Orioles: Pregame notes
The Orioles' top draft choice of 2008 is now the franchise's top minor league pitcher for June. Brian Matusz was named Organizational Pitcher of the Month for June, after going 2-0 with an 0.79 ERA in his first two starts at Double-A Bowie. He also pitched six shutout innings in his last start for Class-A Frederick in June, so he gave up just one run over 17 1/3 innings and struck out 21. He has remained on a major role this month and now is 4-0 with an 0.34 ERA at Bowie, giving up just one earned run over 26 1/3 innings. Delmarva outfielder Donnie Welty was named Player of the Month.
Cesar Izturis looked good in his first rehab game for the Baysox last night, getting two hits in three at-bats.
The Orioles rank second in the American League with 18 outfield assists. Nick Markakis has eight to also rank second in the AL.
Dennis Sarfate, who has been sidelined two months with a circulatory problem in his hand, is scheduled to begin his injury rehabilitation assignment with the Baysox this weekend.
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Comments
so what are the possibility of the O's signing BJ Ryan?
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Pete's reply: I really can't gauge it. If he's willing to go to the minors, I think the O's would be interested. But a lot of teams will take a look at him for $200,000, which is what they would have to pay him over the second half of the season.
Posted by: jt | July 8, 2009 4:20 PM
Pete,
Matusz numbers are definitely impressive. How long do you speculate he might spend in the minors, assuming he continues to keep his numbers down?
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Pete's reply: I think he could be in the rotation next April if he keeps dominating hitters at every level.
Posted by: slugger | July 8, 2009 4:26 PM
damn computer posting 3 times in a row. but Go O's!!!
Posted by: jt | July 8, 2009 4:28 PM
Interesting question. I wasn't too agitated when the Birds let him go. Closers are unpredictable; one arm injury can signal the end.
If Ryan's healthy, somebody will take him. I guess it depends on the price tag.
Posted by: Robert Bruce Daniels | July 8, 2009 4:28 PM
What's the deal on Guthrie,haven't seen an update anywhere.
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Pete's reply: He was sick. I put an update in the Guthrie item from last night.
Posted by: Joey | July 8, 2009 4:38 PM
Ryan is FFFFFF ing terrible, thank god we didn't keep him.
Posted by: bms | July 8, 2009 4:45 PM
Schmuck, the MASN coverage is terrible. Already during the game they go to commercial while play is going on, then cut back right as the inning ended to go right back to commercial.
This is pathetic, they have been around for a couple years now and this is a frequent occurrence. Any idea how to tell the cavemen running MASN of my displeasure?
Thanks
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Pete's reply: You just did.
Posted by: Scott | July 8, 2009 5:46 PM
thanks for the update on sarfate
Posted by: rv | July 8, 2009 8:04 PM
Matusz is on a roll, not role (although he has one).
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Pete's reply: Oops.
Posted by: smz42 | July 8, 2009 9:03 PM
I saw scouting reports when the O's signed him that Matusz would have little to learn at the minor league level because his off-speed and breaking stuff was more that minor leaguers could handle. Looks like that report was accurate and maybe he needs to get his training in the bullpen in Baltimore like the O's used to do with future starters.
Posted by: Ed | July 8, 2009 11:26 PM
That outfield assist stat is something like a three sided metal file. On one positive side, yes, you're throwing out runners trying to advance, but on the other two, negative, sides, (1) runners attempt to advance thinking they can run on you, and (2) you're overthrowing the cutoff man and still get the assist. Q., Are teams given an outfield assist if the ultimate putout throw is made by the infield cutoff man?
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Pete's reply: Yes. Both fielders get an assist in that situation.
Posted by: Jay Peterson | July 10, 2009 6:23 AM