O's face hometown hero

The orioles tonight will face a Maryland native Aaron Laffey who has never faced the Orioles in 40 plus appearences in the major leagues spread out over 3 years. So far this season he has managed to win 7 of his last 10 decisions after entering this year at a career .500 winning percent. So far over 11 road starts he is 3-3 with a 4.97 ERA

He will face the young David Hernandez who only has one win since July and that came on August 11th against Oakland. Over five home starts he is 2-3 with a 4.23 ERA and ironicly has never faced the Indians in his career.

Young Guns

The Orioles while having one of the most promising young rotations in the bigs right know have had a lot of growing pains with their young starters.

Jeremy Guthrie who is the ace and most experienced member of the staff has had an off year having an ERA of over 5. While he isn't young age wise he is still very young in the number of starts at this level and you have to believe as smart as he is he will figure it out eventually.

Brad Bergeson up until his injury was the most consistent member of the starting rotation and I hope his early success can continue not only until he gets back but the rest of his career hopefully making him a valuable member of the Orioles for a log time to come.

David Hernandez has to be the second best rookie this season with an ERA in the low fours he looks like he has the ability to cement a spot in the starting rotation for next season.

Chris Tillman, Jason Berken, and Brian Matusz have all been inconsistent so far in their first major league seasons with Matusz and Berken having ERA's over 6 and a combined record of 4 and 13

Picture of The day

Summarizes the season so far and so does wtf!!!!!!!!!!!

One month to the trade deadline

Sorry it has been a while since I last posted but now I'm back and better than ever.

Now with the trade deadline approaching there are several players that could be traded due to various reasons.

Aubrey Huff is one of the Orioles that are likely to be traded in the next month because he is nearing the end of his contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season and the chances are slim for him to come back to the O's next season so they will probably see what they can get for him. He could possibly go to the Mets or the Giants to name a few places.

Geogre Sherril and Denyz Baez are two relievers that the O's could trade since they both are performing well and could net them some great prospect for the future. Baez is worth a lot and is in the final year of his contract, while the O's might not trade Sherrill because he a many more years under Orioles control. There are several teams that need bullpenn help and these two will probably be in high demand.

The Orioles have many players that could be traded but I think most of them will not be. Those players are:
Melvin Mora- Old, owed a lot of money, and a no trade clause
Ty Wiggington-Just signed with the team and can play multiple positions
Felix Pie-I don't think the O's have givin up on him yet
Gregg Zaun and Chad Moeller- Not in high demand

Orioles rotation starts to turn it around

With Koji pitching into the seventh inning last night and not giving up vary many runs he has continued a streak of the Oriole starters in which they have started to begin to turn the season around. It all started with Brad Bergesons major league debut in which he only gave up one run and had a 1.59 ERA. That was followed by Jeremy Guthries start which was not very good but he has already proven himself and we should expect him to start to return to his previous form. Adam Eaton who struggle to make it out of the fourth inning in his first two starts even had a stellar start against the White Sox which is one of the better hitting teams. Koji uehara pitched a similar game against probably the best hitting team the Texas Rangers in which he pitched 6 and 2/3rds innings and only gave up 2 runs to lower his ERA to 4.59. These type of starts need to continue in order for the Orioles to have a chance at lowering their team ERA below 5 and contending this year even if it is just fighting to be .500 on the year.

Hendrickson Sharp In O's Debut

Mark Hendrickson came into today's game against the division foe Tampa Bay Rays with very low expectation on him. He greatly surpassed the wildest expectations he had and pitched five and a 1/3rd innings just allowing one run on six hits for a 1.69 ERA.

The Orioles desperately need him to repeat this performance in order for them to have a winning season and potentially compete for the AL East title. According to fan favorite Rick Dempsey if he and the other back of the rotations starters( the 3,4, and 5 starters) can each make 25 starts this season the Orioles will be in contention for the pennant.

Hendrickson has pitched surprisingly well at Camden Yard during his career with a 2.70 ERA at coming into tonight at Oriole Park. And he had a 5.07 ERA away from Baltimore in his career. In his start tonight he gave up just one walk over his five and a third innings which is something that the O's are looking for to reverse the current trend of the past couple years where the finished last in the league both times in walks

Orioles win opening series vs Yankees

Even though the Orioles dropped the final game of the three game set the still managed to take two out of three from the hated Yankees. Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, and Nick Markakis all combined to give the Orioles a great 1-2-3 punch at the top of the order along with some unexpected contributions coming from Greg Zaun, Cesar Izturis, and the bottom of the batting order. The bullpen so far has been the weak link of the team and it is a trend that I would not count on continuing.The rotation has not been alright with Jeremy Guthrie and Koji Uehara combining for a 3.27 ERA and Alfredo Simon proving he can pitch and throw strikes in his first outing where he gave up 4 runs in 5 innings.

Orioles 2009 Starting Rotation

The Orioles rotation for this season is very different than many people expected it to be just a few short weeks earlier. The official rotation looks like:

1. Jeremy Guthrie-will be the Orioles opening day starter, which is not a surprise at all

2. Koji Uehara- Is the de facto number two and the Orioles need him to be at least an average pitcher this season if not above average

3.Alfredo Simon- After being one of the only pitchers that had a superb spring training and was not sent down to the minors(ex. most of our pitching prospects) he earned himself a spot in the rotation. He will be a rookie this season at age 28 but still can throw in the mid to low 90's

4. Mark Hendrickson- Originally was supposed to be the long man in the bullpen but less than stellar performance from the rest of the competitors for the rotation ended up giving him this spot.

5. Adam Eaton- He was released by the Phillies and was picked up by the Orioles and was apparently good enough to earn the 5 spot in the Orioles rotation which is more of an insult than it is a complement considering who is in front of him.

Haydenn Penn who was out of options was traded on Wednesday to the Marlins for another out of options 24 year old named Robert Andino, who is a utility player. This move caused the Orioles to release Chris Gomez and demote Jolbert Cabrera to the minor leagues.

Rich Hill who would of been the Orioles 3rd starter will start the season on the disabled list and it could be a few weeks till he pitches for the Orioles.

Orioles 2009 Season Outlook

With the 2009 season right around the corner the outlook for the team has changed over the past several months. The main strengths of this team has to be their offense which will be lead by the blossoming young superstar Nick Markakis followed by Aubrey Huff who had a break out year last year and I expect him to do nearly the same this season. Who can forget about the energizer bunny of this team Brian Roberts fresh off a new contract and a strong showing in the WBC he should be primed for another all-star caliber year. Also, expect a great improvement in the young center fielder Adam Jones who supposedly will be hitting between Roberts and Markakis at second in the order his defense speaks for its self and he should have a drastic improvement over last year. Ty Wigginton and Luke Scott should provide a good part of the Orioles home run totals this year and Melvin Mora, thought ageing, still proved he has some left in the tank after last season and should be on pace to have another 80+ RBI season. Cesar Izturis should provide an adequate offensive presence at short and will easily surpass the offense numbers at shortstop that the Orioles had last season.

The defense should be another strong point with it being improved with the additions of Felix Pie and Cesar Izturis. The Orioles are setting a strong foundation with Markakis, Jones, and Pie in the outfield all of them are plus defenders all could be starting CF for another team. With Izturis and Roberts up the middle and with the outfield tandem it will help the pitchers (especially the young ones) get better and save them many 4 out innings.

The bullpen should be one of the strengths of this team this season. With the three headed monster of Sherrill, Ray, and Johnson in the back of the penn there should not be many runs scored in the 7Th, 8Th, and 9Th innings. The Orioles figure to have many hard throwers like Sarfate, Mickolio, and Liz along with left handed specialist Jamie Walker, who is looking to rebound after a poor last season, and this should make up the framework for a solid middle relief corp. Another unique part of the bullpen could be the fact that they have many relievers capable of going several innings instead of the typical 1-2 this should help with a rotation that is projected to be one of the worst in the league.

The starting rotation is by far the worst spot of the Orioles this season with only two pitchers that can be penciled in as definites in the rotation. Rich Hill who should be the number three but will not be ready in time for the start of the season should eventually assume the number 3 starters role in the rotation and the rest is pretty much a mystery. The rotation projects to be pretty bad, but the defense, bullpen, and offense should all be average if not above average and help the rotation and the team hopefully make it to a .500 or above season.

Lastly, who could forget the number one prospect in baseball Matt Wieters even though he will start the year at Triple-A Norfolk I expect him to get the early season call and eventually win the rookie of the year award and cement his status as one of the best offensive and defensive catchers in the game.

Orioles spring taining coverage or lack there of

After the first few weeks of spring training I have not seen any Orioles games broadcast and for that matter any members of MASN down in Florida covering the team. I ask why this is so because I know several other teams have had their games broadcasted and have had at least somebody down there to do a show and report not just bloggers and reports where I am forced to get my news from. I put this challenge out there that there needs to be more O's spring training games broadcast beyond the three that the will broadcast and there needs to be more shows and coverage from spring training.

Orioles Magic

With the 2009 season fastly approaching I though it's time for some Orioles Magic, Feel it happen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FubnJBgd2wY

Out of Options

The Orioles have three pitchers in camp that might or might not make the squad but the more important part about those three pitchers is the fact they are all out of options. The pitchers i'm talking about are Hayden Penn, David Pauley, and Brian Bass. There are also several more players that are out of options but will surely be on the team this season and those players are Jeremy Guthrie(Locked into the rotation), Dennis Sarfate( definatly will be in the pen this season), Felix Pie(will get significant playing time and should be in the majors unless he fails to hit).

Now players that are out of options that probably won't make the team are utility man Donnie Murphy and infielder Scott Moore. Both players are hurt by the surplus of players that the Orioles have that makes playing time scarce for guys like Luke Scott and several others that will have to play at a high level to even get any playing time. The thing that seperates this years Orioles from those of years prior is that they actually have legitimate competition for playing time from players that are major league caliber and that is something that has not been seen here in a while.

The Orioles also have a few players who will be out of options next season and force the front office to make even more tough decisions. Brad Hennessey, Alfredo Simon, Brian Burres, and Matt Albers. Who nows all four of those players could end up makeing the squad this year less complicating things for next year, but probably 2-3 of those players will start the year at Tripple-A Norfolk.

All of the three players I mentioned at the begining they all could make the team. David Pauley, who was acquired in a trade for Randor Bierd, could be one of the three to crack the last two starting rotation spots and/or the long man spot in the bullpen. Here is the scouting report on Pauley " he mixes a very good sinker with a low 90s fastball with good movement, a good changeup, and a nice curveball. Has 5th starter potential at the MLB level. Pauley has demonstrated solid success against AAA competition for extended periods of time, but has yet to impress much at the big league level, although he hasn't been given much of an opportunity. Needs to improve his control somewhat. Gives up a lot of home runs. Good fielder with a strong pick-off move."

Hayden Penn who was once considered one of the top prospects has fallen well of the radar, but he could make a comeback this season. he would of had several oputunities last season but he got injured every time the O's wanted to call him up. Brian Bass has the most ML playing time out of the three and could be a decent reliever this season.

2009 Bullpen

With the Starting lineup and the rotation out of the way it is time for my projected bullpen for this season.

Closer-George Sherril: Winner by default he is one of the few with experience as a closer and is not coming of an injury. He should have very fierce competition though so watch out for the possibility that he could lose the closers role.

8Th Inning Set Up Man-Chris Ray: It all depends on how well he comes back from being injured could contend for the closers role or could lose this spot to Jim Johnson

7Th Inning Set UP Man-Jim Johnson: Had a breakout year last year and should easily take this role as long as he performs like he is capable of.

Middle Relief-Jaime Walker: Should definitly be a part of the bullpen this year as long as he can get people out, which is something he struggle with last year.

Middle Relief-Dennis Sarfate: He did well in the bullpen last year but really struggled when he moved to the rotation should be a solid middle reliever

Long Man/Mop Up- Hayden Penn: He's out of options so he has to go some where and we will probably end up in the penn in the pen.

Other potentials for the final 1-2 bullpen slots:
John Parrish-The veteran could crack the rotation or not even make the team at all, we'll just have to wait and see.
David Pauley &Brad Hennesey-Both players are out of options so at least one should make the team this year.
Danyz Baez-Coming off injury and considering the way he played before some people would wish that he stayed injured. He could end up anywhere at this piont depending on how well he plays and how he's recovered.
Kam Mickolio-He had control problems in his debut last season but if he can turn that around there is no reason why he should not be on the team.
Rob Mckrory-Should be in triple-A this year at least to start it after his pultry performance last year.
Other notables include:
James Hoey
Jim Miller
Wilfredo Perez
Chorye Spoon
Alberto Castillo
Scott Chiasson
Ryan Keefer
Andy Mitchell
Ross Wolf
Freddy Deza
Alfredo Simon
Brian Bass
Brian Matusz
David Hernandez
Jake Arrieta
Chris Tillman

2009 Rotation

The Orioles a massive amount of arms coming to spring training and with all those pitchers they should be primed for some competition. Here is my starting rotation for this upcoming season:

1. Jeremy Guthrie-The only sure fire one to make the rotation

2. Koji Euhara-Experience pitching and money explaing why he is #2

3. Rich Hill-He's a lwo risk high reward guy that could turn out big for the O's this season

4.Chris Waters-Was not that bad last year compared to the rest of the staff and if he puts up a sub 5 ERA i'll be happy

5. Matt Albers-Pitched well before getting injured and should make the rotation out of spring training.

Pontetials:
Chorye Spoon
Hayden Penn
David Pauley
Troy Patton
Radhames Liz
Brad Hennessey
David Hernandez
Bradley Bergeson
Mark Hendrickson

2009 Starting Line-up

With it being only 5 days till the pitchers and catchers start to report to spring training i thought it would be a good idea to create the 2009 lineup for the Orioles.

1.2B-Brian Roberts
2.CF-Adam Jones
3.RF-Nick Markakis
4.1B/DH-Aubrey Huff
5.DH/LF-Luke Scott
6.3B-Melvin Mora
7.SS-Cesar Izturis
8.RF-Felix Pie
9.C-Greg Zaun(till Weiters comes up)

Bench
1.Ty Wigginton-Can play OF/1B/3B
2.Ryan Freel-Can play almost anywhere
3.Quiros-Backup Catcher
4.Lou Montanez/Chris Gomes/Donnie Murphy

The Orioles invite 23 to spring training

The Orioles have announced that they will be inviting 23 non-roster players to spring training. Alberto Castillo and Brad Hennessey highlight the pitchers invited.Castillo posted a 3.81 earned run average in 28 games for Baltimore in 2008, while Hennessey appeared in 148 games over the last five seasons for San Francisco.

The Orioles invited seven catchers as well with veterans Robby Hammock and Chad Moeller among them. Together the two backstops have logged 642 games of service. Also signed among the catchers was Guillermo Quiroz, who appeared in 56 games for the Orioles last season.

Chris Gomez, a 16-year veteran, heads a list of seven non-roster infielders that will be in attendance. Gomez has accumulated 1,515 games of major league service while Jolbert Cabrera and Donnie Murphy were also among the invitees.

Rounding out the list are pitchers Scott Chiasson, Fredy Deza, Ryan Keefer, Andy Mitchell, Chris Tillman and Ross Wolf, catchers Adam Donachie, Jose Reyes(the catcher), Guillermo Rodriguez and Matt Wieters, infielders Craig Brazell, Blake Davis, Brandon Snyder and Justin Turner and outfielder Justin Christian.

Orioles sign Zaun

The next starting catcher for the orioles has been found even if he is only going to be it for a few weeks. The Orioles signed catcher Greg Zaun(who also happens to be Rick Dempseys nephew) to a one year contract. He will most likely fill the slot vacated by Ramon Hernandez when he was traded to Cincinnati. He is nothing more than a career back up catcher at this point and with Weiters waiting in the wings it will not be long till he is the back up.

The Orioles also will invite seven other catchers to spring training including veteran catchers Robby Hammock and Chad Moeller who together have logged 642 games of service and Guillermo Quiroz who appeared in 56 games for the Orioles last season.

Three Orioles have filled for arbitration and they are George Sherrill, Nick Markakis and Luke Scott. The Orioles have been rumored to be in long term contract negotiations with Markakis that would take him past his first year of free agency. George Sherrill and Luke Scott on the other hand are not as young as Markakis and are not being looked at for long term deals.

O's sign Gomez

The O's have signed utility player Chris Gomez who will add depth to our bench that could include Gomez, Ryan Freel, and Freddie Bynum. The O's now have a very solid bench with above average speed from Freel and Bynum coming of the bench. It is Gomez's second run with the team, the first was from 2005-07. He is a career .262 hitter so just look for him to add veteran leadership and be a utility infielder.

This signing further opens up the possiblity for Brian Roberts to be traded with us now having adequate backup depth in the infield. I think that it is time for us to part ways with B-Rob because i dont think that he will sign long term and it is time to trade him away for young pithcing that can make an immediate impact(ex. Gavin Flyod). It will be hard to see such a good player that does so much good things for the community go but we should let him go to a team that has an immediate chance at winning.

The O's also are on the verge of signing Greg Zaun to be the starting catcher till Matt Wieters is ready. This now adds catching deapth so that we will be sure that Weiters is ready when he comes up to the show.

O's sign Uehara

The Orioles have just signed 33 year old Japanese and former Yomiuri Giants pitcher Koji Uehara to a multi-year deal. It is still pending a physical though, so it wont be announced for a while. He is a very good player over in Japan and not to mention he had to wins in the World Baseball Classic. He was drafted with the first pick overall in the Japanese baseball draft and he is a career winner with him only having on season in which he had more losses than wins in his 9 year career. All of his nine seasons were with the Giants where he had only one season with a 4.00+ ERA.

I like this move because not only does it plant the O's flag in Japan with him being the first signing of a player from their he is very versatile. Most of his career was spent starting but the past two years he was a closer. He can ether start or close over here, but with the rotation the way it is he probably will be starter.

This probably will not affect the O's going after other pitchers like Kenshin Kawakami from Japan, who is the same age as Koji, and domestic born pitchers like Tim Redding and Braden Looper. In my opinion they need to get one more starting pitcher(at least) to make it a suitable rotation that might be able to force the prospects to fight there way up to the show even though I would not bet on that. I think that the O's will probably get Kawakami of the Chunichi Dragons and this signing will only make him feel more at home in Baltimore.

It's time for us to plant the Oriole flag firmly in Japan

You can view Koji's career stat at:
http://www.japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?id=uehara
and form your own opinions