Impressions of Brian Matusz

[Big Mac]

Not to put a damper on the party, but lest we forget, Berken looked pretty darn good after his first start too. This isn't comparing the two guys in the least, but let's see how Matusz fares in his next few starts now that teams will have more and more complete scouting reports.

Berken didn't miss bats, can't say the same for Matusz.

Their stuff isn't on the same level.

[Dr. FLK]

Not to put a damper on the party, but lest we forget, Berken looked pretty darn good after his first start too. This isn't comparing the two guys in the least, but let's see how Matusz fares in his next few starts now that teams will have more and more complete scouting reports.

Every party has a pooper...:laughlol:

<img src="http://tanga.com/uploaded_files/0035/4452/T_10_normal.JPG?1241645069">

[waroriole]

Not to put a damper on the party, but lest we forget, Berken looked pretty darn good after his first start too. This isn't comparing the two guys in the least, but let's see how Matusz fares in his next few starts now that teams will have more and more complete scouting reports.

Hey everybody, this guy's a Yankee's fan. GET HIM:D

[Hank Scorpio]

None of us (well very few of us) are talking about results so this post doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Tillman gave up 5 runs last night and I was very impressed (unlike some others that will remain nameless).

I like Berken and hope he does well, but his stuff isn't within a mile of either Tillman or Matusz and his command isn't nearly as good as BB so he can't survive on lesser stuff.

I almost fell out of my chair when Tillman really had his curveball rollin' last night. That's one of the best hammers I've ever seen from an Orioles pitcher, much less a 21 year old rookie.

[Cider Jim]

As tall as he was, throwing that hard high one and that 12-6 curveball, he reminded me of a left handed Jim Palmer.

[jincargo]

The slider to end the 5th was stand up out of the sofa good.

[eb45]

Only five innings? We should have drafted Smoak.

[Frobby]

Not to put a damper on the party, but lest we forget, Berken looked pretty darn good after his first start too. This isn't comparing the two guys in the least, but let's see how Matusz fares in his next few starts now that teams will have more and more complete scouting reports.

I don't think scouting reports really help much when you are facing a pitcher who throws five different pitches, can vary speeds, can cut his fastball when he feels like it, and has excellent command. You may know what he can throw, but you still have no idea what he is going to throw.

This guy is a left-handed Mike Mussina, minus 2 mph on his fastball. The batters will never be able to outguess him.

[Avsfan]

Lets also point out that once Kranitz came and did his visit...he got back on his game plan and got outs more consistently.

Wieters is a HUGE part of the equation with all of our young arms.

[JDBirds10]

It's all about command. Brian did a very good job of locating his pitches. Although I feel that is just the tip of the ice-berg. I really feel that thiskid, along with Bergesen, and Tillman Know how to pitch Chris just needs to locate his fast-ball. Bergy is an over-achiever and Matusz is the best pitcher we have in our entire system, for better or worse!

Wow. What do you mean by that?

[Hank Scorpio]

Of all the posters on here(with due respect to many), Va Tech's technical analysis is the result of a guy who knows pitching.Your words are very exciting and inspiring. Ive seen too many Daniel Cabrera's and Adam Eatons in recent years, and even our cant misses were very very dissapointing.

I have felt all along that we had the pitching talent just waiting. Im glad as hell we brought up Matusz and Tillman when we did. I still believe we need a veteran to help school these kids on the field. I also firmly believe we need a major power hitter to balance out this lineup. Maybe two. I dont think Snyder is the answer at 1b..but I like what he is doing at AAA.

Matusz, Bergesen, Tillman, Hernandez and Arietta...with a choice of Guthrie or Koji..looks pretty good to me...add a veteran arm and the O's are stacked.

Now if we could only hit consistently.

Don't blow his head up TOO much, Roy... :laughlol:

Just kidding.

I'm not 100% convinced that we need to go dumping a bunch of money into a starting pitcher just yet. I'm not convinced there isn't enough pitching on this 40 man roster. Just needs a little seasoning...

Now, I would tend to agree that it would be nice to get a big bat to hold down either 1st or 3rd, but I'm not convinced that Brandon Snyder couldn't be our everyday first baseman as soon as next year.

[TrentBizzle]

My impression of Brian Matusz:

Great first outing. There were a couple of things he did that I noticed. First of all, he threw a strike for his first pitch in his debut. It's hard enough to throw a strike in general, but much more in your debut. I know that may not be a big thing to most of you, but that may have been one of my highlights from watching this game.

Secondly I thought his strikeout against Miguel Cabrera showed how mature of a pitcher he is already. He didn't let the nerves get to him when a major slugger was hitting.

Lastly...he was in jams each of the last three innings, yet he never showed any signs of being nervous or antsy. With 1 out and runners on 2nd and 3rd he was able to calmly focus in and knock the last two outs himself. I think that would be the biggest thing about this game for him.

I also don't want to neglect the fact that the rest of the O's were on their game. Izturis made two HUGE plays to save runs and more importantly save Brian's butt. Matusz pitched wonderfully, but some credit has to go to the rest of the team.

Final statement: My Matusz jersey should be on my doorstep in 7-10 days.

[Hank Scorpio]

:laughlol::laughlol::laughlol:

Nicely done

<Now insert some gratuitous shot about the fantasy league standings that I must make to save face> :clap3:

Couldn't resist.

Matusz got the double shaving cream pie in the face tonight after the game. DOUBLE shaving cream. That's intense.

Really impressive to hear him talk about his outing and what he's gotta do to improve upon it. It's nice to have a cerebral pitcher who is also very talented on the hill.

What a fun night.

[itzDaBigE]

While Brian struggled a little with his command, he showed the composure of a veteran out there on the mound tonight and battled out of jams that other rookies making their debut would have crumbled in. Some of his offspeed pitches were downright nasty.

After listening to his post-game interview he seems like a great kid with a good head on his shoulders. He looks to have maturity beyond his years both on and off the field.

Here's to wishing Matusz a bright future ahead. :clap3:

[Goop]

I saw the first 4 innings of the game, and I was impressed with Matusz. Seemed like he had good command of his fastball and changeup and he wasn't scared to go after the hitters.

Also, he seemed like a good kid with a great attitude during his post-game interview.