Baltimore Orioles Opening Thoughts
Brad Diamond Sports
If the Orioles have an improved season, they will need great support from their bullpen to offset a mediocre starting rotation (Hernandez, Millwood, Guthrie, Bergesen and Matusz). But, the organization brass (McPhail and Angelos, eek!) thought they could turn former Atlanta Braves relief ace into their ‘”closer.” That early project has been a major downer with Gonzalez showing two blown saves, while the Birds dropped two games they had in the win column, before the lefty took the hill. Gonzalez has horrible location, and it appears his release point has changed from last year. Last night, I took a look at a Phillies and Braves encounter from last season, and it sure does seem Gonzalez is not only throwing a little differently, but his feet seem to be moving on the rubber. Not a pitching coach, but gee, it sure is obvious the Orioles need to do some homework on the lefty before he ventures out on the hill again. Friday, Toronto went on to win a 7-6 decision which has driven the Orioles record downward to 1-3, but in reality the club should be 3-1 with some decent pen pal ' s hurling.
Overall, in 2010 there is not much more you can expect from Baltimore, a club that has gone from 74 wins in 2005 to 64 wins in 2009. That 10 win regression is huge when you consider Mr. Labor Lawyer, Peter Angelos is carrying a $67 million dollar payroll in field ornaments. To improve this years ' edition, Baltimore brought in retread Miguel Tejada (who had an HR with 4 RBI ' s on Friday), starting hurler Kevin Millwood and Gonzalez. Despite his age Tejada should be an improvement over the departed Melvin Mora, who we thought last year was washed up and ready for the golf course by how he played the third base line. At least Tejada has a big stick (at times) and should benefit with rest. To complicate any improvement, Brian Roberts, the stellar 2nd baseman was injured sliding Friday and now has an abdominal strain to go along with his back issues. The Orioles show a weak hitting middle of the infield with Lugo and Izturis. No doubt, any novice observer will now see an infield that has an aging corner in Tejada and slow footed Garrett Atkins (Colorado) playing first, and think the strength of the club is in the outfield and behind the plate with the upcoming Matt Wieters. Wieters hit .288 in 96 games last season with 9 home runs and 43 RBI ' s. But, this is the first full season of running a rotation. The acquisition of Craig Tatum (Cincinnati), who we saw handle Gonzalez yesterday is a solid defensive catcher and a great substitute for Wieters in the late innings. The outfield has Jones, Markakis and Reimold with Scott being interchanged when a RHP is on the hill. This is good set of players with speed, power and defensive abilities above average.
For sure, the 2010 edition of the Orioles will be a solid hitting squad. Out of the box they have averaged over 5 runs a game. That is the accepted norm to win baseball games at the major league level. But, once you calculate the mediocre rotation, along with a scary pen, your mind wonders if this club can get to 70 wins this season, which would indicate some improvement. Clearly, Baltimore will need a great season from youngster Brian Matusz, a solid lefty with 18-20 win future. A 14-win season in 2010 could be projected by his 6 ' 5” height, along with his throwing motion. My guess, manager Dave Trembley will be careful how the kid is handled in April and May. Build his confidence, and then let him loose when the weather gets to over 70 on a consistent basis. The Birds are loaded with future pitching stars in the once depleted farm system. So, the long suffering fans (since Eli Jacobs sold the team) will have to wait for a better future, not far down the road. One final note, we will see the heart and abilities of the Orioles later in April when they run a difficult road and home sequence of 13 games with the Red Sox and Yankees. If Baltimore comes out at 7-6 or better, the confidence should really build for manager Trembley and his frustrated unit.
Sports-Betting Strategies
Until closer Mike Gonzalez turns around his current form, the Orioles are a GO AGAINST team, except when Millwood and Matusz are hurling. Also, with their current pitching issues and hitting strengths, Baltimore appears to be a solid OVER play as they have been in the early season.