Looking at Gonzalez, Bergesen, Guthrie and Wieters
Monday: Some on Scott and Jones | Tuesday: O's poised for improvement | Thursday: Update on Guthrie's contract status | Friday: O's sign a minor leaguer | Saturday: A closer look at Matusz, Johnson | Sunday: More on Tejada's position switch
Wednesday, February 3:
Roch Kubatko reports the O's have been able to keep Dennis Sarfate: "Dennis Sarfate has cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week, and the Orioles outrighted him to Triple-A Norfolk.
Sarfate received an invitation to spring training and will attempt to make the club as a non-roster pitcher.
I would expect to see Sarfate back in Baltimore at some point this summer if he remains in the organization. His primary competition in Sarasota will come from Matt Albers, Cla Meredith and Kam Mickolio. The Orioles also could move David Hernandez or Jason Berken to the bullpen, further limiting the openings for Sarfate." [masnsports.com]
Steve Melewski writes on Mike Gonzalez: "In 80 games in 2009, the left hander went 5-4, 2.42 with ten saves. National League batters hit just .209 off him and lefties batted just .194 vs. Gonzalez, who was 7th in the Majors in strikeouts by a reliever.
Gonzalez, who throws a fastball that can hit the mid 90's, along with a slider and change, says he'll spend time at spring training getting to know his new teammates.
Gonzalez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2007, had a career high 24 saves and an ERA of 2.17 with the Pirates in 2006.
He loves the challenge of holding a one-run lead in the final inning." [masnsports.com]
Spencer Fordin examines Jeremy Guthrie and Brad Bergesen: "Less scrutiny doesn't mean less pressure. Brad Bergesen and Jeremy Guthrie will both have the glare lessened by some of their more celebrated rotation mates next season, but that doesn't mean they'll pitch any differently out of the spotlight. Guthrie made that clear on Jan. 23 at FanFest, when he answered a question about his improved supporting cast.
"My pressure is self-motivated, self-supplied," said Guthrie, last year's Opening Day starter. "If I didn't pitch well, you could put CC Sabathia, Johan Santana and Cliff Lee around me and it's not going to make me feel any better about my ability to pitch. Those guys can do what they do, and ultimately it's my responsibility to do what I can do when it's my turn to pitch."
That may be the case, but it's also true that Guthrie's talents should be better framed in the upcoming season. Kevin Millwood will be counted on to face the opposing team's best starter in 2010, slotting Guthrie one row further back. After that, Bergesen's presence will be somewhat shaded due to more heralded youngsters in Chris Tillman and Brian Matusz." [MLB.com]
The Loss Column focuses on Matt Wieters: "My gut sense is that he's similar to Nick Markakis. A strong presence on the team but someone who might not have the right personality to fully embrace being its face. That's just a guess, though. We don't have enough to go on. And since we already have someone developing into that role (more on that later), it probably doesn't matter much.
Wieters is our catcher now and for the future, and every indication points to him becoming an impact player sooner than later. Muster all the excitement you want about his 2010 season. It's justified.
Plenty of uncertainty remains in terms of who will back him up. The only other catcher on the 40-man roster right now is Craig Tatum. He was a waiver claim from the Reds back in November. Three other catchers -- Michael Hernandez, Chad Moeller, and Caleb Joseph -- have spring training invites.
I'd bet that Moeller has the inside track. He performed well enough as the backup last year and he's already familiar with the pitchers. But, that's what spring is for. Maybe someone else steps up and makes a case. I'm not too worried about it one way or the other.
I'm expecting something along the lines of .290 with 20 HR and 85 RBI from Wieters this year. I figure he'll couple that with very strong defense and a good relationship with the pitchers. Barring injury (knock on wood), this position is locked in." [The Loss Column]:
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