The latest on the Orioles, who start their season Friday evening in St. Petersburg…
- Top prospect Zach Britton was optioned to Triple-A, as expected. He's likely to be up by the end of April, as the Orioles look to ensure they control the Scott Boras client through 2017 instead of '16. MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli discussed the situation with Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, who's been through it. Said Longoria, "It's just understanding the politics of the game."
- The Orioles made the curious decision to cut veteran southpaw Mark Hendrickson yesterday, and the 36-year-old must decide by tomorrow whether to opt out or head to Triple-A. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun talked to Hendrickson, who would like to keep his family in Pennsylvania. The Phillies seem like a decent fit.
- Out of options shortstop Robert Andino made the team, notes Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun (Twitter link).
It will be interesting to see if the injuries to Matusz and Bergesen (both hit by line drives recently) and the Duke will force the O’s hand with respect to Britton.
As of now I’ve read multiple sites (mainly Oriole Blogs) stating the likely rotation for the first week could look like this:
Guthrie
Arrietta
Tillman
Matusz
Guthrie
why was it a curious decision to cut Hendrickson?
As a Orioles fan the headline is curious to me too, it isnt like Hendrickson is useful at all against LHP.
My guess is that he’s a lefty that could spot start which is pretty valuable.
However, the O’s have Gonzalez to face lefties and Berken to spot-start if need be so I think we’ve upgraded in both spots.
I agree with the points about Berken as a longman, but he’d be wasted in that role after the great run he had last year. Gonzalez is the default situational LHP now, but I seriously think he may be very bad in that role. Having only one LHP is a disaster waiting to happen.
It’s curious because that means the O’s only have one lefty out of the bullpen, Mike Gonzalez. And, he, at times, can be one of those LHPs who actually has better numbers vs. RHBs.
Hendrickson doesnt pitch to lefties any better:
.317/.366/.402 vs LHB
.311/.351/.463 vs RHB
link to baseball-reference.com
Would we stop this crock that Hendrickson can pitch to LHP.
.
So, did Fox make the team?
yup, I think he did.