HHP: Do you agree with DD not handing our young pitchers automatic spots in the rotation?

[Stotle]

Stotle,

Love your posts and insight.

My issue with Matusz's season last year is a conglomerate of things:

1. He showed up out of shape

2. By accounts of misc. "insiders" and even some media members, Matusz has had attitude issues in regards to senses of entitlement*

3. He was injured in spring training

4. He was injured during the regular season

5. He was dealing with changes of pitching coaches (Kranitz -> Connor -> Adair)

In no particular order, btw. And #2, I'm not going to necessarily say is fact or not.

Now, Matusz had a historically awful season, which I think largely can be attributed to #1-#5. The Kranitz/Connor/Adair trifecta coupled with injuries are probably the biggest two.

With that said, if the organization is forthright with Matusz (and I'm guessing they have been if they've got him on a training program with Brady), then I'm *hoping* they've done the following:

1. Brought up the issues they've had with his attitude

2. Let him know that the pitching coach carousel was an unfortunate situation

3. Told him to show up stronger (see: training program)

4. Laid out a plan of where he should be at different phases of the year

#4 is most important. I think it's something, as an organization, that should be conveyed to every player: growth path.

This means Matusz needs to know expectations. Come to ST stronger and healthy (obviously). Most likely they'll start him at AAA. That the arms they're bringing in are for depth and insurance reasons, not to intentionally block Matusz (or anyone). That the organization wants Matusz healthy. That the organization wants Matusz to focus on his mechanics and his strength (get his velocity back). That once everything is in check in ST and in AAA, that he'll be called up to replace some of the depth that we have (Wada, Hunter, whoever), of course meaning that the organization has let the depth/insurance know of their role when they were brought on.

Thoughts?

I think that would great. I could quibble with the idea that Matusz should be told now that he's 100% starting at AAA, but I don't think the team would be unjustified in taking that course of action if they've determined that is best and have conveyed that line of thinking to Matusz. I mean, an organization shouldn't have to cater to its players, but they need players to buy into the way things are done. There's a lot of trust required of both sides.

[Frobby]

I suppose that creating competition could directly tie to blocking young players. If a guy gets beat out for a spot, but gets the job because he is young with upside, did you really create competition?

Depends how close a call it is, IMO. Things happen in baseball for pragmatic reasons. Teams are trying to balance their concerns about the present and the future.

I just think these things tend to get overblown. Tillman was "presumptively" in the 2010 rotation, until Hernandez beat him out and he wasn't. It really wouldn't have mattered if Hernandez had been "presumptively" in the rotation at the start of ST, because he still would have had to earn it, and he did. And then within about 2 months, he lost his spot and went to the bullpen and is living happily ever after.

Let's say for argument's sake Matusz finishes spring training looking like a passable back of the rotation starter, and Wada is looking just slightly better, but nothing amazing. Tough call there, but we can't send Wada to the minors, and we can send Matusz there, in fact, there is some benefit to doing so viz. his service time. So, he probably goes down. But if Matusz is looking like a guy who might be ready to be a solid no. 3, that's a whole different story.

[REDMAN]

Great move,this is the major leagues,the only area holding the orioles back is the starting pitching.If any of you dont do your job,you get replaced or fired,same here!

[taylor21]

earn it baby, earn it!

[Frobby]

On 1/9/2012 at 10:18 PM, Spy Fox said:

As I see it there are seven SPs you could argue for the OD rotation:

Guthrie

Britton

Arrieta

Matusz

Hunter

Wada

Chen

Others like Bergesen, Tillman, and Simon may have a chance of making starts at some point in the season but should either be in the bullpen or the minors on Opening Day unless there is an injury disaster.

Guthrie of course is a lock if not traded. The "extra" SPs we have right now may placate those who are worried about trading Guthrie.

Arrieta and Britton should be given spots. They both showed signs of promise last year and seem to be the two surest bets for future success.

The last two spots should be up for grabs in spring training. I would hope for Matusz and Chen earning those spots. Wada and Hunter in the bullpen. If Matusz looks anything like his '09 or '10 self I am giving him a rotation spot even if his spring training isn't wowing with the stats.

It does look like we have the best group of SP options in recent years but I have learned to be very hesitant in proclaiming that our depth will save the day later in the season.

Bump...just thought it was interesting to review the state of our rotation in the offseason before the 2012 campaign.    The above post predates the Guthrie for Hammel/Lindstom trade.   

[weams]

1 hour ago, Frobby said:

Bump...just thought it was interesting to review the state of our rotation in the offseason before the 2012 campaign.    The above post predates the Guthrie for Hammel/Lindstom trade.   

Very interesting. Thanks.