Jake Arrieta is going through some recent adversity for AAA Norfolk.
Last-night, he made his 3 consecutive start that was under 6 innings of work, and 3 consecutive start with at-least 3 walks. In 4 innings of work, he allowed 6 hits, 3 er, 3 bb’s, with 5 k’s.
This brings his AAA totals to 3-4, 4.34 era. In 45.2 innings, he has allowed 46 hits, 17 bb’s, with 43 k’s.
Solid numbers overall, but not at that pace he was at in AA.
For the year, he now pitched a total of 104.2 innings, after pitching 113 last year (plus his International experience with the US Olympic team).
If you assume the O’s will let him get to about 145 innings for the year, it might not be a horrible idea to skip Arrieta’s next start, and allow him to have extra-rest for the stretch-run.
Other Minor League Notes:
Sarfate pitched a scoreless inning for Norfolk last-night, and had a walk, and a k.
Snyder is just 5 for his last 31. He is going to eventually hit, but he is basically forcing the O’s hand to return him to AAA to start 2010.
Mike Aubrey has come back to Earth, as he 7 for his last 36. Aubrey will turn 28 in early April 2010, so he is kind of ‘old’ for a prospect. However, he could be a guy that through injury or need gets a cup of coffee at some-point.
Victor Diaz, picked-up after the trade of Salazar, has been cold since joining Norfolk. Diaz is 2 for 19 as a Tide. Like Aubrey, Diaz is turning 28. Diaz had 25 homers, and 107 rbi for in the AAA Pacific Coast League in 2008, and could also earn a cup off coffee through injury or need at some-point.
Zach Britton continues to be strong at Single A Frederick. The 21 year-old lefty is 6-4, with a 2.66 era. In 101.1 innings, he has allowed 87 hits, 42 walks, with 96 k’s. He will finish high on the O’s prospect lists going into 2010.
Troy Patton is getting crushed at this point at AAA Norfolk, but I continue to think it matters little. 2009 has been a successful year for Patton, because he has been able to make 17 starts, and throw 94.1 innings. Patton, who turns 24 in September, will rehab all Winter, and will be ready to produce in 2010. He will go back to AAA, and represent a viable option for promotion if need arises.
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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.