Orioles: After further review
Due to some technical difficulties, my post-game column from last night's season opener -- reflecting the fact that the Orioles called up top pitching prospect Zach Britton -- never got onto the Web site, so I'm reprinting it here. Thanks for your patience.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Just when everyone was starting to feel all warm and fuzzy about the opening of the regular season, reality crept into the visiting clubhouse at Tropicana Field late Friday afternoon.
Left-hander Brian Matusz, who is widely regarded as the cornerstone of the club’s pitching future, walked disconsolately to his locker and put his street clothes back on. Instead of getting ready to chart pitches in advance of Saturday night’s scheduled start against the Tampa Bay Rays, he was getting ready to undergo an MRI to determine the cause of soreness beneath his left shoulder blade.
The results would not cheer him up. He suffered an intercostal strain and could be lost for up to a month. The Orioles placed him on the 15-day disabled list, moved Chris Tillman into Saturday night’s start and then did something else they had hoped they would not have to do so soon. They recalled top pitching prospect Zach Britton from the Triple-A roster to start the series finale on Sunday.
No doubt, that half of the evening news will be welcomed by a lot of Orioles fans, but it really isn’t a very happy development. Britton would have been here in a few weeks anyway and the O’s would have been able to keep him under reserve for seven seasons instead of six. This way, he may become eligible for free agency a year sooner.
And, as they say, that was the good news, along with Jeremy Guthrie’s terrific Opening Night performance and the O’s 4-1 victory, but it was not a good day. Matusz will be sidelined for at least three weeks with an injury that seldom heals easily.
Manager Buck Showalter also hinted at some other possible contingencies before moving Tillman up, but there was nothing else that would soften the blow of losing the club’s No. 2 starter before he could take the mound for his first start of the season.
The Orioles and their fans have been leaning heavily on the upgraded offensive lineup to justify guarded optimism about the club’s chances of being more competitive this season, but the ability to go nose-to-nose with the beasts of the American League East on any consistent basis has always depended on the continuing development of the young starting pitchers.
So what have we got here?
Matusz is now down for an indeterminate period and the Orioles – at least for a few hours – were without a No. 2 starter for the second game of the season. Tillman was the obvious choice to fill that one start and Brad Bergesen could have pitched four or five innings on Sunday, but neither one of them had a particularly inspiring spring.
Tillman had a respectable 3.93 ERA, but he allowed 31 baserunners in 18 1/3 innings. Bergesen pitched 17 innings against major league competitive and had a 5.82 ERA, also allowing 31 baserunners. You don’t have to be a mathematician to figure out that’s an average of nearly two baserunners an inning, which probably isn’t going to get it done in the American League East.
Obviously, it would have been real nice if the Justin Duchscherer experiment had panned out, but his comeback attempt appears to have fizzled.
Which brings us back to Britton, who was the Orioles’ most effective starter this spring. The club optioned him back to Norfolk a few days ago and clearly intended to delay his arrival in the major leagues until the end of April. Instead, he is now positioned nicely to make a run at the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
Even though MacPhail’s first instinct is to maintain control over his best young players for as long as possible, the Orioles found themselves in a very delicate position with Matusz temporarily out of the rotation. Even if they had filled out the weekend without a roster move, they would have needed a fifth starter on April 10.
The O’s need to build on last year’s late-season turnaround and they need not to leave their fans any room to doubt their commitment to compete this year. That’s why it would have been problematic to plug the hole left by Matusz with somebody like Chris Jakubauskas or Ryan Drese.
Showalter did not openly campaign for Britton, but he made it clear throughout spring training that he is committed to trying to win as many games as possible this year. It’s probably fair to assume he pushed hard for the best possible option to fill Matusz’s place in the rotation.
The last thing Showalter wants to do is risk a repeat of last year’s disastrous start, especially after doing so much to wipe that memory out of the minds of Orioles fans and after the front office did so much to upgrade the offense.
That offense found a way to beat one of the best pitchers in baseball on Friday night, but the Orioles weren’t going to hit their way out of this mess.
Listen to Peter Schmuck on WBAL (1090 AM) at noon Fridays and check out his blog, "The Schmuck Stops Here," at baltimoresun.com/schmuckblog.
Reuters photo
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Comments
"The last thing Showalter wants to do is risk a repeat of last year’s disastrous start, especially after doing so much to wipe that memory out of the minds of Orioles fans and after the front office did so much to upgrade the offense." - PS
I believe it is more important (1) of the minds of the young players to instill a winning culture into them, (2) of the minds of veterans like Roberts and Markakis who nothing but losing, and (3) of the minds and hearts of the new players -- including and especially the one-year rentals.
The fans ... they will respond to winning and effort ... and at this stage, in that order. But I think Showalter's first duty is now.
I was for Britton starting in the minors for a few weeks. Matusz' injury changes everything -- especially with no viable call-ups otherwise. I think the signal they are sending by promoting Britton is a great one.
Their recent past be damned, the team is making proper moves whether they are totally agreeable or not. To not recognize this at this point is to be totally committed to the hate level of Nestor Aparicio which is very, very sad.
Posted by: waspman | April 2, 2011 11:50 AM
When they say Matusz is out for 3-6 weeks, does that include rehab starts?
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Pete's reply: When it's that open-ended, I don't think there's any way to be specific either way.
Posted by: CUSH | April 2, 2011 11:53 AM
hmmmmm,
I seem to remember this team needing a viable starting pitcher coming into this season..... someone who wasn't past his prime, injury prone or worse.....
So what did AM go out and get?
DUCH
A starting pitcher who has basically not pitched since 2008....... a pitcher with a bum elbow..... a pitcher with a bum hip...... a pitcher dealing with depression...... a pitcher who now has a bum back......
.... a pitcher who had ZERO chance of helping this team in 2011.
Ahhhh, but you say the 700k was easily worth the risk? Of course you say that......
But instead of spending 700k on something that was impossible to pull off, why not spend that cash on the international efforts. A few more scouts perhaps? Something to better the nationally mocked international division??
Or how about spend that money on scouts period? How many scouts do the Sox and Yanks have compared to the O's? Anyone care to guess?
Oh yes, that 700k could have helped in a number of area's.
Instead, AM does what he does.... another offseason pitching acquisition that puts the young staff in yet another hole....... Just wait and see how not acquiring a solid pitcher will hurt the youngsters.....
When Tillman is forced to keep going out there, despite being in way over his head.... When Britton (who should have been up already) gets shut down the final month of the season (as AM loves to do).... As the wonder boy Matusz attempts to even get on the field at all after this 'very serious' injury.....
Yes, it looks like another great Plan installed by the exec who has lost more games than anyone in the last 20 years....
What a Duch
Posted by: wayne | April 2, 2011 12:23 PM
I just wish they could have traded for a veteran pitcher and you all know who I would have wanted, so no use repeating myself. I was ok with Britton going back to the minors for 20 days. I really was. I still think we could use another veteren pitcher. I guess Peter A, Andy M, and Buck S felt going in house was better, then trading for a pitcher who makes 8 million a year. Heck, the Yankees have scoured every rest home across the world for their pitchers (back end of the rotation). I will even venture to say this, I don't think any team in the Al Beast is really better then the other team. It will come down as to who wants it more. I really believe that. That's why I think the O's have an outside chance of making the playoffs this year.
Oh I know Tillman hasn't fared so well against the Rays in the past. However, since I am a gambling man, I am willing to bet a few "squirrel dollars" and say he has a chance today to pitch a no hitter. We see how close I am to this bold prediction. If he can avoid the one bad inning that he's had during ST in 2011, chances are at least 50/50. The Rays line up doesn't throw any fear in me, it really doesn't
Posted by: The Squirrel | April 2, 2011 12:24 PM
Dear Haters - no, strike that, I'm not allowed to use that word... let's try again...
Dear "Those Who Dislike Everything That Happens To The O's And Blame It On Either MacPhail Or Angelos Or Both (THDETHTTOABIOEMOAOB)" --
1. As I predicted in earlier posts, when th O's do well, you will ignore that on these boards -- which, in my humble opinion, completely exposes your agenda and credibility, THDETHTTOABIOEMOAOBs. Guthrie pitches the best season opener in all of MLB and - what? - not a word? What about the "he's not a legit ace?" or "he's an example of PA's inability to get a front line starter?"
2. Now that Brian is on the DL, and the O's are bringing up Britton, the predictable screams of "Fire MacPhail!" are due to - what? - due to the fact that Brian Matusz went down???? brian matuzs who hasn't missed a start due to injury in his ML career? MacPhail's to blame for this??? And then, MacPhail does what everyone in Birdland was afraid he wouldn't do (and which he had every justification for not doing) and which we all WANTED him to do, and you guys bitch about the Duch experiment and don't even have the class to squeeze out a little praise for the man for bringing up Zach? Really?
3. The O's played a solid game offensively and defensively - offensively against one of the hardest throwing and most effective pitchers in the AL, at his own home opener! The Rays may be depleted this year after winning the AL East, but Dave Price is still one of their studs.
4. BRob was completely ineffective last night, wasn't he? Should have been traded for draft picks during the Spring because he's washed up and a whiney baby. Doesn't matter whether it was a triple or a double plus an error, it was a fine piece of clutch hitting.
I hope, as everyone does, for a full and complete recovery by Matusz. But these things happen to young stud pitchers all the time. These things are unpredictable. There is no way of knowing whether or how their bodies will react to the rigors of pitching in the Major Leagues. I wouldn't have called up Britton for business reasons, but calling him up rewards him for his spectacular Spring. And that sends a message to everyone in the organization that, if you do your job and you are deserving, you will be rewarded. I believe it is more about that and less about a "win now" mentality.
As for Duch, what are you guys complaining about? You're complaining because we didn't sign Cliff Lee? I mean you're still complaining because we didn't sign Cliff Lee? Cliff Lee who didn't sign with the Yankees or the World Series Rangers? We blame that on.... wait for it.... Lee MacPhail because he's the worst GM in the history of baseball?
Here's what you wanted him to get -
"a viable starting pitcher coming into this season..... someone who wasn't past his prime, injury prone or worse.." Who was that supposed to be? With the Yankees experimenting with Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon -- these are the arms that you figured meet your criteria?
Congrats to the O's for not only getting the season off on the right foot, but for making the right moves as circumstances dictate.
Posted by: jc | April 2, 2011 12:49 PM
Pete, very hard to find anything negative with last nights win, however brian being hurt dims the win some what. Pete i know there are injuries all the times in sports but it's amazing to me how young in shape athletes seem to always get hurt. This new breed of baseball player must be made out of tissue paper, just can't understand it. People complain all the time about how much money football players make, they earn every cent that they make. Mason played with virtually one arm 2 years ago and was still catching passes with one arm at a outstanding level.
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Pete's reply: Can't disagree, but there are certain injuries that pitchers cannot pitch through or they'll hurt their arms. I believe -- and it's just my opinion -- that the rise in baseball injuries is related to high-level conditioning and extra muscle mass, which puts more pressure on connective tissue. And the reason players don't just shut up and play through some things is because of the money at stake. Football players don't have guaranteed long-term contracts, so they will run through walls to stay on the field.
Posted by: blancione | April 2, 2011 12:52 PM
Pete i wasn't saying that he should pitch through his in jury, i just am astonished that these young guy's that are in the prime of there career's seem to always get hurt. People tell me that pitching is not a natural motion and creates lots of strain on arms, that might be true but it sure seems that players not from this modern era pitched longer and without the injuries that are incured today. And you certainly can't say that this new age pitcher is better then in the past.
Posted by: blancione | April 2, 2011 5:14 PM
I have been looking forward to this season since PA told Andy to go sign Vlad. As I keep saying, if a lot of things go right this year, things could get very interesting for the team. I predicted that Dutch would start the year on the DL and possibly retire before throwing a pitch. I also said that Britton would pitch lights out this spring and force the Orioles to put him on the opening day roster. I am glad he is on the roster, but it is a shame it is a Matusz expense. I never hear of an intercostal strain, and I hope the kid heals up and gets on the mound ASAP. I still think Macpahil was dead wrong for worrying about a 7th year option for Brittion to begin with. Every win is important for this team and games lost in April count just as much in the standings as those in September. The object is to put the team in the position to win as many games as possible out of the gate. Period. Britton deserved to be in the rotation, and now he is.
I still don't believe that Andy Macphail is the GM that can take the team to the next level, and the fact that he basically planned to lose in 2008, 2009, and 2010 still bothers me. But, this is a new year and I have a hunch that the starting pitching will coalesce and When Matusz is ready to return, Bergesen may be the odd man out. I think Chris Tillman is going to turn out to be a fine major league pitcher. Not Jim Palmer, but pretty good. So, let's sweep the Rays and give the Tigers a surprise next week.
Posted by: Gil | April 2, 2011 5:57 PM
With the Orioles destined this season for a flat-out, flash-bayonets, to-the-death brawl for the honor of fourth place in the AL East, bringing up Britton made less than zero sense. Buck just handed the Yankees or Red Sox an extra year with Zach should he turn out to be anywhere close to the talent level predicted..
Is Andy Mac and / or Buck seriously going to tell the fans that we couldn't have used Bergeson - who has done it on the field for going on two years now - for one lousy month to save an entire season with Britton at his peak? No? Ok, then how about Hendrickson? Or any Joe Schmo from Bowie? Who cares? It's only one lousy month ins a season in which a .500 record would call for a parade down Charles St.
And don't forget that no matter how good Britton turns out to be, he will inevitably run into the bumps and bruises into which every rookie pitcher since time immemorial on this earth has run. By the time he adjusts, the month will be over. And don't forget the kid taking Matusz's place - Chris Tillman, upon whose pressure-laden shoulders make him a disaster waiting to happen.
We are also missing the greater question of the bigger picture - why do so many Oriole pitchers rruin their arms while playing in this organization? Just think of our staff if Troy Patton and Adam Loewen (just to name two off the top of my head) had panned out and were now at the top of their game. Would anyone reading this really be surprised if Matusz fought through pain all year and jumped through hoops and ladders only to find that his career is over?
While the frustrated Oriole fan base was understandably excited about the possibilities of this season, the reality is that much progress could be made without it showing all that much on the playiing field. Such is the nature of a team at absolute rock-bottom for over a decade.
Bottom line - Let's hope Brian Matusz does not utter the phrase "TJ surgery" or worse and that Britton pitches well enough to earn an early contract extension to keep the two evil AL East empires off his (and our) back. And that Tillman isn't as much of a disaster as he inevitably will be.
But it must proudly be stated that the astonishing ability of this organization to suck the air out of any and every optimistic environment absolutely staggers the mind.
And finally, guys, couldn't you have made such a mess of this in a year when there would be football?
Posted by: Fang | April 2, 2011 7:01 PM
What a Duch
Posted by: wayne | April 2, 2011 12:23 PM
This from the guy who questions MacFail's class. And questioned mine for using the Dirk Diggler name.
Keep up the hypocrisy. It's super classy.
Posted by: Dirk Diggler | April 2, 2011 10:01 PM
BTW, Mr. Integrity and Class, how do you know the Dirk Diggler name? Does that mean you watched Boogie Nights? You know, the movie about a porn star/porn industry? I wouldn't think someone with your caliber of class would watch a movie like that. More of the same hypocrisy I guess.
Posted by: Dirk Diggler | April 2, 2011 10:08 PM
DD,
Thanks for proving my point...... again
Posted by: wayne | April 3, 2011 2:59 PM
WTF are you talking about?
Articulate the point.
Posted by: Dirk Diggler | April 4, 2011 2:24 AM