I enjoy watching Koji Uehara pitch.
Clearly at 34 years-old, he is not the same pitcher that won two Swamura Awards as the best pitcher in Japan.
Despite not having the stuff he probably once did, his ability to use mulitiple pitches, and work up/down, and in and out of the zone is impressive.
Knowing that he had not started for the last two seasons, I anticipated a transition for him going back to the rotation. I figured the O’s would attempt to treat him with kid-gloves in the earlier parts of 2009, as he got his legs under him. Obviously he was not just transitioning back to the rotation, but a new league, a new home, and dealing with a language issue – even with an interpreter.
On Feb 11th, I projected Uehara’s 2009 stats as:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/02/baltimore-sports-and-life-projects-os.html
Uehara – Turned 34, on April 3rd
2008 – 89.2 IP, 90 hits, 72 k’s, 16 walks
2007 – 62 IP, 47 hits, 66 k’s, 4 walks
2006 – 168.1 IP, 157 hits, 151 k’s, 21 walks
2009 Projected – 23 starts, 10-10, 4.50 ERA, 140 innings, 140 hits, 30 walks
After last night, Uehara’s 2009 numbers are:
12 starts, 2-4, 4.05 era, 66.2 innings, 71 hits, 12 walks, 48 k’s.
He has 8 starts of at-least 5 innings, and 3 er or less.
Every-time he goes out, he is typically giving the O’s a chance to win.
By the time he gets to the 2nd time in the line-up though, his numbers start to inflate. Either by him becoming tired, or by the O’s keeping him to a pitch-count, his work is usually done after 95 pitches.
If that is by plan to help him from excerting too much, and keep him available throughout the season; I can support that.
If he can not phyiscally pitch beyond that point, there are questions for the O’s to consider.
The signing of Uehara was not just to add to the 2009 Orioles staff; but to announce the intentions of the Baltimore Orioles to be a player in Asia going forward. The O’s went into 2009 with little brand awareness in Japan, and Asia. The signing of Uehara, and the media attention on him, will help Mr. John Stockstill (O’s International Scouting Director) going forward.
However, Uehara signed with the O’s for the opportunity to start. If the O’s remove him from the rotation, will that hurt the reputation of the Orioles in Japan?
The O’s will have to consider that.
Last-night, Uehara got to avoid a typical hot/humid night in Miami. The game-time temperature was only 73 degrees, but he was only able to make 76 pitches. He was so efficient, he was able to complete 6 innings.
If he was done though, and the O’s do not believe he will be able to handle the Baltimore summer; will the Warehouse make a move?
Chris Tillman had his 3rd consecutive start of 6 innings last-night. A few more turns through the rotation, and he might be banging on the door. If not Tillman, you can make logical arguements for Hernandez, or Patton, or even Arrieta.
Each of those prospects getting an extended 2009 Major League opportunity, would make more sense vs giving innings to a normal 34 year-old stop-gap. The tough thing for the O’s, is that Uehara is not just a normal 34 year-old stop-gap; but a player that means more than just his on-field production.
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.