More on Bergy
I placed a call to pitcher Brad Bergesen shortly before 9 p.m. last night, which he returned about 20 minutes later. We had a nice chat, though I kept it brief. The poor kid will be dealing with the media on a daily basis beginning next week, so I try not to intrude much during the winter months.
I wanted to check on his health, and whether the rumors were true that he sustained an injury while shooting a commercial two months ago. I heard some whispers, and they grew loud enough yesterday that I finally reached for my phone and dialed his number.
It had pretty much been confirmed, but I needed to hear it from Bergesen. I obviously caught him off guard, and he issued a friendly denial that wasn't convincing.
It was understandable, given the delicacy of his situation. This isn't an injury that teams normally reveal to the media, though we certainly would have found out once he reported to camp and began working on a separate schedule than the other pitchers.
Bergesen called me back a few hours later, after I turned off my laptop and headed upstairs. He kept apologizing for not coming clean earlier, but he wasn't sure how to respond to my questions and decided to play it safe until checking with someone in the organization. I tried to ease his mind by telling him that I completely understood, and that I appreciated how he got back to me. It tells me a lot about his character - not that I needed further proof.
At that point, Bergesen had been receiving multiple calls about his health issue and knew that it needed to be addressed. He's convinced that he'll be ready for Opening Day, and that the exercises and throwing program already have brought positive results. If he's worried, it isn't showing.
We can add Bergesen to the short list of interesting storylines in spring training. We'll keep a close watch on him and try to determine whether he'll be part of the starting five on April 6.
Kevin Millwood is the No. 1, but it's possible that Bergesen would have been slotted second if manager Dave Trembley decided to separate Millwood and Jeremy Guthrie. Bergesen has spent more time in the majors than Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman. He was turning in an excellent rookie season before Billy Butler's line drive slammed off his left shin. It wouldn't have been a big reach to give him the ball on April 7.
I suggested to a friend and fellow scribe that Bergesen could be slotted fifth and skipped the first week if he needed a little more time, but that won't work. It was pointed out to me that the Orioles will play 16 straight games before their first open date on the schedule, which is highly unusual.
So much for that idea.
Assuming that president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail doesn't bring in another pitcher - he only made a strong push for Erik Bedard, who wouldn't have been much help anyway - Bergesen's absence could open the door for David Hernandez or Jason Berken. It's also conceivable that someone like Jake Arrieta steps up and seizes the opportunity.
Another possibility, of course, is that Bergesen will be fine and we can eventually put this storyline to bed, but it's an unwanted distraction and concern. It also makes you wonder if pitchers should be off-limits to December commercial shoots, no matter how much they warm up before the cameras roll. That's especially true with Bergesen, who hadn't stepped on a mound in four months.
He accepts much of the blame for getting "caught up in the moment," as he put it. That, too, is understandable, since Bergesen knows his body better than anyone and makes his living with that right arm. He's old enough to speak up and save himself.
Here's the commercial, which was shot at Camden Yards:
You can play against everyone or create your own league - and it's Free!
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
R the O's snakebit? the irony of O's throwing his arm out trying to sell tickets.....He looked like he was overthrowing in the commercial...
I first saw Bergesen pitch while sitting behind homeplate, at Hagerstown's Municipal Stadium in 2007. I was extremely impressed. His bulldog type approach and ability to keep the ball down and on the corners was apparent that night. This guy will be a solid #2 or 3 starter for years to come. Good Luck in your recovery, Brad.
Bergesen seems like a good and earnest kid. That's good.
I hope this is just a minor thing and that it doesn't affect him too much in the spring. If he's not ready for Opening Day, our rotation is obviously diminished.
OCJ: Thanks for the WAR comparison link. I'll check it out over lunch.
Must be refreshing for you to deal with players that have this kind of character. It's refreshing for me as fan to see it.
It might be time to get a little more serious about Wang or others that could seriously compete for a spot in the rotation.
I'd slot Bergesen as the 4th starter. He earned the home opener with his performance last year, he has zero road wins, and his ERA at home is 2.68. Easy choice IMO.
I'll put a $100 bill up that says there is no way the O's play 16 straight games in April. They will have at least one and probably more weather postponements. In fact, Opening Day is in danger right now because the snow may not be melted at Camden Yards.
I was slightly concerned about some kind of lingering effect from the line drive off the shin impacting his delivery. This we didn't need. So I hope for his sake and the team's that he can get fully on schedule by the end of spring training. I really like this kid and think he's going to be a solid major league pitcher for a long time.
Thanks for digging into this and giving everyone a great report. Not that that is unusual for you in any way.
If we know about the injury so does every agent and the cost of getting a starter goes up…if we need one.
Here we go, how exactly did he injure it ?
BTW, has anyone ever taken this O's quiz? Its pretty cool. Give it a whirl..
http://www.sporcle.com/games/tk926/orioles_lineups
I have been very supportive of the Orioles and Andy MacPhail and I love my young future stars like Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, and Brad Bergesen.
I am sorry but I have to really question the wisdom of the team for letting a currently rehabbing pitcher to shoot a commercial that has him pitching. I know the marketing machine has been really trying to get things going and need to showcase the new faces and hype them, but come on. Couldn't they just have shown some footage of him last year?
Stupid move.
Roch,
I agree it is an unwanted distraction and concern. I hope he can get a grip on these injuries. He was a kid who really show a great mound presence like Matusz.
Have a safe trip down to Fla. And thank you for all that you do!
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Thanks Kirk. - Roch
Roch-
I love that it seems like with the youth we have built, they came with great personalities, and just seem to be nice kids.
I hate the Milton Bradley's, and the Manny Ramirez's etc. Well, I don't hate them, just the attitude. They get paid tons of money to play not just a game, but the NATIONAL PASTIME, full of history and a timeline that coincides with so many great events etc.
So, its good to see we are drafting character kids as well.
Although, I could put up with a little lip, if we get someone to bat .365 with 40HR. As long as they are in orange and black.
Hi Roch,
Do you know or have you talked to anyone about this kind of injury?
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No. - Roch
Late season he wasn't listed in many top tens (maybe right around 10). He came to the big leagues and put together a pretty solid season. After 4 months of not pitching, I too would get "caught up in the moment" if I was the spotlight in an O's commercial. Get healthly dude, we expect big things from you this year.
If Bergeson cannot perform the work that other pitchers can in Spring Training, he should start the season in the minors. He should not be given a job just b/c he pitched 123 innings last year. Set a precedent. Sure, it’s not necessarily his fault that he’s injured, but staying healthy is part of the deal if you want to be in the majors.
I cannot remember this ever happening. Sure, guys have fallen down steps, cut themselves cooking, got hurt hunting or driving motorcycles, but, hurt making a commercial? I think this is a first.
I have done some commercial production and the atmosphere is quite seductive for a young guy like Brad. The Orioles should have a team representative present to protect their investment, especially when the commercial is done to promote the team. Clearly a "teachable moment."
This is a terrible shame, but the worst thing Andy could do right now is hit the panic button and start bringing in more retreads and rejects.
Adam Eaton anyone? The last thing this young team needs is another poorly performing veteran who will only teach bad habits and his losing ways to the kids.
I still think there is more to this injury than the FO is letting on. But we shall see :)
I am a huge Berken fan and I think he will overtake Tillman before it is all said and done. This injury only gives him another chance.
Man I hope Bergesen is NOT 1 of those destined for the IR thru his career!! Sure seems snakebit so far and SO much promise!! He can easily be our ACE for many years to come. SIGGHHH!! Oh well, where is Mark Eaton these days?
As if i'm not already eager for the start of a new promising season. Masn has to make me crazy with the Bergesen spots.
As far as the injury, I think Bergy will be fine. At worst, he misses maybe a start or two.
And Roch I want to think you for being our lifeline for the O's .
After all you da man.
CM Ray
Roch. Bergesen called you back a few hours later??? did he say, Roch who, dont call me back CLICK!!!!!!!!!!!!??
Couldn't the Orioles have hired Betty White to stand in for Bergy during the filming of that commercial?
I was going to offer Hayden Penn as a possible replacement in case the injury is more serious. That was before I found out he injured his groin shoveling snow a few days ago.
Sustained an injury shooting a commercial. Nice going O's...hope that spot is worth it.
I blame the O's. They know that Bergy is the kind of kid who is going to give you 100% all the time, even if it's "just a commercial". They should never have put him in that position.
They certainly did a good job of keeping it quiet for as long as they did.... thereby proving my point.
It's very unfortunate that this happened to Bergy. There's nothing you can do about injuries, although, having said that, no excuses this year. The Orioles must be a better all around team despite what injuries, etc. happen during the course of the year. I also hope that knowing this may be an issue, we need to sign one of the remaining free agent pitchers...a decent ML pitcher, even perhaps Washburn or Wang.
Roch,
Was Bergy injury prone in his minor league career? He seems to be a slow healer--considering his age.
Jim Carter
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I believe he was struck in the head during BP in Frederick, but that's another freak accident. - Roch
Good post Roch....I feel lots beter about the injury and what a nice read on the kind of person that Berggy is....we love Orioles like that. I just hope he has no setbacks and is 100% by the time we need him in April...sounds like that may be the case. Kinda funny to hear his paranoia of what to say or not to say to the media abotu the situation. Smart kid to ask the organization what to say or what to keep quiet...all that for that 30 second video, I hope he has learned a valubale lesson here. We need him badly to be healthy and good.
Is it just me or are pitchers some of the frailest athletes in sports? Or is it that I am just used to the luck the Orioles have with pitchers getting injured.
Lets not over react. It does not appear to be serious. Roch is right. lets wait to see what happens in spring training. We have lots of options and, with young pitchers we need them.
Thanks for the update Roch... Looks like you'll be able to get out of here on Monday after all. Looking forward to the ST update. The injury doesn't sound terrible at this point. But a shoulder injury is always worrisome. I'm sure DH would have no issue with a few spot starts until Bergy was ready if it takes him a little longer to recover. But if he's already throwing, you gotta take that as a good sign from the MRI image of his shoulder. I guess ole Andy knows what he's doing when he stockpiles a ton of arms.
-Dave
AndyH said:
It might be time to get a little more serious about Wang or others that could seriously compete for a spot in the rotation.
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I was watching Hot Stove on MLB channel and they talked about Wang. They said only the Dodgers and Nats had interest in him and the Dodgers dropped out after watching him pitch. Apparently he won't be available before June. If Bergeson is 1-2 weeks behind, Wang is no help.
I guess to summarize, the injury happened in December, the trainers have worked with him, and he has had throwing sessions since and felt better each time. So what's the big issue and WHY would the O's announce this to anyone?
Roch - As much has I like your writing and the info you provide, it's become unbearable to read the comments while the morons and idiots continue to post. I have chosen to not read ANY comments, which is unfortunate given there are some insightful fans that post, and find myself visiting the blog less. Continue the great work as I always know I'll find something interesting when I visit your blog.
I am a huge fan of Bergy. I hope he can get his health issues resolved. If not, Arietta should be the next one called.
As much as I like Hernandez, I think he is more suited for the bullpen. As with Berkin, I think he might be a little over his head in the ML.
I hope Indecisive Andy is not going to go out and pick up a few rejects like last year. The only thing that did was demoralize the team for the entire year.
Do you think that Matusz will be slotted at the 2nd spot in the rotation to give a left to go between Millwood and Guthrie?
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It's possible, but we won't know until these guys have pitched in some games. Nobody beyond Millwood is going to be slotted this early. - Roch
Well its a nice commercial at least.
I think that Brummie is right, it really is a conspiracy. The O's secretly want to bring back the bullpen cart. Cash in on the retro market.
Its not a good sign at all if your pitcher is injuring his shoulder just from throwing a little in a commercial.
How will his shoulder hold up thru the season if he can't make it thru a stinkin commercial? I really hope Bergy isnt on that long list of talented guys that just cant avoid injuries.
I wouldn't be suprised to find out later on this spring that theres something more going on then "tweaking" in that shoulder and perhaps they are hoping to rehabilitate it without surgery for the time being.
I hope all is well with him though, he has a great mind for pitching, and it is an absolute joy to watch him cutting that ball all over the place. Especially when he's throwing that slider one direction and cutting his fastball in the other.
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Assuming that you weren't kidding, I'll point out that you can't just pick up a ball after being off a mound for four months and start throwing with maximum effort. That's why they have long tossing early in camp, and spring training games, to build up your arm so you can make it through a season. That's why starters only go a few innings initially during exhibition games before working their way up to 5, 6, 7. To build up their arms. He probably would have made it through that "stinkin' commercial" a lot easier if it was filmed during the summer. - Roch
It's way too early for an "I told you so," but if Bergeson can get hurt during a commercial shoot, doesn't it make sense to have 7-8 capable starters and at least a couple of experienced guys to help stabilize the young rotation beyond Millwood (who may be gone in July anyway) and Guthrie (who may or may not be any good moving forward)? Should this freak injury or an additional ST injury come up, guys like TIllman and Berknandez will be handed spots in the rotation. That's not how it was meant to be. It shouldn't take this news to understand that this team is too thin and not prepared to contend. But there were opportunities for a check to resolve those depth issues. If we want minor league depth to fight for a spot, that's what we'll get- minor league caliber pitching every fourth or fifth day as in years past.
I am shocked of the news that "The Big Hurt" is retiring. The reason I am so shocked is because I didn't even know he still played. Was he even on a team? He must have been in the National league or something.
Have you heard who is going to replace Buck Martinez? Is Mike Flanagan still a possibility?
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I certainly would have written it. No decision has been made, but Flanny's in the mix. Don't think it will be one person. - Roch
Thanks for posting the commercial, Roch. They produced a nice piece. It's too bad there were "cost overruns."
A pattern I have noted over the years is that any injury to a MLB player tends to be minimized, by both the player and club, if the injury is not obviously serious (e.g., requiring immediate surgery). I guess the rule-of thumb for the player and club is, be positive about a quick return unless/until the player is put on the DL (or released).
So, the player with an injury that does not warrant an immediate trip to the DL is listed "day-to-day" (which always has the potential to turn into "week-to-week"). I have learned that an initial "day-to-day" status does not always mean the injury is minor and could still mean the player goes to the DL.
Case in point, when Bergesen got his shin torpedoed, I remember him immediately discounting the severity of the injury. And maybe my memory is flawed, but it seems that even after putting Brad on crutches, his status was "day-to-day." It took a while for the reality of the injury to sink in and the decision for Bergy to be shut down for the rest of the season to become "official."
So, my point is that when it comes to any player getting injured, "it is what it is" (to quote the wisest philosopher in Carolina, John Fox of the Carolina Panthers) and there's no point in a fan trying to make a judgment, one way or another, about the extent of the injury (regardless of what we hear from the player or club). I guess with many injuries it's about impossible for the O's medical staff to clearly diagnose the severity or how quickly that individual will be able to fully recover.
Bergesen is injured. He will probably experience a full recovery, but nobody can predict that or when it will happen. We might as well all say "goosfraba" and see how this plays out.
"I certainly would have written it. No decision has been made, but Flanny's in the mix. Don't think it will be one person. - Roch"
Any chance we can lure Ken Singleton from the Yankees?
Like others have said, I hope Bergesen doesn't anymore back luck!
Can we give this up already? I strained my arm a little bit by throwing hard when I wasn't conditioned to throw that hard yet.. it's not rocket science.. it was stupid of me to try to throw that hard, but I was excited to be on a mound again.. it has been 4 months since I stood one..
I'll be ready, and this isn’t a "sign" of things to come..
I loved the bullpen cart. I remember wishing we still had it during the time Lee Smith was our closer. The cart would have been significantly faster.
Why is everyone pressing the PANIC Button? It's a 162 game season! He said he was going to be 10 days behind everyone else...that gives him a whole month to get healthy for Opening Week. If he misses 2 starts...who cares & so what...we are playing the Rays, Blue Jays, Rays, A's, & M's those 1st 16, not the Sox & Yanks!
This is why you can never have enough ARMS & why pitchers don't get long-term deals. Bergy will affect the outcome of at the Maximum 32-33 games this season or roughly 20%. Whole lotta baseball to be played w/out him...
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Brad!
Why did he throw 100% if he did? He didn't need to for a commercial. If he did that's just dumb. I'm sure he didn't I love Bergy. Accedients happen to everyone. I'm sure that he will be fine, and be an ancor in our 2010 roation.
Roch, Whose bright idea was it to get Bergy to do a commercial like this when he's in the process of trying to come back from a fairly serious injury and hasn't been full strength for quite some time?
It's a really questionable decision on the part of the Orioles/MASN in my opinion. There are plenty of healthy players they could have drawn from to film and push him back to a later date. Good commercial though.
Let's hope that it's nothing serious, because it would be a shame to see his career derailed again.
Great work Roch!
This is really disturbing news about Bergesen. Our brightest ray of hope of the 09 season, first shut down because of a liner off the shin, now a possible rotator cuff injury just to shoot a team promo. As diligent as A.M. is, you have to wonder how something like this can happen under his watch. Maybe it's nothing, but it appears to be something given the following cover-up. If Mark Hendrickson is named the 5th starter in spring training due to this injury, I will burn every Oriole artifact I own. This could be the last straw! I'm getting my attorney ready to file the divorce papers as I pound the keystrokes. The Orioles bring such a love/hate relationship.
Cereal Blogger,
Who do you suggest that we replace him with??? He is clearly one of our better starters, and the front office seems to believe that he'll be ready by opening day. You cannot punish someone for doing their job and fulfilling their duties (commercial shoots). True, if I were a member of the front office, I would not have thrown an already rehabbing pitcher in a commercial that required him to throw, but that's not Bergesen's fault.
Brummie,
Did you see the same Jason Berken pitch last year as I did? I'm sure he could develop into a servicable ML pitcher, but in my opinion, he is better suited for a bullpen role. Can you honestly say that his raw "stuff" looks better than Tillmans? If so, then I would like to respectively disagree. I'd be willing to place a friendly wager with you that he does not overtake Tillmans status in the organization this year or any other. Is that what you are implying?
Roch,
If you've been asked this question before, then I sincerely apologize. With all the youth movement over the past year, who are some of your favorite interviews and personalities of the younger players (players on the cusp of coming up included)? Anybody have a particular sense of humor that strikes you?? The reason I ask is that I'm kind of hoping we get some personality injected into the clubhouse. Nothing creates a better working environment than liking and getting along with your co-workers. (just ask Scott Garceau) We need a couple of "Millar-types." Thanks Roch, hope your day is going well!
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Pretty much all of the young guys, led by Matusz. And Montanez if you're including him among my choices. - Roch
While it scares me that he got hurt while doing a commercial of all things, I guess it could be worse like when David Wells hurt his knee tripping over a bar stool at home.
For as good as Bergy was last year, I find it rather interesting and exciting for a change who could actually come up if they needed somebody up. For once in I cant remember how long the Orioles actually have talent in the minor leagues and they have quite a bit at that. It might be safe to say they have more talent in the minors than they do in the majors, of course a lot of that might have to do with only being allowed to carry 25 to the MLB roster.
In a strange way it might be a good thing if Bergy cant go to start the season and thus open the door for a guy like Arrieta or Patton. I think you dont truley know until that player gets his chance. Bergesen wasnt a highly thought of prospect when he was called up and he shocked the pants off of the organization, is it that inconceivable to think that others in the system could have the same kind of luck? I dont think so. Naturally I want Bergy to be good to go and pitch because I liked what I saw out of him, but all Im getting at is it might not be the worse thing in the world if hes not ready for spring training and or the season.
hope the o's take a slow return approach to bergy. no need to create more problems or another injury while trying to compensate for this one. also no need to bring mediocre talent from the outside to take his place in the rotation if necessary. between berken who pitched really well after changing the grip on his fastball and hernandez plus arrieta we have arms ready if needed.
roch have you heard anything about guthrie and/or tillman changing the grip on the fastball so doesn't go straight as an arrow.
have as safe trip down. weather in south fl (boca)is cooler than usual. my guess is it is the same on fl's west coast. but i'm sure anything is better than 5 feet of snow for someone who doesn't have a snow shovel.
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Haven't heard. And thanks. Just hoping to get out of BWI Tuesday. - Roch
Teams won't let guys throw 100 pitches any more because they want to protect them but they came come in pretty much cold to shoot a promo,unbelieveable get an actor for Gods sake!
Roch,
I certainly understand where you were coming from in response to my earlier posting. Ok, so maybe this is not the kind of injury that a GM would run out to inform the media about. But why bring it up now, the week before ST starts. Just go down to Sarasota and let it play out. Like you said, the media would be reporting on it anyway at that point.
At the end of ST, I hope Bergy is 100% and ready to go. I truly thought before his injury last year he could have stepped into the number 1 spot in the rotation, assuming they had not signed a Kevin Millwood to take some of the pressure off Jeremy Guthrie. I think Bergy's make up makes him better suited than Guthrie to be a number one.
...absolutely incredible. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!
I agree with JPA
I hate to say I told you so but the Orioles golden boys are falling before the season even starts.
Almost time to make the prediction for the upcoming year. B O and I were dead on last year so stay tune to the truth Andy is afraid to face with the wins/loss prediction!
How depressing!
Somebody should be fired or fall on their sword and resign. That would send the correct message to the rest of the organization and fans that "Keystone Cop" bumbling will not be tolerated.
This is a multi-million dollar team in a multi-billion dollar industry. Too much precious time and money were invested in Bergey to hurt him in an airhead stunt.
Follow my advise and better care will result for all of the players in the future; otherwise, this carefree attitude will remain and raise its ugly head again and again. We are working with a thin margin for error. Tighten up the ship now. Make something good come from this goof up.
I find it interesting (and frustrating) that the O's don't always have some sort of trainer on set while these kinds of commercials are being shot. I know McPhail says they will have that now going forward, but really, I think the O's may have dropped the ball on this one. Let's just hope Bergy's fine by Opening day...
Wait, you're a reporter. You asked him a question about an incident affecting his physical well-being. He flat out lies to you, and you say, "I completely understood." What kind of reporter are you?
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The kind with a lot more experience in the field than you, so maybe you should settle down there, Michael. I understood why he was hesitant to reveal the extent of his injury because he didn't want to get in trouble with the club. If he hadn't called me back and I ended up reading about it in The Sun the next morning, I would have been upset. He called me back and explained himself, and apologized profusely. THAT'S why I understood. It also goes with being a decent human being. Sorry if you or anyone else can't relate. - Roch
Roch,
Does MASN hire out when it shoots commercials? That is, do they hire an outside production company or do they do it through an in house company?
The reason that I ask is, over on Pete's blog/madhouse people are going nuts and saying it's the O's/MacPhail's fault and it's just another example of how horribly the team is being run, which is pretty much par for the course over there. I think that's pretty ludicrous. Though even if they were in house, I don't see how you could link it to Andy...
Sorry if you answered this above already, I'm actually doing work at work today (for once) and couldn't read through all the comments.
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It wasn't a MASN commercial, but yes, I believe they hire from outside. - Roch
Mr. Kubatko,
Not to belabor the point, but that kind of reporting makes you sound as if you are beholden to the people you cover, not the readers you serve. Why would you care if he got "in trouble with the club"? That's his problem, not yours. Citing that makes you an apologist. For at least "a few hours," as you said, his lie stood. And you're wrong about having more experience. I've been a reporter for more than 30 years, most of them as a staff correspondent for a national newspaper you've heard of. I realize sports is different from news. But a reporter's allegiance, no matter the beat, is always to the public. Otherwise, we're just flaks.
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Please don't drop a "Mr. Kubatko" on me as if you're suddenly showing me respect. That ship sailed when you asked what kind of reporter I am, and now have accused me of coming across as an apologist. I'm saying that I understand why HE would care about getting in trouble. BRAD BERGESEN. I'm not saying it was my No. 1 concern. And I shouldn't have to walk you through that, seeing as how you're a national correspondent. And I'm done debating this topic with you and explaining myself. You have a lot of nerve, pal. I'll give you that much. Have a great day, Mr. Michael. - Roch
I can't quite understand the criticism of the Orioles management for this one. Bergesen had a leg injury, not an arm injury. He's been throwing, if not off a mound. Do I find it upsetting that a great kid may have a serious injury, and that it happened filming a commercial that could have been made using footage from last season? Absolutely. I also know that this could have happened to any other organization in baseball.
Roch,
Would you have expected the Os to make some sort of official announcement on Bergesen's injury right away? Or maybe once they had a report on its severity. It seems to me that would've been the best approach. This seems to be one area nearly every professional sports team is overly secretive about.
Baldy
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As I told someone else, no. I don't know of many clubs that would issue a release about a guy tweaking his shoulder during a commercial shoot or straining his back shoveling snow. We find out soon enough. - Roch
It's funny how something like this happens and everyone runs out looking for the torches and pitchforks to hunt down those that were responsible. Guess what people? Sh*t happens. There was no gross negligence here. If you want to be outraged, look somewhere else.
Roch, I'm looking forward to more info on how far behind he is in the next week or two. I really hope he's okay and there is no long term effect because we need this guy for both his performance and his attitude. I agree that it was a great show of character in how he called you back.
I also think we don't need to bring in one of the unsigned guys from the scrap heap, even if this turns out to be something serious. We have 3-4 guys slated for the minors that may be able to do the job (Hernandez, Berken, Arrieta, Patton).
What are the odds the Orioles even get to play April 9th?
I don't think this snow is melting anytime soon. Speaking of which, I can't wait to visit Minneapolis this year.
I heard a rumor that you took out the trash. Yet I still see posters who have an ax to grind with the organization, and will spew venom no matter what we do. I saw this in the early eighties with another team too, I told those people who had nothing but hatred for the Colts that they had an obligation to support their team regardless of ownership, they didnt agree, we lost a team, I am still stung by it. Let me know when you, really, really take out the trash and aren't just foolin'.
- Luke Scott looks like Jason Patric said:
Im not saying punish him. Im just saying that he hasn’t done anything to warrant preferential treatment. If he cant put the work in, in spring training due to an unfortunate injury...start him in the minors. The O's have a history of granting positions to players. Every position should be a competition based on the work you put in during the offseason / spring training. This is one of the things that hold the O's back in my opinion. I like Bergy also, but injuries are not an acceptable reason to hold a job for someone. What is Bergy’s or any guys rush to come back if the O’s hold a spot for you?? You have to always be moving forward in this business, not waiting for things to come together.
Roch: For a second there, I thought the title of this post was meant as a pun...
Bergy's going to be fine. I'm sure he's learned to put a little more thought into it before trying to push things. Plus, he seems to be confident enough in himself that he won't get spooked by people freaking out around him about the accident. The last thing the O's need is another pitcher who has good stuff but is too afraid to challenge hitters, lest he overexert himself and get injured again.
I choose to see the silver lining to this dark cloud. At least he didn't fall asleep in a tanning bed, get hurt in a bar fight, accidentally shoot himself in the leg in a strip club, etc.
Sorry guys but this is a huge mistake on the O's. You don't let a guy who has been injured do something like this without a trainer or a coach on set. Shame on the O's.
Paul said:
I agree with JPA
I hate to say I told you so but the Orioles golden boys are falling before the season even starts.
Almost time to make the prediction for the upcoming year. B O and I were dead on last year so stay tune to the truth Andy is afraid to face with the wins/loss prediction!
February 12, 2010 1:24 PM
Jack/Paul,
You've already been called on this before ... but why do you post under the name Paul? Everyone knows you're Jack. "Paul" wasn't around until after Jack, and then Chris, were booted. Why even pretend?
Roch,
Since it's obvious and he isn't even trying to hide it, why is this person allowed to post still?
I find it amazing that a player has to ask daddy before they can comment on their own health?
And then to lie to the one reporter who is in the locker room most days? This organization breeds ineptness!
I would have told him thanks but no thanks for your call back!
Cereal,
I've asked you about your "open competition" ideas before but you've never responded so I'll try again ...
Do you really think every team, or any team, has open try outs for every position? Seriously?
Boy, are we a bunch of nervous nellies today. Gee, folks, overreact much? C'mon, Brad has a minor injury. In horrible contrast, last spring Nick Adenhart was killed by a drunk driver. Saying the Orioles are snakebit is a little ridiculous, don't you think?
Wow, does this crowd need the season to start. That includes me.
Brummie,
Good post a 10:00 this morning. I too like Berken, but not so sure about passing Tillman. Not to harp on it or anything, cause you do catch plenty of grief around here, but I want to say, Thank you for your restraint in that entry. I appreciate your points not being cluttered.
Mark C.
I'm pretty sure that doesn't violate the vow I took.
Her's hoping that the Bergy thing will be short and a non-story six weeks from now.
I look at this as a non issue. As a former Athletic Trainer in college and one who has also been around Richie B. this was a very timely injury. Though a strain scares me more than a strain, i'm guessing they will just relgiously watch his pitch count....which they already do with every other pitcher. I look at the capsule of the pitching arm as the heart beat of the pitcher, so this should truly bring some good blogs in the near future. Been following you for many seasons Roch! Love the blogs. The only one I read. First time writing in.
Why does it always seem like the Orioles have injury prone pitchers.
Is the conditioning and oversight of the players that bad by the front office?
Every year it starts out good and quickly goes sour. This year it seems to be happening a little quicker?
Wait a minute. Paul if I recall correctly you just started posting on this blog over the winter so how were you around last year to say your predictions were right? Not that everyone didn't know who you really were but I do believe you just busted yourself Jackie boy. And are you serious about the young arms falling apart before our eyes. The guy has a strained shoulder not a tear.
I just had a slap tear repaired three weeks ago and have a physical therapy appointment Monday. I'll see what he has to say about a strained capsule. But if he's already throwing it can't be that bad. And if is hurt we've got plenty of other good arms that we didn't trade away for Gonzalez that can jump right into his spot. Gee, not trading away the prospects is looking like a pretty good move now isn't it.
Roch:
I think the snow brought out the wierdos out, especially Mr. MICHAEL. OR, are some of the idoits changing their "blog names"? It makes me think back to the movie "The Natural" when he fouls off a pitch and it breaks the window in the pressbox. Maybe you can offer a seat near the plate while Brad is warming up and have him release a "wild one"?
Who do these rubes think they are trying to tell a seasoned reporter how to do his job? Who the hell are they?
Get on the plane on Tuesday, settle in and drive to Siesta Keys beach with your favorite beverage and sit and enjoy the sunset. If you can find a nice young lady sitting there to share the view, you'll hit a homerun and get your spring training off to a wonderful start.
Can't wait until we start reading your reports. Have a safe trip.
JO
Roch - Do some of your posters on here drink before they write? Nevermind it's already obvious.
Roch:
It must be difficult to appear to be fair and deal with these sorts of people. That must be why you make the big bucks (j/k). Everyone is entitled to their opinion (as long as I agree with it), but certain people appear to be hoping and praying for a collapse before the season even starts. Its incredibly tiring, so I'm taking a nap now. Night.
Here's what I'm gathering from this,Bergy is hurt worse than he's leading on.The thing I'm worried about is he has two injuries on his mind now and might wind up altering his delivery and really get screwed up. But yeah everybody will be watching him but I'm not convinced Koji will pitch much this year either.
The O's are always secretive about injuries so this is nothing new.
Hot Stove tonight, Roch?
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Yes. 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 105.7 The Fan and, I assume, ESPN 1300. Markakis and Hernandez calling into the show. - Roch
Cereal Blogger,
Point taken. Thanks for responding. Nice to have a constructive debate on here without the name "Andrew", or "Ole Pete." I was not trying to imply that he deserved preferential treatment, just that if he's healthy the spot should probably be his. I think he proved that much. To your main point though, I agree that WAY too many positions have been handed out in this organization in the same manner that BMWs are to the 16 year olds on Gibson Island. I agree that competition is a good thing. In my humble opinion, I truly believe that Oscar Salazar should have gotten the backup RH bat over Wigginton. Also, I think that if he performs well in ST, that Turner should probably get the backup IF slot over Andino.
Micheal...don't you understand that a reporter would like to maintain a certain amount of decorum when interviewing players he/she may need to interact with for more than 7 months?
Why burn a bridge over an explanation of something that's already been reported?
Not that I need to defend you, but it makes perfect sense to maintain an ongoing relationship w/ Bergy or whomever or THEY MAY NEVER TALK TO YOU AGAIN.
That wouldn't be good for the blog business, would it Roch?
Paul/Jack...I'm waiting w/ baited breath for your prediction.
William in Blacksburg, Va said:
Cereal,
I've asked you about your "open competition" ideas before but you've never responded so I'll try again ...
Do you really think every team, or any team, has open try outs for every position? Seriously?
- Dude, sorry I missed your question. I have to work & all. To answer your question, no I dont think every team holds an open competition. I think the good teams do though
I screwed up my response earlier...Ill re-format. Sorry to double your work Roch-O
Luke Scott looks like Jason Patric said:
Cereal Blogger,
Who do you suggest that we replace him with??? He is clearly one of our better starters, and the front office seems to believe that he'll be ready by opening day. You cannot punish someone for doing their job and fulfilling their duties (commercial shoots). True, if I were a member of the front office, I would not have thrown an already rehabbing pitcher in a commercial that required him to throw, but that's not Bergesen's fault.
My response:
Im not saying punish him. Im just saying that he hasn’t done anything to warrant preferential treatment. If he cant put the work in, in spring training due to an unfortunate injury...start him in the minors. The O's have a history of granting positions to players. Every position should be a competition based on the work you put in during the offseason / spring training. This is one of the things that hold the O's back in my opinion. I like Bergy also, but injuries are not an acceptable reason to hold a job for someone. What is Bergy’s or any guys rush to come back if the O’s hold a spot for you?? You have to always be moving forward in this business, not waiting for things to come together.
Roch,
I think that you have well earned your trip to Florida. However, you probably won't be able to escape the nay-sayers as easily as the bad weather. You provide us all with information that is researched and verified. You stay to facts and if you pass along conjecture you make it very clear that it is just that.
In my opinion there is no reason to be negative about the Os at this time. Let's see what team breaks camp. Let'e see how our young pitchers perform in ST. Let's see if Bergy is healthy for the start of the season. Let's enjoy the whole idea of starting a new season just as baseball fans have done here in Charm City for over 55 years. It's a wonderful game and it's great to be alive and able to enjoy it.
Thanks Roch !!!!
The new Bergesen injury is of concern, sure, as is any time a pitcher gets hurt, but I won’t freak out just yet. We’ll just see how he progresses from this point. Fortunately, the club now has a lot of options for the rotation even if they aren’t all the ideal major league seasoned type quite yet; an injury, while obviously not welcome, can open the door for someone down in the minors who might be ready to take the next step (such as Jake Arrieta). This wasn’t the case just a couple years ago. The O’s could always use as much pitching depth as possible, sure, but the worst case scenario here isn’t as devastating as it was in years past.
Another fortunate thing for the O’s is that last season significant injuries were kept to a minimum. I’m sure there are others, but the ones that I can recall are Alfredo Simon and Koji Uehara. Every team suffers injuries to their pitchers, since throwing a baseball is a violent action to your pitching hand on up to your shoulder, so having a few go down is not out of the ordinary. A big knock on wood here—hopefully, Bergesen’s injury is resolved soon and the O’s can ride last year’s good healthy fortune into the coming season.
Cereal Blogger,
I don't mean to butt in to your argument with William but to say injuries aren't an acceptable reason to hold a job for anyone is beyond stupid. No pro athlete should lose their job because they got hurt.
If Sabathia, Lee, DOC, Felix, etc, all had sore shoulders, would you just toss them in the minors and say forget about them?
Maybe I should have stayed out of this conversation. My apologies.
Dude, Roch, Im loving your fire today! to quote talladega nights "man, you made that grace (or in this case) that micheal your b**ch!...Man you really pumped me up..maybe michael should send in some of his work so we can critize it! IF HE DOESNT LIKE YOUR STYLE HE SHOULD READ ANOTHER BLOG!
Cereal,
Good teams do? How about the Yankees? Do they hold an open competition for all positions?
Will Jeter have to fend off a minor league player for short this spring? If CC has a poor spring, does he go down to the minors?
Sorry, this isn't high school ball and that just isn't a realistic idea of how things are done. Maybe for a backup job among unproven players, but certainly not all positions as you claim.
I used to be a pitcher, probably among the greatest ever to grace the game, my nickname was "Rich Suckcliffe" for my inward leg kick and lack of what could be described as success. So Yes, I understand the importance of warming up before going 100%. You reported that he got a little excited and not that he started throwing "maximum effort". Going off what was reported, it led me to speculate that there may be something going on in Brad's shoulder that would cause it to strain that easily.
But Yes, going 100% off the bat after not pitching for 5 months is very risky and it makes sense that it would be the culprit of the strain.
I wouldnt even bothered to comment if this was anyone besides Bergesen or Matusz, but he's my favorite pitcher on this team and I don't want to see him on the DL period. Not to mention I invested good money on a Baltimore Bergesen jersey and I'd like to see him out there so I can wear "stinkin" thing.
Roch,
I think JO's on the right track...have a safe and fun in the sun trip...many of us are very jealous.
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Thanks Bill. Wish it was more of a vacation than a work trip, but at least they're not calling for snow down there. Yet. - Roch
What would be nice tonight would be for Andy to call into the Hot Stove show?
I would love to hear his ideology of how this off season has went. Or better yet what is plan B. We all know with the fragile and injury prone starters they have.....there better be a plan B
Roch,
Don't you just love cyber Gangsta's... this guy Michael is a joke! He's a reporter like Brummie is a columist, Not! There is just something about cyber space that turns some people into Capone wanna be's.
Roch,
You know .... one day Brad Bergesen might win himself a Cy Young, maybe an ALCS MVP, or maybe nothing. And if and when he does and everyone wants to interview him, he'll remember the reporter who helped groom him for his greatness. He may already remember, and likely won't forget.
You said that Bergesen calling you back said a lot as to his character. You helping him along the way speaks even more about yours.
Keep up the good work, and thank you for giving a damn about people.
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Very nice of you to say. Thanks James. - Roch
Jay in Northern Virginia.
Roch, you're a class act. You prove it time and again. I'm still looking forward to that handshake one day.
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Thanks William. Same here. - Roch
Some of you may not recall a situation with former Oriole; Chris Richard. Chris Richard was a 27 year old "kid" in the "let the kids play" campaign done in the Syd Thrift years. Richard was a lighter hitting 1B whom the Orioles put out in RF for a bit. Richard had a history of shoulder problems and during his tenure with the Orioles he blew out his rotator cuff.
The injury was hushed, nobody said anything, then came an infamous throw he made from RF that bounced about 10 times to 1B. When Chris repeatedly got bashed for making such a poor throw he said that he was injured and couldn't understand why the team was making him play. It was because the brain trust was trying to trade him. Chris then got chastised mightily by the club and eventually was sent to Colorado with some cash for Jack Cust. In his parting shot he said, "I hope they [Colorado] know I can't throw anymore, my arm is shot."
Whether this speaks more of the organization than the player is for you guys to decide.
I don't know how serious the injury to Bergesen is, only he really knows. I hope it is nothing because I was rooting for this guy since I realize he was the only guy in the minors who didn't walk a million batters a season, which was basically his first season in the minors.
All I am saying is that it is a bit of a silly situation for the Orioles to allow Bergesen to be in that situation to begin with. Maybe the Orioles didn't know what the commercial entailed, but I bet from here on out they will keep close tabs on what exactly they want a player to do for a shoot.
Hey Paul,
Remember what you told Roch "constructive criticism"!
I am ready for spring training, so we can start stop debating unknowns. Will Millwood be a viable ace? No one can tell for sure. Will Bergesen be ready to go? Who knows. I'm so ready for numbers that we can start throwing at each other.
-- As the 100th person on this thread, I reserve the right to bust Bergy a little for overdoing it for a commercial. But I won't. I'm sure he feels worse about it than anybody. I'm not so optimistic about returning in time for Opening Day. As a former pitcher way back when, I can say the shoulder is the kind of injury that lingers. It hurts, but not in the way the elbow does. If there's pain but you haven't torn anything, you can pitch through it, but you're never sure how long it'll hold up, or before the balls start to stay up in the strike zone. If the Orioles are as cautious with pitchers at the beginning of the year as they are about shutting them down every September, I wouldn't be at all surprised if we don't see him until May at least, just to make sure he's 100%. And given that Berken or Hernandez are waiting for a spot to open, I wouldn't have a problem with that.