Chris Tillman made his Major League debut last night. Tillman went 4.2 innings, allowing 7 hits, 3er, 3 homers, 1 bb, with 2 k’s.
A total of 93 pitches, with 58 strikes.
It was not a thing of beauty, but it was a glimpse into why his future is so bright.
The 21 year-old, 6’5 right-hander has a nice, simple delivery that he is able to repeat.
Has fast-ball seems to have a natural sink to it, which is going to eat up a lot of bats. He was comfortably sitting at 92-93, but was able to muscle-up to 95-96 when required. His first Major League strike-out, was 96 running-away on the outside black, perfectly located. Good-luck.
His change-up is a work in progress, but can be effective. His curve was off last night, but is often described as his best pitch.
More than anything, I liked the poise displayed by Tillman. It was not apparent at all that this was his debut.
Last-year, he had allowed 10 homers in 135.2 innings at Bowie. This year he had allowed 5 homers in 96.2 innings at Norfolk. So, you would think when he allows 3 homers in less than 5 innings in his Major League debut, he would be shell-shocked.
If he was, it did not show. He just continued to attack hitters.
Here is what I know after last-night. At an absolute minimum the O’s will get 150+ innings out of him in 2010, with a 4.75 era.
However, my honest expectations are much higher than that. I expect Tillman, who will turn 22 next April, to quickly ascend to the top of the O’s rotation. He does enough of the little things right, that his natural talent and ability is going to allow him to progress very quickly as a Major Leaguer.
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.