Spring Training opens up in Sarasota on Saturday, and I would not say that I’m terribly excited at the team’s prospects right now.
As it is every year, to win, you have to have pitching. I am not sure the Orioles have an abundance of it right now. In fact, I don’t know what to think. One question I have on my mind is this: who in the world starts on Opening Day?
There are a lot of pitchers that will be down in Sarasota. Like every year, you’ve got to wonder what will happen in the season ahead with the pitchers on in camp.
Last year, the young arms faltered and once that happened, the Orioles were doomed. Depending on pitchers who lack major league experience is risky; however, when the vast majority of them suffer, the results are disastrous.
Jake Arrieta was hurt, but had his own issues; Brian Matusz – well, we all know what went on; Zach Britton had his ups and downs, Brad Bergesen was just bad & Chris Tillman could not pitch with any consistency. As well, Tommy Hunter started off a bit shaky, but steadily improved towards the end of the season.
That being said, Dan Duquette signed a few arms from Asia, but also looked for cheap solutions out on the market. He didn’t bring any marquee pitcher like a lot of fans – including myself – hoped, but a bunch of low-risk, high-reward guys.
At this point, considering how much the Orioles have to do to rebuild their system, Duquette is obviously taking a roll of the dice and hoping something develops from the sheer numbers of pitchers in camp.
Who knows what will happen. Spring Training results often don’t translate to the regular season, but the only thing we can hope is that a competitive team can be built for Baltimore in 2012.
As well, the youngsters are now on notice. They all will be competing for jobs, and have to prove their worth. The so called ‘Calvary’ got stuck in the mud last year, and they have to pull themselves up.
It’s this simple: the Orioles will only go as far their pitching takes them in 2012 – or any other year.
