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.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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I totally agree. I am confused as to why Guthrie is still given so many innings. I remember his last start, he gave up 6 or 7 runs in 7 innings, 3 Home Runs (to add to his league leading total), and the next day David Hernandez gives up 2 runs in 4 1/3 innings and they yank him. Why is Guthrie allowed to go so deep into games when he is just hurting the team. They are yanking all of these young pitchers after 5 innings when all they've given up is 1 or 2 runs. I know that they don't want to wear out their arms but this just leaves more chances for our less than stellar bullpen to lose the game.
ReplyDeleteThey definitely need to let those young guys go deeper into games. Don't they realize, that the more you pitch, the stronger your arm gets? They need to scrap this awful "pitch count" philosophy a la Nolan Ryan. There's ABSOLUTELY no reason to limit someone's playing time simply because he's gone above 100 pitches. The number 100 does not, in any way have the magic qualities that baseball managers and executives have bestowed upon it in recent years.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, we should definitely start yanking Guthrie earlier. He's been downright atrocious at times. And as for Berken — I'm not even going to go there...
Contrary to what you guys think, I don't have a big problem with Trembley pulling the young pitchers early in games...this year. Next year, I hope and expect Trembley (or whoever is the manager) will let the young arms prove their worth by letting them go deeper into games if they are giving the O's a chance to win. I understand why they are being cautious with guys like Hernandez. Why risk an injury in their rookie season when wins and losses aren't critical? I hear what you guys are saying but Trembley is playing it safe. Guthrie proved last year that he was capable of going deep into games. Therefore his leash is bit more extended. Don't worry, guys like Hernandez, Tillman, and Matusz will be pitching into the seventh and eighth inning just like Bergesen. It's just a matter of time...
ReplyDeleteto the berken stuff: AGREED AGREED AGREED AGREED AGREED. i don't care if he gets win number two tonight, send him down when bergesen gets back
ReplyDeleteI guess he kind of proved me wrong last night with a solid outing. However, I still stand by original belief that he shouldn't be pitching at the Major League level just yet. Although, the O's really have no choice but to leave him up...
ReplyDelete