Kevin Gregg Continues to Consume a Roster Spot

[wildcard]

I didn't predict anything, but when some were saying release him I was saying that I thought the O's would do pretty much do what they have done. Pick the right spots for him to get a string of scoreless innings. He has done a little better then that in that some of his innings lately have be meaningful.

I think the O's will trade him in June or July. They mostly want payroll relief with a non rostered young player coming in return would be my guess. DD could use $3M in salary relief to fix some the O's other problems.

[Frobby]

I'm actually at the point now where I'd like to see Buck giving Gregg the ball a bit more often, instead of acting like he's got a 6-man bullpen unless the game is in extra innings. Not only has he had six straight scoreless apearances, but in the last five, he has a WHIP of 0.41. He really looks like a completely different pitcher right now than we saw last year or at the beginning of this year. His command is much sharper and he has been getting ahead in the count most of the time. I'm ready for Buck to give him a bit more rope.

[crowmst3k!]

I'm actually at the point now where I'd like to see Buck giving Gregg the ball a bit more often, instead of acting like he's got a 6-man bullpen unless the game is in extra innings. Not only has he had six straight scoreless apearances, but in the last five, he has a WHIP of 0.41. He really looks like a completely different pitcher right now than we saw last year or at the beginning of this year. His command is much sharper and he has been getting ahead in the count most of the time. I'm ready for Buck to give him a bit more rope.

6th inning guy or seventh, depending on O'Day's usage.

[jamalshw]

I'm actually at the point now where I'd like to see Buck giving Gregg the ball a bit more often, instead of acting like he's got a 6-man bullpen unless the game is in extra innings. Not only has he had six straight scoreless apearances, but in the last five, he has a WHIP of 0.41. He really looks like a completely different pitcher right now than we saw last year or at the beginning of this year. His command is much sharper and he has been getting ahead in the count most of the time. I'm ready for Buck to give him a bit more rope.

This is probably the wrong way to look at it, but I'm not convinced. It's been 6 outings of good pitching and that cannot replace an entire year in my mind. I don't think I'll ever really trust Gregg with the ball. As such, I'd like to see him pitch just enough to get whatever value he has and trade him. I'd take Pomeranz in the pen over Gregg any day. His good spell as convinced me he's worth hanging onto until we can deal him (rather than just releasing him), but I still don't want him on this team.

[jtschrei]

I don't see us trading Gregg until Linstrom comes back. If you trade Gregg, you lose your bullpen depth... say Pomeranz comes up or is ineffective... are you ready for Berken?

Gregg stays as long as the wheels are on the Orioles wagon and Linstrom is hurt.

[NickM21]

I say use Gregg in the 6th or 7th but I wouldn't bring him in with guys on base... the way he nibbles that would be way too risky. He's a guy who has to come in with the bases clear.

[NewMarketSean]

As the self-appointed president of the "Kevin Gregg Hater Club" I have to admit that he has totally proved me wrong in the last month. I was ready to cut bait after the meltdown in Toronto.

[Frobby]

I say use Gregg in the 6th or 7th but I wouldn't bring him in with guys on base... the way he nibbles that would be way too risky. He's a guy who has to come in with the bases clear.

Yes, I agree with this, at least for now.

[Tony-OH]

Kevin Gregg has thrown 8.1 shutout innings since April 18th. Batters are hitting .107 off him and he's struck out eight while walking three during the span. Hopefully the side work has allowed Gregg to refind his mechanics. With Lindstrom out, we could really use an effective Gregg in that setup role.

[playbaltimorecom]

Gregg for closer to replace JJ? Anyone...anyone...

[JimDH]

Gregg for closer to replace JJ? Anyone...anyone...

anyone.. anyone?

[dan-O]

Kevin Gregg has thrown 8.1 shutout innings since April 18th. Batters are hitting .107 off him and he's struck out eight while walking three during the span. Hopefully the side work has allowed Gregg to refind his mechanics. With Lindstrom out, we could really use an effective Gregg in that setup role.

Is it reasonable to think that the O's have been working with him to acquire some new tastes for pitching? LOL.. like maybe they said, "Hey, guy, you're not getting into games until you stop nibbling. You're going to reinvent how you pitch." Who knows if that's what they've been doing, but he doesn't seem to nibble quite as much these days.

[Va Beach O's fan]

Pressure cracks pipes. Using Gregg in low pressure situations for a month to let him get his mechanics and confidence back was really a master stroke.

We were ALL pretty much ready for the Orioles to release him. Instead, Buck sent a message and it appears that message has been received. Fantastic job by the Orioles manager and by the pitching coach to get Gregg back into a respectable place as a relief pitcher.

I still don't trust him to be a 8th or 9th inning guy, but luckily, we don't really need him to do that right now either.

[rmt64]

Come on now. You can't pull an "I told you so..."

Didn't you watch this guy pitch last year? And this spring? He was awful over an EXTENDED period.

I think everyone will take his success over his last few outings. He wears the black and orange after all -- we all want him to be successful... No one was wishing him ill-will. Don't confuse the two.

I didn't really mean for that post to have an "I-told-you-so" type of vibe to it, but I can see where you'd get that.

I was just stating that I thought people were being a little harsh on Gregg. I've seen what he's capable of and he's got really dirty stuff. Obviously last year and the beginning of this year sucked, but I'm one to give 2nd (and sometimes 3rd and 4th) chances in the right situations. Once Gregg got those first 2 scoreless outings behind him I was willing to forgive, but certainly not forget.

Did I every expect Gregg to continue doing what he's done of late? Hell. No. Did I think he still had the potential to get it together and be a serviceable BP arm? Yeah, sure. Did I expect that to happen? Not entirely.

Now the only question is when and where does Pomeranz come back and fit in!?