Pete, Here's an addition to your slogans.
Guthrie, Koji and BergiSAN, Robi, Jonesi and Nicki, cruising on home!

Great job Bergesen! Great to see and hope more to follow. I don't get Trembley's comment, "There's more coming. They're not here yet. They won't get here for a while." Why won't they get here for awhile? Like Harold Reynolds just said on MLB Network TV, "The Orioles aren't going anywhere now anyhow, so why not bring the young birds up now? Including Weiters". I agree wholeheartedly. Let the young pitchers learn in Baltimore. If they are a total failure then send them back down. It meant they were another Olsen, Liz or DCab, AAAA pitchers. Plus it will put seats in the stands and Lord knows Camden Yards looking pretty empty on TV. Thanks Pete for all your updates and inside information as always.

We here in Fairfield,CA. watched Brads debut with baited breath.It was surely very emotional.We cherred and sat on the edge of our seat in a local sports bar cheering for our homegrown favorite baseball pitcher.Kudos to you Brad.You earned your title as a major leaguer tonight.We here at home applaud you.

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Pete's reply: Didn't you know. All of us California transplants do great in Baltimore.

Bergesen did a heck of a job tonight against a tough White Sox team. I can't remember the last time that a highly touted pitching prospect like Brad, did so well in his 1st start. Waters was amazing against the Angels, but he wasn't highly touted to say the least.

Huff's 2 HRs were both sick. Like a lot of people, I thought last year was just a career year, but I think he will repeat his 08 #s or come real close to them. We haven't had this type of power at 1B since Raffy's 1st tenure with the O's.

Pete, do you think the O's will go with Hill or dip back into the minors to take Eaton's spot in the rotation?

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Pete's reply: Well, we're getting ahead of ourselves. Eaton might win his next six or seven games in a row. But I think Hill will be the next guy, if he ever gets in a position to be called up.

Congratulations to Bergy. Great job. I was impressed by the amount of movement on his pitches. His stuff is better than I expected.

I just noticed that there were five innings in last night's game in which the Orioles scored 2 runs. Pete, I wonder whether that might be a record for number of 2-run innings by a team in a 9 inning game.

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Pete's reply: I doubt it, because the Orioles generally announce those things if that is the case. I can tell you this, it definitely at least ties the record for two-run innings in a 10-run performance.

Bergy should have been the 5th starter out of spring training but better late than never.When someone only walks 33 in 167 innings,they deserve a legitimate shot.

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Pete's reply: No need to second-guess the timing. The guy's here in mid-April and just won his first game. That means the Orioles handled him correctly.

Hi Pete,
I really liked article Rick Maese wrote about the young players. He is on the money on that one. Seems that the Orioles stepped up last night and seemed to gel with Bergesen on the mound. Throw your best in the organization out there and try your hardest to win now. Replace Eaton now, and move Hendrickson to the pen next month. Forget Pie, move on from the experiment. Sometimes as a GM you make mistakes and then you have to re access and make moves and admit that we tried it did not work, we have a plan "B". It was an experiment that was not costly, now move on. How many people do you think are in line to sign a .133 hitting outfielder that seems to be a defensive liability today? I think he should clear waivers and if he does not, no big deal. The good thing is we are one game out of second place in the East right now, and really when Jones and eventually Mora gets back, the Orioles have a lot of offense and would only be lacking in starting pitching.

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Pete's reply: I sat right next to Rick last night and I disagree with him to some extent. One size doesn't fit all. I don't buy the theory that if they're going to be good, they're going to be good no matter when you bring them up. If you mess up these kids, you're going to be bad for another 11 years. There are reasons why smart baseball people choose to slow-play certain prospects. I believe the Orioles finally have a braintrust that appears to know what it's doing, so I'm going to defer to them. I believe the people who want to see all the young guys now are thinking with their hearts and not their heads. Sorry to disagree with you and Rick, but that's just the way I feel.

It was nice to see the entire O's infield gather around the kid when he was relieved. Kind of like "Hey kid, thanks for throwing all those ground balls." Pitching coaches harp on the essentials, keep it down, throw strikes, mix up your pitches. Maddox and others forged careers without throwing the ball 9,000 mph by simply adhering to these tried and true basics. Fortunately, Bergerson accomplished these same standards with remarkable success in his first attempt at the big league level. Wish him and us luck from here on out.

Just a taste of what's to come. I look for Hernandez next with Rich Hill making the grade in about a month.

Boy Smucker,

You certainly were in a prolific mood last nite--7 posts from the time you left WBAL! Did Bergensen have you that excited? But as usual, good stuff!

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Pete's reply: I think it was a sugar high, but I am excited about Bergesen.

Now that was a nice surprise! It sure makes it a hell of a lot easier to be optimistic about this club. I'm still on the fence about bringing up a bunch of youngsters right now, but so far Bergesen and Monetnez are looking just fine, and I surely wouldn't mind seeing Weiters and Reimhold soon either.
After the emotionally devastating smack down by the Red Sox, last night was a bright ray of hope.

It's hard to not get excited over this. Nice work Berge. This performance increases my curiosity, though, especially with this continued high offensive output. If the Orioles keep putting up runs like this, theoretically, could you see management being forced to move some other young arms up? I know they have a long term plan set, which I agree with, but this offensive output backed by strong pitching could mean better than a .500 season. I know it's early, but just curious on your thoughts, Peter.

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Pete's reply: It will depend more on the pitchers than the hitters. If they appear to be ready, yes. If it's just to beef up the staff, no, I don't think they'll be forced to do anything. That said, the parade has begun. They'll be coming up one at a time over the next year or so.

very good first start brad b. also nice to see lou m. get a hit and rbi.

The kid did a great job for 5.2 innings and I understand why Trembly took him out (95 pitches and an ovation) but it seems there was a touch of over-managing with the relief pitching, Baez 1/3rd Ray, Johnson, & Bass, 1 inning each. Are these people that fragile?

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Pete's reply: No, Baez was a match-up situation. He had good numbers against the one guy. Johnson was fine, but when you're up 10-3, you don't want to wear him out.

Man, this team is so hard to root for.

It is moments like these that energize a fanbase, and a 25-man baseball team.

Yet we continue to be force-fed these re-treads.

Congrats to Bergesen, and a hearty THANK YOU!!!!

This is obviously great news. One question: do the Orioles "brass" plan on letting any of their starting pitchers go 7 innings this year? I understand it was his first major league start, but our bullpen is already deteriorating right in front of our eyes.

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Pete's reply: Bergesen was at about the top end of what he's done so far. It's barely late April. I think the starter are already starting to stretch out, but this was not the time for it.

So a little update from last night’s game in Norfolk:

1. Berken was dealing, he was also working quickly (game time 2:15 or so) and was all over the plate, in a good way – hitting low 90’s with ease it seemed.
2. Justin Turner made a fantastic play at second diving toward the 2nd base bag and gunning down Scotty Podsednik (who is FAST).
3. Another “Justin” note: Christian absolutely gunned the dude at home (Kroeger – who has decent speed)
4. Had a moment to talk to some of the guys in the bullpen – Kam, Liz, Bob McCrory and Jim Miller (who is very cool and friendly)…they all said they are excited about the team and the opportunities they all know will be presented this season and in the future. Liz is keeping his head up and knows what he needs to do to improve. I really like his demeanor, he really seems that he is just grateful to be playing the game and is having fun with it as well. I know he got shelled in the bigs this year, but he does have a huge upside imo as a 1-2 inning flamethrower out of the bullpen.

It was a great game, big win and perfect weather. Wish I could go today but it’s a day game so I’ll just have to stare out the window at the park. I’ll be there tomorrow night though!

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Pete's reply: Thanks for the update. I may have to make you our Norfolk beat reporter.

It was refreshing to see an Oriole pitcher work fast, throw strikes, change speeds and move the ball up and down and in and out. Ray Miller, where are you when we need you?

Peter,

What's your take on Rick Maese's article today? Has your opinion about bringing up guys changed as the last couple weeks unfolded?

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Pete's reply: I don't totally agree with Rick. If you read my column last week, I talked to Andy about accelerating the young pitchers. He said at the time that he would consider each guy on a case-by-case basis. I agree with that approach. I think you'll either see Rich Hill enter the rotation next or the next legit starting rotation prospect will arrive in late May or June.

Hey Peter,

I was looking for a way to comment on Rick Maise article but couldn't...let me just say I am glad the opinion of bringing up all the pitchers now is not shared by AM - it would be irresponsible to rush pitchers - position players are a little different...but they rushed Liz up, perhaps Penn and Maine and what did it get them? I wish they had better stop-gaps, but they are all too young to get thrown to a 110 pitch outing and giving up 10 riuns...you cannot leave a pitcher in the game who is young...at least guys like Eaton and Hendrickson can take the pounding. I feel that is the big danger in using them now - they cannot try it and see if they can make the 6th or 7th...it might crush their confidence. bergenson is polished, at least as much as he can be...he proved himself for an entire year. Without AM's patience I am not sure that outing happens last night? Your thoguhts?

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Pete's reply: I pretty much agree with you. I wouldn't second-guess Bergesen's timing at all. It worked out just right. I think they'll view each top prospect the same way.

Sure was nice to see a pitcher come up from the minor and throw STRIKE.Hope and pray when Rich Hill ready he can do the same .

Brad Bergesen's performance in his major league debut was a big pick me up for the ball club and all Oriole fans.

Wow, he was reminding me of the Bird Fydrich with his rapid pace of working on the mound. What a great way to keep your fielders--and fans--in the game.

bms--Like Pete said, tremendous job of reporting from Norfolk; lots of insight. When you can, give us more.

Pete, I am glad we all do not agree. It was easy for Bergesen, we could see it in Spring training. I look at this way, the players prove themselves they should play. Rich Hill may be next to get a shot. I do not want anyone rushed, but it seems we hold them back too long sometimes. Did not seem to effect some of the players, but you really have nothing going forward with Eaton and Hendrickson in the rotation. Hendrickson should be moved to the pen where he can have more success, maybe Eaton will be replaced by Hill. Martinez is 24, should get a spot start, see how it goes.

The success that Bergesen showed in the spring, was comparable to the same success that Montanez and Reimold showed in the spring. So what do you do when Freel and Mora come off the DL? I am not saying have Reimold and Montanez both on the team now, but I see it this way the Orioles have to make a decision on Pie at that point. Seems to me if you show you put the best out there, you get more production from your team. It sends a loud and clear message, you have to be the best to play in Baltimore, and we will take care of productive players in our system. Pete: Your thoughts?

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Pete's reply: You're in luck. I just posted my thoughts on this at the top of the blog.

i know theres talk of Hill rejoining the staff. whatever happened to Pauley?

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Pete's reply: He made it through waivers and is at Triple-A.

Pete,

I agree with your statement "Pete's reply: I sat right next to Rick last night and I disagree with him to some extent. One size doesn't fit all. I don't buy the theory that if they're going to be good, they're going to be good no matter when you bring them up. If you mess up these kids, you're going to be bad for another 11 years. There are reasons why smart baseball people choose to slow-play certain prospects. I believe the Orioles finally have a braintrust that appears to know what it's doing, so I'm going to defer to them. I believe the people who want to see all the young guys now are thinking with their hearts and not their heads. Sorry to disagree with you and Rick, but that's just the way I feel.". Each player should move at their own tempo based on production and maturity. Wieters should be here ASAP, for that matter on opening day but we all know why he wasn't and it wasn't his ability, maturity or production. Reimhold seems to be ready but has no open position so unless Luke Scott or the Pie experiment is ended he's stuck in Norfolk. I think Patton is our next pircher to get the call. I'm sure it will be after Hill returns but Patton has major league experience and has been dominant! The future is VERY bright but I don't buy the mass acceleration plan, I'm sure Andy and the Warehouse want our young guys to experience a high level of success or dominance before raising their success bar!