Quick AFL update

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

October 14, 2010, 7:38pm

Comments

Reliever Kam Mickolio allowed one hit, threw a wild pitch and struck out two batters in one inning for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League. Twelve of his 16 pitches were strikes. The Scorpions are trailing the Phoenix Desert Dogs, 2-0, in the sixth inning. Xavier Avery and Greg Miclat are a combined 0-for-5. More important, I wonder what Phoenix's mascot would look like if the team was known as the Dessert Dogs. Mickolio was touted as a future closer back in spring training, but I haven't seen his name crop up in our discussions about next year's bullpen. Giving up on him already, or just an oversight? Mickolio, part of the Erik Bedard trade with Seattle, was 4-3 with a 6.37 ERA in 30 appearances with Triple-A Norfolk. He walked 17 and struck out 48 in 35 1/3 innings. He also dealt with some health issues that landed him on the disabled list. Mickolio gave up three runs and five hits, and walked three, in 3 2/3 innings with the Orioles. I'm not a pitching coach and I don't play one on this blog, but Mickolio's difficulty in repeating his delivery seems to bring issues with his command. He's 6 foot 9, so there are unique challenges.