Roch: Predict the Starting Rotation

[srock]

From Roch's latest: (http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch/2012/02/sowhat-now.html)

For now, I'll guess that the rotation consists of Tommy Hunter, Jason Hammel, Jake Arrieta, Wei-Yin Chen and Tsuyoshi Wada, but I'm not writing it down in permanent marker. Wada could be moved to the bullpen. Arrieta could be moved to Norfolk, though I wouldn't be shocked if he's starting the April 6 opener.

Roch also says its a wide open field. No spots are guaranteed (I'm not sure about Chen, think he is a lock).

I'll take: (in alphabetical order)
Arrieta
Britton
Chen
Hammel
Hunter

[SammyBirdland]

Sub-par.

[srock]

Sub-par.

This is one way to read it. I guess this thread is forking early.

https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSojGrQ0f8dby458OtDcLitniFmFA56C L47xsyfuK5DcgIXruKD

[Dr. FLK]

Arrieta
Chen
Britton
Hammel
Matusz

I'm hoping that Matusz is in shape this year and will impress in camp. Hunter goes to the pen.

[JayThomas]

Arrieta
Chen
Britton
Hammel
Wada

[Sports Guy]

If Roch is correct, this team is a bigger joke than I even think they are.

[PaulFolk]

In response to Roch's post, I find it hard to believe that the Orioles would break camp with a rotation that doesn't include Zach Britton. Just dumb.

...Well, actually, it's the Orioles. I believe it.

[jamalshw]

I expect Britton, Chen and Arrieta (provided they are all healthy) to be in the rotation. The other two spots are completely wide open. I would think Hunter and Hammel get the final nod with Wada in the pen and Matusz at AAA.

[Mr Snuffleupagus]

If Roch is correct, this team is a bigger joke than I even think they are.

That's impossible.

[Sports Guy]

That's impossible.

I thought so too...But alas, I found a reason.

[clapdiddy]

I still can't believe we're not going after another arm. I see the Yanks are talking to the Pirates about Burnett (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/02/yankees-pirates-talking-aj-burnett-trade.html).

I still wouldn't mind seeing us go after him and/or Floyd.

[Tony-OH]

I can't imagine a rotation that doesn't include Britton out of spring training unless he's hurt.

[srock]

I can't imagine a rotation that doesn't include Britton out of spring training unless he's hurt.

Yeah Britton is the big question mark I have for Roch, that makes no sense. Also, I'm highly confident Chen gets a spot.

I do agree with him its pretty much wide open otherwise.

[Sports Guy]

I still can't believe we're not going after another arm. I see the Yanks are talking to the Pirates about Burnett (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/02/yankees-pirates-talking-aj-burnett-trade.html).

I still wouldn't mind seeing us go after him and/or Floyd.


The only problem with that at this point is that I wanted him to replace Guthrie...but now Hammel does that.

So, unless they decide to move Hunter to the pen, I probably would be against the move unless we are basically getting him for free.

[clapdiddy]

The only problem with that at this point is that I wanted him to replace Guthrie...but now Hammel does that.

So, unless they decide to move Hunter to the pen, I probably would be against the move unless we are basically getting him for free.

I would assume that we WOULD be getting him at a HUGE discount and giving up very little.

[wildcard]

The only problem with that at this point is that I wanted him to replace Guthrie...but now Hammel does that.

So, unless they decide to move Hunter to the pen, I probably would be against the move unless we are basically getting him for free.

Hammel lost is rotation spot with the Rockies. I think he will have to earn it with the O's. He is not assured a rotation spot. I expect at least 5 starters to pitch better then he does this spring.

[Sports Guy]

I would assume that we WOULD be getting him at a HUGE discount and giving up very little.

Apparently, the more of the contract they eat, the more they want in return.

[Sports Guy]

Hammel lost is rotation spot with the Rockies. I think he will have to earn it with the O's. He is not assured a rotation spot. I expect at least 5 starters to pitch better then he does this spring.

Good chance you are wrong about this...and even if some of the young guys marginally outpitch him, they probably still get sent down because they have the option to do it.

[Fan4Life]

Hey Roch... let's wait for the offseason to be over before we start making predictions. Jones could be moved tomorrow of Jurjens etc..

[wildcard]

Good chance you are wrong about this...and even if some of the young guys marginally outpitch him, they probably still get sent down because they have the option to do it.

DD has mentioned that Chen and Wada also have options.

[El Gordo]

This isn't the first time Roch has omitted Britton from the rotatation. I wonder if he knows something? Maybe Buck is unhappy with his times to the plate. :rolleyestf: I look at it this way, the pitchers with the most to prove to make the rotation are:
Eveland
Gallaraga
Tillman
Bergesen
Matusz
Simon
Hunter
Wada
Hammel
Arrieta
Chen
Britton
In that order.

[DrinkinWithFermi]

With what we have as of right now, I guess I'm going with:

Hammel
Hunter
Chen
Britton
Wada

And people wonder why I think we might lose 100 games this year.

[clapdiddy]

This isn't the first time Roch has ommitted Britton from the rotatation. I wonder if he knows something? Maybe Buck is unhappy with his times to the plate. :rolleyestf: I look at it this way the pithers with the most to prove to make th rotation are:
Eveland
Gallaraga
Tillman
Bergesen
Matusz
Simon
Hunter
Wada
Hammel
Arrieta
Chen
Britton
In that order.

Unfortunately, this may not be as far off as you think. I can't see any reason why Britton would not be in the rotation.

If it's due to service time, I think that would be a mistake.

[Camden_yardbird]

Hammel
Matusz
Chen
Hunter
Wada

In that order. I think Wada flunks out to the pen and is replaced by Britton. The only guy I have confidence will last through the year is Matusz, with Chen a close second.

[El Gordo]

Unfortunately, this may not be as far off as you think. I can't see any reason why Britton would not be in the rotation.

If it's due to service time, I think that would be a mistake.I thought he took care of the service time issue with his stint in Norfolk last July.

[wildcard]

This isn't the first time Roch has ommitted Britton from the rotatation. I wonder if he knows something? Maybe Buck is unhappy with his times to the plate. :rolleyestf: I look at it this way the pithers with the most to prove to make th rotation are:
Eveland
Gallaraga
Tillman
Bergesen
Matusz
Simon
Hunter
Wada
Hammel
Arrieta
Chen
Britton
In that order.

I would say that Wada and Hammel have more to prove than Hunter. 13-4 and a 3.73 ERA in Texas don't grow on trees. If he is healthy I expect Hunter to pitch well enough to be in the rotation.

I agree Matusz has tons to prove but he has the talent and skill to prove it. I think he will look great the spring.

[crowmst3k!]

My pitching staff prediction (revised since losing Guthrie):

1. Tommy Hunter (R)
2. Tsuyoshi Wada (L)
3. Zach Britton (L)
4. Yei-Win Chen (L)
5. Jake Arrieta (R)

Long:
Dana Eveland (L)
Jason Hammel (R)
Middle:
Brad Bergesen (R)
Alfredo Simon (R)

7th Inning: Kevin Gregg (R)

Setup: Matt Lindstrom (R)

Closer: Jim Johnson (R)

[El Gordo]

I would say that Wada and Hammel have more to prove than Hunter. 13-4 and a 3.73 ERA in Texas don't grow on trees. If he is healthy I expect Hunter to pitch well enough to be in the rotation.

I agree Matusz has tons to prove but he has the talent and skill to prove it. I think he will look great the spring.Hunter has never pitched more than 120 IN. Hammel has gone 170, 3 seasons in a row. Wada may have contractuial understandings that give him an edge over Hunter.

[backwardsk]

Saw something in the comments about Ayala in town for a physical. (???). Anyone know?

[Eddie_Ripken]

This isn't the first time Roch has omitted Britton from the rotatation. I wonder if he knows something? Maybe Buck is unhappy with his times to the plate. :rolleyestf: I look at it this way, the pitchers with the most to prove to make the rotation are:
Eveland
Gallaraga
Tillman
Bergesen
Matusz
Simon
Hunter
Wada
Hammel
Arrieta
Chen
Britton
In that order.

I agree about Britton. I don't understand why he keeps being omitted. Who on the roster had better numbers than him AND pitched in the AL East? Mind boggling for sure.

My rotation guess is this:

Britton(OD starter)
Chen
Hunter
Hammel
Arrieta

[srock]

Hunter has never pitched more than 120 IN. Hammel has gone 170, 3 seasons in a row. Wada may have contractuial understandings that give him an edge over Hunter.

There isn't a work horse in the rotation. As much as we want Hunter to be one, he just hasn't.

I think they Orioles should use the 5 day rest rotation (basically 6 starters) because nobody projects to be a 200+ IP of this group.

But I doubt that happens so I'm sticking with aforementioned 5 until further notice.

[clapdiddy]

Saw something in the comments about Ayala in town for a physical. (???). Anyone know?

Hmmm...looks like it was true.

[Let's go O's!]

I still think the rotation looks better without Hammel in it. Anyone else agree?

Britton
Hunter
Arrieta
Chen
Wada

[JustMyOpinion]

Britton
Matusz
Arrieta
Chen
Wada

No doubt Matusz will definitely be in rotation opening day.

[waroriole]

Hunter
Britton
Chen
Arrieta
Best spring of Hammel/Matusz/Wada

[crawjo]

In response to Roch's post, I find it hard to believe that the Orioles would break camp with a rotation that doesn't include Zach Britton. Just dumb.

...Well, actually, it's the Orioles. I believe it.

Not sure why it would be "dumb" not to have Britton in the rotation. I'm fully prepared for the possibility that any of our young starters may need to start the year in Norfolk.

[RVAbird]

My impression is that Chen and Hammel have spots to lose in the rotation, with Arrieta and Britton being the most likely to win slots 3 and 4 (health permitting). That leaves an open competition for Hunter, Wada, Matusz, Eveland, Tillman, and Galarraga.

[JohnnyK27]

My impression is that Chen and Hammel have spots to lose in the rotation, with Arrieta and Britton being the most likely to win slots 3 and 4 (health permitting). That leaves an open competition for Hunter, Wada, Matusz, Eveland, Tillman, and Galarraga.


Wada has been assured of a spot in the rotation!


Why did you pick the Orioles?

They were the first to address all my concerns. I did talk things over with my agent, but I kind of liked them from the start.

What were some of your concerns?

Starting for one. I also wanted to bring my personal trainer along (土橋恵秀). I was worried about my family as well, but for me to succeed, I felt it important to try and recreate a similar type of pitching environment.

[RVAbird]

Wada has been assured of a spot in the rotation!

I don't think it's nearly as cut and dry as that. I think he'll legitimately compete for a spot in spring training.