Tommy Hunter Tonight

[OFFNY]

c
TOMMY HUNTER TONIGHT

IP: 7-Plus

H:. 6

ER: 0

R:o 2

BB: 1

SO: 3

Pitches: 98 (64 Strikes, 34 Balls)

2012 ERA: 0.00

Damn it, Reynolds !!! Pick up the ball. :angryfire:

[WEAVERMAN]

What a great Line, great job TH.

[SammyBirdland]

He looked real good. The Twins look real bad.

[MarylandAaron]

Tommy Hunter rules. He's not gonna blow hitters away, but he pounds the zone and locates where they are forced to hit it weakly. Just throw the ball over the plate and let your defense do the work.

[SteveA]

He throws the ball over the plate and lets the defense do their job.

It helps that he's facing the crappiest lineup this side of San Diego. I think some of the better hitting AL teams will turn those 6 hits he gave up into 10 or 11 and even if he pitches as well as he does tonight, his line will be more like 6 innings, 4 runs. But he's a horse, and is perfectly fine if you don't expect much more than 4th starter numbers out of him.

[weams]

Jim Palmer said he did not throw a change up or a curve ball until the 7th inning.

[backwardsk]

These deep efforts by the starters have been awesome. The bullpen has tossed 4 innings. The Blue Jays, on the hand, has tossed 16.

[OFFNY]

Tommy Hunter rules. He's not gonna blow hitters away, but he pounds the zone and locates where they are forced to hit it weakly. Just throw the ball over the plate and let your defense do the work.


He throws the ball over the plate and lets the defense do their job.

It helps that he's facing the crappiest lineup this side of San Diego. I think some of the better hitting AL teams will turn those 6 hits he gave up into 10 or 11 and even if he pitches as well as he does tonight, his line will be more like 6 innings, 4 runs. But he's a horse, and is perfectly fine if you don't expect much more than 4th starter numbers out of him.

Remember this, guys ??? :)

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php/113534-Tommy-Hunter-Throwin-Strikes

Tommy "Throwin' Strikes" Hunter. :cool:

[CA-ORIOLE]

Didn't have his best stuff tonight, but got by pretty well.

[MarylandAaron]

Jim Palmer said he did not throw a change up or a curve ball until the 7th inning.

I heard that too. What's up with that?

[PaulFolk]

Jim Palmer said he did not throw a change up or a curve ball until the 7th inning.

I think Palmer said he didn't throw a changeup and a curveball in the same at-bat until the 7th inning. According to MLB GameDay, he threw a few changeups and curves before the 7th.

[weams]

I think Palmer said he didn't throw a changeup and a curveball in the same at-bat until the 7th inning. According to MLB GameDay, he threw a few changeups and curves before the 7th.

Thank you for clarifying that. It make sense.

[Capn Vivi]

Nice GB/FB ratio for Hunter: 12-6. He did have only 2 swinging strikes against him ALL night though. It's kind of incredible he didn't give up a run. Very gutsy outing.

[MarylandAaron]

Thank you for clarifying that. It make sense.

Yeah i was thinking he had thrown some change ups and curveballs before that. Kind of an odd statement by Palmer that he hadn't thrown a change up and a curve in the same at bat, but yeah that clarifies it.

[CA-ORIOLE]

I think Palmer said he didn't throw a changeup and a curveball in the same at-bat until the 7th inning. According to MLB GameDay, he threw a few changeups and curves before the 7th.

Hard to tell with Hunter. He has so many pitches. I thought the threw a couple curves, but they acted more like sliders. His cutter can look like a changeup if he takes off enough speed.

[CA-ORIOLE]

Nice GB/FB ratio for Hunter: 12-6..

That's a nice ratio for Hunter.

[MarylandAaron]

Hah, Hunter said he only shook off Wieters once the whole game, and when he did, Wieters flashed the same sign again. And he got a groundball.

[OrioleParkatWrigley]

You also never know exactly what Palmer is keeping track of. He called at least one slurve, which probably doesn't count as a curve in his book.

[CA-ORIOLE]

You also never know exactly what Palmer is keeping track of. He called at least one slurve, which probably doesn't count as a curve in his book.

Yeah, I thought they looked more like sliders myself and the "changeups" may have been cutters. I just don't trust pitch fx that much, especially for a guy like Hunter who is really hard to tell. That curve he snapped off on Willingham was beauty though. According to pitch FX Hunter didn't throw sldiers the last two years but threw them heavily the two years before that............ hmmmm.

[Enjoy Terror]

TH = Tommy Hunter
TH = Throwin' Heat

Can't be a coincidence!

[OrioleParkatWrigley]

Yeah, I thought they looked more like sliders myself and the "changeups" may have been cutters. I just don't trust pitch fx that much, especially for a guy like Hunter who is really hard to tell. That curve he snapped off on Willingham was beauty though. According to pitch FX Hunter didn't throw sldiers the last two years but threw them heavily the two years before that............ hmmmm.

That curve to Willingham was stellar. He didn't move an inch, but saw it ended up right down the middle and just quietly walked back to the dugout.

[WV O's]

Yeah i was thinking he had thrown some change ups and curveballs before that. Kind of an odd statement by Palmer that he hadn't thrown a change up and a curve in the same at bat, but yeah that clarifies it.

I heard him say twice that he hadn't thrown either one all night. Then in the 7th he comments on Hunter throwing both pitches in the same at-bat. I sure didn't see either one before the seventh. I missed the first two innings however. He did have good movement.

ps. what happened to his velocity? Wasn't he in the low/mid 90's last year? Has it been down all spring?

[CA-ORIOLE]

I heard him say twice that he hadn't thrown either one all night. Then in the 7th he comments on Hunter throwing both pitches in the same at-bat. I sure didn't see either one before the seventh. I missed the first two innings however. He did have good movement.

ps. what happened to his velocity? Wasn't he in the low/mid 90's last year? Has it been down all spring?

Yeah, his velocity was down tonight. A lot of those were cutters in the mid-upper 80's, but he had a hard time hitting 90 on his FB tonight.

[Malike]

These deep efforts by the starters have been awesome. The bullpen has tossed 4 innings. The Blue Jays, on the hand, has tossed 16.

In all fairness to the Blue Jays, they played 16 innings Thursday, and 12 innings tonight.

[Gurgi]

Hah, Hunter said he only shook off Wieters once the whole game, and when he did, Wieters flashed the same sign again. And he got a groundball.
That rocks.

[mrbig1]

His control was outstanding. Always around the plate.

[OFFNY]

.
This is who you'll be facing tonight, Tommy. Let's go.

BLUE JAYS

Yunel Escobar - SS
Kelly Johnson - 2B
Jose Bautista - RF
Adam Lind - 1B
Edwin Encarnacion - DH
Eric Thames - LF
Brett Lawrie - 3B
Colby Rasmus - CF
J.P. Arencibia - C
.

[dan-O]

.
This is who you'll be facing tonight, Tommy. Let's go.

BLUE JAYS

Yunel Escobar - SS
Kelly Johnson - 2B
Jose Bautista - RF
Adam Lind - 1B
Edwin Encarnacion - DH
Eric Thames - 3B
Brett Lawrie - 3B
Colby Rasmus - CF
J.P. Arencibia - C

The Blue Jays are so lame. I dunno why. They just are. Let's beat them.

[OFFNY]

The Blue Jays are so lame. I dunno why. They just are. Let's beat them.

They ain't so lame when dey is playin' the Yankees and the Red Sox though, are they Dan-O ??? :laughlol:

[glenn__davis]

The Blue Jays are so lame. I dunno why. They just are. Let's beat them.

They're starting 2 people at 3rd base. Can't get more lame than that!

[OFFNY]

They're starting 2 people at 3rd base. Can't get more lame than that!

They have the shift on for our right-handed batters.

[OFFNY]

c
TOMMY HUNTER TONIGHT

IP: 6-Plus

H:. 6

R:o 5

ER: 4

BB: 2

SO: 2

Pitches: 84 (56 Strikes, 28 Balls)

2012 ERA: 2.77

***************

1st Inning:o 10 Pitches

2nd Inning:. 13 Pitches

3rd Inning:o 11 Pitches

4th Inning:o 15 Pitches

5th Inning:o 15 Pitches

6th Inning:o 14 Pitches

7th Inning:o o6 Pitches (Only Pitched to one batter. Walked him)
__________

TOTAL:OOOO 84 Pitches

[Roy Firestone]

c
TOMMY HUNTER TONIGHT

IP: 6-Plus

H:. 6

R:o 5

ER: 4

BB: 2

SO: 2

Pitches: 84 (56 Strikes, 28 Balls)

2012 ERA: 2.77

***************

1st Inning:o 10 Pitches

2nd Inning:. 13 Pitches

3rd Inning:o 11 Pitches

4th Inning:o 15 Pitches

5th Inning:o 15 Pitches

6th Inning:o 14 Pitches

7th Inning:o o6 Pitches (Only Pitched to one batter. Walked him)
__________

TOTAL:OOOO 84 Pitches

Just not a good outing.Too many pitches up. This is not a power hitting team either
Very dissapointing tonight. Probably what we will see most of this year. Mediocre.

[OFFNY]

Just not a good outing.Too many pitches up. This is not a power hitting team either
Very dissapointing tonight. Probably what we will see most of this year. Mediocre.

I agree, Roy. Mediocre. I did appreciate him essentially getting 5 outs in the 4th inning though, and picking up THREE bad defensive plays by his defense in said inning ........ 2 of them on the same play.

A. Reimold's error.

B. Hardy choking on the relay throw, which should have had Bautista out by at least 15 feet.

C. Davis' error.

[PolishFalcon22]

I didn't see the first two homers, but the third and fourth both came on two-strike counts. Grooved pitches on two-strike counts. That's not good.

[calhof2007]

I agree, Roy. Mediocre. I did appreciate him essentially getting 5 outs in the 4th inning though, and picking up THREE bad defensive plays by his defense in said inning ........ 2 of them on the same play.

A. Reimold's error.

B. Hardy choking on the relay throw, which should have had Bautista out by at least 15 feet.

C. Davis' error.

I believe only one run scored in that inning, which was unearned. Hunter missed a lot of spots today. When he misses up, his cutter flattens out so it's basically an 86 mph 4-seam fastball. Any team will crush that and the Blue Jays did. This is also why he gave up the 4 home runs.

[SoBo]

I don't know. This is kind of what I expect from him. It's not going to be pretty. But Toronto's lineup is damn good. If he can give us 6+ innings of work on a regular basis I'll take it. He's a long reliever on a good team. But an innings eater for us.

[RZNJ]

Just not a good outing.Too many pitches up. This is not a power hitting team either
Very dissapointing tonight. Probably what we will see most of this year. Mediocre.


Huh? They set a record for homers two years ago!


Toronto was 1st in all of ML baseball in homers in 2010.
In 2011 they fell all of the way to 5th. Not a powerhitting team? I guess we have different definitions of power.

[OFFNY]

I believe only one run scored in that inning, which was unearned. Hunter missed a lot of spots today. When he misses up, his cutter flattens out so it's basically an 86 mph 4-seam fastball. Any team will crush that and the Blue Jays did. This is also why he gave up the 4 home runs.

I know that. That's what I said. He was mediocre, but I liked the fact that he essentially got 5 outs in the 4th inning.

[baltfan]

Keeps you in games. There is a value to that. Not a number 1 but maybe a 4.

[socalbirdfan]

Huh? They set a record for homers two years ago!


Toronto was 1st in all of ML baseball in homers in 2010.
In 2011 they fell all of the way to 5th. Not a powerhitting team? I guess we have different definitions of power.

That was two years ago when they had Buck (20), Overbay (20), Hill (26), Wells (31), A Gonzalez (17), Encarnacion (21)

You want me to tell you how many of those guys are on their roster?

Their lineup isn't as fearsome as it used to be.

Hunter got the ball up today.

[JayThomas]

Tommy doesn't have stuff. He didn't fool anybody.

You simply can not give up HR in the bottom of the innings 3 times when your team either gives you the lead or recovers and ties the game in the top half of the inning. You have to hold serve and take the momentum.

This guy can give us innings but he really does not have quality stuff. Give me Britton when he's ready ... or Tillman for that matter.

[backwardsk]

That was two years ago when they had Buck (20), Overbay (20), Hill (26), Wells (31), A Gonzalez (17), Encarnacion (21)

You want me to tell you how many of those guys are on their roster?

Their lineup isn't as fearsome as it used to be.

Hunter got the ball up today.

Arencibia (23), Lind (26), Johnson (21), Rasmus (23 in 2010). They still have boppers.

Still not sure why people are making it out like this team can't hit the long ball.

[backwardsk]

If you tell me there will be a night that you're starter is going to give up four home runs that sounds like your team is going to get blown out. But when you hardly walk anybody good things happen. He didn't have his A game, but he kept us in the game that we ended up winning. When Andino hits a ball 420 feet to straight away center, you know the ball is jumping out of the park.

[socalbirdfan]

Arencibia (23), Lind (26), Johnson (21), Rasmus (23 in 2010). They still have boppers.

Still not sure why people are making it out like this team can't hit the long ball.

They hit four today off a guy who clearly didn't have his best stuff. I'm just saying these guys aren't the same team who set the record for home runs.

[OFFNY]

They hit four today off a guy who clearly didn't have his best stuff. I'm just saying these guys aren't the same team who set the record for home runs.

True. I think they are somewhere in between that record-setting home-run bunch of 2010, and Roy's assertion that they are not a power-hitting club.

I believe that they are a power-hitting club, albeit not the stratosphere hitters of 2010.

[backwardsk]

They hit four today off a guy who clearly didn't have his best stuff. I'm just saying these guys aren't the same team who set the record for home runs.

They most likely won't set the record this year, agreed. But they are still a power hitting team (which the opposite was claimed earlier in the thread). They have seven guys that are capable of hitting mid 20s HRs, including Bautista that can bang out 40 to 50.

[backwardsk]

I didn't know where else to post this, but in Hunter's post-game interview, he made two intriguing (to me, anyway) comments. One, he noted that Nick was the leader of this team and players are following his example. Second, he praised Betemit's play at third. Recall his last start, where Reynolds' error cost him runs and preventend him from getting through the eighth.

[JayThomas]

Hey, when he can give up fewer than 4 HR to give up leads or give away ties then he can talk.

[OFFNY]

.
Let's go, Tommy.

WHITE SOX

Alejandro De Aza - CF
Brent Morel - 3B
Adam Dunn - DH
Paul Konerko - 1B
A.J. Pierzynski - C
Alex Rios - RF
Kosuke Fukudome - LF
Alexei Ramirez - SS
Gordon Beckham - 2B

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php :)

[dan-O]

.
Let's go, Tommy.

WHITE SOX

Alejandro De Aza - CF
Brent Morel - 3B
Adam Dunn - DH
Paul Konerko - 1B
A.J. Pierzynski - C
Alex Rios - RF
Kosuke Fukudome - LF
Alexei Ramirez - SS
Gordon Beckham - 2B

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php :)

Batting Dunn 3rd is like the O's batting Reynolds 3rd, except worse. Can't believe they continue to roll with him batting third.

[OFFNY]

c
TOMMY HUNTER TONIGHT

IP:. 5.67

H:o 9

R:O 8

BB: 4 * Also **

SO: 8

Pitches: 101 (62 Strikes, 39 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.79

* 1 hit batter

** 1 intentional walk

[Lucky Jim]

I don't see Hunter as anything more than a No. 5 and more likely a long-man out of the pen. I've never understood why he was defaulted into the rotation.


---
I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?u3nazs

[NewMarketSean]

I don't see Hunter as anything more than a No. 5 and more likely a long-man out of the pen. I've never understood why he was defaulted into the rotation.


---
I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?u3nazs

Because he is pitching for a team with a rotation made up of a bunch of #5 pitchers.

Maybe when Britton comes back he is the one moved to the BP, but until that happens, who is better?

[Lucky Jim]

Because he is pitching for a team with a rotation made up of a bunch of #5 pitchers.

Maybe when Britton comes back he is the one moved to the BP, but until that happens, who is better?

I didn't say that he shouldn't be there. I was under the impression, however, that it was a foregone conclusion that he would be there. I just don't like his stuff much. And see limited upside. Not a big deal, just a reference to the many threads during ST that assumed he'd be in the OD rotation (which he was).

[O's are Legends]

If he finishes the year with an era under 4 I would be surprised. Since he’s an Oriole I will always root for him when he’s on the mound but I don’t expect him to turn into something decent just because our favorite organization traded for him. There is a reason the Rangers had no issue including him in the trade for Koji.

[TGO]

I didn't say that he shouldn't be there. I was under the impression, however, that it was a foregone conclusion that he would be there. I just don't like his stuff much. And see limited upside. Not a big deal, just a reference to the many threads during ST that assumed he'd be in the OD rotation (which he was).

The assumption/foregone conclusion was based on everyone's reading of what Buck thinks of him, which has been fairly obvious since at least August of last year.

[Basketeer]

If he finishes the year with an era under 4 I would be surprised. Since he’s an Oriole I will always root for him when he’s on the mound but I don’t expect him to turn into something decent just because our favorite organization traded for him. There is a reason the Rangers had no issue including him in the trade for Koji.

That's generous. I'll be surprised if it's under 5. He has a shot at a sub-4 only if they move him to the pen.

[Malike]

If Angel and Manfra call him Tommy "Big Game" Hunter again, I'm reaching through the speaker of my PC and hitting them about the face and shoulders.

[Roy Firestone]

That's generous. I'll be surprised if it's under 5. He has a shot at a sub-4 only if they move him to the pen.

Tommy Hunter is starting to look like the pitcher he has always been. A mid range
innings eater with high ERA's and little reason to believe he will turn it around.
After his admittedly solid effort against the light hitting Twins, he has given up 15
runs in a little more than 18 innings. His pitches are flat and his command is
spotty.
Brian Matusz may not be the pitcher he appeared to be two years ago right now
but
it seems as though he is a better bet than Hunter to turn it around. A decent close
out inning by Kevin Gregg mightve given Matusz a better fate in his last outing(a 3
earned run performance into the sixth,), and that has a tendency to be a
confidence builder.
If I had to predict Id say theres more upside in Matusz in the coming weeks than
Hunter.In the very least, I see incremental improvement(you have to look closely)
and see a huge dropoff in Hunters' performance.

[luismatos4prez]

Tommy Hunter is starting to look like the pitcher he has always been. A mid range
innings eater with high ERA's and little reason to believe he will turn it around.
After his admittedly solid effort against the light hitting Twins, he has given up 15
runs in a little more than 18 innings. His pitches are flat and his command is
spotty.
Brian Matusz may not be the pitcher he appeared to be two years ago right now
but
it seems as though he is a better bet than Hunter to turn it around. A decent close
out inning by Kevin Gregg mightve given Matusz a better fate in his last outing(a 3
earned run performance into the sixth,), and that has a tendency to be a
confidence builder.
If I had to predict Id say theres more upside in Matusz in the coming weeks than
Hunter.In the very least, I see incremental improvement(you have to look closely)
and see a huge dropoff in Hunters' performance.

I agree Roy. Hunter is who we thought he was. A #5 guy. He should have done better tonight though.

[Todd-O]

I was hoping Hunter was going to look more solid than this.... Right now he definitely is pitching like a #5 guy.

We need a healthy ZB back... Move Hunter to the long man role... And let Wada and Matusz duke it out.

[Mayor McCheese]

Because he is pitching for a team with a rotation made up of a bunch of #5 pitchers.

Maybe when Britton comes back he is the one moved to the BP, but until that happens, who is better?

I dont expect to see Britton up here until maybe late this season. I think they should be careful on how they use Zach with a shoulder issue. Keep him down at AAA, if the O's are near the bottom and out of contention its not worth doing more damage to that shoulder when/if they can just shut him down early this year.

Call ups: Wada, Tillman, and Eveland if needed.

[clapdiddy]

I was hoping Hunter was going to look more solid than this.... Right now he definitely is pitching like a #5 guy.

We need a healthy ZB back... Move Hunter to the long man role... And let Wada and Matusz duke it out.

I still give Hunter another start or two to turn things around. Not sure why his command has been awful, but that needs to turn around if he's going to have even #5 starter success.

[SilentJames]

I still give Hunter another start or two to turn things around. Not sure why his command has been awful, but that needs to turn around if he's going to have even #5 starter success.

People are looking to bury Hunter too quickly. Sometimes pitchers lose, sometimes pitchers get beat around a little bit. It happens to every pitcher. Three starts in Hunter has had one A, one C and an F.

In my profession that averages out a C so far. Tommy Hunter is a C-type pitcher. Back-end fodder that has the ability to throw a real solid gem once and awhile, but at the very least when he pitches he gives you better than a coin-flip's chance of winning the game.

[Mayor McCheese]

I still give Hunter another start or two to turn things around. Not sure why his command has been awful, but that needs to turn around if he's going to have even #5 starter success.

Throwing 89-91 MPH fastballs belt high in the middle of the zone will lead to a poor outing especially against a team with a bunch of sluggers.

Hope he learned his lesson.

[clapdiddy]

People are looking to bury Hunter too quickly. Sometimes pitchers lose, sometimes pitchers get beat around a little bit. It happens to every pitcher. Three starts in Hunter has had one A, one C and an F.

In my profession that averages out a C so far. Tommy Hunter is a C-type pitcher. Back-end fodder that has the ability to throw a real solid gem once and awhile, but at the very least when he pitches he gives you better than a coin-flip's chance of winning the game.


Throwing 89-91 MPH fastballs belt high in the middle of the zone will lead to a poor outing especially against a team with a bunch of sluggers.

Hope he learned his lesson.

Agree with these sentiments. The thing I liked about Hunter near the end of last season is that he was hitting his spots and working in front of hitters. Now, it seems that he's gone all Kevin Gregg...nibbling early in the count and not throwing strikes until he has to.

He needs to get his command back and he'll be fine. Again...I don't think of him as any more than a 4 or 5, but he can still be a valuable contributor in that role.

[Hooded Viper]

Every team has a 4th and 5th pitcher which is what Hunter is. If he can give us 6-7 innings at 4.5-5 runs per then that is good. I am satisfied with that, especially at the cost.


The OH is so funny, one day there is such jubilance and threads of optimism and then after a loss, such disdain.

[OFFNY]

Every team has a 4th and 5th pitcher which is what Hunter is. If he can give us 6-7 innings at 4.5-5 runs per then that is good. I am satisfied with that, especially at the cost.

The OH is so funny, one day there is such jubilance and threads of optimism and then after a loss, such disdain.

Yep. Hunter and Chen could wind up being our # 4 and # 5 starters, not necessarily in that order.

We very well could have several long relief guys in our bullpen to have Chen's back, IF Chen turns out to be a very effective but not very durable starter.

Jake will probably be # 1, and Hammell could wind up being our # 2 or # 3.

Other than that, we just might be able to get either Britton, Matusz, Wada, or Eveland to be our other # 2 or # 3 (Come on, Zach !!!)

And of those 4, whoever doesn't fit in at # 3 can always throw their hat into the ring for a # 4 or # 5 spot if Chen and/or Hunter bomb, or if we have injuries.

[Hank Scorpio]

He didn't have his good stuff last night, but even when he DOES, he's not going to be a very good starting pitcher. He doesn't have the stuff to pitch up in the zone.

The funny part is that he's sporting a 50% GB% thus far this year and a .273 BABIP.

YIKERS.

[clapdiddy]

He didn't have his good stuff last night, but even when he DOES, he's not going to be a very good starting pitcher. He doesn't have the stuff to pitch up in the zone.

The funny part is that he's sporting a 50% GB% thus far this year and a .273 BABIP.

YIKERS.

That's because most of the hits he's been giving up are homers!

[Hank Scorpio]

That's because most of the hits he's been giving up are homers!

If he keeps pitching the way he did last night, that won't normalize either!!! Ugly.

[NewMarketSean]

I didn't say that he shouldn't be there. I was under the impression, however, that it was a foregone conclusion that he would be there. I just don't like his stuff much. And see limited upside. Not a big deal, just a reference to the many threads during ST that assumed he'd be in the OD rotation (which he was).

I kind of like him. I know he's not a great SP or anything but I feel like people are under-valuing him.

He's a strike-thrower and can eat innings. I know that didn't happen last night, but he looked great in the first inning and then started getting the ball up. He struck out 8. I think he'll have those kinds of shaky outings every once in a while. Hopefully less often than not.

I guess what I like about him is that he is pretty much what he is going to be. There is no torture watching him have a bad outing like with Matusz because he can't repeat his delivery. Sometimes it's refreshing to have a 4 - 4.50 ERA guy you don't really have to think about all that much.

[Oriology]

I kind of like him. I know he's not a great SP or anything but I feel like people are under-valuing him.

He's a strike-thrower and can eat innings. I know that didn't happen last night, but he looked great in the first inning and then started getting the ball up. He struck out 8. I think he'll have those kinds of shaky outings every once in a while. Hopefully less often than not.

I guess what I like about him is that he is pretty much what he is going to be. There is no torture watching him have a bad outing like with Matusz because he can't repeat his delivery. Sometimes it's refreshing to have a 4 - 4:50 ERA guy you don't really have to hang yourself over.

Hunter is a good back-end starter for a team like the Orioles. He rarely goes less than 6, and typically keeps you in the game with 3-4 ER allowed. When you are short on legit SP talent, sometimes that's not so bad. He had a bad night, and has given up 6 HR in his last two starts. That obviously needs to improve, but I think he can adjust and be a respectable option for us until better talent comes along. That seems to be exactly how the Rangers used him.

[El Gordo]

Throwing 89-91 MPH fastballs belt high in the middle of the zone will lead to a poor outing especially against a team with a bunch of sluggers.

Hope he learned his lesson.I take it you are of the opinion that he did this intemtionally? Or perhaps this is your idea of some wry attempt at humor?

[Mayor McCheese]

I take it you are of the opinion that he did this intemtionally? Or perhaps this is your idea of some wry attempt at humor?

Excuse me?!?

It was in response to the comment which was quoted about his command. It was not there last night, he had a poor outing. It was mentioned all night on the broadcast that he was leaving pitches up in the strikezone.

Maybe you didn't watch the game or you just like to make random comments?

[El Gordo]

Excuse me?!?

It was in response to the comment which was quoted about his command. It was not there last night, he had a poor outing. It was mentioned all night on the broadcast that he was leaving pitches up in the strikezone.

Maybe you didn't watch the game or you just like to make random comments?What did you mean by this, "Hope he learned his lesson"? To me it implies that he is locating those pitches intentionally. If he is having command issues, the lesson he needs to learn is one of mechanocs and repeating his delivery, not location.

[OFFNY]

.
BLUE JAYS (April 24th)

Yunel Escobar - SS
Kelly Johnson - 2B
Jose Bautista - RF
Edwin Encarnacion - DH
Adam Lind - 1B
Brett Lawrie - 3B
Colby Rasmus - CF
Eric Thames - LF
Jeff Mathis - C

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php :)

[Brendan25]

Hunter got pretty roughed up last time against the Jays. Would be nice to see him come back from two rough road games and get us a nice win back in Baltimore.

[wildcard]

Big night for Hunter.


So which Hunter do the O's get?

The one that pitched a 7 inning shutout against the Twins or the one that has allowed 12 earned runs in his last two starts?

Drum roll.

[Frobby]

Big night for Hunter.


So which Hunter do the O's get?

The one that pitched a 7 inning shutout against the Twins or the one that has allowed 12 earned runs in his last two starts?

Drum roll.

Are the Twins batting? If not, then I wouldn't expect that outcome.

[JohnnyK27]

Are the Twins batting? If not, then I wouldn't expect that outcome.

Based on his record I'd say Hunter is better than he's pitched the last 2 starts.

[Malike]

I better not hear the radio guys refer to him as Tommy "Big Game" Hunter. I hate that nickname and I hope it goes away.

[OFFNY]

Are the Twins batting? If not, then I wouldn't expect that outcome.

That Twins offense hasn't been so bad since we played them, Frank. In a 4-game split with the Yankees in the Bronx, they scored 7 runs, 6 runs, 6 runs, and 3 runs in the series. In a 3-game set against the Angels, they scored 10 runs, 6 runs, and 1 run.

On the other hand, the Rangers and the D-Rays shut them down pretty well in 5 of the 6 games that they played against them.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2012-schedule-scores.shtml

[Frobby]

That Twins offense hasn't been so bad since we played them, Frank.

I know. But Toronto is a much better offensive team than the Twins, and they hit 4 homers off Hunter last week.

[CA-ORIOLE]

Hunter is going to do a better job keeping the ball in the park (FB down) and be more effective with his changeup and curveball. I'm still bullish on Tommy, but like any pitcher it's a matter of executing more good pitches and less bad ones. Go Tommy.

[OFFNY]

c
TOMMY HUNTER

IP:. 6

H:o 3

R:O 1

BB: 3

SO: 3

Pitches: 103 (66 Strikes, 37 Balls)

2012 ERA: 4.74

**********************

TOMMY BY INNINGS:

20

18

23

13

9

20

[backwardsk]

Give them a chance to win. 1 run in six complete, nicely done.

[incubus]

Hunter finishes 6 IP, 100+ pitches, 1ER,3Ks, 4BB.
Great night for him.

[CA-ORIOLE]

Hunter finishes 6 IP, 100+ pitches, 1ER,3Ks, 4BB.
Great night for him.

3 BB's....... Tommy "Big Game" Hunter.

[MurphDogg]

Is there any chance we could get a mod to change the title of these threads from "Player X tonight" to "Player X performance thread" or something to that effect? It is a super minor thing but when I hop on the forum and see that there are 80+ posts it makes me think I missed a no-hitter or something.

[fish113d]

Hunter finishes 6 IP, 100+ pitches, 1ER,3Ks, 4BB.
Great night for him.

Aside a high pitch count, he got through 6...gave our offense a chance to win him this game for sure! Well done Tommy!!

[JohnnyK27]

Nice start ...would like to see him go deeper. But who's going to complain with it.

[OFFNY]

o
With the exception of Eric Thames' solo-home run, not a single Blue Jay reached second base against Tommy tonight. :)

[jiminnj]

Is there any chance we could get a mod to change the title of these threads from "Player X tonight" to "Player X performance thread" or something to that effect? It is a super minor thing but when I hop on the forum and see that there are 80+ posts it makes me think I missed a no-hitter or something.

These threads shouldn't be pulled up again everytime the guy pitches, start a new thread. Most of this thread is not on "Tommy Hunter Tonight".

[The B&G]

I wasn't too impressed with Tommy tonight. Seemed like a lot of his stuff was up in the zone. I'll obviously take the quality start but personally I wasn't too impressed.

[dan-O]

I wasn't too impressed with Tommy tonight. Seemed like a lot of his stuff was up in the zone. I'll obviously take the quality start but personally I wasn't too impressed.

I think it's pretty rare that Tommy will ever really impress any of us. Except if you're impressed with his ability to somehow get outs working up in the zone like that.. haha. But yeah, he doesn't have super impressive stuff or command. But what I like about him is he isn't up there nibbling and walking a ton of dudes and making errors and looking like a lot of our other 25-year-old guys.

[Miller192]

He reminds me a lot of Kevin Millwood. He really throws to all quadrants of the strike zone.

[El Gordo]

I wasn't too impressed with Tommy tonight. Seemed like a lot of his stuff was up in the zone. I'll obviously take the quality start but personally I wasn't too impressed.Considering that he is pitching hurt, I was very impressed. If he could get healthy, he could be as good consistently as he was in his first start. The problem is we have no one to spot start for him while he heals.

[Va Beach O's fan]

He's not going to look like Neftali Feliz out there. He's a nibbler who has to use all parts of the plate effectively and rely on getting a few off the corner calls every now and again.

If he can give us 6 every 5 games, I'd be thrilled.

[mcinww0]

I wasn't too impressed with Tommy tonight. Seemed like a lot of his stuff was up in the zone. I'll obviously take the quality start but personally I wasn't too impressed.

Hunter said in his postgame interview that he wasnt happy with his performance, and basically admitted he was lucky to put up the line he did. What I like about him, and I think Buck does too, is that he's never complacent and always shoulders the blame for poor performance, which cannot be said for every guy on this team (think gregg, matusz at times). He holds himself to a high standard, and doesnt make excuses.

He knows hes capable of better and i think he will be better in the future. Who knows how much the side thing plays into his performance- he seems like the kind of guy who is willing to play through pain.

[OFFNY]

c
TOMMY HUNTER

IP:. 7

H:o 7

R:O 2

BB: 1

SO: 2

Pitches: 103 (65 Strikes, 38 Balls)

2012 ERA: 4.26

**********************

TOMMY BY INNINGS:

17

7

19

10

15

23

12

[Roy Firestone]

He was ok. Not as good as the numbers suggest.

[bd]

Anyone worried about Tommy Hunter? I don't think his 86-90 MPH FB is going to hold up over the course of a season. Yes, he's good at throwing strikes but that doesn't necessarily equate to having good control...he's good at staying in and around the strike zone but his location can be pretty erratic, enough so that at some point his lack of stuff is going to catch up to him.

The A's look fail the eye test and the statistics test as a good hitting team and he was lucky to hold them to 2 runs today. Hopefully Britton can come back strong so that Hunter can go on the DL and get himself right. If he can get back to his 91-94 MPH FB days than he might be able to stand the test of time as a #4 starter or so but I'm afraid with the stuff he has now he's going to start getting beat up pretty bad now that we get into the meat of the schedule.

[backwardsk]

I'm not worried about Hunter at all. No, he's not a top of the rotation nor do you get blown away by his performance. But he gets results. Sure he'll have games where he'll get blown out, but most of the time he'll keep you in ball games and give the team a chance to win while not stressing the bullpen. The team is 4-1 when he starts. In 3 of his 5 starts he's combined for 20 ip while giving up 3 runs.

[CA-ORIOLE]

Anyone worried about Tommy Hunter? I don't think his 86-90 MPH FB is going to hold up over the course of a season. Yes, he's good at throwing strikes but that doesn't necessarily equate to having good control...he's good at staying in and around the strike zone but his location can be pretty erratic, enough so that at some point his lack of stuff is going to catch up to him.

The A's look fail the eye test and the statistics test as a good hitting team and he was lucky to hold them to 2 runs today. Hopefully Britton can come back strong so that Hunter can go on the DL and get himself right. If he can get back to his 91-94 MPH FB days than he might be able to stand the test of time as a #4 starter or so but I'm afraid with the stuff he has now he's going to start getting beat up pretty bad now that we get into the meat of the schedule.

Yeah, I'm a bit worried that his FB velocity is still so low. In the game they mentioned thatmight be becuse he throws too many cuttters and you can sometimes lose the feel for your FB when you do that. Thought his command was much better today.

[OFFNY]

.
RED SOX O(5/06)

Mike Aviles - SS
Ryan Sweeney - RF
Dustin Pedroia - 2B
Adrian Gonzalez - 1B
David Ortiz - DH
Cody Ross - LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia - C
Will Middlebrooks - 3B
Marlon Byrd - CF

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php :)

[OFFNY]

c
TOMMY HUNTER (vs. RED SOX 5/06)

IP:. 4.33

H:o 8

R:O 5

BB: 1

SO: 2

Pitches: 82 (54 Strikes, 28 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.00

**********************

TOMMY BY INNINGS:

11

18

19

12

22 (1/3 of an inning)

[MDK02]

Worst outing by one of starters thus far?

[NickM21]

Hindsight is 20/20 but I really wanted them to pull Hunter as soon as he loaded the bases. You could just feel he wasn't getting out of that inning.

[ledzepp8]

Hindsight is 20/20 but I really wanted them to pull Hunter as soon as he loaded the bases. You could just feel he wasn't getting out of that inning.

Easier said than done. They didn't have anyone ready in the bullpen yet.

[Frobby]

That was an extremely disappointing outing, coughing up a 5-run lead and forcing the bullpen to come in during the 5th inning. Even if the O's can win this we won't be set up well for the Texas series. He couldn't get anything down in the 5th at all.

[SrMeowMeow]

Hunter looked bad as soon as he came out for the 4th. He was leaving everything up.

[El Gordo]

That was an extremely disappointing outing, coughing up a 5-run lead and forcing the bullpen to come in during the 5th inning. Even if the O's can win this we won't be set up well for the Texas series. He couldn't get anything down in the 5th at all.Perfect example of why we need another long man instead of Gregg. Buck could have brought him in even before the bases were loaded if he had a guy who could go 3 innigs.

[Sanfran327]

I have to think that Britton will take Hunter's spot in the rotation when he returns, with Hunter bumping Gregg off of the roster. Hunter is awesome one or two times through the order. Would make an excellent long man.

[Pedro Cerrano]

I have to think that Britton will take Hunter's spot in the rotation when he returns, with Hunter bumping Gregg off of the roster. Hunter is awesome one or two times through the order. Would make an excellent long man.

Echo these sentiments exactly.

Arrieta
Matusz
Britton
Hammel
Chen

[CheeryO]

Both Hunter and Davis showed today why Texas traded them away for Koji. Both guys have flaws.

[SrMeowMeow]

Both Hunter and Davis showed today why Texas traded them away for Koji. Both guys have flaws.

Flawless players don't get traded that often. Or exist that often. We took Texas for a bumpy ride in that deal.

[kman123]

Both Hunter and Davis showed today why Texas traded them away for Koji. Both guys have flaws.

I don't think Hunter is a starter in the AL east but he was a good pick up. He'll make a good long man when Britton returns. Davis has been better than expected this year. One bad game doesn't negate what else he's done for us.

[OFFNY]

.
RANGERS (5/10) [Game Two]

Ian Kinsler - 2B
Elvis Andrus - SS
Josh Hamilton - CF
Adrian Beltre - DH
Michael Young - 3B
David Murphy - LF
Nelson Cruz - RF
Mike Napoli - C
Mitch Moreland - 1B

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php

[SoBo]

.
RANGERS (5/10) [Game Two]

Ian Kinsler - 2B
Elvis Andrus - SS
Josh Hamilton - CF
Adrian Beltre - DH
Michael Young - 3B
David Murphy - LF
Nelson Cruz - RF
Mike Napoli - C
Mitch Moreland - 1B

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php

When Mike Napoli is your 8th hole hitter you have a good line up. Good grief. Cmon Tommy give us 6 tonight. I don't even care how many runs you give up. Just don't exit in the 3rd.

[LookitsPuck]

Tommy Hunter is going to get slaughtered. That lineup is going to feast on him.

[OFFNY]

c
TOMMY HUNTERO (vs. RANGERS May 10th) [Game Two] *

IP:. 6

H:o 5

R:O 4

BB: 1

SO: 7

Pitches: 91 (63 Strikes, 28 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.14

* 3 and-a-half days' rest for Tommy today.

[UpstateNYfan]

Hunter had a great game. It was going to be a quality start if Markakis didn't mess it up. Also, it appeared to me that Holland was getting calls (inside plate to right handed batters) that Hunter was not getting.

[JayThomas]

Hunter had a great game. It was going to be a quality start if Markakis didn't mess it up. Also, it appeared to me that Holland was getting calls (inside plate to right handed batters) that Hunter was not getting.

To each his own I guess. 6.0 innings and 4 ER looks a lot to me like a 6.0 ERA. Not good, much less great.

Tommy Hunter just doesn't have the stuff to be starting right now. If he's hurt then he needs to go away and get healthy. He has not shown stuff all year so far. I do appreciate that he isn't Kevin Gregg, nibbling around and making excuses. (But) frankly his stuff isn't any better than Gregg's and he's not getting guys out a whole lot more efficiently.

[RZNJ]

I thought Hunter pitched well. Ran into some bad luck on the last two runs. He did a much better job of keeping the ball down. If he's healthy, I think he should stay up and in the rotation. Let's see what Eveland does tomorrow night and what Matusz does his next time out.

[LookitsPuck]

Not a great outing. Not an awful one. Very meh. At least he went 6IP and kept it respectably close.

[UpstateNYfan]

To each his own I guess. 6.0 innings and 4 ER looks a lot to me like a 6.0 ERA. Not good, much less great.

Tommy Hunter just doesn't have the stuff to be starting right now. If he's hurt then he needs to go away and get healthy. He has not shown stuff all year so far. I do appreciate that he isn't Kevin Gregg, nibbling around and making excuses. (But) frankly his stuff isn't any better than Gregg's and he's not getting guys out a whole lot more efficiently.

Not good....you have to be kidding. Seven K's, one walk...something like 11 or something outs in a row, 91 pitches through 6 innings. And again in my opinion if Nick didn't dive after the ball in the 5th inning the Rangers may have been held to zero or one run instead of two.

[Brendan25]

I was impressed with Tommy, especially on short days rest. I'm sure he would like one or two pitches back.

[OFFNY]

Not good .... you have to be kidding. Seven K's, one walk...something like 11 or something outs in a row, 91 pitches through 6 innings. And again in my opinion if Nick didn't dive after the ball in the 5th inning the Rangers may have been held to zero or one run instead of two.

Definitely. Also, Hunter had to get a 4th out in his 6th and final inning when Andino blew a ball that was hit right to him. Hunter promptly struck out the next batter to end his night.

[crowmst3k!]

I was worried seeing the Orioles go into this doubleheader against the Rangers. If the starters didn't at least go 6 each, the pen would be in sorrid shape heading into the Tampa series. But Chen twirled a gem and Hunter battled. Unless Eveland has a meltdown tonight, and 5 or so relievers are used, I feel good about the health and restedness of the pitchers going into the weekend.

[wpetraska]

I was impressed with Tommy, especially on short days rest. I'm sure he would like one or two pitches back.

I absolutely agree. He made some mistakes but nothing compared to the defense behind him. I was impressed.

[OFFNY]

Tommy Hunter is going to get slaughtered. That lineup is going to feast on him.

The score of the game was already 2-0 when you made this post. Hunter pitched an additional 5 innings, giving up 2 more runs. And it would have been 1 more run had Nick not misplayed a ball from a single into a triple.

[NewMarketSean]

Shoot, I will take 6 IP and 4 ER from Hunter on most nights, especially when playing the Rangers.

[SilentJames]

Shoot, I will take 6 IP and 4 ER from Hunter on most nights, especially when playing the Rangers.

Even then the Rangers got a little fortunate with Napoli's triple.

That dying quail was the definition of hit'em where they ain't.

Even Lindstrom kinda got BABIP'd to death his inning. It was weird to see the Rangers score runs by stringing a ton of grounder singles together like that.

[OFFNY]

.
KANSAS CITY

Jarrod Dyson - CF
Eric Hosmer - 1B
Billy Butler - DH
Alex Gordon - LF
Jeff Francoeur - RF
Mike Moustakas - 3B
Alcides Escobar - SS
Chris Getz - 2B
Humberto Quintero - C

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php

[OFFNY]

c
TOMMY HUNTER O

IP:. 7

H:o 7

R:O 2

BB: 1

SO: 1

Pitches: 82 (55 Strikes, 27 Balls)

2012 ERA: 4.78

***************

TOMMY BY INNINGS

8

12

5 (All Strikes)

11

20

11

15

[Ven6]

I'm watching the game now, but missed the 7th and 8th--with only 82 pitches, any reason he didn't come out for the 8th?

[backwardsk]

I'm watching the game now, but missed the 7th and 8th--with only 82 pitches, any reason he didn't come out for the 8th?

Probably because the lineup was coming up for the fourth time. It made sense to bring in Patton at that time.

[OFFNY]

.
We got you off the hook with a comeback in the 9th and a win in the 15th, Tommy. :)

[dan-O]

Hard to argue with 7IP, 2ER. Brought his ERA under 5 with this one.

[backwardsk]

.
We got you off the hook with a comeback in the 9th and a win in the 15th, Tommy. :)

The team is 6-2 when he makes a start. Not too shabby.

[dan-O]

I didn't watch this one.. how did he look? Down in the zone or same old Tommy SmokenMirrors?

[Va Beach O's fan]

That's a little more like it big fella. Let's hope that was a start he can build off of and not just a one time quality start.

[Frobby]

But for Chris Davis bungling a grounder, Hunter would have allowed 0-1 runs.

[OFFNY]

.
Tommy, PLEASE give us a good game tomorrow in the opener against the Red Sox. Pretty please with sugar on top ??? I'll be your best friend.

[$Greatness$]

.
Tommy, PLEASE give us a good game tomorrow in the opener against the Red Sox. Pretty please with sugar on top ??? I'll be your best friend.

Tommy "No-Hit" Hunter will do as you ask since he'll go 8 I.P of 1-hit ball. BAM!

[OFFNY]

o
BOSTON RED SOX O(May 21st)

Mike Aviles - SS
Dustin Pedroia - 2B
David Ortiz - DH
Adrian Gonzalez - 1B
Will Middlebrooks - 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia - C
Daniel Nava - LF
Marlon Byrd - CF
Che-Hsuan Lin - RF

[Hank Scorpio]

Phew... he just has a really bad combination of stuff and command.

I cringe on almost every pitch he throws.

[Lucky Jim]

Phew... he just has a really bad combination of stuff and command.

I cringe on almost every pitch he throws.

Why anyone thinks he's a major league starter is beyond me.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Every*.....pitch.....high.....in.....the.....zone.

*Probably not, but sure seems like it

[Bosibus]

Come on Britton, Hunter to long relief.

[teamjosh04]

Hunter gets a bad rap. Hes pitched 5.2 or more innings every time except once. That one time he did, he was going on 7-8 days rest. It wasnt fair to him.

His WHIP is at a very solid 1.3. Hes only walked 3 guys in his last 4 games. His problem is with home runs, but it seems as he gets unlucky because he has a high FB/HR rate. He does need to keep the ball down more, but I like the way he attacks the hitters and is usually good for an efficient night of pitching. Hes not going to implode and get rattled and start walking everyone and force our bullpen into early action.

His stuff isnt anything special and he isnt always pretty to watch, but he gets it done.

[Hank Scorpio]

Hunter gets a bad rap. Hes pitched 5.2 or more innings every time except once. That one time he did, he was going on 7-8 days rest. It wasnt fair to him.

His WHIP is at a very solid 1.3. Hes only walked 3 guys in his last 4 games. His problem is with home runs, but it seems as he gets unlucky because he has a high FB/HR rate. He does need to keep the ball down more, but I like the way he attacks the hitters and is usually good for an efficient night of pitching. Hes not going to implode and get rattled and start walking everyone and force our bullpen into early action.

His stuff isnt anything special and he isnt always pretty to watch, but he gets it done.

He gets extremely lucky.

Once he gets the 70-75 pitches... forget it. When your fastball is 91 miles an hour at best, you'd better be able to command it and he can't.

100% a relief pitcher.

[teamjosh04]

Yea, ideally. I definitely agree he is the first one to go when Britton comes back. I think I just jinxed him here.

[Lucky Jim]

Hunter gets a bad rap. Hes pitched 5.2 or more innings every time except once. That one time he did, he was going on 7-8 days rest. It wasnt fair to him.

His WHIP is at a very solid 1.3. Hes only walked 3 guys in his last 4 games. His problem is with home runs, but it seems as he gets unlucky because he has a high FB/HR rate. He does need to keep the ball down more, but I like the way he attacks the hitters and is usually good for an efficient night of pitching. Hes not going to implode and get rattled and start walking everyone and force our bullpen into early action.

His stuff isnt anything special and he isnt always pretty to watch, but he gets it done.

He pretty efficiently let the Sox back into this one.

I have no beef w/ Tommy - he can be a useful part of the team. He's just not a starter. He doesn't miss bats. And he doesn't command. It's a recipe for disaster: last four starts = 23.1 IP, 16R. That's a 6.26 ERA.

[Roy Firestone]

He gets extremely lucky.

Once he gets the 70-75 pitches... forget it. When your fastball is 91 miles an hour at best, you'd better be able to command it and he can't.

100% a relief pitcher.

So frustrating to get a three run lead and then to lose it so suddenly in the typical
sixth inning fail for Oriole pitchers. This one is hard to take. One more out and at least
they have the lead...just no excuse.

[Hank Scorpio]

He pretty efficiently let the Sox back into this one.

I have no beef w/ Tommy - he can be a useful part of the team. He's just not a starter. He doesn't miss bats. And he doesn't command. It's a recipe for disaster: last four starts = 23.1 IP, 16R. That's a 6.26 ERA.

I haven't done the homework, but I would have to imagine that his line drive percentage is probably fairly high. Not only does he not miss bats, he hits them rather firmly.

[teamjosh04]

Ok then, hes been efficient against teams not named the Red Sox. That last inning hurt.

[Hank Scorpio]

Ok then, hes been efficient against teams not named the Red Sox. That last inning hurt.

I remember watching his last start in Kansas City and thinking "My lawd!!! All of these outs are loud."

[OFFNY]

.
TOMMY HUNTER O(vs. RED SOX May 21st)

IP:. 6

H:o 9

R:O 5

BB: 0

SO: 3

Pitches: 96 (65 Strikes, 31 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.07

***************

TOMMY BY INNINGS

10

8

28

15

11

24

[eddie83]

I think he can be a MLB starter but I am afraid it might be in the NL West. He can't keep pitching up in the zone this much, in some regards he has been lucky this year.

[ShaneDawg85]

People get frustrated watching Brian Matusz pitch, and I get that. But, for me, I get more frustrated by Tommy Hunter almost every time he starts. I just have no confidence that when he goes through the lineup a second time it will be without runs being scored. He had a 5-2 lead and gave it all back. That's baseball sometimes, but that doesn't mean I have to like it either.

[playbaltimorecom]

Tommy Hunter as our long man would really help this team.

I cannot find any updates on Joel Pinero-has anyone heard anything?

[Gurgi]

We got to see if Steve Johnson can give us Tommy's innings. Minus a couple of runs.

[playbaltimorecom]

We got to see if Steve Johnson can give us Tommy's innings. Minus a couple of runs.


I seriously doubt that. Everyone would be pulling for him, but I just doubt that.

[OFFNY]

We got to see if Steve Johnson can give us Tommy's innings. Minus a couple of runs.

Steve Johnson came out of the Tides game yesterday after 2 scoreless innings with a strained groin.

I hope it isn't too serious. He's been coming along nicely at AAA this season after getting rocked when he was promoted up there last year.

[clapdiddy]

Tommy Hunter just frustrates the bejeebers out of me. The guy, for some reason, can rarely throw a strike below the belt.

I like the guy, but I think it's time to turn him into a reliever when Britton is back.

[CA-ORIOLE]

I was hoping to see Tommy develop more throwing his curveball and changeup this year. When he has tried they just haven't been effective. It looks like he's back to FB/cutter again and I don't see the change in speeds along with his command issues working very well. That said, until Britton gets back, I'm not sure I see anybody better right now to take his spot. Pretty disappointing start.

[Riggodrill44]

Every*.....pitch.....high.....in.....the.....zone.

*Probably not, but sure seems like itThey are! Nothing between the belt and knee.He just makes itvery easy to hit those high pitches.

[RZNJ]

Tommy Hunter just frustrates the bejeebers out of me. The guy, for some reason, can rarely throw a strike below the belt.

I like the guy, but I think it's time to turn him into a reliever when Britton is back.

This is it in a nutshell. Just too many pitches up in the zone and too many catching too much of the plate. He looks good when he keeps it down but for whatever reason he just can't consistently keep the ball down. This game is on him. Five runs and a three run lead is plenty to work with. What really hurt as how he looked like a little leaguer on the balk call where the runner hardly even came down the line. Awful.

[OFFNY]

.
BLUE JAYS O(May 28th)

Kelly Johnson - 2B
Colby Rasmus - CF
Jose Bautista - RF
Edwin Encarnacion - DH
Eric Thames - LF
Brett Lawrie - 3B
David Cooper - 1B
Jeff Mathis - C
Omar Vizquel - SS

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php

[WEAVERMAN]

It's big start tonight for Hunter with Zach breathing down his neck. We could use a great outing, 6 Inning, 5 hits, 0 BB, 0 R. You can do it, Tommy.

[LookitsPuck]

Just be careful around Jose, Edwin, and Kelly.

[oriolekid]

Or we can all pray he turns into a half decent starter and then ship him for a B prospect near the deadline, and if he continues to slump, trade him for a C+ prospect. Either way I think he'll be the guy we trade if we trade a starter.

We don't need another Eveland in the bullpen.

[temp19]

WHy the hell does Buck always ruin what could be good innings with trying to steal??????? I mean what the hell we get caught 60% of the time, it is not smart I mean Davs and Reynolds are both slow just gave up an out that was rediculously stupid. I hope Tommy enjoys Norfolk because he is truly destined there and to be forgotten. Maybe in two years or so he will pull a Troy Patton and be the last man to make the roster but he certainly is a horrible major league pitcher. So have fun Tommy I hope you enjoy the long bus rides.

[LookitsPuck]

We're a slow team. Why on Earth would you double steal against a pitcher who CAN'T throw strikes? And with a team who doesn't have fast base-runners outside of Jones/Avery?

Sloppy base running all around, and with the way Tommy Hunter is pitching...this game is destined for a loss.

[waroriole]

I've seen enough of Hunter

[FanSince88]

Hunter better be on a one way ticket to AAA when Britton gets back from his injury. Looking an awful lot like Tillgesen did last year -- one good start every 5 or 6 games, the rest garbage. At least Matusz is showing some consistent improvement.

[brvn52]

This has to be Hunter's last start. He just can't do it.

Hopefully he can give some life to the pen. Looking forward to Britton being back in the rotation.

[LookitsPuck]

Hunter is beyond awful. I wasn't expecting much from this game outside of a slug fest. But we're getting shut out by a struggling pitcher, and Tommy Hunter is allowing hits to bums like Omar Vizquel.

What a pathetic game and this team is now going to be in a downward spiral. Hunter needed to at least give us something, but 3 innings of 6 run ball? Really setting us up for failure by overusing the pen.

Fuming. This team....

[Jagwar]

I've seen enough of Hunter

He can't be on the roster after this game, can he?

[weams]

He can't be on the roster after this game, can he?

I would think he gets optioned for Chavez now.

[crissfan172]

Hunter is simply not a starter. That much has been clear for quite some time now.

[FanSince88]

Hunter is beyond awful. I wasn't expecting much from this game outside of a slug fest. But we're getting shut out by a struggling pitcher, and Tommy Hunter is allowing hits to bums like Omar Vizquel.

What a pathetic game and this team is now going to be in a downward spiral. Hunter needed to at least give us something, but 3 innings of 6 run ball? Really setting us up for failure by overusing the pen.

Fuming. This team....


This game had better close the case for sending Hunter to AAA or the pen for good once Britton returns.

Still, there's a scary lack of depth in the starters. I vote for a trade for a decent starter, even after Zach returns for depth. I don't want to see Hunter starting the rest of the year. There's gotta be better pitchers on the market than Hunter, right?

[eddie83]

I would think he gets oprioned for Chavez now.


Yep, we don't need a 5th starter until June 9th.

[Wish]

He's got to go. It's pretty much an automatic loss when he pitches, especially since our bats are ice cold.

[LookitsPuck]

He can't be on the roster after this game, can he?

Hunter optioned. Chavez called up.

For Hunter's spot in the rotation, Avery optioned, Britton called up.

Eveland will be the long man. They're going to try and get Hunter fixed, IMHO. Everything is up. Predictable in his pitch sequences. Behind in the count too often, can't finish anyone off. That's what happens when your fastball command is spotty and everything else is up in the zone.

[OFFNY]

.
TOMMY HUNTER O(vs. BLUE JAYS 5/28)

IP:. 3-Plus

H:o 9

R:O 6

ER:)5

BB: 0

SO: 0

Pitches: 69 (45 Strikes, 24 Balls) *

2012 ERA: 5.59

***************

TOMMY BY INNINGS

26

13

20

10 * Hunter did not record an out while pitching in the 4th inning.

[Uli2001]

Yes, he's in a bad rut, but the Orioles offense is in a much worse rut, not to speak of the season-long rut the defense has been in. Right now, the Orioles can't hit, pitch, or catch the ball. At least we know they are NOT this bad.

[LookitsPuck]

Yes, he's in a bad rut, but the Orioles offense is in a much worse rut, not to speak of the season-long rut the defense has been in. Right now, the Orioles can't hit, pitch, or catch the ball. At least we know they are NOT this bad.

Well, the pitching hasn't been horrible. 9 ER in the last 27 IP prior to this game. About a 3.00 ERA.

Now this game? Yes. Defense has been spotty. The offense has been terrible this game and the past 2.

We're playing sloppy ball.

[jjnono]

Yes, he's in a bad rut, but the Orioles offense is in a much worse rut, not to speak of the season-long rut the defense has been in. Right now, the Orioles can't hit, pitch, or catch the ball. At least we know they are NOT this bad.
This. 6.

[NewMarketSean]

Hunter doesn't have anything. No out pitches. Batters just foul off pitches until they get a meatball down the middle of the plate and they tee off on it. I would say that Hunter could be useful out of the BP but not with the kind of stuff he had last night. That better be his last start in an Oriole uniform.

[DuffMan]

The other day Mike Bordick claimed that Hunter had a fantastic bullpen session over the weekend. Either that didn't carry over to his start or maybe Bordick confused Hunter with another Orioles pitcher.

[24fps]

I've seen enough of Hunter

Me too. He's not fooling anybody at the moment.

That being said, the team is 6-4 when he starts and he's gone 6 or more innings in 7 of his 10 appearances.

[OFFNY]

.
Hunter is throwing the opening game of a doubleheader tonight against the AAA-Scranton Yankees.

Let's go, Tommy.

http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t568

[OFFNY]

.
TOMMY HUNTER O(vs. AAA-Scranton Yankees 6/02)

IP:. 7 (COMPLETE GAME) *

H:o 6

R:O 1

BB: 1

SO: 1

Pitches: 85 (56 Strikes, 29 Balls)

2012 ERA: 1.29 (AAA-Norfolk)

* This was a 7-inning game, as the Tides were playing a doubleheader today.

T IDES SWEEP YANKEES: http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120602&content_id=32664274&vkey=news_t568&fext=.jsp&sid=t568

[JimPalmerJr]

How long does Hunter have to stay down to add a year of team control ?

[dan-O]

Any reports on if he was able to keep the ball down? Stats in AAA are going to be really misleading for Hunter.

[Birdland]

Over/Under 4 Hr he gives up tomorrow?

[OFFNY]

Over/Under 4 Hr he gives up tomorrow?

Under.

[Birdland]

Under.

Hope your right.

[socalbirdfan]

Under.

Lol, I thought you were taking the under on RUNS. I was thinking, "Now that's optimistic!"

[OFFNY]

.
With Gonzo Part II having pitched 4 innings yesterday, and Eveland having gone 3 innings today, the net below Hunter tomorrow is considerably weaker than it looked to be yesterday afternoon, also.

[socalbirdfan]

Hunter must be thrilled to know he is the pitcher of last resort.

[OFFNY]

Hunter must be thrilled to know he is the pitcher of last resort.

At this point, I think that he's happy just to be back in the majors and given another chance to start again, for whatever reason. You know the old saying, "Beggars can't be choosers."

[scOtt]

He might give up some runs, but he'll eat some innings too. He has a knack for that. Jake go down and work with Peterson and get your mind right. Tommy will hold down the fort in Balmer for a while. We scored 6 tonight, I feel Hunter can win if we score 6 tomorrow. ;)

[wildcard]

A spot start for Hunter

For me, Hunter is only getting today's 4 pm start because he is the only one rested enough to pitch it. He hasn't earned a promotion. So if he pitches well, he gets another start. If he doesn't he goes back to Norfolk to work on his command.

Opportunity knocks for Hunter but I am not highly optimistic about his chance to succeed. He hasn't had time to work on the things he needs to fix to be a consistent starter.

Good Luck Tommy. I would like to be surprised.

[OFFNY]

.
PHILADELPHIA AIHPLEDALIHP O(June 9th)

Jimmy Rollins - SS
Juan Pierre - LF
Hunter Pence - RF
Jim Thome - DH
Shane Victorino - CF
Ty Wigginton - 3B
Mike Fontenot - 2B
Hector Luna - 1B
Brian Schneider - C

Vance Worley - RHP (3-2, 3.38 ERA)

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php

[OFFNY]

.
Tommy WILL WIN TODAY, because ..................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuFOkAL8ihM

[MrOrange82]

Aaaaaand here we go again.

2.2 HR per 9. Amazing.

[OFFNY]

.
TOMMY HUNTER O(vs. PHILLIES 6/9)

IP:. 7

H:o 8

R:O 3

BB: 0

SO: 2

Pitches: 86 (59 Strikes, 27 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.40

*****************

TOMMY BY INNINGS:

9

10

13

13

7

20

14

[Lucky Jim]

.
TOMMY HUNTER O(vs. PHILLIES 6/9)

IP:. 7

H:o 8

R:O 3

BB: 0

SO: 2

Pitches: 86 (59 Strikes, 27 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.40

*****************

TOMMY BY INNINGS:

9

10

13

13

7

20

14

I'd take that every time from Hunter. The problem is that the lack of swing-and-miss and all of those HRs make it virtually impossible for him to be consistent.

[OFFNY]

I'd take that every time from Hunter. The problem is that the lack of swing-and-miss and all of those HRs make it virtually impossible for him to be consistent.

Also, he was on 6 days' rest. I think that that may have been part of the reason why his velocity was up today ....... maybe.

I guess we'll just wait and see what he does when he gets the usual 4 (and sometimes 5) days' rest from here on out.

[Can_of_corn]

I'd take that every time from Hunter. The problem is that the lack of swing-and-miss and all of those HRs make it virtually impossible for him to be consistent.

I am not shocked he was able to do that against a lineup like the Phillies. The O's don't have a lot of teams with lineups like the Phillies on the schedule.

[Whammer]

I am not shocked he was able to do that against a lineup like the Phillies. The O's don't have a lot of teams with lineups like the Phillies on the schedule.

Oh you mean the lineup that scored nine runs in 4 innings last night?

Say what you wish about Hunter (and Eveland for that matter), but I'll take my chances with either of guys over Arrieta any day of the week.

[Can_of_corn]

Oh you mean the lineup that scored nine runs in 4 innings last night?

Say what you wish about Hunter (and Eveland for that matter), but I'll take my chances with either of guys over Arrieta any day of the week.

Was I somehow defending Arrieta with my post without realizing it?

I just reread my post and I don't see Arrieta mentioned there anywhere.

[OFFNY]

o
PITTSBURGH HGRUBSTTIP O(June 14th)

Alex Presley - LF
Neil Walker - 2B
Andrew McCutchen - CF
Garrett Jones - DH
Casey McGehee - 1B
Pedro Alvarez - 3B
Jose Tabata - RF
Rod Barajas - C
Clint Barmes - SS

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php

[Hank Scorpio]

Say it with me, folks.... "relief pitcher!!!!"

[OFFNY]

.
TOMMY HUNTER O(vs. PIRATES 6/14)

IP:. 6

H:o 7

R:O 5

BB: 0

SO: 5

Pitches: 76 (55 Strikes, 21 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.58

*****************

TOMMY BY INNINGS

12

10

7

6

21

20

[sangar]

Hunter has the unique ability to make people nervous even when he has a ten run lead. Yeesh.

[Frobby]

Unimpressive but he got the job done under the circumstances.

[TonySoprano]

Say it with me, folks.... "relief pitcher!!!!"If that. His ERA the last 5 starts is 7.24. His team takes the pressure off and gives him a huge lead against a largely Punch and Judy lineup, and he still gives up 5 runs.

[baltfan]

He had a big lead. He just let them put the ball in play. Went 6 innings and saved the pen a bit.

[connja]

This guy has bullpen written all over him. WOuld be interesting to see his ERA in the first 3-4 innings vs. overall. Guy is lights out first time around, then, not so much.

[OFFNY]

.
NEW YORK METS STEM KROY WEN O(vs. METS 6-19)

Kirk Nieuwenhuis - CF
Jordany Valdespin - LF
David Wright - 3B
Lucas Duda - RF
Ike Davis - 1B
Daniel Murphy - 2B
Omar Quintanilla - SS
Josh Thole - C
Johan Santana -P

[Can_of_corn]

I would be looking to pinch hit for Hunter anytime after 5 complete. Unless the O's have a sizable lead (or deficit) get him out of there.

[OFFNY]

.
TOMMY HUNTER O(vs. METS 6/19)

IP:. 6.33

H:o 7

R:O 5

BB: 1

SO: 3

Pitches: 88 (56 Strikes, 32 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.70

*****************

TOMMY BY INNINGS

8

14

16

21

8

15

6 *

* Hunter retired 1 batter in the 7th inning before departing.

[Can_of_corn]

I would be looking to pinch hit for Hunter anytime after 5 complete. Unless the O's have a sizable lead (or deficit) get him out of there.

1 run in first 5
2 runs in sixth
2 runs in seventh


If I can see this why can't Buck?

[bd]

http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1168914678l/37380.jpg

[clapdiddy]

I was really high on Hunter at the end of last season and the beginning of this season. I think it's pretty obvious that his best place to be is the pen.

For the life of me, I can't figure out how a guy who relies on control to be effective can just keep throwing the ball constantly up in the strike zone.

[crissfan172]

1 run in first 5
2 runs in sixth
2 runs in seventh


If I can see this why can't Buck?

Not. A. Starter.

Hopefully we'll see Tillman soon.

[Va Beach O's fan]

I was really high on Hunter at the end of last season and the beginning of this season. I think it's pretty obvious that his best place to be is the pen.

For the life of me, I can't figure out how a guy who relies on control to be effective can just keep throwing the ball constantly up in the strike zone.

He is a home run machine. I mean literally.......we might want to just decide to get rid of our Batting Practice pitcher or machine and just let Tommy Hunter go out there and keep serving up meatballs to get our guys ready on gameday. He'd be perfect in that role.

[OFFNY]

.
My bad on the one-day delay. :o

TOMMY HUNTER O(vs. AAA-Durham Bulls 7/05)

IP:. 5

H:o 7 (2 Solo Home Runs, 5 Singles)

R:O 5

BB: 3

SO: 6

Pitches: 94 (58 Strikes, 36 Balls)

2012 ERA: 4.50 [AAA-Norfolk]

[OFFNY]

.
MINNESOTA TWINS O(July 18th)

Denard Span - CF
Ben Revere - RF
Joe Mauer - DH
Josh Willingham - LF
Justin Morneau - 1B
Trevor Plouffe - 3B
Brian Dozier - SS
Drew Butera - C
Jamey Carroll - 2B

http://baseballpress.com/lineup.php

[Birdland]

I say 5 HR for the twins tonight.

[WEAVERMAN]

The Orioles should be starting Steve Johnson tonight in MIN, not in Norfolk. For god's sake, give somebody besides Homerun Tommy a shot.

[Roy Firestone]

I agree. Id sooner see Matusz up( and he's too often up..but thats another story) than Hunter. I can barely muster the enthusiasm to watch this game much less believe Hunter can win it.

[scOtt]

The Orioles should be starting Steve Johnson tonight in MIN, not in Norfolk. For god's sake, give somebody besides Homerun Tommy a shot.

Good pitcher's park. And contrary to the last two nights, the Twins are a really bad ballclub.

[socalbirdfan]

The Orioles should be starting Steve Johnson tonight in MIN, not in Norfolk. For god's sake, give somebody besides Homerun Tommy a shot.

Yes, I liked the way he worked himself out of trouble in his first appearance. That's more than you can say for either Tillman or Britton and I'm a fan of both. Granted he doesn't have their stuff but maybe we can say he gets it. That is, he knows how to pitch. And do we really need to see High Ball Hunter yet again? My guess is they thought Tommy would give them more innings since Johnson had been used out of the BP since his injury.

[waroriole]

Yes, I liked the way he worked himself out of trouble in his first appearance. That's more than you can say for either Tillman or Britton and I'm a fan of both.

I wouldn't place any weight on one appearance. Tillman and Britton and everyone else has worked out of a jam at the ML level.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Tommy throw 7 IP and give up 2 R or less tonight.

[socalbirdfan]

I wouldn't place any weight on one appearance. Tillman and Britton and everyone else has worked out of a jam at the ML level.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Tommy throw 7 IP and give up 2 R or less tonight.

Oh, I know. I fully expect those guys to bounce back. I was just impressed with how SJ pitched out of a difficult inning.

I also said in another thread that TH could very likely pitch a good game tonight, which I wouldn't like because then we would have to see him again. And unlike the others, I don't hold out much hope for him beyond the occasional spot start.

[waroriole]

I wouldn't place any weight on one appearance. Tillman and Britton and everyone else has worked out of a jam at the ML level.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Tommy throw 7 IP and give up 2 R or less tonight.

What a genius.;)

[blkeen]

Thank you Tommy!

[OFFNY]

.
TOMMY HUNTER O(vs. TWINS 7/18)

IP:. 7.33

H:o 6

R:O 1

BB: 0

SO: 1

Pitches: 106 (74 Strikes, 32 Balls)

2012 ERA: 5.71

**********

TOMMY BY INNINGS

14

22

17

12

11

7

20

3 *

* Tommy got 1 out in the 8th inning before departing.
.

[OFFNY]

I wouldn't place any weight on one appearance. Tillman and Britton and everyone else has worked out of a jam at the ML level.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised to see Tommy throw 7 IP and give up 2 R or less tonight.

Great call, green reps.

[Frobby]

Wow, we needed that! Sharpest I've seem Hunter in a long time.

[Birdland]

Thank you for making me feel dumb Tommy.

[OFFNY]

.
CLEVELAND NAPS O(July 23rd)

Shin-Soo Choo - RF
Asdrubal Cabrera - SS
Jason Kipnis - 2B
Michael Brantley - CF
Carlos Santana - C
Travis Hafner - DH
Johnny Damon - LF
Casey Kotchman - 1B
Jack Hannahan - 3B

OPPOSING PITCHER: Justin Masterson - RHP (6-8, 4.29 ERA)

[Brendan25]

Get the job done tonight Tommy.