Monday, March 23, 2009

Spring Training Update #3

The Orioles made their next set of cuts this weeks, surprisingly sending down Brad Bergesen and Andy Mitchell. Bergesen pitched very well this spring and was expected to be a frontrunner for one of the three remaining spots in the rotation. It's still possible that the O's will do with him what they did in Erik Bedard's rookie season, starting him in the minors until its the fifth starter's turn in the rotation. The Orioles released catcher Gustavo Quiroz, which narrows the backup catcher competition to Chad Moeller and Robby Hammock. They also released pitcher Scott Chiason. Outfield prospect Nolan Reimold, who had a great spring with 4 home runs, was cut, simply because the O's are set in the outfield. Wilfrido in Perez was the real surprise cut. He appeared to have a shot in the bullpen after being lights out in spring training. Brandon Snyder was the next cut, but he appears ready to replace Aubrey Huff next season at first base or later this year if Huff is traded. Blake Davis, who never had a realistic chance, was also cut.

The O's also announced that Rich Hill will start the season on the DL. The competition for the last three rotation spots is down to Adam Eaton, Mark Hendrickson, Danys Baez, Brian Bass, Alfredo Simon, David Pauley, and Hayden Penn. Hendrickson is the only left hander and will therefore probably make the rotation. Pauley has been too hittable and will probably be cut. Penn has been ineffective, but may make the team as a reliever. That leaves Eaton, Baez, Bass, and Simon to battle for the last two spots.

3 comments:

ali said...

Dear Hayden Penn:

Please please please please start pitching well enough to make the team. I've been waiting for you to make the Orioles since that rainy afternoon I watched your first MLB start. Plus, the Orioles are the only sports team I have to watch in the summer while it's the NHL off-season, and they'd be more fun to watch if you were pitching. If you make the team, I'll.... buy your t-shirt. Make the team. Come on Hayden Penn.

Zach said...

that's probably the most depressing list of potential starters that I've ever seen

Matthew Hoyt said...

Lets convert Nick Markakis back into a pitcher. We need him more on the mound.