Pete, I'm glad to see that Mark has embraced the role. Sure, in his heart of hearts he'd rather be starting, but it's not like he's being used for mop up. He's come into some clutch situations, like last night, and has excelled. A pitcher like that will always find work in the majors. (Being a lefty doesn't hurt, either.)

Pete,

Any insight on why Trembly would come back after the break and open up with Berken rather line up you rotation with the best guys first? I mean, they have 4 days off so conceivably, they could come right back with Bergesen on Friday. I realize that he's in his first ML season and you don't want to tax his arm, but he's clearly shown his ability is beyond his years in service. Why not at least open with Guthrie (assuming he's feeling better by then)? Nothing against Berken, but why not give our best guys the most starts in the second half?

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Pete's reply: If I had to guess, I'd think it was because Bergesen is on pace to pitch way more innings than he ever has and this gives DT a chance to get him a couple extra days of rest. Other than that, I really don't know. Maybe he's trying to steer some pitchers around the next series.

Middle relievers are the most overlooked part of any team it seems, but a couple good ones can be invaluable. I'd like to see Koji in that role since he doesn't have the stamina to be a starter.
Also, since I'm following todays game on the computer only, can anyone detail what happened to the home plate ump.? Hope he's okay.

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Pete's reply: He got hit square in the mask by a foul tip and had to leave the game. Cut his chin and obviously left him stunned.

Must have some trade value for a team that needs bullpen help down the stretch.

Just curious - how much more does Oscar Salazar have to do to make himself part of the Oriole's future? We've been waiting for the 'future' for 12 years - this guy is tearing it up in the present.

Andy - please don't trade this guy or expose him to waivers!

You see guys like Oscar Salazar knock around for a decade in the minors. Fans watch them and say "boy this guy can hit". Opposing players see them and say the same thing. Management watches them and says,...uh, who?.. Oscar'll be gone before long and will be remembered as that guy who could hit and we let go because he was too old, or too slow, or didn't have a real position. Something will be found to be wrong with his game. Management always needs a reason to justify bad decisions... See "Pie", in BaseballReference.com.

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Pete's reply: I think Oscar has 31 at-bats this year. Let's not canonize him just yet.

Isn't Oscar Salazar's attitude towards the game what we want to see in a professional ballplayer...someone who feels humbled and honored to be competing at the major league level. Ship another player out the door and let Oscar compete for the 1B or DH role next year instead of dealing him for some young mid-level "prospect". Rely on pitching, defense, hustle, and fundamentals. We don't need to be paying Mark Teixeira money for a hitter in the middle of our lineup. Let Scott, Salazar, Weiters, and Reimold compete for the spot.

He's not part of our future because he's 31 years old. He's great off the bench and as a spot starter but this guy is not the future of this club.

"Bobby"....you are right....however, we can use him now and parlay it into something better.....here's how.....Trade Huff and Pie to the White Sox for Josh Fields....I don't know much about him but the things I have heard have been positive.....this would solve the problem with Mora's option not being picked up and we have a 3rd basemen for the future....Insert Salazar at first and leave him there for the remainder of this year and most of next year....by that time, Snyder will be ready for the big club with some more seasoning at Norfolk

sorry for the multiple posts

AS long as he doesn't pitch in the 8th or 9th when we are winning. He's a body. When we are losing 8-4, bring him in for 2 1/3 innings.

Nothing wrong with a body.

Chris Ray wasn't a body. He was a mess. O's could have saved themselves some grief by letting him start the year in extended spring training, and stay in the minors until he pitches 13 1/3 scoreless innings with 24 K's...then you bring him up.

Bobby said,

He's not part of our future because he's 31 years old. He's great off the bench and as a spot starter but this guy is not the future of this club.

But what about the O's signing Brian Roberts to a multi-year contract at the same age? I say give Oscar a legitimate shot at sticking with the team.

Noticed earlier in the season, that he was good for about 3innings before falling off....only obvious that he is a middle reliever. He is doing a great job now filling in that pen spot when our starter goes out early.
Same for Uehara, great the 1st time around the lineup but then....

Also, if we need another starter, go minors NOT from the pen. Last year, we wrecked the pen by using them as both starters and releivers. Keep the pen as it is..

Because Roberts wasn't a minor league lifer before this season. You can't make that comparison.

Kudos to Andy McPhail and the manager for recognizing that Hendrickson has potential in the bullpen.

Also Kudos for Hendrickson for pitching well. Perhaps they can try to start him again and give him a second shot. He could be a good number 5 starter.

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Pete's reply: I don't see a change back to the rotation. They finally found something that's working.

In the days of the 5-man rotation your 5 guy has to be a swing type who can pitch in relief otherwise he becomes useless in a playoff series. I would like to see the Orioles get creative and go to a 6-man rotation where the starters pitch in relief on the 3rd day instead of throwing side-sessions. It would improve their control, pitch sharpness, and arm durability. It would also place less reliance on bullpen specialists if the converted starter for that day could pitch 3-4 innings and close out the game.