With a Baltimore Orioles roster that was nearly set before Spring Training began, there is a limit to the amount of stories to report on. One story that has existed is the health of several key-components of the roster. While I believe that coverage to be legitimate, it is my belief that the increased ‘focus’ on the health; has led to bit of unwarranted panic from fans of the Orange & Black.
More and more often, it seems that fans just have an immediate rush to judgment (and all too typically assume the worst). Perhaps all the more annoyingly, analysis just seemingly leaves the equation.
Let us look at some of the ‘injury’ concerns, and review them on a case-by-case basis:
Brian Roberts – He has a herniated-disk in his back, and has been shut down for a couple of days due to a physical reaction from taking medication to reduce inflammation.
When this was announced to the public on February 22nd, Roberts stated at the time that it was already a lot better than it was 3 weeks before that. Today, when it was announced Roberts would be shut-down for several days; Trembley reminded everyone Roberts has been doing everything – including taking grounders, turning double-plays, taking BP.
We are talking about a player going into his 10th season, that has 4,490 Major League at-bats to his name. Trembley is correct in stating that with 25-30 Spring Training at-bats, Roberts should be ready to go. MacPhail has stated Roberts’ health has started to appear on his radar screen, but that the medical-staff continues to believe Roberts will be ready for Opening Day.
Based on what is known today, I do not see any chance of Roberts starting the year on the DL.
What I will be looking for, is to see if Roberts slumps early if his Spring at-bats are limited; and what Trembley does during the season to give Roberts some additional rest. The veteran 2nd-baseman has played in at-least 155 games in 3 consecutive years. Reducing that by several games in 2010 seems ideal for all parties.
Nolan Reimold – Reimold played all of the 2009 season with a 25% tear of his Achilles tendon. On September 23rd, Reimold had surgery to repair the injury. At the time of the surgery, it was stated his rehab could take 4 months. It was also stated that normally he would be able to run 8 to 10 weeks later.
On February 22nd, The Baltimore Sun reported that Reimold had been running on a treadmill. After running the bases, and doing some OF sprints; Reimold said he was confident about being ready for Opening Day. “When I walk around, I don’t feel anything,” Reimold said. “We’ll see how it feels when I’m running around for 10 hours a day.”
On March 6th, Reimold was healthy enough to receive 2 at-bats. Today, Reimold was healthy enough to play in the OF.
The bottom-line is that his leg might not feel great, but he has already shown an ability to play through pain. More to the point, if he is healthy enough in early March to get in the batter’s box, and play in the field; he should only be further ready to contribute in early March.
If I believe Roberts is a 100% lock for Opening Day, than I believe Reimold has similar odds ( at maybe 95%). The only reason I would not consider Reimold a complete lock, is that the O’s might be willing to take things easy with him to start, and let Pie handle LF to begin the year.
Chris Tillman – On May 6th, Tillman pitched 2 scoreless innings. Today, Tillman pitched 2.1 more, including 49 total pitches. If there was concern about his back, those thoughts should now be alleviated.
Brad Bergesen – Returns to competition tomorrow, as he takes the mound against the Pirates. He is looking to throw the same 2 innings or 35 pitches as each of the other starters have made.
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.