Hernandez also makes his pitch, but...
Norfolk pitcher David Hernandez may be pitching the greatest game of his career, but it's probably not going to get him to the major leagues next week. He has completed seven innings tonight against Rochester, giving up one hit and striking out 14.
Yes, 14.
He has thrown 94 pitches (70 for strikes) and should have enough left in the tank to go at least another inning, but he apparently has been eliminated from consideration for the rotation slot that was just vacated by Adam Eaton. Manager Dave Trembley was adamant that whoever comes up will pitch that night, which probably narrows the field to Chris Waters and Jason Berken.
Nothing he could do about that. If Trembley is that certain about the timing, then Hernandez would not have been allowed to pitch more than a couple of innings tonight if he was really under consideration.
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Comments
Don't you think most of those decisions are made by the GM? DT probably says I need such and such and then the GM with input from scouts/personnel people select the player?
I guess I just don't think DT has that much of input as to which player will come up.
Nice to see Hernandez keeping his pitch count down and going deeper into games.
Posted by: Rich | May 22, 2009 9:12 PM
given the way this season is playing out, one game is not going to make a bit of difference in the fortunes of Hernandez...
The only thing that will matter this year is if the Orioles are able to properly evaluate the major league potential of those brought up and those left in AAA to develop.
And clearing the roster of deadwood, young or old. That includes trades and waivers. The worst thing this team can do is let a year go by and make no progress towards that end.
The team is far from winning, but has some talent that can be developed into more than serviceable major leaguers. Let that be the focus.
I think most O's fans can live with that.
Posted by: jim66 | May 22, 2009 9:14 PM
It's clear to me that the Orioles coaching staff doesn't quite get the NL game. I don't understand why we would PR Montenez for Mora and burn a potential good bat that may be needed to hit for a pitcher before the night is over. Wouldn't Pie have been the better choice for a PR in this situation? If this game goes extras (which hopefully it will!), Trembley is going to be out of bench options when he really needs one.
Posted by: Jon | May 22, 2009 9:15 PM
Wow,
"the futures so bright I gotta wear shades"
Posted by: bill frederick | May 22, 2009 9:30 PM
Omigod, is that THE Ron Villone out there? Holey Moley!
Did you know he has pitched for Seattle, and San Diego, and Miluaukee, and Cleveland, and Cincinnati, and Houston, and Colorado, and Pittsburgh, and then BACK to Houston, then BACK to Seattle, then Florida, then the Yankees, then St. Louis, and now Washington.
How come the Orioles can't find gems like that!
Posted by: shrimptrawler | May 22, 2009 9:34 PM
Why wouldn't Pauley be an option?
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Pete's reply: He might, but he's not lined up well in the rotation.
Posted by: terpfan | May 22, 2009 9:41 PM
Watres or Pauley would be a horrible waste of investment innings.The real prospects should be getting the call ups from here on out.The culture of stopgaps has to stop.
Posted by: John | May 23, 2009 6:39 AM
Shouldn't the most deserving pitcher be promoted? To me, that looks like Tillman, and Hernandez would be a close 2nd. With a rotation of Guthrie, Uehara, Bergeson, Hill and this latest promotion, there isn't any obvious dead wood in the starting rotation. Let's give a guy a chance that might solidify the rotation for a while. I don't think the timing of minor and major league rotations should override bringing up the "best" available pitcher.
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Pete's reply: I don't know what the rationale is, but Dave said the guy would pitch Tuesday, so you have to look at the minor league rotation to figure out who can.
Posted by: Henry K | May 23, 2009 8:11 AM
Start Bass Tuesday night and then call up Hernandez and release Hendrickson. That way we can keep Albers too. He's ready. No rush, that way!
Posted by: woodieman | May 23, 2009 10:17 AM