i think matusz right now has better stuff than half the Oriole staff. Perhaps someone comes up from AAA and they can get the middle reliever they have masquerading as a starter into the bullpen.

how sad is it when you gotta blog the minor league game while the major league team flails away?

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Pete's reply: Just thought people would like the update. Didn't think there was any more significance to it than that.

I disagree with jim66. I love to hear about the minors, and appreciate the report. It's nice to have the full picture of the organization.

I think Matusz has better stuff than the WHOLE staff. Who would be rated better, stuff-wise? Command (relative to a ML strikezone) might be a different story, but stuff-wise, he's got 3-4 ML quality pitches. low-to-mid 90s live fastball, curve, and changeup. What other current starter has 3 quality pitches? Most of the staff has a fastball, one secondary pitch, and the third is inconsistent. Even Guthrie this year has regressed some because he's leaving his slider up and the fastball command has been up and down.

Pete,

Patience is a virtue, 2009 was a wasted season in many ways, but the progress of some of these young pitches make 2010 and beyond look good. It's possible Guthrie could go from #1 starter to #5 starter in one season. I think Koji should be moved to the pen, he doesn't have the stamina. Not that there is anything with moving him to the pen, but it opens the door for another youngster!

All this YOUNG pitching is a NICE problem to have. OK, so that will be the 2,411th time it's been said this year.

Patience. It's one game at Bowie.

Actually I have to agree with the previous poster who thinks any positive updates from the minors is a good thing,because ultimately that's what will make this team a winner.So thanks Pete,the other thing I heard McPhail say is that you grow the arms and buy the bats.There are always more bats available than arms.We've proven at times we have the bats,but poor fundamentals and managing have cost us quite a few games.Thought Koji should have and could have gone longer but what do I know?The good news is we got the win.

So why did he pitch only 6 innings? Why is it so rare for ANY O's pitcher to go past 6 innings? There was a time in MLB when a starting pitcher who couldn't get into the 9th inning was flat out embarrassed about it, and when injuries sidelined a starter the manager pleaded with his replacement "Just give me 6 good innings," as if that's all that could be expected from inferior pitchers.

I grant that with 32 teams instead of 16 there are about 180 pitchers in the majors that should still be in the minors, but what's with removing pitchers after 6 innings? A guy who can only go 6 is useful as a "long man," once the lowest level spot on a pitching staff.

Nolan Ryan has it right. Pitchers should be able to go 8 or 9 innings routinely unless they're getting lit up. There's nothing magical about 100 pitches. Professional pitchers should be able to easily and safely throw 140-150 pitches in a game. That's only 15-16 pitches/inning. If that's too many, then learn to pitch to contact and throw only 10-12 pitches per inning.

Study film of Greg Maddux. He was a master at throwing 9 innings on 80-something pitches.

Jim,sadderthan that he didn't even go 6 innings,Trembley pulled him after 5 which ultimately cost him any shot at a win.Manager of the Year,way to go Dave.