Minor matters
The Orioles, as expected, moved 2008 top draft choice Brian Matusz from Class-A Frederick to Double-A Bowie, where he'll try to build on a very strong first two months of his professional career. He made 11 starts for the Keys and went 4-2 with a 2.16 ERA. He also closed out his Keys career with a string of 23 scoreless innings, which would have been longer if his last start wasn't postponed by rain after he pitched four more scoreless frames.
Matusz is scheduled to make his Double-A debut on Wednesday against Reading. To make room in the Bowie rotation, pitcher Sean Gleason has been sent back to Frederick after going 3-5 with a 5.96 ERA in 10 starts for the Baysox.
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Comments
It'll be interesting to see how some of these guys hold up at the higher levels.I have a bad feeling they are rushing these guys a little bit starting with Wieters.Still, the sooner we find out what these guys are made off the sooer we'll e able to figure out what our off season needs are.
The O's potential trading market is actually pretty good with all the mediocrity in the NL having a lot of teams in the wildcard race.Huff,Guts, baez and Sherill should have some pretty god value but it might take three team deals to get the need platers we need.Not many contenders are stocked with 3rd basemen.Texas seems like our best trading partner,they have some good position players.Of course teams might be more interested in a big 3 pitchers than our vets.
Posted by: John | June 16, 2009 6:43 AM
I just wanted to thank you for doing a great job, Mr. Schmuck- you're on top of things and willing to go out on a limb to make a point, but your tone is never nasty and you're quick to give credit where it's due. Your column and blog are the best O's coverage I've found anywhere. Thanks for all your work!
Posted by: James | June 16, 2009 7:56 AM
Speaking of the Bowie rotation, what's the latest with Brandon Erbe?
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Pete's reply: I believe Erbe has been sent to Aberdeen to continue rehabbing his tired shoulder.
Posted by: RG | June 16, 2009 8:57 AM
I have been wondering what the O's will do if Tillman, Arrieta, and Matusz continue to excel in the minors and guys like Berken and Bergesen are doing okay at the big league level. At what point do you say we have to give these guys who are supposed to be the top prospects a chance over the guys who got called up first?
Posted by: Doug | June 16, 2009 12:38 PM
Now that Patton and Arrieta are in Norfolk, does this mean that they are closer to a call-up? Could it occur this year? If so, when?
Posted by: Ron | June 16, 2009 1:19 PM
Another domino in Macphail's plan falls into place. I personally like all the moves that have been made leading into and during this year. No, not everything works out, but so far the majority seem to be right. I'm glad Matusz is at Bowie now because the stadium is only a short ride from home for us.
Is it me, Pete, or are you also hearing that very loud silence over the last few days (since the Orioles won on Sat.) coming from your readers who always seem to enjoy complaining? Nothing about firing Trembley, nothing about lazy players, and no grand plans to fix everything overnight, if only MacPhail would read and heed their comments on your blog. Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I sure would like to think that they could be a little more objective in their thinking rather than only commenting when they want to complain.
Just my opinion, but the silence sure is telling.
Posted by: Steve in Severn | June 16, 2009 1:57 PM
Do you think our #1 do a little hitting. How can they not let him, at least pinch hit. He can't get hurt swinging the bat a little.
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Pete's reply: I doubt it.
Posted by: Herb | June 16, 2009 8:20 PM