Matusz to Baltimore next week?

by cowboy4eva on Aug 1, 2009 3:27 PM EDT

It appears that the Brian Matusz era in Baltimore will start far earlier than anyone expected.

The Orioles are giving heavy consideration to promoting the 22-year-old Double-A pitcher and having him start on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers in Brad Bergesen's spot in the rotation.

"That is definitely a possibility," Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said today. "We've canvassed everybody and it's definitely a possibility."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-brian-matusz-801,0,4821135.story

The probability of Brian Matusz being called up next week has gone from possible to likely. Orioles beat reporter Jeff Zrebiec has just posted a story including a comment from Andy MacPhail conceding the definite possibility that Matusz will be the guy who will come up to take Brad Bergesen's place in the starting rotation.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck/2009/08/orioles_matusz_time.html

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God I hope not...

This is such a bad idea. Kid’s been great at AA, but hes got 45 innings above A ball. They’ve kept to the development plan on all these guys so far, so why blow it simply to calm a bunch of irrational sportswriters (who are the only folks calling for this move).

by ADLC on Aug 1, 2009 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

what are the pros and cons?

I’ve never fully understood this type of decision. Can someone help me with it?

from what i can tell:

Pros: Practice against the top competition. Confidence boost that your team thinks you are ready. Get to better understand pressure of big stage, handling media, playing in the stadium you will eventually be playing at (hopefully).

Cons: If you lose the game, that is a loss for the team (not a problem for the orioles since they stink this year anyway). loss of confidence if you get shelled both from not living up to your own standards, and criticism from other players/media/fans. another worthy starter misses a start. more risk of injury because you are nervous and pressing too hard (? – not sure if this makes sense).

so I don’t know. what did i miss and what am i wrong about? sounds like you should take this kind of thing on a case by case basis from what i can tell.

by son.of.sourman on Aug 1, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

forgot a pro

makes room for a potentially worthy minor leaguer to take that start

by son.of.sourman on Aug 1, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Hope Not 2

I agree with you, ADLC. Really no reason to rush him out there. I could see it with someone like MadBum, because SF is actually in contention for the playoffs and have a need. It sure sounds a lot like Matusz is going to get the call, though.

by St.Steve on Aug 1, 2009 3:57 PM EDT reply actions