A closer look at Matusz, Johnson
Monday: Some on Scott and Jones | Tuesday: O's poised for improvement | Wednesday: Looking at Gonzalez, Bergesen, Guthrie and Wieters | Thursday: Update on Guthrie's contract status | Friday: O's sign a minor leaguer | Sunday: More on Tejada's position switch
Saturday, February 6:
Roch Kubatko writes on the O's pitching staff: "As I reported [Friday], the Orioles aren't expecting to sign another starting pitcher unless it's a minor league contract or something changes drastically over the next week.
It's easy to project that Kevin Millwood, Jeremy Guthrie, Brad Bergesen and Brian Matusz will occupy four spots in the rotation - though not necessarily in that order. Chris Tillman looks like a No. 5 at the moment, but performance in spring training will settle that debate." [masnsports.com]
Stan McNeal examines Brian Matusz: "Credentials: A first-round pick in 2008, the 6-5 lefthander has made only 19 starts in the minors. But his numbers were dominant: 11-2, 1.91 ERA with 121 strikeouts in 113 innings. Matusz throws a 94-mph fastball and at 22 (he turns 23 on Feb. 11), he already has major league poise.
Opportunity: Orioles' starters tied the Brewers with the worst rotation ERA (5.37) in the majors, so upgrades are wanted. Matusz is considered the best of an emerging crop of Orioles' young pitchers.
Early expectation: During a call-up last season, Matusz went 5-2 with a 4.63 ERA in eight starts. He would have to pitch his way out of the rotation to begin the season in the minors" [Sporitng News]
Spencer Fordin writes on Jim Johnson: "Johnson, who spent much of his Minor League apprenticeship as a starter, has taken well to relief work with the Orioles. The right-hander put up a 2.23 ERA as a rookie in 2008, and last year, he briefly graduated to the closer's role. Johnson made 10 appearances and racked up a 2.92 ERA in August, but then posted a 10.61 ERA in 10 September games.
That small sample size caused the Orioles to rethink Johnson's role, and they went out on the open market to sign closer Michael Gonzalez this winter. Johnson saw that move and applauded it, thinking that it made the bullpen better and more well-rounded. And consequently, it should allow Johnson to be more successful and used in better situations." [MLB.com]
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