The decision has officially been made to open the 2010 Season with David Hernandez as the 5th starter, and to send Chris Tillman back to AAA.

I still find the decision disappointing. If the O’s truly feel Tillman’s mechanics are out whack, it is easier to take. While respecting Griffin, and Schmidt; I would still prefer Tillman to be working with Kranitz day-in, day-out.

The most interesting comments I have seen, have been Tillman saying that while he is excited to add the Cutter, feels as if he would have had better Spring success without it.

In baseball you never usually have to worry about everyone staying healthy, or performing just like you envision them. However, what if that actually occurs for 2.5 months? What if Millwood, Guthrie, Matusz, Bergesen, Hernandez are all taking the mound every 5th day, and Guthrie/Hernandez are pitching just well enough to stay in the rotation?

I am excited about 2010, and do believe the team will show strong improvement. However, 2010 is still about setting the stage for 2011 when you expect to have a team capable of contending. I believe the O’s would be closer to 2011 contention, if Tillman gets as much Major League experience in 2010 as possible.

Since the decision has been made; it is time to get on-board. The AAA rotation is ridiculous, and a very strong barometer of the gains by this organization overall,

My best guess on what is going to happen is that my favorite player Guthrie is going to be out of the rotation first, with Tillman replacing him.

If that occurs, what becomes interesting is envisioning what happens going forward when the O’s want to also find rotation spots for Arrieta, and Britton.

While Arrieta (and Erbe) might eventually find their way to being positioned as Closers; I feel the Orioles will want to give them every chance in the rotation first. Look no further than Hernandez for the comparison.

Obviously Millwood is a 2011 Free Agent, but even if you are not counting him; the O’s are going to have questions of how to fill the rotation. Matusz, Bergesen, Tillman, Hernandez, Arrieta, Britton will each be legitimate options, with Matusz, Bergesen, and Tillman being locks. If Hernandez spends most of 2010 in the O’s rotation, and looks like a capable back of the rotation-starer, he is going to be fairly entrenched. Maybe you see Arrieta as the 5th at the point, with Britton going to AAA (potentially back to AAA if he advances there this year).

It is nice to have numbers, and depth. The 2010 performance of Matusz, and Bergesen will have a lot to say in this discussion, but I wonder if MacPhail would allow the entire 2011 rotation to consist of young starters, in a season where you want to contend. Or if he would feel they require a veteran anchor like a Millwood?

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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