Guthrie, Mora updates
Jeremy Guthrie is still recovering from a sudden case of the flu which evolved into tonsilitis. And, no, he assured me he hasn't been hanging around with Ravens quarterback Troy Smith, whose NFL career recently took a dramatic turn for the worse because of a particularly debilitating infection in his tonsils.
For those conspiracy buffs who are wondering if Guthrie's illness is being used as cover for a sore shoulder, I don't know what to tell you. He said today that his tired shoulder isn't exactly where he wants it to be at this point, but he's comfortable enough with the test results to return to the rotation. He's scheduled to pitch again on Saturday.
Melvin Mora (right, getting a hug from Dave Trembley earlier this year) was in the original starting lineup today, but knew pretty quick he wasn't going to be able to play.
"If I'm 80 percent, I'm there,'' he said after trying to get loose before the game. "I'm not even at 70."
Mora said he thinks he should be in playing shape in a couple of days, and he admitted to being motivated by the opportunity to drive in 100 runs this year.
> 
Comments
Pete,
Are you kidding me. Victor Zambrano (O in 07) is pitching in the Yankees AAA team and has gone 8 innings in two games and no earned runs, 4 hits and only two walks.
I liked Vic when he was here and I knew there was something good about him. I hope the Yanks bring him up soon.
.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Interesting. I don't know what you liked about him last year, however. He pitched 12 1/3 innings, allowed 13 runs and 23 baserunners.
Posted by: Bill In Elkton | September 9, 2008 9:22 PM
Pete, I like Zambrano when the Orioles first got him. We had to wait days before he started a game. I was just hoping he would be refreshing to the O's weakened pitching. He started off pretty good for an inning or two and then things went awry.
Same old song and dance, but I still felt he was worth a shot.
Posted by: Bill In Elkton | September 10, 2008 8:32 AM
Pete-This question has crossed my mind.Ten years from now, how are the Hall of Fame selectors going to vote any pitcher in? It seems the criteria would have to change quite a bit.Pitching every 5 days and 6 to 7 innings at most, going on the D.L. (don't even talk about Tommy John),these very fragile beings won't ever get close to 300 wins, enough strikeouts, complete games (that's a joke) or anything else that's necessary to be voted in. I'm sure you are a selector. You have a tough job in ten years.
..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I am a Hall of Fame voter, but I'm not allowed by my company to vote for awards. Yes, the criteria are evolving, but that's already being factored in.
Posted by: NORM | September 10, 2008 4:52 PM