Could Penn be getting a shot? Or maybe the O's are planning on acquiring a starter before the deadline.

Lets hope they didn't do to Liz what they did to Hayden Penn when they called him up years before he was ready, letting him get hammered, while destroying his confidence. Hopefully, Liz can go down and refine his skills, and later become an asset at the major league level.

Good move Liz to Norfolk. When a starter is needed hopefully they will give Cormier a shot at some starts. Sarfate no doubt will be the main long guy with Beird supporting him.

What is this love affair with Cormier?
I don't see brilliance. How did this bandwagon start?

Good move. If he can learn to control his 97 mile per hour fastball, he can be an excellent starter. I agree with Roch's idea that there is no point letting him get hammered every 5 days.

I don't buy the notion that bringing a guy up too early can destroy his longterm confidence. I think rather that it more likely exposes their lack of mental makeup to get the job done. Markakis probably came up too early. He battled thru it and persevered.

Deke, please throw your history degree away. Hayden Penn has been his own worst enemy. His wounds have been self-inflicted. The Orioles did not create his bad attitude and lack of adherence to the rules, that is on him. The kid is a jerk and the only reason he is still here is they have been unable to find anyone to take his talented arm and empty head.

When I saw "Roster Move" I thought we might get a clarification of the little tidbit of info re. you Roch, that Trembley slipped in his after the game deal. But, alas, I guess you are being held hostage by the Sunpapers, so are unable to make any statement. And, whats the story behind the cigar, Trembley, in my opinion, is more a pipe kind of guy.

Hey Roch - Trembley said you're heading to MASN?

I'm just thrilled the O's won on a Sunday! And a starter had a quality start.

Wow.....if they don't make a move perhaps they'll start JJ? That's the only one out of the pen that could start. Besides Penn, perhaps they'll dip into Bowie's rotation?

I still hope they make a move on Burres spot in the rotation although I get the feeling Burres will get one more start unless they pick up someone before then.. I still think they need a starter to replace burres as much as Liz.. What is the deal on Matusz and the summer follows..

Roch, how about this? Liz has HORRIFIC mechanics and to expect the kid to excel at any of the top tier levels is asking too much, on a consistent basis. His mechanics are the polar opposite of greats like Ryan, Seaver and Richards. He falls off the mound in a most ungainly fashion, whips his arm across the body like crazy. Just not smooth at all.

I'm going on the record to say he is relief material only. Mitch Williams style, too.

Gee, I was really enjoying not having to watch Walker come in and throw batting practice. Now he's back and I'll have to turn off the TV when he comes in because I don't want to throw something at the TV and break it.

Deke, I'm not sure I buy the argument that Penn was destroyed by the organization, which allegedly rushed him. the more I read about Penn, the more I believe it's a combination of his own personal psychology and his possible lack of (and overvalued) talent that has prevented him from achieving greater success.

That's all fine and dandy, but who in the world in the organization is going to be the No. 5 starter? There's nobody in AAA that have earned a call-up. The AA guys aren't ready. I guess that leaves Lance Cormier???

So Roch how awkward is it that Dave let the cat out of the bag? But you have to finish up here for a few more days?

Best of luck!

Roch,
So what's up with Dave Trembly's post game comments about you leaving the Sun and going to work for MASN. Can you give us any info? Thanks

Roch,

I hope you announce on here that you are going to work for MASN now... you know since Trembley completely blew your cover during the press conference live on MASN. That must have sucked. Regardless, I know I'm speaking for a lot of people when I say I am really happy for you! You really have worked your butt off! Congratulations!

Roch:

Did I hear right on the postgame show that you are also being optioned? To MASN 2?

I think Liz we'll be an excellent relief pitcher/spot starter but nothing more.

Pretty interesting press conference. I wonder if Trembly was happy about finally winning on Sunday. What was up with the MASN reference Roch???

Roch; What's the chances of seeing some of the guys at Bowie? David Hernandez has put up some interesting numbers, as have Berken and Berguson.

J.A. Happ was pulled during the 3rd inning of his start today. Maybe he is taking Burres' spot hes a lefty after all...

Four man rotation!

Four man rotation!

Four man rotation!

I guess the cat is out of the bag.... now I'm even more annoyed that I cant get MASN.

Roch,
How about I throw out another request for you to talk about the move that you obviously can't talk about? If it is true, Congrats.

MASN,
You all would be fools not to carry Roch's blog over in some shape or form if you have the opportunity. Being out of Ballmer, Roch is my main source for all things O's and I'm not the only one. The interest in this rebuilding thing is through the roof, so let's not kill a good thing. Congrats.

Why is everyone so quick to say that the Kids at AA are not ready? Age wise, they are the same. I personally are of the opinion that AA players are better and more talented. You skip AAA if you are more talented. For instance, in a lot of cases, AAA players are guys who just are not good enough to play at the MLB level for a length of time. Spot starters and position player back-ups. Many teams now, (Yankees- Hughes, Red Sox- Ellsbury, Oakland- their whole talented rotation, etc.) skip AA cuz at the AAA level there is an arrogance. Hernandez and Bergeson have been in the minors now for 3 and 4 years respectively. I think that you may want to give them a shot now to just see if it sticks. It worked with Troy Tuluwitski (sp?).
Tillman no. But Bergeson throws strikes and has great command. If you have command and do not put yourself in trouble, you are going to be succesful in the bigs. Mark my words, Reimold will see the Bigs before he sees AAA. Hopefully, like Markakis, they give him 200 abs and he never has to visit Norfolk.

I worked a few games that Liz pitched as the plate umpire at Frederick two years ago. He was just a "hard thrower" then, and has not improved since. He had problems getting his pitches down in the strike zone, hitting his spots and his fastball had little or no movement. He did not have an impressive curve or breaking pitch either....He was just a just a hard thrower at 98 mph and not close to becoming a "pitcher".
He did throw a no-hitter at Frederick and did this with his overpowering fast ball...on the "high A " level.

Ray - i also hope its what the Manager says it is . The fact this is trade deadline week , the suspense is fun , LOL

Liz-I know you tried your best out there , but dont you worry , Trembley wont forget you . Hurry back soon .

MASN Rochs. Just wanted to be among the many to write that.

Roch, Trembley outed you on the MASN move???? Didn't you tell him this was a state secret? Now Trembley is the PR guy for MASN?
Now Anita can start getting nervous, new sheriff in town!

Be sure to link here to their website for the new blog. Some of the computer challenged types here might not find you.

Will you & Amber be roomies on the road? :-) If so, nice perk & props to your agent.....

Good move on Liz. His ERA was as high as the team charter.....

lefty that isn't quite true about Penn. He may be a flake, immature, or even a jerk, but Atlanta & a guy named Sherholtz (spelling) wanted him last year.
I have to agree Penn was rushed a bit, but that was the previous regime.
Guys that can throw in the 90s & have the above listed character traits are all over the MLs.... sad to say.

Hey John, you stink & your strike zone moves around more Charro's hips! :-)