It’s too bad what’s happened with Koji Uehara.
Sadly, it just might be time to assume that Koji may never pitch another game for the Orioles.
After missing the second half of last year and Spring Training with injuries and other physical ailments, Uehara looked good in his minor league outings in an attempt to pitch again in the majors. It looked likebe that he could potentially serve as a viable member of the bullpen – especially with the problems seen so far – however, he’s now having elbow issues.
Much like many of the free agent signings the past twelve or so years for the Orioles, this one didn’t work out. It’s the chance you take in the game and in life, right?
In a attempt to inflitrate the Asian player market as well introduce Japan to the Orioles, Uehara was given a two year deal by the organization. Although most experts considered Uehara to be a reliever, the team gave him a chance to start games in 2009.
Remember, Koji was a highly regarded pitcher in Japan and was supposed to serve a small role in the rebuilding process of the Baltimore Orioles. I was prety intrigued at the time with the deal and hoped he’d have a small tole in perhaps shoring with the pitching corps and inching the team closer back respectability.
What in the world happened?
Uehara simply has had a mediocre record as a starter, seemingly had conditioning issues and just never could stay healthy. He’s now officially a bust and while it pains me to say it; however, at the time he signed with Baltimore, a lot of people liked the move.
That being said, Uehara will hit the DL again along with Alfredo Simon – who strained his hamstring on Sunday. According to the Baltimore Sun, pitchers Alberto Castillo (LHP) and right-hander Frank Mata (RHP) will be called up to the majors.
Castillo is 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA in eight games for the Tides, and 1-0 with a 12.79 ERA in nine games with the Orioles. This will be his third stint with the Orioles this season. Castillo could become the main situational lefty if the club decides to use Will Ohman as the closer.
Mata, 26, is 2-1 with a 1.86 ERA and eight saves for Norfolk. Signed in November as a minor league free agent, Mata has never pitched in the big leagues. The Orioles will need to open up a 40-man roster spot for him.
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Finally, Monday came and went, but Dave Trembley is still manager of the Baltimore Orioles. For me, it won’t so much matter any more when Trembley departs; however, I do know this — when the Orioles do start to contend, he more than likely won’t be around.
Dave’s a nice guy and seems to have a lot of pride in what he does, but the situation in Baltimore really isn’t working out for him. A lot of people may not like Trembley’s in-game management, or his persona, but Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa, Terry Francona, or even Casey Stengel could not rescue the 2010 Orioles.
The Orioles as-is are a very flawed roster with a lot of young talent, a few veterans close or past their prime, full of injuries and probably can’t compete with the best in the American League East.
Is that Tremebley’s fault – eh no; however, the problems with the team should be laid at the feet of Orioles COO Andy MacPhail.
It’s too late to fix Baltimore’s problems now. They will just need to find a way to get out of their hole, or it’s going to a long four months coming up.
Whether Trembley is manager or not may not even be an issue for me anymore. The question I have is now: can the Orioles even match the number of victories they had in 2010 and will things really improve? Could this organization ever start to have meaningful games in Baltimore again in August or September?
