Orioles: Uehara impressive (updated)
Koji Uehara pitched two scoreless innings in his Orioles exhibition debut, and they would have both been hitless if Luke Scott had not lost a routine fly ball in the sun.
Uehara struck out three batters, all on called third strikes, displaying the command of the strike zone he was known for in Japan. Even when he walked Jorge Cantu to open the second inning, it was a 10-pitch battle in which he threw six strikes.
"It was really fun,'' Uehara said when asked about his outing a few minutes ago.
He said before the game that he would throw mostly fastballs and forkballs, and he followed through with that. The next step is to incorporate his other pitches more and work on improving his control, though he seemed to have pretty good command for a first outing.
When asked what his emotions were taking the mound in a major league exhibition game, he didn't waste any words.
"Joy,'' he said.
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Comments
Don't you mean Jorge Cantu?!
I'm just joshing you, Peter. I could care less if you get someone's name wrong.
Posted by: Mr. Deez | February 27, 2009 1:59 PM
Way to go Koji!
Posted by: Nate | February 27, 2009 2:03 PM
"Even when he walked Jose Cantu to open the second inning, it was a 10-pitch battle in which he threw six strikes."
This post brought to you by the Department of Redundancy Dept. ;-)
Just havin' a little fun with ya, Mr. Schmuck. Keep up the good work and keep these great updates coming.
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Pete's reply: Theoretically, he could have thrown as many as 10 strikes, since you can get dinged for a ball for going to your mouth on the pitching rubber.
Posted by: Karsk | February 27, 2009 2:17 PM
The reason Luke Scott should be platooning in LF,he's a average to below average defensive player,a streaky inconsistent hitter and struggles mightily versus left handed pitching.And Pie reminds me way to much of Corey Patterson,except he might not be as good.Only time will tell.Wouldn't be surprised to see a trade made to free up a surplus outfielder.Just hope Olsen doesn't turn into another John Maine.Would love to see both Salazar and Montanez get some decent at bats,all they do offensively is produce.
Posted by: Burt from Essex | February 27, 2009 2:23 PM
Just give him the Cy Young now please.
Posted by: Tony | February 27, 2009 2:39 PM
Pete, if it's a 10-pitch walk, six of those pitches have to be strikes. Kind of redundant. But good to hear Uehara did well. We'll see how he does against real major-league players once the season starts.
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Pete's reply: I knew I'd get some flack for that, but it was for my math-challenged readers.
Posted by: Shawn (Lincoln, NE) | February 27, 2009 2:46 PM
"Joy to the Orioles" if Uehara can win 15-17 games in the American League East. I hope pitch control is contagious...
Posted by: JR | February 27, 2009 3:00 PM
The guy has been waiting for years to be on the Major League stage.
If the Japanese Players Association had won its FA eligiblity concessions sooner... Koji would never have had to fight it out with Yomiuri management never wanting to post him.
Joy. Right on.
Posted by: JoM | February 27, 2009 3:03 PM
Hey Pete. I'd be willing to bet the farm that all 10-pitch walks had six strikes. Just busting chops!
Thanks for providing me with my hourly Orioles fix. The way things are going with the Ravens' FAs, this is a welcomed distraction.
Enjoying the sun, it is pouring here now.
Posted by: b-buster | February 27, 2009 3:31 PM
Pete, Does Gomez make the team? I hopw not the bench should be Wiggy, Freel, Scott and a back up catcher. Well if we keep 13 pitchers he cant make the team. What you think?
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Pete's reply: I don't think they end up going with 13 pitchers out of spring camp.
Posted by: Calvin Martin | February 27, 2009 4:44 PM