When Cesar Izturis is activated off the DL next week, a corresponding move will have to occur.
It will be interesting to see how the O’s Front-office handles this.
Andy MacPhail stated on MASN this past week that were was zero chance of Felix Pie passing through waivers. Since MacPhail believes that, I do not believe Pie is in danger of losing his roster-spot.
For the record, I totally agree with that decision. The O’s are in a position where they have to look past the 2009 season, and getting rid of a 24 year-old with Pie’s physical abilities, would be poor. It does not matter that regular at-bats are not available right now, what matters is that Pie could help you going forward.
Oscar Salazar is also out of options, and has shown an ability to hit coming off the bench. If the O’s attempt to send him back to AAA, he will have to go through waivers, where it is possible he would be grabbed.
If the O’s send him through waivers, and lose him – I am not going to kill the Orioles for that decision. Salazar turns 31 years-old tomorrow, and is a man without a position. Salazar can help a team as the 25th man, with his ability to contribute at several positions. However, teams that are not in position to win now, do not worry about losing 30+ year-old utility players.
What other options are there?
The O’s could go with an 11 man pitching staff, and cut Mark Hendrickson, or again send down Chris Ray.
I could get behind cutting Hendrickson, but not to go with an 11 man-staff.
What is sending Ray back to AAA going to accomplish? He overwhelmed AAA hitters during his stay there. Clearly part of his issues at the ML level are mental at this point. It is not important that he goes back to AAA and has results. What is important is that he ends 2009 with a renewed confidence that he can succeed in the Majors.
Again, this goes back to getting the most out of 2009. The O’s want to win games, and I want to see them win games – but wins and losses are a secondary goal this year.
What matters the most, is ending 2009 with a clear understanding of the players you can move forward with. You have 3 full-months left of the 2009 season, and you need to use that time to evaluate Ray as much as possible.
Of course, the arrival of Izturis is not the only issue about to effect the roster.
David Hernandez’s most-recent start was cut short, and the O’s have given a wink and a smile that he will be joining the O’s.
The idea appears to be that Hernandez will come-up to receive a start, as Uehara will be skipped in the rotation.
If Hernandez gets the official call, I think Hendrickson’s days with the team are over.
Again this week, Trembley and Kranitz have stated they believe Uehara is a starter. So even if Uehara is skipped this next-time out, do not expect him to be converted to the bull-pen in short-order.
I do not think the O’s are ready to convert Hernandez to the bullpen either, so after his initial start more questions will arise. The obvious question being that if Hernandez is inserted back in the rotation, and Uehara stays as well; do the O’s send Berken or Hill to the bullpen?
If Hendrickson is released to make room for Hernandez, there will be those that want to see Hill moved to the pen, as another lefty.
I think those people will probably get their wish, but my vote would be for Hill to remain in the rotation, with Berken making the move.
In conclusion, I see Izturis, and Hernandez back with the O’s this coming week, with Baltimore releasing Hendrickson, and attempting to get Salazar through waivers.
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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.