Why is Jason Berken Still Pitching for the O's?

Uhh, did I miss something? There really is no argument left for Jason Berken to remain on the major league roster. Although Brad Bergesen is injured and Rich Hill has proved to be an incompetent big league starter, the Orioles are doing nothing but embarrassing their team and Jason Berken by letting him continue to start. I understand that the O's aren't trying to make a run for the pennant this year but I find it somewhat disturbing that they're letting a rookie pitcher start his major league career 1-9. He is the scheduled starter for Friday's game at Toronto. Chances are, he'll lose that game too and fall to 1-10.

I love how the Orioles are giving chances to their young players a shot to play in the majors. Some may argue that the O's are calling up too many of their young pitchers too early. I disagree. Guys like Chris Tillman and Brian Matusz deserve a chance to show what they can do in a time when the big league club doesn't care too much about wins and losses. However, Jason Berken's chance to show off his stuff (or lack thereof) this year has expired. He seems like a pitcher who belongs in the minors to develop his skills. As I said earlier, I don't have a problem with the O's letting their young guns work out their kinks at the highest level. But letting a young, undeveloped pitcher embarrass himself cannot be good for his psyche or his ego. As we all know, confidence in pitching is a huge component of one's success.

As for a Berken's replacement, let's go with someone who won't embarrass themselves. Who that is, I'm not really sure. There aren't many viable candidates for the job at AAA. Nonetheless, the Orioles need to be careful not to let Berken's introduction to major's get too far out of hand. When Bergesen comes off the DL, the Orioles better decide to send Berken back down to AAA.