Orioles: Hill's debut (updated)
I'll stick with my projected rotation, but newly acquired pitcher Rich Hill looked tentative in his first workout with the other pitchers. He threw a couple of balls away during the comebacker drills that opened today's on-field activities, but his first throwing session at the practice mounds went fine.
Hill, as everyone knows, struggled badly with his command last year, though he claims that was entirely related to a back injury that altered his mechanics. He says he's fine now and the Orioles certainly hope he's right, because he would be a steal if he can replicate his performance from his first full major league season with the Chicago Cubs.
Roster update: Pitcher Alfredo Simon is not in camp. Team officials say he's still trying to get all his visa-related issues worked out and could be a week or two late. Since he played in the Dominican Winter League, the team is less concerned about the lost time than it would be if he had taken the winter off.
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Comments
What Orioles pitcher doesn't throw comebackers into center field? What does this have to do with wildness in the strike zone?
Posted by: eric | February 15, 2009 1:18 PM
I mostly agree with your five starters from the previous post, but I do think that Hendrickson and Penn will swap places with Penn being in the rotation (but given the early schedule there is not much difference between the fifth starter and the swingman/longest relief job). I think there will only end up being one lefty in the rotation at the beginning of the year. Given the focus on team defense (especially up the middle) control guys have a much better chance to be in this rotation. That is why I like Pauley. If Hill is a total wipe out in the pre-season, then Hendrickson goes to the rotation. Liz does not make the team nor do any other pitchers who still have options. Either the non-option guys (e.g. Penn, Hill etc.) or the big contract guys (e.g. Baez, Walker) make the club instead. Questions that I would need answered to complete my shot in the dark thought processes, what is Albers option status and the same for Hennessey and Waters?
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Pete's reply: Albers and Waters have options. Hennessey is a non-roster invitee.
Posted by: PV | February 15, 2009 1:26 PM
These are my predictions for the orioles roster, i know what yours are for the starting rotation but what do you think about the bullpen, and Montanez's or Murphy's chance of beating out Gomez for the last bench spot?
Starting lineup vs. RHP
Roberts
Mora
Markakis
Huff
Jones
Scott
Pie
Zaun
Izturis
Starting Lineup vs. LHP
Roberts
Mora
Markakis
Huff
Jones
Wiggington
Freel
Zaun
Izturis
STARTING ROTATION
Guthrie
Uehera
Hill
Pauley
Waters
BULLPEN:
Mark Hendrickson
Matt Albers
Dennis Sarfate
Danys Baez
Jim Johnson
Chris Ray
George Sherrill
BENCH:
Wiggington
Montanez
Freel
Moeller
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Pete's reply: I'll get to that, but not right this minute.
Posted by: Ryan | February 15, 2009 1:40 PM
Pete, do u have time for a thumbnail sketch on Simon? or at least a 'pinkie nail' sketch? thanks!
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Pete's reply: I'm coming to you live from the field, so that will have to wait.
Posted by: stevO's | February 15, 2009 2:00 PM
didnt have time to weigh in yesterday but heres my 5:
Guthrie, Uehara, Hill, Penn, Pauly
Posted by: thegr8testofalltyme | February 15, 2009 3:13 PM
How in the world could a player not have his visa problems solved by spring training?? Don't these guys have people looking out for them? Inexcusable.
Posted by: Chas | February 16, 2009 9:30 AM
I didn't think Hill was very good when he was pitching well, so I'm not gonna get my hopes up now that he's lost confidence.
Posted by: o's fan in san fran | February 16, 2009 9:48 AM
Is Albers healthy? I hope his non - surgery route proves to be the right choice.
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Pete's reply: So far, so good.
Posted by: o's fan in san fran | February 16, 2009 9:51 AM