Orioles update: Simon's start
It took until the fourth inning for Alfredo Simon to blink. He held a good New York Mets lineup hitless through three innings -- allowing only a single walk -- before outfielder Daniel Murphy launched a long home run over the center field fence. David Wright followed with a sharp single, but Simon got out of the inning with two pitches, getting Carlos Delgado to ground into a double play and Carlos Beltran on a short fly ball to center.
The Orioles took the lead in the top of the third on a towering homer by Adam Jones, who continues to swing one of the hottest bats in camp. The homer was his third of the spring and it raised his Grapefruit League average to 389.
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Comments
Pete, I've been critical of Simon based on his horrible minor league stats, but actually seeing him for the first time tonight I must say he looks pretty impressive. He sort of reminds me of a shorter, heavier version of Daniel Cabrera with better control, which isn't bad.
If he can pitch like this consistently, he should be bumped up to third in the rotation in my opinion, because the Orioles don't have better.
I do take slight exception with your characterizing the Mets' lineup as merely "good." They have four All-Star caliber players (Reyes, Wright, Beltran and Delgato) and a very impressive young player (Murphy), so to me Simon's outing is all the more impressive.
Adam Jones almost seems to be getting better by the inning. It's great to see his progress, both at bat and in the field.
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Pete's reply: I agree that Simon has pitched well enough to be the No. 3 and Adam could end up being scary good.
Posted by: Ken Francis | March 30, 2009 8:48 PM
If Adam Jones does not make the All-Star team this season I'll be a son of a Bedard. This one was a steal of the decade...
Posted by: Patrick Lynch | March 30, 2009 8:52 PM
If Simon doesn't make the rotation, I'll be baffled. And please, Dave, no Adam Eaton!!!!! Please don't put us through that misery.
Posted by: Luke | March 30, 2009 8:59 PM
So does the comment about Matusz suggests that his change up is not very effective? (i.e. no command of it or the hitters pick it up easily).
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Pete's reply: No, it suggests that he has four pitches and wants to integrate all of them. The O's wanted him to go fastball/changeup to improve his command of those two pitches, so he would learn how to pitch without his best breaking stuff. He just wanted to change the look a little bit so hitters can't sit fastball.
Posted by: Rich | March 30, 2009 9:57 PM
Hit Bombs Jonesy!
Can't wait til Opening Day!
Mommy
Posted by: Andrea Bradley | March 30, 2009 10:25 PM
The best thing about Simon pitching so well is that maybe, just maybe, he'll beat out Eaton for a spot in the rotation. I have not seen a single individual on this, or any other, message board who wants to see that guy in an Oriole uniform gettin' shelled at The Yard!! But hey, the best performers don't seem to be fairing very well with management this year (i.e. Bergesen, Montanez), so Simon might have shot himself in the foot with that great performance yesterday!
Posted by: SevernDave | March 31, 2009 6:50 AM