It's Hernandez's turn
Does anyone else consider tonight's start to be pretty important for David Hernandez?
It isn't make-or-break for the guy, but he's got a chance to cement a place in this rotation with Koji Uehara expected to miss the next two months. Tonight would be a firm step in the right direction. Show the Orioles that you're ready to seize the opportunity.
Hernandez has worked into the sixth inning in all three starts (he also made a 2 2/3-inning relief appearance in Oakland). He's walked eight and struck out eight in those starts. You'd rather not have those numbers match.
Hernandez has been a big strikeout guy in the minors. We're still waiting to find out whether his stuff works as effectively at this level.
It's a good sign that manager Dave Trembley hasn't noticed that "finger in the socket" look from Hernandez, as he likes to call it. Hernandez seems pretty calm. You walk inside the clubhouse and you'd barely know he was there. He just seems to blend, acting like he's been there before, even during his first visit.
I remember someone from the Orioles once telling me that Hernandez felt overlooked and underappreciated as he climbed the organizational ladder, that being a 16th-round draft pick didn't place him in the same high regard as the other pitching prospects. It bothered him, but it also motivated him.
You really want to get noticed? A good start tonight would be a good start.
While on the topic of prospects, Jake Arrieta allowed one run on five hits over seven innings last night for Triple-A Norfolk. He threw 64 of his 101 pitches for strikes. Newly acquired Michael Aubrey had two RBI singles.
Check out Steve Melewski's blog on MASNsports.com for updates on Brian Matusz, who dazzled again last night.
Tim Bascom (2-1, 3.75) starts tonight for Double-A Bowie. If you're attending the game at Prince George's Stadium, stay late for the extended fireworks display.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Roch,
I agree it would be nice to see Hernandez have a strong outing.Have you noticed Jason Berkens composure and frustration level on the mound? I think he has struggled mightily.....and seems overmatched.Do you think he could be a candidate to be sent back to AAA?
Thanks,
Del
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He doesn't seem rattled to me. As for sending him down, a string of poor outings could do it, but then we have to figure out who's ready to take his spot. - Roch
Hernandez pitching well matters to him but winning i am sure is a priority!! And where is that help coming from? Roberts, Jones, Markaksis and Wieters? lol! They all have really hit the cover off the ball lately!! If the fast ball is 87 mph or higher Markakis cant catch up! These young kids cant keep going out there and not winning!! I felt so sorry for Bergesen he deserved to win that game. But the bullpen failed him and the offense shut down after wigginton;s homerun!! I thought the way the game started last night orioles were going to be shut out again! Two runs isnt exactly getting the job done! Angels can pitch!! orioles young pitchers have their job cut out for them!! Because this team cant manufacture runs as in bunting stealing bases etc. Must be something Trembley doesnt like!!
I would say Hernandez was over looked the Orioles always held him in high regards thats why they gave him a bigger bonus then most 16th round picks so he would not go to college.
Afternoon Roch.
Hernandez will be fine. He just needs a bit of time.
Now, back to Mora. Last year he had pretty much a career year. With one year left on his contract and his stock much higher last offseason, why not try to trade him?
Yes I KNOW he has a no-trade clause. But you don't think for one minute he'd dump it if he had the chance to go to a contender? I think he'd take a trade to a decent NL team. The chance to win a ring has to be a priority for a guy his age.
Either way he's not in an O's uniform in 2010, so you may as well try to have traded him last offseason. If he says no or the market is bad, at least you tried.
But Andrew is too defensive. He's not afraid to sign some reject, but when it comes to rolling the dice and trading away a guy who has higher value he acts lethargic. He won't do anything. He's content with the status quo.
We could be avoiding this Mora issue altogether if Andrew had took a leap of faith and tried to move him last year. But he didn't.
ANother fine example of how his offseason moves ruined this team before even one game had been played.
Thanks Andrew. Enjoy Pebble Beach and dining in Hollywood this weekend.
Roch,
Any news on Matt Hobgood's activities and when he might see some game action in Bluefield? Also, will they have him on a pitch/innings count this summer? Thanks!
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Steve Melewski wrote about him today. Looks like 2 1/2 weeks before he pitches. Will be on a throwing progression. And like any young pitcher, they'll limit his innings and pitches initially, and gradually build him up. - Roch
Hi Roch, Yeah I agree with you on this Hernandez post. He has a great opportunity here for him for sure. Arrieta and Matusz looked great last night, especially Matusz. The O's starting pitching is really worrying me. Guts pretty much seems like he is just not very good any more but Hill is pathetic...Berken I cannot figure out..and he mostly falls into the same category as Hill and Guts. Berggy is great. That being said Hernandez needs to step up. The starters are the downfall of this team really and the 2 with the most experience seem to be the worst. They do not want to rush the young guys but it seems that Tillman may need to come up after the break if this trend continues. Maybe I am wrong because Tillman is a young guy and only 1/2 season at AAA but Hill, Guts and Berken are not looking good.
I was at the Baysox game last night & Matusz was awesome. Got into trouble in the first (bases loaded), but was able to get out of it cleanly. Stadium's radar gun wasn't working right as it clocked some of his pitches at 41, but I'm pretty sure that 4 was really a 9. In any case, he pitched a complete 7-inning shutout (was the first game in a double header), which the Baysox won 3-0 -- that was fun to watch :)
Think that moronic, non-Orioles fan Dummie_Oriole knows that Mora has a no trade clause, or that MacPhail was not here when we extended Mora's contract? No? Thought so. Hit pot shots at "Andrew" makes me wonder why he doesn't just apply for the job. Oh, wait, he's a total idiot.
I don't see where its make or break for David Hernandez. He's should of been the SP since the start of the season and Koji Uehara should of been in the BP ( he's might still be pitching if he was in the BP.)
Now if you want to talk about a SP that don't belong in the rotation that Rich Hill,(he should play Jamie Walker roll in the BP.)Bring up Troy Patton,its not a season where the O's are going to be 500 this season.
Five trade that should be made are Danys Baez, Mark Hendrickson, Oscar Salazar, Melvin Mora & Ty Wigginton then bring up Brandon Snyder & Michael Aubrey. Then rotate Huff , Snyder & Aubrey at 1st & 3rd.
Just because we are in the rebuilding mode which I thought they said that 11 years ago--you still need to win ballgames. I was told and heard a few years ago that the orioles overrated their prospects! I hope this isnt happening with this up and coming pitching staff. Wieters--of course he has been talked about nationally. Is it me or has anyone else been disappointed in his hitting and defense. Dont tell me you have to give him time because i see aLOT OF OTHER ROOKIES COME UP from other teams and tear it up til the league catches up!
if os can trade Huff,Sherrill and Baez for a young return of talent RHP,3B,1B Prospects we could contend in 2011.....weiters,reimold,andino,snyder,bergensen,guthrie,johnson,albers,tillman,patton,wilfredo perez,arieta,matusz,britton,adam jones,luke scott,markakis,roberts and maybe berken.
John-- and exactly what do you think the orioles would get out of those 5 players??? Orioles need to spend some money on free agents even if they have to over spend. Cant compete in this division on minor players only!!
Roch,
Seems like there is either confusion or subterfuge on the Miguel Sano front. You are saying we aren't the front runners and the B More Sun says the same thing.
But the Pitt. Post Gazette in today's article says we are...
To Quote Them:
"The Pirates should have Latin American signings to announce soon, but their clear focus is on Sano, the talented shortstop who projects to move to the outfield. They made their first formal offer Wednesday, as was confirmed yesterday by two sources, as well as a follow-up visit to the Sano home.
But the general process appears to be on hold until MLB completes its investigation of Sano's age. That could take several more days. The Pirates completed their own investigation last month, which backed Sano's claim that he is 16, but other teams want more proof.
In the interim, the Baltimore Orioles, one of a handful of other suitors, have ramped up the intensity to get Sano and have emerged -- for now -- as the front-runner."
The Twins reportedly offered $3million for him and the Pirates made an offer...so if we are still the front runner...is it possible the O's are actually prepared to pay market price to get in the international game? After what the A's paid last year for Inoa/Ynoa (not sure of spelling) - I think the O's don't have any more excuses for being cheap on this front.
Now everything I've been reading says he's going to either move to 3rd or the outfield...considering our glaring hole at 3rd after next season (when Wiggington is a FA)...shouldn't going after Sano be a priority even if he realistically won't be ready after next season (if ever)?
Roch, do you personally think MacPhail was trying to downplay the interest in Sano so we could come in and overwhelm with a big bid? Big difference between not matching/outbidding the Yanks for Tex since that was $10s of millions of dollars more...but an extra $1million to take a chance with the top Dominican prospect? Seems like a safe bet. That money would be made back pretty quick if he ever gets to Baltimore. I think we saw that with the spike when Wieters made his big league debut. Actual O's fans in the stands again. A stunning change. I even made the trek up to see him from down here in Fort Lauderdale.
Give us some hope here Roch!
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What's interesting is Jorge Arangure of ESPN The Mag says he's gotten confirmation that the Pirates haven't made a formal offer. Could be semantics. Terms may have been discussed, etc., but it's not an actual offer. It's all speculation to say somebody is the frontrunner. Based on what? The Orioles certainly haven't made an offer because they're waiting to find out what happens with the MLB investigation. They're most certainly interested in the kid, but not sure how they merit frontrunner status. Sounds good, though. - Roch
Come on now, Josh, I'm sure Brummie is much more "in the know" as to whether Mora would accept a trade to a contender than Andrew is. I mean, Andrew's playing golf all the time, right? I'm sure other GMs are calling Brummie up saying, "I'm trying to trade David Price for Mora and Hendrickson but Andrew keeps telling me he wants to think about it!"
I'm sure a lot of contending teams are just lining up to take on Mora's salary and below-average corner bat. What team wouldn't want that guy? Andy should be able to just pick two or three good prospects at will for Mora, as well as Baez, Hendrickson, Salazar, and Wigginton, hoping that they all bring with them that magical winning formula they crafted in Baltimore.
Agreed, this is a huge start for Hernandez. However, both Hill and Berken have huge starts coming up as well. If Hernandez gets lit up tonight, he may get another chance. I can't say the same about Hill or Berken. So if one of the three falter - and that is a distinct possibility - who lines up to audition for the rotation? Hendrickson or Bass could be plugged in on an emergency basis for a start or two. Someone else can be called up from Triple-A (Pauley? Waters? Another kid?)... or the Orioles can sign a free agent innings eater to buy a little time until September. The pickings are pretty slim, however. Brandon Backe, Jae Kuk Ryu, or Odalis Perez anyone?
Come on orioles' fans!! Wigginton at 3rd next year?? Arent we tired of signing everyone's has beens. he is an utility player at best!! If he was or is all that--why didnt rays keep him a few years back. Because he isnt a full time player! I want someone better playing third!! I am tired of losing!! 12 years is enough!! I am also tired of hearing 2010 or maybe 2011!
If it isnot in the minors --- you may have to spend some money!!OH NO!!
i THOUGHT THIS MASN WAS GOING TO HELP THE O'S FINANCIALLY! wHERE IS THE MONEY?? I am tired of signing these players no one else wants!!!! I also want my team to take back their beautiful ballpark when we play the red sox and yankees!!! THAT IS REALLY EMBARRASSING!! Put a winning team back on the field and the fans will come IF ITS NOT TOO LATE!!
Roch, The walks are a potential concern. In his minor league career David has yielded 222 walks in 525.1 IP along with 609 K.
While this isn't wildness on the scale of a Daniel Cabrera, it shows that Hernandez isn't quite the strike thrower that Bergy is or some of the other young guns are said to be. He can get away with that in the minors, but it's a disaster waiting to happen in the bigs, because with much more patient hitters he's either going to be giving up free passes with run producers coming up next or falling behind repeatedly and getting into hitters' counts. Pitching like that is sure doom against lineups like he's going to be facing, especially with teams like the Angels and everybody in the AL East.
He had plus stuff and needs to trust it. He needs to pattern himself after someone like Brad Bergesen, who pitches to contact, but with very good command. He can't fall into the Garrett Olson manner of pitching, which is constantly trying to nibble at the corners, because if he does that he's going to get killed.
If David commands his fastball, trusts his stuff, trusts his catcher and trusts his defense he should be fine.
Come on orioles' fans!! Wigginton at 3rd next year?? Arent we tired of signing everyone's has beens. he is an utility player at best!! If he was or is all that--why didnt rays keep him a few years back. Because he isnt a full time player! I want someone better playing third!! I am tired of losing!! 12 years is enough!! I am also tired of hearing 2010 or maybe 2011!
If it isnot in the minors --- you may have to spend some money!!OH NO!!
i THOUGHT THIS MASN WAS GOING TO HELP THE O'S FINANCIALLY! wHERE IS THE MONEY?? I am tired of signing these players no one else wants!!!! I also want my team to take back their beautiful ballpark when we play the red sox and yankees!!! THAT IS REALLY EMBARRASSING!! Put a winning team back on the field and the fans will come IF ITS NOT TOO LATE!!
Hoooge start. C'mon kid, you can do it. Trust your stuff and bring the heat!!
It figures that one of the resident idiots would falsely claim that last year was a career year for Mora. Uh, no, his career year was 2004. All this proves is that you are not really an Orioles fan if you do not even know how the players did as few as six years ago. Silly Dummie.
Man you guys need to learn how to read. I said I know Mora has a no trade clause, I was talking about trying to trade him last offseason after the decent year he had.
Send me a response when your reading level is above the first grade, Josh.
Although I usually take what Trembley says with a grain of salt he has come out and said that when the minor league season is over, Matuz is going home.I guess this totally ignores the fact that when Hill has 3 inning starts, it trashes to bullpen options for several days.So when you get in a close game you might not have a rested bullpen arm to bring in. Luckily the O's weren't in a close game last night because Johnson,Baez and Sherill were all used the day before because Tremmbley yanked Bergy.Hitters know Hill can't throw one curve after another so they take them and sit on his weak fastball.To me, there's no reason not to bring Matuz up and do something with Hill if he has 2 more bad starts.Sending Berken back down won't accomplish anything.There's been tons of pitchers throught history that have started their careers struggling,then it clicks.Berken's probably putting more pressure on himself than necessary.You have to know what these guys have so you know what to do in the offseason.The O's pitchers biggest promlem to me is they're not mixing thier pitches to keep the hitters off balance. Gut's pitching to Abreu last night is a perfect example.Why in the world do you throw an 0-2 fastball unless it's a waste pitch?
You guys are funny! Everyone is ripping the O's for not bringing up Tillman and Arrieti, and letting them learn at the big league level. Then when they bring up Berken and Hernandez, and they don't pitch like Palmer and McNally, you rip them a new one. There's no winning with you folks!
The fact is this team is doing exactly what they were expected to do, struggle! They'll play well at times, and at times, they won't play so well. Some of the kids they bring up will be good, some not so good. That's just the way it goes. Get use to it.
Go Orioles!
Brummie, you're criticizing moves that weren't made last offseason. While it would have been nice to move an aging Mora, last year wasn't a seller's market and Mora has a hefty contract. Hindsight is always 20/20. Let's worry about the future of the club that seems to be moving in the right direction. Is it to early to set our sights on Chone Figgins in 2010?
I hope Hernandez does well, however , he is a fastball change guy and from time to time he gets it up in the zone. I am looking for a resurgence of bats tonight after a good sleep.
It was pointed out by rex Hudler that we were 0-32 at one point including the Boston game.
About Guthrie. Last year, everything is knee high. Remarkably consistent . Last night, there were a couple of change ups wherein he was lucky they didn't end up in the bleachers. It wasn't just two bad pitches. There is some sort of inconsistency in his mechanics that is allowing for the waist high fastball or change.
Need to see more ground balls.
I predict Hernandez 7 innings 3 runs tonight.
Quality Start.
I am absolutely amazed that someone would say that Andrew did not try to move Mora last year. How would someone know that with such certainty. Maybe we tried and no one would make the deal. Maybe no one wanted him enough to pay that salary. How would any of us know unless we were part of the FO. Please try to keep things as your opinion and not write as if you really know.
Hey, Dummie_Oriole, please refer to everyone else's comments to you, as well as mine...hopefully YOU can read above a first grade level to get the point, and that is, you are a non-Orioles fan posting here to bash "Andrew" for decisions that were made before he even got here. And by the way, Mora had a no trade clause last year as well (and yes, I know MacPhail was here), so trading him then would have been next to impossible. If you knew anything, which we all know you do not, Mora has six kids and lives in Maryland year round...HENCE ONE OF THE REASONS WHY HE HAD THE NO TRADE CLAUSE PUT IN HIS CONTRACT TO BEGIN WITH. So again, and more slowly this time, it...is...hard...to...trade...him. See, moron? No? Didn't think so. But I am sure that if you were the GM, you'd find a way, seeing the vast front office experience you have.
We're at the game. 8 of us, row6 & 9 behind Angels dugout. Look for lots of Orange.