Let the speculation continue

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

June 02, 2010, 5:28pm

Comments

Jake Arrieta is dominating International League batters. Brad Bergesen lasted 2 1/3 innings tonight at Yankee Stadium. You can do the math. Bergesen was outstanding in his previous start, but he looked inconsolable in the dugout after coming out of tonight's game. I had the same feeling. Trust me. His abbreviated outing - six runs and seven hits in 2 1/3 innings - will have fans wondering if it's time to replace him in the rotation. Maybe he should return to Triple-A Norfolk. Maybe he should move to the bullpen. I'm inclined to give him a few more chances, but I understand how Arrieta's presence is cranking up the heat on a few of these young starters. Maybe that's a good thing. It's nice to have options - unless you're a pitcher who has options. The bullpen didn't do Bergesen any favors in his previous outing, but he's been charged with 19 earned runs in his last four starts covering 21 innings. You can do the math. The Orioles are getting blown out in the Bronx, and I doubt that a single fan of this team is slipping into shock.