as a MGD 64 guy.
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That series is June 23-25. I'll let you know if I get down there. First round is on me. Vodka could be involved. Just warning ya. - Roch
Pie may need to do better but I would rather have 25 of him than one of Eaton...at least Hill is here noww and hope he does well....but I thibnk everyone needs to be assured that Eaton is the one leaving this team not Pie. he needs to do better for sure but not gone.
I know this is going to go over well with most of the group here but, I'm not so sure Reimold is ready to be the everyday left fielder. He's still very green especially defensively. I don't see an overly strong arm or foot speed. I still think he may be a year or even two away. So with that said it would come down to Lou and Felix and I still think Felix is better defensively. They both have made mental errors with their throws but Felix has the stronger arm and more foot speed. Offensive wise it's almost a dead heat at this point. But we had a glimpse the other night, if Felix starts to get it and starts hitting well...you will see some singes turn to doubles and doubles in to triples. Base stealing takes some time to learn. Just because someone is fleet of foot does not make them a good base stealer. I think both Lou and Felix need to learn more about pitch recognition but I think Felix seems to recognize pitches a little better.
I would say also at this point out of all three of the possible left fielders that Nolan looks more comfortable at the plate.
Lets give Felix and Lou the opportunity to blossom for the rest of the year and let Nolan learn his craft at the AAA level until September.
It's BERKEN jack, stop disrespecting our players and team as a whole. You claim to have seen him in Bowie. Get your sh!t straight. You have no faith in anyone, not a surprise.
Pie also is not going anywhere. If Adam gets injured again (2 injuries in 2 years... it's likely) who plays centerfield?
Montanez is an average left fielder. I saw him play some center in spring training. He's a better left fielder. Reimold is supposed to be decent in left I haven't seen any flashes of leather just yet. Getting rid of Freel pretty much also meant Pie is here for a while, unless you want to see Wigginton patrolling centerfield. That would be a show. I would buy a ticket just to see that.
My line for Hill:
86+ pitches... 4.1 innings pitched, 5 walks, 1 K, 5 ER
My line for Reimold (if he plays):
0 - 4 with 2 K and 2 infield groundouts
I'm one of those who thinks Pie should still be given a little more time in the big leagues. Not that they are going to be exactly the same, but I looked up Markakis' stats from his rookie year. On May 9th, he was hitting 198 and as late as May 28th he was hitting 209. And Adam Jones was in the 240s until mid-June. Pie is starting to look a little more comfortable to me. We should at least see if the light turns on like Markakis and Jones.
The main thing with Hill is the walks,if he keeps them down he'll be a worthwhile experiment.
The other thing Johnson said about Pie today is he believes his eyes moreso than scouting reports or how many tools a player has. He simply says Pie doesn't look good as a major leaguer.Hitting,fielding or throwing. Pie's been in organized ball since 2002 so you can't put everything on his age. He should have the basics down by now.Gauseau was talking the other day about his lack of hustle on a single, turning it into a double. A big no no.
I think a lot of fans are believing thier eyes also, not minor league stats or tools or whatever.
Why is Eaton still on the team??? Are they just letting him ride the plane back to Baltimore or are they planning on making him their batting practice pitcher instead of the opposing teams???
The argument that Pie can hit AAA pitching could also apply just as well to Montanez or Reimold. I wish him well, but I just see Reimold or Montanez as better possible fixtures for LF. Pie simply cannot hit left handed pitchers.
JackY said, "WHERE PETE....WHERE ANDREW"
1. Markakis, $66 million
2. Roberts, $40 million
3. Wieters, $6 million signing bonus
4. Matsuz, $3 million signing bonus
5. Uehara, $10 million, O's best pitcher so far this year
6. Arrieta, $1.1 million signing bonus (record for a 5th rounder)
7. Wigginton, $6 million
Adam Jones will probably see some of that green in a year or two. They'll no doubt be giving a nice bonus to the first rounder again this year.
I can't believe I'm defending Peter Angelos (see what someone like JackY has brought us to?), but none of us will sniff a fraction of this amount of money in our lifetimes, and PETER and ANDY are throwing it around like candy when many other teams are making serious cuts. The Orioles have many problems (though they seem on the right track), but spending enough money is not one of them.
Hill's line
5in, 3R, 2K, 4BB, 4Hits
1.2 IP 7 walks, 0 strike outs, 3 hits, 55 pitches. Dang I hope my reverse jinx works! lol Everyone is going with a good outing so figured I'd low-ball. Hope I'm wrong though. Go O's.
If your at the Preakness please get for me Stacy Keebler to sign " Hi Herb from Stacy " $50 to you or her charity. NO JOKE. Thanks, R.
BMS I can promise you one thing. As a season ticket holder to the Bowie Baysox, yes I have seen Berken a few more times then you have.
Keep focusing on the important stuff with your observations.
Like you said the last time
EATON LOOKS SHARP
We are still wondering which game you were watching that night and season for that fact. The pitching this year has been an embarassment. Changes need to be made and made before the season becomes remembered .....as a 100 loss season.
So in fact....things DONT LOOK SHARP.
No sense in sugar coating the truth. And the truth is, everything Brummie and I have been saying......is the truth...just not sugar coated. And you will be saying I told you so...wanna bet
Roch, you are right on about Pie and the FO knows that. That's why they put him out there from the start and are likely to give him much of the season to prove himself. Dave Johnson is a knucklehead. The stuff he says makes the Demper look like a genius, which is really hard to do.
Well put Jeff, I know what you mean about defending angelos but they have been spending money. They have been doing despite attendance being down the past few years. Hopefully in 2010 or 2011, when they start winning again attendance will pick up and we can fill some holes. Thats the best part about rebuilding. Hopefully picking up guys to fill holes (Jimmy Key, Randy Myers) and not be the franchise like Albert Belle, Tejada. The only problem I have with your post is that it forced me to read Troll Jack's entry. Oh well, back to troll scrolling.
Stupidity abounds Roch!!! 331 at bats over 3 seasons is nothing. Nothing! I really don't know why I waste my time trying to make the point that they need to give Pie a chance. He may fail, as all the pro scouts here predict, but they have to find out. 331 at bats guys!! Come on. Learn the game....please.
Guys what is the crisis here? Players are put on the DL days after they are injured all the time. Teams want to see what progress a player makes before losing him for 15 days. They gave it a shot with Luke, and it turns out he needs to go on the DL. So what?
Roch,
Pie's only 24 and he's only had 331 major league ABs (that's a little over 1/2 a season for a starter) spread over 2+ seasons, the majority of those coming in his first season in the majors at the age of 22. Now he's trying to learn a new position, which can only be distracting from the work he's trying to do at the plate. Given time, he will improve. And let's face it, the O's this season have plenty of time to give him--it's not like anyone's expecting them to make the playoffs. This season isn't about 2009, it's about 2010 and beyond. The only reason for putting Pie on waivers would be if the FO has decided (based on what they've seen on AND OFF the field) Pie is not going to develop into what they expected he would AND that having him around is disrupting the development of Reimold and / or Montanez.
If the O's put someone on waivers it ought to be the 31-year-old black hole in the middle of their lineup. For all the moaning about Pie, he's got a higher OBP and higher SLG than Wigginton (Pie .286 / .307; Wigginton .246 / .299). Obviously, though, the O's need a back-up 1st baseman, so while Scott is on the DL, they ought to just sit Wigginton on the bench and split the DH and LF duties between Pie, Montanez, and Reimold. And when Scott comes back, they should probably send Reimold back to Norfolk for the time being, make Scott the everyday DH and platoon Montanez and Pie in left. In any event, the only reason Wigginton should get in the lineup is if Huff gets thrown out of a game.
For the record, since May 2nd, Pie has 7 hits in 24 ABs (.291 AVG) with 2 doubles and a homer (.500 SLG) and 3 walks (.370 OBP).