After the Orioles get through these remaining 11 games vs. Boston and New York, there will probably be a decision made on Trembley.
Before that happens, the O’s have to begin to address the bullpen.
I have defended Albers plenty. As a relief pitcher, I’ve always liked his stuff. Does not matter that he only has two pitches, when he controls that power-sinker and forces grounders – he can be effective. I have always recalled that he was once considered one of the best 100 prospects in the game, and was the Texas League (AA) Pitcher of the Year. I gave him a bit of a free-pass last year coming off the labrum-injury. There is no free-pass in 2010. You can not continue to fall behind hitters, and not attack. He nibbles too much and does not trust his stuff.
If Uehara and Gonzalez return to the pen healthy, the O’s will be improved.
Still, while I understand I sound like a broken-record – Hernandez is the key to improving the bullpen. His stuff, and ability to provide multiple innings would be a real advantage. The fact that you could replace him in the rotation with Tillman ( a pitcher that figures to equal his 2010 production, and has greater upside) should make this happen. Perhaps Tillman getting going tonight with a good start at AAA Norfolk, will begin to start the clock for this move.
I feel like the O’s would be an improved team, if they ended May with a staff that looked like:
Millwood, Guthrie, Matusz, Tillman, Arrieta
Gonzalez
Uehara
Johnson
Mickolio
Hernandez
Berken
Ohman / W. Perez
Moves:
1) Arrieta for Bergesen
2) Tillman promoted, Meredith released
3) Hernandez to the pen
4) Uehara off DL, Albers gone
5) Gonzalez off DL, Hendrickson* gone
*As I’ve stated previously, Hendrickson is not a favorite of mine, but I acknowledge he has been successful out of the pen. I would not expect him to be released. I would argue that with Hernandez, Berken, and Uehara – you would not need another pitcher capable of stretching. With Ohman or Perez, and Gonzalez, you would also not need a 3rd lefty.
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.