I didn’t watch the Orioles today in person, but they did win today with a 6-2 win over the Detroit Tigers to up their record to 4-1 for the 2010 Grapefruit League season.
Jake Arrieta got the start and was so-so in his outing, giving a run on two hits, plus a walk in six innings. Hopefully, he’ll use this Spring Training – much like Chris Tillman – to be more consistent and economical with their pitches. Right now, that more than anything puts pitchers in a hole early and just leads to a bullpen being taxed. That trend needs to stop if the Oriole arms are going to be successful.
As I said, the new offensive additions are nice; however, how the Orioles do this season will depend greatly on the starting pitching – especially out of the young arms in the rotation.
If these guys can’t go at least six innings, or worse throw 80, 90, 100 pitches even before the fifth inning – over even sooner – they will put the Orioles in a hole.
It won’t matter if the Orioles score four or more runs a game, the losing seasons will continue unless the mound performances by the young pitchers improve.
I think one of the big stories out of camp right now happens to be Nolan Reimold. As we all know, Spring Training is not a very good indicator as to how some players turn out during the regular season; however, Reimold is doing his best to leave a mark.
He hit a 3-run homer in the game (his second of the spring) and scored two runs in Friday’s contest. Considering the upheaval Reimold went through last year with recovering from injury after a promising rookie season, plus personal issues in his life, it’s little wonder why he struggled. Also, let’s not forget that he was nearly traded the rival Rays in the off-season
However, it looks like Nolan has gotten his life straightened out and has been working with Brady Anderson to get back on track.
Compounding Reimold’s status is not only is he competing for a spot with Felix Pie, but even he if makes the team – playing time may be hard to come by with Vladmire Guerrero as the DH and Luke Scott in left. I can’t see him being much more than a platoon guy and should get more at-bats to further his development.
Right now, Reimold is making the decision for the Orioles as to what to do with him very difficult.
