Updating Bergy
I guess Yankee fans should thank Kate Hudson for fixing Alex Rodriguez. Now maybe she can do something about the umpires.
Orioles pitcher Brad Bergesen, whose rookie season ended with a Billy Butler line drive that slammed off his left shin, told me last night that he expects to begin a "running progression program" within the next two weeks.
I've heard of throwing progressions, but this is a new one.
Bergesen explained that he'll probably do some treadmill work, perhaps walking for a minute, then running, and repeating the process. Eventually, he'll be jogging outside and running sprints.
"I've got to believe that by mid-November, I would think that I'm running pain-free and able to do everything with no restrictions," he said. "That's just my own personal guess. That could all change, but that's kind of my hope."
Bergesen will have a better idea once he receives more input from head athletic trainer Richie Bancells, assistant Brian Ebel and team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens. But he remained optimistic last night as he relaxed in his California home after playing a round of golf (he shot a 91).
"My leg has been kind of a slow progression, but it's night and day compared to where it was at," he said. "I'm walking on it pain-free. I've been able do everything but run. I'm still trying to not overdo it, even with walking, but I can go out and play a round of golf with no problem whatsoever."
Bergesen also said he's "not worried at all" about being ready once pitchers and catchers report to Sarasota, Fla. in February.
Barring a new injury, "there's no question I'll be 100 percent by spring training," he said.
Bergesen left his July 30 start against the Royals after allowing one run through seven innings. The Orioles wanted to include him in a six-man rotation once rosters expanded, but those plans were scraped after he was shut down. Bergesen had expected to return much sooner.
"I still remember the day it happened," he said. "I was standing on crutches talking with Andy MacPhail and I told him how optimistic I was and thinking I'd still be able to make my next start. I wanted a chance to see how far I'd go, but I knew so little about how serious it was.
"Dr. Wilckens, even though all the tests they ran came up clean, still told me he thought there was some type of break in there. I have no doubt - and again, this is just my personal opinion - that I have a hairline fracture in there, just by how long it took. I've had bone bruises and been able to play through the pain before, but that was something else."
My question for today:
Who will emerge as the staff ace next season between Bergesen, Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman and Jeremy Guthrie?
You can add another pitcher who's currently on the roster, or someone from outside the organization if you're bold enough to go there. Those would be write-in candidates.
Anyone old enough to remember when Steve Garvey made the All-Star team as the first write-in, and won the game's MVP award? You'll have to go back to 1974.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
MATUSZ - WITHOUT QUESTION.
To me, Matusz has ace written all over him. The left handed version of Mike Mussina.
I think Matusz and Guthrie both have an ERA in the low 3's next year. Is it opening day yet?
If ANY of the people currently on the roster are the staff ace we will NOT win 80 games next year.
In case you were wondering, yes this assessment includes Mark Hendrickson.
Matusz, hands down. I put Guthrie as a #5 starter next year. Maybe not by rotation spot, but definitely by results. And that's just because of the development of everybody else...not by his regression.
Roch-I think the O's could be successful next year if a decent closer is added and the bullpen revamped.The "power hitting cleanup "man wouldn't be necesary IF they were made to bunt and learn to move runners over.There were plenty of runners,just a lack of team hitting in getting them in-too many dp's.pop ups and k's. too few hitting behind the runners.Situational horrors!Basic baseball and we score many more.
I would say Matusz will be by 2011. Unknown FA or trade candidate will start Opening day 2010.
Bergesen and Matusz will go head-to-head. Tillman will be a distant 3rd. Guthrie will be a great 4th starter and Hernandez a brilliant 5th.
Well, I don't think it will be Tillman. I think he's still got some learning to do. I think Matusz will also take some lumps. So starting out, I'm going to go with Guthrie, because I think he will have a bounce-back year. Bergesen will be 2nd in line, if not 1st.
Midseason, though, Matusz will have made enough strides to get ahead of both of them, since he has better pure stuff. Based on this, I think Matusz, Guthrie and Bergesen all have ERA's under 4 and provide enough quality starts to garner 15 wins each, or more.
Major improvement over last year.
Of the 4 names you mentioned, none of them are an "Ace". Guthrie is not a true #1 but of the group he is the only proven arm. Bergesen needs to show he can come back and pitch the same way he did but even if he does he is not a #1 guy. While Matusz looks like he has the makeup to be that guy, until he shows he can throw effectively for over 200 innings, no, and the same can be said of Tillman. They really need to find a veteran arm to put in that rotation who can lead them for a year or two and be that Ace they need.
I hope I'm wrong, but Bergesen reminds me of some other pitchers we've seen here in the past that have a good season or two and then we get the idea they are going to be a rotation fixture for years to come. I'm thinking guys like Jose Mercedes, Rodrigo Lopez, and to a lesser extent Guthrie. Bergesen is younger, but he doesnt have great stuff and has been successful for about half a season. I dont think he belongs in any conversation of aces on an MLB staff, it wouldnt surprise me if he ends next year at Norfolk.
Bring back Sir Sidney. He will be our ace.
Ace or Opening Day Starter?
I think Matusz will be the Ace of this club. I think he's farther along then Tillman and also older then Tillman. However, I think he'll be the fourth or even fifth pitcher in the rotation. This is because he has not proven himself yet.
Guthrie will be the opening day starter unless we trade/sign a good pitcher. He's the only current starter on the team with a years worth of experience. And he had two good years prior to this one. Look for him to bounce back.
Roch,
I'm going w/ Matusz or Tillman but giving Matusz the early lead judging by the adjustments he made and those of Tillmans. Chris might take a little longer to fully come aroundd but it seemed like Brian was starting to breakthrough. Honestly Guthrie is probably 4th or my list unless Bergy struggles to regain his form after the injury.
that's easy......................... Matusz
2010 results will show this pitcher ranking:
Matusz
Bergesen
Tillman
Guthrie
I will go outside the current Orioles. I think Matusz and Tillman still have learning to do and they will still be monitored next year. An ace is who you want starting opening day and starting against Sabathia in New York. I do not believe the O's want Matusz in that position yet, 2011 yes, not next year.
Though I expect a modest bounce-back season for Guthrie, Matusz is the guy I'd be more comfortable pinning my hopes to. As Brian himself would say, he's got moxy.
Amen to Chuck. My exact beliefs.
Guthrie - I think he realized how bad he was this year, and getting closer to being a free agent he will step up. He will also bennifet for a consistent spring training this year.
"ACE" and Orioles pitching have no business being included in the same sentence.
Guthrie will start opening day out of "respect". Bergesen and Matusz will probably go toe to toe for a while but I think Matusz will win out. It'll be real fun to watch.
In 2011 Tillman will give them both a run for their money.
In 2012 Erbe will replace Guthrie and give us a rotation of Matusz, Bergesen, Tillman, Arrieta and Erbe. We will be in the post-season hunt every year for the next decade after that happens.
Wow this kool-aid has some kick to it, what's in there anyway?
1. Guthrie
2. Matusz
3. Tillman
I really think the WBC messed up Guthrie for the whole year. His velocity is still there but something was off. I think he bounces back and leads the team in W's and innings.
I hope Matusz and Tillman step-up big time. We need them.
I would say Matusz in a few years, if it will come from the O's. Right now, it will have to come from the outside, no doubt. If anyone is watching the play offs. Have you ever seen so many terrible calls by the umpires and in favor of one team? A team that is clicking on all cylinders and doesn't need any help. With a $200 mil payroll and all their opponents really look over matched. In pitching and hitting. Arod needs a test. He couldn't hit the side of a barn in prior years in play off games. What has happened?
These other teams are wasting their time, even to play. No one is going to beat the Yankees this year and probably a lot of years to come. AND BASEBALL DOESN'T NEED A SALARY CAP?? Even the Angels look pretty ridiculous against the Yankees. There is definitely no one in the NL that can compete with them. Just give them the ring and be done with it.
Morning Roch,
Kazmir (just kidding of course)???!!! If Bergy is back to form I think he is #1. Matusz is awesome but still needs some time to develop and Guts is, IMO, a great middle of the rotation guy. Don't think we are going to go out and spend silly money on any pitcher with the crop we have coming up not to mention trading any of them for a "rental" free agent big bat.
Roch, as always, a question. How are you dealing with the withdrawals of the O's season being over? Curious as to how your routine has changed and what you are doing to "stay busy".
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I'm filing fewer entries and not staying as attached to my TV (when the team was on the road). But it's much harder to come up with topics at the moment, and soon I'll be complaining about having to chase all the false rumors. - Roch
Matusz hands down. I would love to see Bergy get the title if he pitches to potential.
My guess is Guthrie is not even in the rotation when the season comes down. He will be assigned long relief.
I don't see the FO acquiring anyone for the starting rotation. They will put Hill back in there and tell us how certain they are to have found the flaw in his mechanics. To me, Hill will have to pitch INCREDIBLE to earn a spot on this team. He has shown nothing to date.
Bergy's injury was much more serious then they let on to the fans. There is no way a player is out of baseball activities this long with a bone bruise...no matter how bad. My guess would be he broke the bone and for whatever reason, they kept it hush hush?
Roch, are the broadcast announcers on a year to year contract, or do they get multi-year committments from MASN?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Why would they keep it hush hush? They planned on adding him to an expanded rotation in Sept. As I've reported in the past (along with everyone else), the X-rays and MRIs didn't show a fracture, but it could still exist. That's what Dr. Wilckens is saying. As for the broadcasters, it's often year-to-year, but I'm not privy to that side of the operation. I only know my contract status (signed for one year plus an option on Aug. 1, 2008. That would make me a free agent next summer. I'll be playing for a contract, so expect a big year out of me). - Roch
It makes absolutely no sense to make Matusz the #1 pitcher in 2010. Why put such a heavy burden on a future star so early in his career?
Since obtaining Lackey is a pipe-dream (we won't meet his salary demands and he won't want to pitch here), my write-in vote is Garland, Marquis, or any other FA signee.
If we don't sign a starting pitcher, Guthrie is the Opening Day starter by default, based on his experience.
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Just to make sure we're all on the same page, I didn't ask who would emerge as the Opening Day starter. I'm talking about the ace of the staff. Bergy earned that title last season and he wasn't on the roster on O.D. The eventual ace could be No. 2, 3, 4 or 5 when the season begins. - Roch
Guthrie will bounce back but Matusz and Bergy will be the stoppers.
"That Veronica Vaughn is one piece of ACE. I know from experience."
Roch,
You produce with a big year every year! I wish the committment you show.....every player on our team would showed also!
No I was just curious if they treated announcers like player personel. I was thinking, as an announcer if you go year to year, you really dont have much job security. But again, in this business all you need is for ownership to change hands and they can bring in who they want.
Why would they keep it hush hush...maybe if they thought there was even a remote chance he could be included in a trade package.
Matusz defnitely.
Does the front office know that Josh Bell has a sleeve of tattoos? If so, the continued enforcement of the facial hair policy makes little sense, unless they make him wear long sleeve shirts all year.
I remember Garvey. Add Lopes, Russell, & Cey. Quite an infield, all about the same age too. He had HUGE forearms. But I guess he got shortchanged elsewhere...
I also remember at the end of Garvey's career he went to SD. He & his wife did an interview for some woman's magazine & she was quoted as saying that he basically s#cked in bed. They even had a picture of him sitting on the side of a bed looking sad, with her standing in the foreground looking bored. Can you believe it! I don't which was worse, having your wife say that for national publication or thinking Garvey went along with it!! I can't understand why Viagra never approached HIM instead of Palmeiro to do their ads either.
Shortly after the divorce (big surprise there huh) Garvey got 2 or 3 women pregnant within a few years of each other. I guess his problem was solved or he was out to prove her wrong. In either case, bad timing, he was thinking of running for a Senate seat in Calif. went all that news hit. He was always depicted as a clean cut, straight arrow. It all went south fast.
Yeah... I remember Garvey...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------And the most popular bumper sticker in SD was, "Steve Garvey isn't my Padre" - Roch
Matusz without a doubt. He's the best pitcher out of the Orioles system since Mussina.
Roch that's sort of a strange time for your contract to start/end. Will you be sweating it out like a Manager on the hot seat?
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Lets just say I can't afford to get off to a slow start. - Roch
Were umpire McLellan's atrocious calls "make-ups" for the missed 2B pick-off on Swisher by the 2B ump? I know that "make-up" calls are a slippery slope at the MLB level, but they happen at other levels - pitch to pitch, steals, tag-outs, etc.
Roch
Unless JG is traded,
Guthrie
Matusz
Bergesen
What can this group produce? An average of 12-15 wins?
Maybe you pick up Livan Hernandez as an innings eater. Also adding Justin Duchscherer would be nice.
Something tells me that you don't need to worry too much about being extended Roch...
2010 Os ace, Matusz, hands down. I also want to throw a vote Rich Hill's way for #1A... I say he gets it together in spring training and finally proves some people wrong...
For better or worse the rotation has to go in this order...
Guthrie
Bergesen
Matusz
Tillman
I hope we get a semi-healthy Bedard or Sheets in the offseason. I would anticipcate either not pitching a full season but I would also expect Arrietta to be up some time in 2010.
Rich Hill vs Bedard.. which would you rather have?
Bergeson will be back as the ace, but he's a #2 or #3 pitcher. Just like Guthrie is a #4 or #5 in a good rotation. I don't think we see Matusz show ace stuff until the season after next, maybe late in this season if he hasn't suffered a freak injury.
I'd say by the All-star break the rotation would be:
Bergeson
Matusz
Guthrie
Tillman
(insert random minor league fill-in here)
The Orioles aren't going to compete next year, I can't see how it's possible. There's nothing out there in free agency to make this team better and aside from Brandon Snyder there aren't any bats in the minors that are major league ready. And who knows, if Snyder comes up he may prove that statement wrong and flop.
I don't see Andy making any trades for legitimate power hitters when they have players in the minors they're convinced are the future at the corners. You'd have to give up too much to get good production and why do it when you want to put someone in the organization there in a year?
As far as the pitching staff, maybe you take some of the young outfield talent we've amassed in the minors and trade it or find some package with some of the prospects we've got and trade for an ace on a struggling team, but I don't see that happening either because what team is going to trade their ace pre-season and what ace would go to a struggling team at the All-Star break?
It's going to be 2012 before we see a winning season. I hope everyone can stand Brummie and Jack until then...
Matusz will be the ace. Bergy will be a very reliable two, Guthrie and Tillman will be solid in the three and four slots. (Guthrie was never really an ace, he held that as a default with the O's)
I still think Koji makes sense as a fifth starter; I don't see him having reliever stuff. Your thoughts Roch?
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Koji has a wide assortment of pitches and great control. To me, that's reliever stuff. He's good once or twice through the order. And he's closed in the past, so we know he has the stomach for it. - Roch
Staff Ace: Matusz.
Um, Skullsville: tattoos do not equal facial hair. The O's policy is arbitary, yes, but precise in its scope.
Though your comment does makes me wonder, if a player got a tattoo of a beard on his face, would it be against the rules?
And that not so deep thought leads me to recall the inimitable Butthead, who once, during a particularly feisty badinage with Beavis, proclaimed, "I'm going to get a tattoo of a butt, with a butt-shaped tattoo on it. And I'm going to get it right on my butt."
As Jack might write, too-shay, Butthead; too-shay.
I wouldn't see any of them as the "ace" next year.
Bergeson is a solid #2 or 3. Matusz is definitely going to be the ace starting in 2011. Guthrie will probably be the opening day starter again barring a significant offseason move for a starter,(which I don't see happening), but he is far from an ace. Tillman will probably be serviceable but probably won't develop as fast as Matusz.
I say Matusz for sure.
My question of the day...
How long after the Yankees win the World Series before the annual debate about salary caps comes up. It wasn't an issue (how much the Yankees spent) if they weren't getting to the series, or even the postseason. But since they are ripping through teams, probably won't have a problem with the Phillies, I can only imagine how the debate will ramp up about MLB implementing a salary cap.
Roch, an unrelated question... What is the deal with the Orioles' facial hair policy? Is there any indication they may get rid of it. The article in The Sun about Sherrill contained this excerpt: "Overall, he looks slightly different now. Once freed from the Orioles' no-facial-hair policy, Sherrill grew a thick goatee and, in the past two weeks, has added a 'playoff beard.'"
I've never liked the facial hair policy and this just reminded me how ridiculous it is. Is there any chance they will get rid of it. I feel like it's so absurd for the O's to do this to grown men, pro athlete millionaires. I know the Yankees do this, but I mean, they can get away with it obviously because they pay the most money and compete every year. But for us to do it, nobody wants to come here as is what with the losing and not being able to pay as much as big market teams. Add to all that that if someone did come here, they would have to shave off any facial hair. Why do they keep this policy? Is it stubborness on Angelos' part that he won't admit he's wrong by changing a policy that he started. Our own players grow facial hair when it is not baseball season, and as soon as players leave us they start growing the hair, like Sherrill.
I think the policy is unnecessary at best, detrimental to the organization in at worst. There is an intangible quality to facial hair as part of a players appearance. Besides being part of their presence at the mound/plate, psychologically I think it's damaging that these guys can't let loose and be themselves and yet are told to go out play hard and enjoy the game.
Do you know how many teams have such a policy? I really think doing away with this policy would improve morale on the team. I myself have had a goatee my entire adult life and will never shave it, I hate the way I look without it. It is part of my face as much as my eyes, nose and mouth are. If I had to lose it, I would be angry. I'm sure at least some of the players we have feel this way - and I can relate. If my job told me I had to shave, I would resent my employer and hate my job.
Angelos is fielding a team of ballplayers, not lawyers. I just think this policy is ridiculous and damaging to an organization that ALREADY has trouble acquiring free agent talent. It is just one more reason for any ballplayer to not want to be here.
Sorry about the length of this post, I didn't mean for it to be this long when it first started. I was also inspired because I was watching some of the LCS games from the 1970s on MLB TV and man, those guys had hair.
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I haven't heard anything about the policy changing. I'm not a big fan of it, either, but I think the 12 straight losing seasons and competing in the AL East work against the team more than the policy when it comes to attracting some free agents. - Roch
It doesn't matter to me just as long as they win and they are all productive. AND who ever is the home opening day starter the win also. Plus, I hope Brad Bergesen Is back to the way he was picting before his injury.
Guys, how can you overlook Rich Hill for the "ace" position?
Hill is a quality baseball player. The Front Office believes in this young man. He played for the Cubs so he must be a GREAT player and he won 11 games one year.
Sure he got lit up at times last year and struggled to pitch beyond the 4th inning, but progress is being made! Don't pay attention to those poor outings by Hill. Andrew surely doesn't.
And this year wins and losses matter more! So Hill will be ready to go when it really matters. Consider his outings last year as an exhibition.
Hill pitched "injuredd all last year, even though the scope of his alleged injury would have made it impossible to pitch at all. I know some people might think that the injury was a fabrication to save his butt from the cut squad, but to the Orioles Front Office, the injury shows how much heart Hill has and how much more he can "do" for the Orioles.
Did I mention Hill has a cheap salary?
LOL
Roch
As I watch Jason Werth absolutely rake in the playoffs, I wonder if there is @ O's prospect that you can think of that was on the fringe here and then turned into a star? Granted the dude is 30 but he has 36 homers this year and maybe @ WS ring?.
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Finley and Schilling, to name two. - Roch
-And the most popular bumper sticker in SD was, "Steve Garvey isn't my Padre" - Roch
October 21, 2009 10:18 AM
LOL
I have relatives assoc. with Washington State U. They are known as the Cougars. When I was out there to visit, I saw this one.... "Cougar Mom" on several cars & started laughing. I was thinking, wow, quite a swinging town. My family didn't get it, the slogan isn't out there apparently. I went to several bookstores in town looking for a few of those, I knew some worthy candidates to own one & it was going to be my pleasure to get them one of those bumper stickers....
With the exceptional poor umpiring this season there has to be a movement to get reply more involved. I've never been a big replay person but the umpires are doing more to get in installed than anyone else with missing such obvious calls (foul/fair ball in the NY/Minn series) and with the calls in the current series it is horrible.
Jack,
Please tell me which owner of a Major sports program ask his fans about moves he makes and opinions on what he should do?? Give me a break, and you call yourself a realist?
As for your alter ego Brummie,
Luke Scott had 449 at bats, 26 doubles, 25 homeruns, and 77 RBI's, that is hardly a bust and he isn't a retread. Neither are Albers or Sarfate, they are in their 20's still. You have no baseball knowledge at all nor any creditability.
If you hate the Orioles so bad and everything about them, why even talk about them, why are you even here? Go root for your Cubs.
Roch,
I've heard that the cutoff for Super Two Players will be 2 years and 141 days this year. Have you heard this also? Would this mean that Adam Jones is not a Super Two player(I believe he's at 2 years and 139 days)? If so, will the O's try to sign him to a long term extension or will they pay him 400k and worry about an extension next year?
You want write-in candidates, eh? How about Josh Johnson from the Marlins? Orioles trade Adam Jones and Brandon Erbe for Johnson and Uggla. Marlins get to put Maybin at 2B and move either Ross or Jones to LF. Marlins get an all-star who admittingly has shown more potential then performance but who will be cheap and under team control for four years. Marlins can't afford to keep Uggla next year and probably can't afford Johnson much longer either.
The Orioles get a veteran ace pitcher and a big right handed bat in one fell swoop. Presuming that the rumors are true that the Orioles think Uggla can play 3B, they also get to fill that hole. Also, by getting two big names they hopefully get some fans more interested in the team.
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I haven't checked into the Super 2 stuff. Usually gives me a headache. - Roch
Matusz will emerge as the ACE, I don't care wheather they sign anyone or not.
Normally I don't respond to Jack's idiotic posts, but to speculate that the O's were keeping an injury to Bergesen hidden because he was a potential trade candidate? You never cease to amaze me with your ability to show your ignorance. First, what reason would the O's have to trade Bergesen? Two, if you trade an injured player and fail to disclose the injury, the trade will be null and void.
Not everything that happens is a conspiracy by the front office, negatroid. In fact, I'd venture to say that 99.9% of what happens is not a conspiracy by the front office. And you wonder why people dislike reading your posts.
Like many others, above, I endorse Matusz as the future ace of the staff. I hope he isn't bogged down by the lofty expectations of the fans. I share the concern of mls that Bergesen could find it hard to repeat the success that he had this year. Hope he is able to refine his off-speed pitches in the off season. That's why I won't mind if Bergesen is included in a package in a deal for Adrian Gonzalez. Guthrie has a major problem in that even with 0-2 counts he isn't able to entice hitters into chasing pitches which are out of the strike zone. He needs to add some deception in his delivery; it's too true right now.
He could be an innings eater which has some value. At this point they should focus on stock piling and auditioning power arms that could be #1 or #2 type starters. If they can get a couple then you build a rapid contender. Never a shortage of #4 starters for the taking.
Hey Roch,
Back from Houston (Miguel Tejada says hi). I like Matusz as the long term ace of the staff, but he could very well struggle in his first full season. Which leads me to my question for you. Watching the playoffs and this Yankee team play, do you really think the O's can compete w/ them and the AL East w/ the current roster of players and potential minor league prospects? Not just next year, but the following 3-4 years? I am trying to convince myself of it, but just do not see it. Even if guys like Tillman and Matusz pan out. In your opinion, what 5-10 things need to happen for the O's to become a legitimate contender? I'd be interested in seeing it as a blog entry and what other O's fans think.
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It all starts with pitching. If Matusz, Tillman, Bergesen, etc., are the real deal, they'll compete. - Roch
Matusz
Bergeson
Tillman
Guthrie
Arrieta
1, Bedard
2. Guthrie
2a. Bergesen
2b. Matusz
5. Sheets, Prior, or another creative signing
6. Arrieta - long relief to closer, or long relief to SP
7. S. Johnson - if he toys with AA hitters and is considered ready (obviously).
Matt said:
Roch,
I have an idea if Baltimore EVER wants to win more than 65 games next year...
Trade: Reimold, Pie, Guthrie, Sarfate (It would take a package like this to get Pujols in Baltimore)
For: 1B Albert Pujols (Cardinals want to trade him)
Matt, Bubala:
The Cardinals are disappointed that Pujols is not anxious about extending his current contract. They don’t want to trade him!
If the Cardinals and Albert cannot forge an agreement by, let's say, the middle of the 2011 season, the Cardinals may begin to entertain offers for the Big Guy.
Keep that attractive trade package in a “YOU HAD ME AT REIMOLD” File – so that you can reintroduce it summer after next. If I’m still around, I may suggest substituting Lou for Felix – no need to overpay if we have the Cardinals by the short feathers.
Do you think he will get pounded next season? I hope this injury doesn't suck away any of his talent.
woelps said:
Roch
As I watch Jason Werth absolutely rake in the playoffs, I wonder if there is @ O's prospect that you can think of that was on the fringe here and then turned into a star? Granted the dude is 30 but he has 36 homers this year and maybe @ WS ring?.
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Finley and Schilling, to name two. - Roch
BABE RUTH
Carlos Zambrano
There is never any opportunities for fans to supply input or suggestions on anything from changes at OPACY to player apperances to "how can we make this team more your team"
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Jack, every game I went to this year I was approached out by the statues for feedback to Oriole Park and their programs in general.They asked several questions and asked for suggestions. In exchange for giving them 5 minutes of my time, they gave me 2 tickets to a future game. You can go there before every game and whine to your heart's content and feel that your "voice" was heard. You also will get the free tickets so you can say you didn't contribute to Angelos. I like how you want a 100 million dollar payroll but don't want to spend any money at the games, makes sense don't it?
I would like to formally apologize to Jack. While he is a nuisance, he is nowhere near the level of stupidity showed by B_O. Not even close.
Sorry Roch, I digress and have stayed away for quite some time from bashing the nay sayers but I couldn't let this one go.
Brummie......you are truly an idiot. I seriously do not know where your logic comes from.....oh, that's right, you don't have any. Enjoy your mother's basement, ummm, I mean your journalist career in Europe. PO.
To most all other posters (because we know there are some alter egos here) I apologize for this post, it's just that I have had about enough of their crap. I very much enjoy this blog and enjoy reading most posts but the ridiculous constant banter from the same few "posters" is really frickin old.
I love baseball and love the comments of MANY of the folks that post here. Sorry to rant and if you scroll this post I don't blame you, just needed to vent.
Sometimes people just don't think. When you are 0-6 and your team or the coaching staff essentially quit in the NE game (59-0) doing the following is rather stupid or I guess gutsy.
"Fisher appeared during the event at Lipscomb University along with former Colts coach Tony Dungy and country music star Martina McBride, among others. As Fisher introduced Dungy, he removed his jacket and dress shirt to reveal a blue Peyton Manning jersey underneath. Fisher stepped back up to the microphone and said, "I just wanted to feel like a winner," drawing laughter and applause from the crowd of about 2,500."
I will admit it is funny but if I was the owner and saw this, coupled with the horrendous showing of the team this year I sure would give him a piece of my mind, and possibly show him the door. I'm guessing his track record will get him another season but he is living on the edge.
Roch,
With your upcoming contract renewal you need to diversify your skill set. I suggest setting up a LFL fantasy league. Though I suspect those in the class who live in their mother's basement already have one.
Hey Roch sorry about the other night, still was 14 and 4 for the week, but as you know over the years when you get cocky or think you know to much you get put back in your place. Hope you still should black for the week. I have a 5 star pick this weekend, if it doesn't win i will give out the rest of the year for free, i am affiliated and documented, I LOVE THIS GAME
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No need to apologize. Can't do much about the opponent returning two kicks for TDs. - Roch
Schoolman,
Upon viewing the replay of today's question, I noticed that you asked about the "staff ace." For two years, or so, our "staff ace" will be in a class of pitchers less effective than the class of pitchers to which "aces" belong.
Every ace is a #1, but every #1 is not an ace. I am going to assume that -- currently -- we do not have an "ace" on this staff; a pitcher who stops losing streaks and loses only five games in two or three years of his career.
Matusz perhaps - someday.
At any given time, there are few aces in the deck of major league pitching; and, right now, the Orioles are not holding any.
Schoolman: Do you plan to quiz us on the other-worldly calls by umpires recently and the possibility that these calls will move MLB closer to a more comprehensive system of challenges?
I bet Kate is the cure for all of ARod's ills.
There's a lot of going wrong that I'm sure Kate could fix...I'll just leave it at that.
Matusz looks like a keeper.
mls said:
I hope I'm wrong, but Bergesen reminds me of some other pitchers we've seen here in the past that have a good season or two and then we get the idea they are going to be a rotation fixture for years to come.
Very good. Appropriately skeptical that someone regarded as a potential low-end starter but has exceeded expectations through hard-work and intelligence will likely not reproduce last years tremendous results. Bergeson may currently be my favorite Oriole because he is a true pitcher. But I am not simply going to extrapolate last years results into the 2010 season- especially not with what is becoming an injury more severe than first depicted. (I still find it odd that Bergy knew it was major immediately and the O's staff thought he might get back on the mound the next week)
We need 7 strong starters available to be competitive. We have 4 if you count Tillman who I think will struggle again and Guthrie who may simply be an average 4th or 5th starter. I think we need a legit #2 and #4 just to compete. It would take a little cash. We aren't "blocking" anyone. I hate the term anyway. It's always up to the team whether they CHOOSE to block a player or not. Melvin wasn't blocking another third baseman. The Orioles chose to play him there over a less experienced player. It only seems like we block players because of the way we tip-toe around vets like Jay Payton or Mora. Unbelievable.
Roch,
I asked for an update on Bergy, and you delivered BIG-TIME. Thanks, and it looks like you're off to a strong start in your option year!
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Thanks for giving me the idea! - Roch
Carlos Zambrano
Brummie_Oriole said:
Guys, how can you overlook Rich Hill for the "ace" position?
Hill is a quality baseball player. The Front Office believes in this young man. He played for the Cubs so he must be a GREAT player and he won 11 games one year.
Sure he got lit up at times last year and struggled to pitch beyond the 4th inning, but progress is being made! Don't pay attention to those poor outings by Hill. Andrew surely doesn't.
And this year wins and losses matter more! So Hill will be ready to go when it really matters. Consider his outings last year as an exhibition.
Hill pitched "injuredd all last year, even though the scope of his alleged injury would have made it impossible to pitch at all. I know some people might think that the injury was a fabrication to save his butt from the cut squad, but to the Orioles Front Office, the injury shows how much heart Hill has and how much more he can "do" for the Orioles.
Did I mention Hill has a cheap salary?
LOL
October 21, 2009 11:09 AM
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*YAWN*
First off, I wouldn't mind getting Kate Hudson to fix me...she's pretty cute.
Second, I think Bergeson (if he is healthy) starts next season the strongest, but I think as many have mentioned already that Matuz emerges as the staff ace.
I would like to say Matt Greinke will be our ace, but we'd have to trade away half the team to get him. I would also like to say Mark Hendrickson, but if Brad is healthy, I'll guess he will. Until they sign you Roch. You could pitch and run this blog in between innings.
I don't think there will be a true Ace next year. I'd consider a true Ace to have a sub-3.00 ERA. But I think we'll see the following (and I'm sticking to people currently in the organization)...
Guthrie - high 3.xx/low 4.xx ERA
Bergesen - low 3.xx ERA
Matusz - low 3.xx ERA
Tillman - low 4.xx/high 3.xx ERA
Arrieta (shows up mid-season) - high 4.xx ERA
I see a FA pickup starting the season in the rotation, Hernandez moving to the bullpen and Berken going back to Norfolk. I don't think they can afford to send both back to Norfolk, because...
Your opening day rotation at Norfolk:
1 - Arrieta
2 - Erbe
3 - Patton
4 - Johnson
5 - Berken
Erbe and Patton might be switchable, as are Johnson and Berken. Any way you look at it though, those are some quality guys waiting in the wings.
Matusz! He will be the #1 starter.
Matusz
Bergesen
Guthire
Tillman
Arrieta
"I only know my contract status (signed for one year plus an option on Aug. 1, 2008. That would make me a free agent next summer. I'll be playing for a contract, so expect a big year out of me)." - Roch
Schoolman: On Aug. 1, 2008, you signed a one-year contract plus an option; just whose option is it -- MASN's, your's, or mutual -- and for what length of time? Or were you just being playful?
StinkyD said:
Um, Skullsville: tattoos do not equal facial hair. The O's policy is arbitary, yes, but precise in its scope.
Though your comment does makes me wonder, if a player got a tattoo of a beard on his face, would it be against the rules?
And that not so deep thought leads me to recall the inimitable Butthead, who once, during a particularly feisty badinage with Beavis, proclaimed, "I'm going to get a tattoo of a butt, with a butt-shaped tattoo on it. And I'm going to get it right on my butt."
As Jack might write, too-shay, Butthead; too-shay.
StinkyD,
Would an explanation of your "nom de blog" be G-Rated and acceptable for the SOR? Also, a "Gold Bicep" for your "too-shay, Butthead" post.
mls said:
"I hope I'm wrong, but Bergesen reminds me of some other pitchers we've seen here ... it wouldnt surprise me if he ends next year at Norfolk."
Jack said:
"My guess is Guthrie is not even in the rotation when the season comes down ... Bergy's injury was much more serious then they let on to the fans. There is no way a player is out of baseball activities this long with a bone bruise...no matter how bad. My guess would be he broke the bone and for whatever reason, they kept it hush hush? Why would they keep it hush hush...maybe if they thought there was even a remote chance he could be included in a trade package.
mls or Jack -- which one was the first person to receive a brain, transplanted from a gerbil, and improved his I.Q. by 20 points?
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When MASN hired me, they gave me a one-year deal with an option, which they picked up two months ago. - Roch
Roch - almost a free agent. Can I steal you away to blog about my life? It'd be like an online EdTV!
Roch'
Let's go with Matuz, Floyd, Bergesen, Guthrie, and Hill
Matt P said:
Roch,
I've heard that the cutoff for Super Two Players will be 2 years and 141 days this year. Have you heard this also? Would this mean that Adam Jones is not a Super Two player(I believe he's at 2 years and 139 days)?
Matt P.,
What Players Are Eligible for Arbitration?
A player and club who cannot agree on a contract may agree to salary arbitration, provided that the player has enough service time in the majors. The following players are eligible for arbitration:
(1) Players with at least 3 but less than 6 years of service in Major League Baseball;
(2) The top 17 percent of players with at least 2 but less than 3 years of Major League service. These are known as “Super 2” players. To qualify as a Super 2, a player must have accumulated at least 86 days of service in the previous year. Historically, the cutoff point for Super 2 status is 2 years, 128 days of service, though the requirement has been as high as 2 years, 140 days in years past.
For more: http://baseball.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_baseball_arbitration_works
2010 SUGGESTED ROTATION / Revised Edition due to the minor omission of Tillman's name.
1. Bedard
2. Guthrie
2. Bergesen
2. Matusz
2. Tillman
5. Sheets, Prior, or another creative signing
6. Arrieta - long relief to closer, or long relief to SP
Matt said:
Roch, I have an idea if Baltimore EVER wants to win more than 65 games next year... Trade: Reimold, Pie, Guthrie, Sarfate (It would take a package like this to get Pujols in Baltimore) For: 1B Albert Pujols (Cardinals want to trade him)
Matt, Bubala: The Cardinals are disappointed that Pujols is not anxious about extending his current contract. They don’t want to trade him!
If the Cardinals and Albert cannot forge an agreement by, let's say, the middle of the 2011 season, the Cardinals may begin to entertain offers for the Big Guy.
Keep that attractive trade package in a “YOU HAD ME AT REIMOLD” File – so that you can reintroduce it summer after next. If I’m still around, I may suggest substituting Lou for Felix – no need to overpay if we have the Cardinals by the short feathers.
Erik Bedard....he makes 9 or 10 great starts before missing the rest of the year due to a missing heart.
Seriously guys.
Bedard is NOT coming back to Baltimore. He was miserable here.
I'm so sure of it, I'd be willing to wager wearing Hiloti Ngata's game worn jock on my face!
Oh wait, that one was already taken...