Showalter announces that Joe Saunders will start for #Orioles tomorrow

[Greg]

Eduardo A. Encina ‏@EddieInTheYard

Showalter announces that Joe Saunders will start for #Orioles tomorrow's AL wild card game.

[Can_of_corn]

I disagree but /shrug.

Hopefully he can pitch a few clean innings and they can go to the pen.

[TravelerRU]

I defer to Buck. He got us here.

Let's Go O's!

[OrangeJerseys]

Buck it. We got this.

[jaygdevil11]

Hmm interesting...I agree, buck it! Let's Goooooo!

[crissfan172]

Ok. Get it done, Joe. :thumbsup1:

[Rex Thunder]

It's purely an experience thing. Saunders has the experience, and won't be flustered by starting. By doing this, I think it eases the pressure on Steve JOhnson, Zach britton, Jake Arrietta and all of our young pitchers in the bullpen. KNowing you are starting a big game can really burden a young mind not experienced at it... but the adrenaline rush of being called out of the bullpen will work in our favor I think.. because, obviously, there will be a VERY QUICK hook for a guy who is 0-6 lifetime versus Texas with a 9 plus ERA.

[waroriole]

I hope there is a very short leash.

There are plenty of arms to get through this. Hunter, S Johnson, Patton, Matusz, Ayala, O'Day, JJ.

Then if we go to extras, we still have a long man and Strop.

[Ball Legend]

As others have stated, hopefully he makes it to inning 6, at which point we can go to the 'pen...

[mi_oriolesfan]

[jjdman]

Eduardo A. Encina ‏@EddieInTheYard

Showalter announces that Joe Saunders will start for #Orioles tomorrow's AL wild card game.

Texas almost a 2 to 1 favorite. Line opened Texas -190

[Tony-OH]

Well, the team has gone against the odds and the stats all season, so why stop now? Texas hits left-handed starters (.282/.343/.455/.798) better than right handed starters (.269/.330/.442/.772) and we know Saunders has struggled against them. Maybe Buck just thinks it's too much to ask Steve Johnson to start this game. Either way, I hope he's on a very short leash and I expect to see Steve Johnson if Saunders struggles at all.

[UMDTerrapins]

I suppose putting the weight of the season on a rookie with 38 innings of ML experience is potentially a swell way to forever scar the kid's future, so I won't argue this one. Not too comfortable with Saunder's postseason history, but it isn't an extensive history either.

[schmed77]

Saunders has been pretty darn good for the O's. I know his numbers are BAD v. Texas and in Arlington but what the heck might as well give him a shot. Tomorrow will be fun!

[Palmoripken]

Well I hope Saunders has the game of his life. I think Buck likes his experience level.