Another good game as far as I'm concerned. A couple of our backups, and a group of guys from the minors, more than held their own against the Ray's 1st team.

Hendrickson and Mickolio are behind the hitters, but it is early.

Just as the wins mean little in ST ball, neither do the losses.

Matusz is someone I do believe in. People need to be careful with their expectations however. A 10 win season would be remarkable.

Such a great win for the Terps last night by the way. Watching the national press talking about the campus riots however, is such a bad look. Why can't Terp fans/students act like they've been there? I know it happens elsewhere as well, but I sure wish college park fans showed a little class.

The game was even the lead story on PTI tonight. Unfortunately though, the conversation went immediately to the rioting and such... Too bad!

In any case, it's very cool how Gary Williams has once again turned the program around. People can say what they want about the guy, but he's a winner.

And to those mimicking my name (whyne, etc...), I'm truly flattered by the obsession. All I ask is - when you do it, please at least be funny.

Former Titan Justin "Red" Turner, baby! ; )

Justin Turner is the guy I am hoping takes a roster spot away from Wiggy by the end of ST. I like his style plus with the back issue that will be there all year for Brian, he makes the most sense so Brian can take some days off.

Does anyone know if Turner has ever played SS? Izzy wont be here next year and while I like Andino in the field unless he can start hitting, he wont be an option, but Turner is a scrappy type player who has pop so it would be interesting to see if he could play SS.

Fire Me

Wayne - 10 wins remarkable for Matusz??

I know you aren't serious?? Right??

All he has to do is pitch all year to get 10 wins.

Bob,

Look around the league. See the great young pitchers in the league who are now in their 3rd or 4th year. Then, look at their 1st full year. Then you'll see why 10 wins would be awesome.

Then go to supposed other young studs who were similar type prospects as Matusz. Then see how poorly then did their first year.

Perspective Bob..... People are too hyped over Brian. Let's hope he's average to good this year, without looking for him to be a stud. It's unrealistic!

Please be real!

A lot of players are in this position for the Orioles, which is why they'll do so poorly again this year.

Matusz future looks bright. But as I have stated repeately the last few weeks in order for this team to approach resepectabilty again it will take a bettter combination of veterans who know how to win and good young talent. In my judegement, the Orioles still need additional one or two proven veterans such as free agents Washburn and Dye.

@wayne, no one's making fun of your name. it was spelled "whyne" on a different thread.

10 wins would be a disappointment or Matusz this year. I'm not saying he'll win 20, but if healthy we should expect 15. I understand Wayne's argument but unlike most hot shot pitching prospects that arrive at the big leagues with great stuff and a pitching mind that hasn't caught up (Tillman, David Price, numerous others), it us Matusz's unique level of polish for a player of his inexperience that sets him apart from those guys. Matusz will improve at the major league level, but he needs far less grooming than most elite young arms. Also important for win totals, this team should be a significant upgrade offensively this year. He will get run support.

15 wins? Expected?

The Orioles have had six 15-game winners in the last 12 years. Total.

1998 Erickson 16-13 (36 starts)
1999 Mussina 18-7 (31)
1999 Erickson 15-12 (34)
2002 Lopez 15-9 (28 starts / 33 games)
2005 Lopez 15-12 (35)
2006 Bedard 15-11 (33)

See the pattern? Everyone but Mussina had less than 50% of their starts as personal wins.

Bedard was the youngest (27 in '06). And he was never the same after that.

Even if Matusz gets 30 starts and 15 wins, be careful what you wish for. All I will say is Wally Bunker.

I said, "less than 50% of their starts." I should have said, "less than 50% of their games." Lopez had 15 wins in 28 starts or 33 games.

It doesn't change the essence of my post.

I think a better indicator of a pitchers ability is to look at his ERA and WHIP.If you win 15 games but have an ERA of 6 you're not very good.I think if Matusz can post a 3.00 ERA then he has had a great year.

Waspman,

If you look at the original Oriole"Kddie corps" of Milt Pappas, Jerry Walker, Steve Barber,Chuck Estrada and Jack Fisher, only Pappas and Barber had any real longevity and Barber battled elbow problems for the majority of this career. Jerry Walker was only about 19 when he pitched an 18 inning 1 to 0 shutout against the White Sox. He was never the same and was out of baseball by the time he was around 26.

Waspman, wins is just about the most irrelevant stat for a pitcher in baseball because ultimately they have no control over it.

Last year neither Cy Young winner won 50% of their starts (16 in 33 for Greinke, 15 in 32 for Lincecum). Only 10 pitchers in baseball won at least 50% of their starts. Win % is more directly related to the quality of your team than it is to the quality of your pitching.

We should be juding Matusz's performance based on things like BB/9, ERA, K/9 and WHIP.

Don't get me wrong I want the O's to win but it's not a reflection on Matusz if the pen falls apart or the O's score 1 run for him.