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Koji Uehara threw live batting practice today, using only his fastball and showing good command of the lower part of the strike zone.
"He was down, he had some finish and he looked strong,'' said Dave Trembley.
It'll be interesting to see if he changes the way he mixes his pitches in a relief role as opposed to being a starter. Trembley doesn't expect him to change his style. He just wants to see the great command and the good health.
"He's strikethrower,'' Trembley said.
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
Koji could be a real asset in the pen. He was an effective closer in Japan and he was effective against ML hitters the first couple of times through the order last year. The guy's got pinpoint control, a strike thrower is always welcome in the pen.
He's a guy that could get used as a spot closer when Gonzalaz has been trotted out a couple days in a row. And he can give a couple of innings if one of the starters goes out early.
And both Koji and Henderickson are capable of making spot starts, as will Hernandez if he carves out a role in the pen. Right now the Bullpen shapes up to be much deeper then last year.
Posted by: MountainFan | February 25, 2010 12:59 PM
Sounds like Koji's in better shape that some other Japanese imports these days. I still haven't figured out how to get my Corolla to slow down.
Posted by: Chris Joseph | February 25, 2010 1:21 PM
My worry is the o's relievers that are on the bubble making the team.If they get DFA' d and someone picks them up,that will be a hit on our depth.My guess is Koji will only be able to pitch 3 days a week so we're going to need a couple other middle relievers.
Posted by: John | February 26, 2010 4:02 AM
Best case scenario: Trembley uses Koji in around 40 games as a 3-4 inning bridge when games are in the balance.
Worst case scenario: Trembley pegs him as the 7th inning guy, warming him up 80+ times a year (just in case) then roboticly yanks him to bring in the next pitcher in line.
Posted by: Cameron | February 26, 2010 4:48 AM