Chris Tillman made his 2nd AAA start of the year, and had limited success tonight.

Over just 4.2 innings, Tillman allowed 8 hits, 3 er, 1 bb, with 4 k’s.

Over these first two 2010 starts, Tillman has a 5.19 era.

This should only ‘concern’ you if you believe these 8.2 innings to start 2010, is a better indication of who Tillman is, vs. the pitcher we have seen during the past two-seasons at AA, AAA, and with the Birds last-summer.

For those that need the reminder:

Tillman
2009 MLB Age 21: 2-5, 5.40 ERA, 65 innings, 77 hits, 15 homers, 24 walks, 39 k’s
2009 AAA Age 21: 8-6, 2.70 ERA, 96.2 innings, 85 hits, 5 homers, 26 walks, 99 k’s.
2008 AA Age 20: 11-4, 3.18 ERA, 135.2 innings, 115 hits, 10 homers, 65 walks, 154 k’s.

I’ve made clear that I believe Tillman has the greater upside than Hernandez as a starter. I have also stated that I believe in 2010 alone, both would figure to have fairly equal production (170+ innings, 4.75 era) during the course of an entire season.

However, what I think is being missed is the benefit the O’s would have with both pitchers on the roster, and Hernandez in particular in the bullpen.

Hernandez had a quality start last Saturday during his 6 innings of work. As I just said above, I am sure he can be a league average 4th or 5th starter this year. I think the O’s would be a better team today, with Tillman in the rotation, and Hernandez in the pen.

Ultimately, I want to see the O’s bullpen look like:

Gonzalez
Johnson
Mickolio
Uehara
Ohman or Perez
Hernandez
Berken or Lebron or Albers

With Mickolio already having had several appearances for Norfolk, hopefully he is moving closer to a promotion to Baltimore.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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