As the weather cools, and the attention turns to the pigskin; it is easy to forget about the O’s.
While I am looking forward to seeing the Terps rebound on Saturday, and all attention will be with the Ravens on Sunday – the O’s are going to start an interesting series in New York tomorrow.
It will be interesting, because the pitching has set-up that Chris Tillman, and Brian Matusz will be able to make their initial appearances in New Yankee Stadium.
They will be facing a Yankee team that has won 8 of their last 10 games, including 4 in a row.
New York is 49-20 in their new luxury home.
Baltimore is just 22-46 on the road, and have yet to win in New Yankee Stadium.
You can only put so much weight on the shoulders of two rookies who have 16 combined Major League starts.
Both Tillman, and Matusz are at the end of long-seasons and likely tiring-out. So, it remains to be seen just how much left they have to offer these next few games.
If they throw a shut-out, or if they are bombed and out of the game quickly, 1 start only means so much.
That said, I do think these games have some importance. It is an opportunity to learn about pitching in that environment, with a full-stadium, against a veteran laden team heading for the playoffs.
If they are able to thrive in that environment at this stage, that is fantastic. If they are able to gain experience, and learn from this weekend, that is also worthwhile.
While my focus is on Tillman, and Matusz, I will also be interested in seeing Guthrie on Sunday.
Guthrie has lowered his ERA from 5.66 on August 16th, to 4.96 entering this weekend. With 4 er in his last 27 innings, Guthrie has been on a very-strong run.
If he could go into New York (and potentially win the series) with another strong-outing, that would be a fantastic way to end his year.
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.