The 1-2 Baltimore Orioles start their 19th season at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with a three-game weekend series against the 2-1 Toronto Blue Jays.
Toronto took two of three in Texas, winning the last two-days.
The pitching match-ups for this Series are:
4/9 Brad Bergesen vs Brandon Morrow
4/10 David Hernandez vs Dana Eveland
4/11 Kevin Millwood vs Shaun Marcum
Morrow was the 5th overall pick of the 2006 Draft by the Seattle Mariners. The 6’3 25 year-old righty has a big-time power arm, and is going to get the opportunity to gain some Major League innings and experience with Toronto in 2010.
Last-year with Seattle, Morrow pitched a total of 69.2 innings, splitting time between the rotation and the pen. In those innings, Morrow allowed 66 hits, and had 63 k’s – but hurt himself with 44 walks, and 10 homers allowed.
As we all know, Bergesen’s 2009 season ended when he took a liner off the shin last July 30th. That day saw Bergesen provide his 12th consecutive start of at least 6 innings of work. In those 12 starts, Bergesen allowed 4 er once, and 2 er or less 9 times.
I am expecting to see some regression (really normalization) in 2010 from Bergesen in terms of ERA – but I am also expecting to see a back of the rotation starter that regularly keeps the O’s in games, and consistently provides innings. It will be really interesting to see what type of start he gets off to this year.
Dana Eveland is a 26 year-old lefty that was 9-9 in 168 innings for Oakland in 2008, but spent most of 2009 in the Minors. In that 2008 season, Eveland held opposing hitters to a .735 OPS against, including a .650 OPS against lefties.
During Hernandez’s first couple of starts, I will be watching to see just how effective his new Sinker is, and if he is able to consistently feature the Slider that allowed him to have prolific strike-out rates in the Minors. Obviously we will also be watching to see how Hernandez does against lineups the 2nd and 3rd time through – and perhaps more importantly, how well he maintains his velocity and movement.
Shawn Marcum had very solid 2007, and 2008 seasons before being lost to an elbow-injury in 2009. He celebrated his return to the Jays rotation with the Opening Day nod. In 7 innings of work, Marcum allowed 3 er, 2 hits, 1 bb, with 6 k’s. The 28 year-old righty actually carried a no-hitter through the first 6 innings.
With Millwood having his first start behind him, I am expecting 7 or 8 innings out of him Sunday. I think he will be motivated in-front of the home-crowd and will be anxious to lead the staff by example.
The Jays lineup is led by the talented trio of CF Vernon Wells, LF Adam Lind, and 2nd baseman Aaron Hill. Their lineup will look more imposing if they can get the promising Travis Snider producing with some regularity.
The O’s need to jump on Toronto today, and make sure they take Game 1 of this Series. Taking 2 of 3 should be expected, and sweeping the Jays at-home is a legitimate goal.
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.