There are so many things to be determined between now and Opening Day 2010, but you can start to see the questions emerging already.
There are 3 guys that if they are still in the organization in April 2010, figure to be part of the 12 man staff – Guthrie, Hill, and Uehara. It is possible that Uehara could be part of the bullpen.
If Sherrill, Ray, and Johnson are still part of the organization, they will be in the Orioles bullpen.
I do not think the O’s will handle every player with potential Super 2 status in-mind, but I think they will with Matusz. That will probably keep Matusz away from the O’s rotation until at least June 2010.
You have to watch how the O’s handle Arrieta the rest of 2009. If they move him to AAA by the end of June…. he could end 2009 in the O’s rotation, and certainly would have a chance to make the rotation out of Spring Training next year. If they keep him at AA all summer, than he likely goes to AAA to start 2010. If he goes to AAA to start 2010, it might be June before he comes up as well.
For the record, I am not saying I believe AAA is necesarry for him, but I am stating what I think his path will be through the O’s organization.
Tillman performed all of last year at AA, and is performing well in AAA this year. Even if he spends all of 2009 at AAA, he would go into ST next year with a legitimate chance to win a spot in the O’s rotation. If the O’s send him back to AAA to start 2010, the decision is going to be contractural only.
Again, based on the premise of a 12 man staff, and with these players returning… we could be looking at the following to start 2010:
Guthrie, Hill, Uehara, 4th, 5th
Sherrill
Ray
Johnson
4
5
6
7
At the end of May 2009, my best guess to fill those spots would be:
4th starter – Troy Patton
5th starter – Chris Tillman
4th reliever – W. Perez
5th reliever – Albers
6th reliever – Bergesen
7th reliever – Hernandez
2010 Opening Day
Guthrie, Hill, Uehara, Patton, Tillman
Sherrill
Ray
Johnson
Perez
Albers
Bergesen
Hernandez
With Berken back at AAA, and the first call-up if necessary. Matusz, and Arrieta on-pace for June 2010, which would lead the O’s to finding spots for them.
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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.