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The Orioles have incorporated some new twists in their spring schedule, including a hitting station only for left-handed hitters to face left-handed batting practice. Manager Dave Trembley explained that this is an attempt to improve the club's overall performance against left-handed pitching this year.
Peter Schmuck wants you to know that, contrary to popular belief, he is more than just a bon vivant, raconteur and collector of blousy flowered shirts. He is a semi-respected journalist who has covered virtually every sport -- except luge, of course – and tackled issues that transcend the mere games people play. If that isn’t enough to qualify him to provide witty, wide-ranging commentary on the sports world ... and the rest of the world, for that matter ... he is an avid reader of history, biography and the classics, as well as a charming blowhard who pops off on both sports and politics on WBAL Radio. That means you can expect a little of everything in The Schmuck Stops Here, but the major focus will be keeping you up to the minute on Baltimore’s major sports teams and themes, whether it’s throwing up the Orioles lineup the minute it’s announced or updating you on the latest sprained ankle in Owings Mills. Oh, and by the way, that’s Mr. Schmuck to you. 
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Comments
Not to change the topic...
I can't figure out why everyone thinks Tillman is a lock for the 5 spot in the rotation. He struggled last year at this level. I am not saying he is not a good prospect. I think he will be good but he is just 22 years old and from my arm chair scout position, I don't think he is any farther along than Hernandez for example. Matusz finished strong with three solid starts. Tillman went the other way in his last three starts of 2009. I would think the 5th spot is up for grabs with Hernandez, Berken, Tillman and maybe Arrieta in the running.
What say you Pete?
Posted by: birdfanman | February 25, 2010 5:52 PM
Well, I for one think that list is a lot more impressive than Simon, Eaton and Hendrickson, which is what we had in our final 3 rotation spots last spring.
Posted by: mikezpen | February 25, 2010 6:36 PM
Interestingly, Luke Scott had better hitting numbers versus lefties than against righties. However, his walks were way down and strikeouts were way up against lefties. (All taken on a per AB or per PA basis.)
If this helps his approach without losing his effectiveness when he does make contact, it will be worthwhile.
While ham, eggs and bacon would be better than last year's laughable attempt at strength in numbers, birdmanfan makes a good point.
I'm an Arrieta fan having seen him pitch in person twice last year -- and very well, too -- but if the Orioles are planning on him getting some more seasoning in the minors, I'm all for it. I think he will be in the Oriole rotation by season's end.
Posted by: waspman | February 25, 2010 7:32 PM
Haven't even seen the first intrasquad game, but the way Trembley speaks about Erbe might be an early indication that HE might even be in the competition for spot #5.
Tillman showed no signs last year of being the least bit overpowering.
I think he needs some more time to work some things out.
Hernandez and Berken had their 15 minutes of fame. They did not show us much last year except perhaps the tenacity it takes to keep on throwing even after you've been lit up by the opponent's bats.
Arrieta and Erbe are the ones to watch.
Posted by: Bear the Birdfan | February 25, 2010 11:27 PM