Berken & Pomeranz Up ; Hunter & Paulino Down

[isestrex]

I just got a text from the Baltimore Sun saying it was Exposito, not Paulino.

Exposito is the starting catcher tonight

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[weams]

I'm surprised they're dumping Paulino. He hasn't looked good defensively, but he's got some value with the bat. I guess Buck still has some scars from the Jake Fox backup catcher experiment last year.

They retain him.

[Frobby]

The Hunter move surprises me, even though he has the worst ERA among the five starters. Actually, both moves surprise me.

[Rene88]

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Lol-exactly:)

I love me some Paulino. We have 2 really good back up catchers. That is a big luxury. I like them both.

[eddie83]

I would think Pomeranz would get sent down when we need a 5th starter on Friday, who will that be?

[wildcard]

He had one and it was exercised.

He goes to Norfolk.

I only see two options used so there is probably one left but he had 5 year 112 day of service time at the beginning of the season which would allow him to refuse the option if he wants and become a free agent. It up to him but he loses his $1M contract if he refuses the option to Norfolk.

[Can_of_corn]

I would think Pomeranz would get sent down when we need a 5th starter on Friday, who will that be?

Berken might be taking over the rotation spot.

[jonesing4pie]

I'm guessing they just want to see what they have in Exposito in some regards. Paulino's bat is decent but figuring they have Reynolds, Betitmet, Davis and Johnson who all are looking for at-bats, it is hard to get Paulino anymore at-bats than his day behind home plate. Since he hasn't looked great there, I guess they figured they would see how Exposito works defensively.

Hunter is surprising because he is what he is. He is going to be roughed up every once and awhile. He is a #5 starter who should probably be a longman. But he had two very solid starts before this one and has only really had 2 poor showings this year. As a whole, I don't think we can expect to get much more from him than we have gotten. Some quality starts with some crap in-between. I still think he is still our best option until Britton is healthy and effective.

[erb8472]

Berken might be taking over the rotation spot.

That will probably depend on if we need him out of the bullpen.

[eddie83]

Berken might be taking over the rotation spot.

Maybe, but I would think they aren't bringing him in to sit until Friday, we need arms for tonight, I don't think they have that luxury.

Tommy was scuffling but I think under different circumstances he would have stayed. They felt they needed 2 arms for the pen for now and he was the easy choice.

[Enjoy Terror]

Berken might be taking over the rotation spot.

My heart says Berken was pitching well in Norfolk and he's a homegrown feel good story who I feel is a "true Oriole", like Bergesen.

My brain says Berken is not a good pitcher for the long haul.

[Rene88]

I'm guessing they just want to see what they have in Exposito in some regards. Paulino's bat is decent but figuring they have Reynolds, Betitmet, Davis and Johnson who all are looking for at-bats, it is hard to get Paulino anymore at-bats than his day behind home plate. Since he hasn't looked great there, I guess they figured they would see how Exposito works defensively.

Hunter is surprising because he is what he is. He is going to be roughed up every once and awhile. He is a #5 starter who should probably be a longman. But he had two very solid starts before this one and has only really had 2 poor showings this year. As a whole, I don't think we can expect to get much more from him than we have gotten. Some quality starts with some crap in-between. I still think he is still our best option until Britton is healthy and effective.

Good analysis and agreed all around. Hunter is a solid #5, long man. I have confidence in him.

[Rene88]

My heart says Berken was pitching well in Norfolk and he's a homegrown feel good story who I feel is a "true Oriole", like Bergesen.

My brain says Berken is not a good pitcher for the long haul.

I think Berken is a good bullpen guy and has a long career ahead of him in that role. I think he could be a #5 with some work.

[jonesing4pie]

All of our problems could be solved if Matusz would just throws a complete game shut-out tonight. Hahaha

[Can_of_corn]

My heart says Berken was pitching well in Norfolk and he's a homegrown feel good story who I feel is a "true Oriole", like Bergesen.

My brain says Berken is not a good pitcher for the long haul.

Wouldn't have to be for the long haul, just long enough for Hunter to get back on track or Britton to get healthy.

(I agree with your brain)