Wieters, Bergesen rest on laurels...for now
Matt Wieters (right) is recharging his batteries before heading out to the Arizona Fall League and Brad Bergesen (lower right) will be resting his arm until spring training, but they stopped by Camden Yards to pick up some hardware last night and take part in a pre-game media conference along with the club's other player development award winners.
Here are a few excerpts and my expert analysis:
Wieters, on why he was able to hit better after being promoted from Class-A Frederick to Double-A Bowie: "If you could explain hitting, you'd be making a lot more money."
My take: Just based on that one answer, I've reached two conclusions about Wieters. First, he's ready to answer questions in the major league clubhouse right now, and second, he's probably seen Bull Durham about 12 times.
Bergesen, on why he wasn't sent to one of the fall leagues: "I threw the most innings I've ever thrown this year. I think it was a front office decision to shut me down and give me the rest."
My take: Good answer. It's always a good idea to defer to the front office at least until you're eligible for salary arbitration.
Brad Komminsk, on whether Lou Montanez could have been the O's Minor League Player of the Year instead of Wieters: "He easily could have been...to do all that (win the Eastern League Triple Crown) in just four months tells you something."
My take: Imagine how much fun Wieters and Montanez would have had at the plate if they'd been together in the Bowie lineup from start to finish.
Scout of the Year Dean Albany, on the current condition of the minor league system: "I think the groundwork has been laid by Andy...I think we've taken a lot of steps in the right direction. I think the system is much improved.
My take: I know for a fact Dean means every word of that, but what else could he possibly say in that situation.
Komminsk on Bowie losing in the playoffs to a team that featured major league slugger Travis Hafner: "I wasn't real happy about the way it all went, but what you going to do."
My take: Just be glad those playoffs didn't go to Game 5. I hear the Indians were going to rehab Cliff Lee that day.
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Comments
Peter,
Do you think the O's will bring Wieters up as long as Ramon in under contract?
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Pete's reply: I think Wieters will get a chance to win the job in spring training. Don't know which Ramon will show up, so I don't know what's going to happen.
Posted by: Keith Rowe | September 22, 2008 7:51 PM
i wouldn't wait to see which ramon shows up next year. eat the 8 million owed to him next year.ths is not a good thought,but the orioles might just as well pack their bags this tuesday and come back next year. they are just going through the motions not really showing any effort.
Posted by: leonard | September 22, 2008 10:41 PM
Pete,
I think Ramon's "work ethic" has worn Dave and Andy thin. Why he dosen't play harder with Weiters in the wings is a real head scratcher. Sure he is under contract and is losing value each game, but I think he will be gone in someway by the winter meetings. Not that I am for rushing Weiters, a year in Norfolk would be intresting.
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Pete's reply: I share your disdain for the effort Ramon has put on behind the plate recently, but I don't know how Andy is going to get rid of him and I don't think the O's can afford to just pay him off. What happens if you do that and Wieters breaks his ankle in spring training?
Posted by: Gueman | September 22, 2008 10:45 PM
Send Trembley to Winter leagues
If anyone needs a rest and some
practice in the Minors he is the one.
Posted by: Rusty Staub | September 23, 2008 1:13 AM
I have no problem with Ramon on this team next season, but only as a backup and occasional DH. He is no longer a major league catcher and if he sulks because he is in the final year of his contract, too bad.
Posted by: Jon | September 23, 2008 1:24 AM
This is the reason why some GMs fear giving long-term contracts of more than 3 years to players. Ramon was more than decent year 1. Year 2 he got hurt and when he came back he was lazy and a different Ramon. This year he has been disgusting. I would package him, DCab and Payton to any taker and throw in the cash to get this team rid of the bad clubhouse apples.
Posted by: Ron | September 23, 2008 7:54 AM
Pete,
Do you know what the O's record has been when Hernandez does not start behind the plate?
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Pete's reply: Not off the top of my head, but it's probably better than the team W-L percentage because Quiroz started most of those Sunday games.
Posted by: John | September 23, 2008 8:31 AM
I was at the game last night but only because I had a free ticket. The base running this year has been awful. I don't know whether to blame it on coaching or the players but if Trembley believes it is coaching than tha coach responsible for baserunning should be fired. Isn't that "T-Bone's" area?
One other point. It is the first game I have been to where the manager pulled a pitcher while he was throwing a no hitter. I know Bass walked 3 straight batters after he got the first 2 outs but please Mr. Trembley let your pitcher give up a least 1 hit before pulling him.
Posted by: Stan | September 23, 2008 9:57 AM
If Ramon is in a contract year next year then we should only be so lucky given the track record of players performance in contract years. Anyone remember the year Javy Lopez had with the braves before the orioles signed him? Let ramon be motivated by being in a contract year and lets see how Wieters does in Norfolk.
Posted by: dsteil1 | September 23, 2008 10:27 AM
Why aren't the Orioles playing Lou Montanez and Oscar Salazar every night to see what they can do against major league pitching?
Posted by: Marc Nicole | September 23, 2008 11:39 AM
Peter,
Montanez was drafted as a Shortstop and I believed played some there in the Minors. Is there any thoughts by the front office of trying him there in the fall leagues or in Spring Training?
Posted by: Daniel Powell | September 23, 2008 12:20 PM
Did the Orioles try to move Ramon at the trade deadline and if so, was their no one interested?
Posted by: Matt | September 23, 2008 12:44 PM
I think Weiters will have the job after May 15 or whatever the Evan Longoria arbitration date is. Ramon can play some first and be back up catcher for a year, or until he is moved at a deadline.
Posted by: Drewdy | September 23, 2008 1:05 PM
I believe Wieters will be given an equal chance with Ramon. There would be some options to get both in the lineup next season. Having Huff play first and have ramon DH. i think Millar will be with us next year, but at a greatly reduced role. This situation all goes down the toilet if we get Big Tex. Truthfully i'd rather have tex, and cut ramon or try to trade him. I know its not just that easy to cut a player making that much money.
Posted by: Andrew | September 23, 2008 1:49 PM
Peter,
In your opinion did the Rays get better because of their offensive capabilities this year or was it because they were able to field 5 (five) competent MLB caliber starting pitchers?
If the second one is true then the O's should be adding talent next year with an eye toward competing in 2010 ala the Rays when the Bowie pitching staff plus Arrieta and Matusz should be MLB ready.
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Pete's reply: Yes, yes and yes, but they also put together a nice all-around team with great chemistry and a good manager.
Posted by: Danny bag of donuts | September 23, 2008 4:19 PM