Orioles: Ray's return
The return of reliever Chris Ray could give a significant boost to the Orioles bullpen if his numbers at Norfolk are indicative that he has solved the mechanical problems that drove his major league ERA near double digits earlier this season.
If Ray is truly back, that will take some strain off Jim Johnson and create the possibility of a true 7-8-9 bullpen schematic that would give manager Dave Trembley greatly improved middle-late flexibility even without a proven situational left-hander.
Of course, it's a big if. Ray was a very good reliever before he missed a year recovering from Tommy John surgery, so his upside is way up, but he could not sustain his solid spring performance during the early weeks of the regular season. Everybody's rooting for him, because he's a great kid and solid citizen, but he's got quite a bit to prove before the Orioles can, say, think about dealing closer George Sherrill at the July 31 deadline and replacing the Johnson/Sherrill late relief combination with a Ray/Johnson combo.
Check it out: My latest column is up on the Web sitem, so if you want my opinion on what the O's should do leading into the July 31 trade deadline, read it here.
Today on the radio: I'll be talking Orioles tonight at six on WBAL (1090 AM) as the club gets ready to face the Florida Marlins in a three-game interleague series at Dolphin Stadium. If you're outside of signal range, go to WBAL.com and click on the "Listen Live" icon.
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Comments
so I see Maese hooked up with the WaPo for Skins coverage, good for him.
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Pete's reply: Yes, I'm very happy for him, too.
Posted by: bms | June 23, 2009 5:22 PM
Pete--I concur with all you've written in your column on what the Orioles should do as the trade deadline approaches.
What an upbeat week it has been. I feel like Reimold is going to bang a couple homers against the Marlins and the Birds are going to take 2 out of 3.
Posted by: Barry | June 23, 2009 5:39 PM
Pete, I would be scared of the 7-8-9 (defined pitcher for each inning) scenario. The Orioles pen has looked better when on a given day Trembley has gone with the fresh pitcher to bridge to Johnson & Sherrill. Sounds like the old Sam Perlozzo formula that blew up in his face.
Posted by: Cameron | June 23, 2009 5:49 PM
Pete, You didn't mention Baez in your article. What are your thoughts on interest from other teams, the potential returns, and whether or not the O's should trade him?
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Pete's reply: He's also a possibility, but his salary makes him a tough sell, especially with those five runs he just put on his ERA tonight.
Posted by: joe g | June 23, 2009 6:14 PM
Does Sarfate have as good of upside as Ray? He seems like another viable option once he comes up the DL. Come to think of it, what is the latest with him?
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Pete's reply: He's at Sarasota rehabbing. I don't think they view him as a closer.
Posted by: Connor | June 23, 2009 6:24 PM
Pete, I was just wondering who else you thought would or should be trade options for the O's. In the column, you mention holding onto Huff and Izturis, Sherrill being possible trade bait, and trying to figure out the corner infield positions. So, beyond Sherrill, you haven't totally answered who you think we could give up. Is he the only one you could really see us parting with? What about Baez, Johnson or Wiggington? I'd rather keep those pitchers, but Ty might draw some looks and it might be better for him to get more playing time on another team. I like him, but I think it'd be better for everyone if he played more for someone else in exchange for a good prospect at third base.
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Pete's reply: I should have mentioned Baez, but his value probably took a beating with that five-run seventh.
Posted by: christian | June 23, 2009 7:05 PM
The 7-8-9 scenario is pretty ridiculous. It should be more of the 8-9 scenario and gives at least one guy a night off. Burning 3 pitchers for 3 innings doesn't work well unless you expect them to pitch 90+ games.
Personally I'd be surprise is Ray has improved any but since the LH pitching has been so poor he is worth another shot.
I'm not sure why you would hold onto Huff unless he comes at a bargain price. With Markakis, Jones, Reimold, Scott you have 3 OFs plus either a DH or 1B (maybe Scott can give it a try next year). Also Wiggington can easily play 1B.
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Pete's reply: I think you were taking me a little too literally.
I wouldn't give Huff away but if you get a solid prospect, it would be worth it.
Posted by: rich | June 23, 2009 7:36 PM
i think that's the Miller the Marlins traded for...where's the other one?
Posted by: jim66 | June 23, 2009 8:44 PM
Peter, I'd like your take on the following: As I am slightly superstitious, I attribute part of the blame for the Marlins' recent 5-run inning to your pal, Jim "you can never be too optimistic" Hunter. In the 7th, with the score tied 1-1, immediately when the Marlins pinch-hit for Miller, Hunter said, "So both pitchers have pitched to a no-decision." Shortly afterward, realizing his mistake, he said, "as long as this inning remains scoreless." Will Hunter ever learn not to speak too soon?
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Pete's reply: Absolutely, Jim jinxed the inning. The broadcasters have been doing that all year. I've already written my congressman.
Posted by: Seth | June 23, 2009 9:02 PM
Absolutely agree with Cameron (and Dave Johnson) - every time you run another guy out there, you're gambling he'll be "on". If starters can make it to the 6th, then Johnson/Ray for 7 AND 8 and on to Sherrill. Unless, of course, we deal Sherill for Strasburg and Ray moves to closer.
Posted by: Bob W. | June 24, 2009 12:51 PM