The Orioles had a day off of Grapefruit League action; however, there was work to be done as there was an intrasquad game played to make up for the rainouts and get guys on the field. Well, the news of the day came about due to some roster moves announced, and one pitcher who was told he will be in the bullpen rather than start games for the team in 2009 (at least for now).
The Baltimore Sun: The Orioles have sent out eight players today. Pitchers Bob McCrory, Kam Mickolio and Chris Waters were optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Non-roster players Justin Turner, Justin Christian, John Parrish, Brad Hennessey and Donnie Murphy were reassigned to the minor league facility in Sarasota, Fla.
The only guy who really left an impression on when I saw him play was Turner, and I’m sure if he keeps up his play in camp on the other side of Florida, he’ll find work. Um, the rest of the guys above didn’t leave much of an impression at all — then again, we also didn’t see much of Parrish or Hennessey (injuries).
As well, it looks like Baez will end up in the bullpen, as I thought. Watching him in the stands in Fort Lauderdale, his pitches seemed to be flat, and with little movement. I think it’s nice that he’s been able to recover from injury and pitch; however, it looks like he does need more work and there’s the question of his heath. I didn’t think he’s make the rotation, and it makes more sense for him to work on his pitches as well as become more effective as a reliever before he tackles a starting rotation spot.
From Roch’s Blog: The Baez decision, which Trembley revealed to reporters earlier today, is a little more surprising, only because I assumed if the right-hander was sent to the bullpen, we’d find out closer to Opening Day.
Trembley indicated during the winter meetings in December that Baez would fill Matt Albers middle-relief role, but with so many starters going down with injuries, it became easier to imagine Baez in the rotation.
Now he can take a seat next to Albers in the ‘pen.
