Orioles sluggish to start the spring. - N51_rob's Blog

N51_rob's Blog

Orioles sluggish to start the spring.

Posted on April 10, 2012 at 01:29 AM.

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The Baltimore Orioles got off to a fast start to the spring, but have since cooled down considerably. The team has an ERA of 4.95 and a team BA of .241. While no one is panicking this early, it is a little unsettling to see some players struggle.

Nolan Reimold got off to a fast start in the first two game, belting two homeruns and driving in 5 runs. He has since gone hit less and is now batting .222. Adam Jones seems to be loosing his grip on the #4 spot as he is hitting .150 while Matt Wieters has started to get hot hitting .421 with 3 doubles and a HR, but has only 1 RBI as the top of the lineup is struggling.

Brain Matusz and Tommy Hunter have started slow as well. It isn't a good sign for Matusz as he fights for a spot in the rotation with the big club. In 5 inning Matusz has allowed 11 hits, 2 walks and 5 runs. Hunter has looked worse as he has 11.25 ERA in only 4 innings of work. Nippon League Import Wei-Yin Chen however seems to be adjusting quite well, in 9 innings this spring he has allowed on 6 hits and has an ERA of 2. Along with Chen, Jake Arrieta has looked strong in his 8 innings. Matt Lindstrom and Jim Johnson continue to battle for the closers job. Lindstrom has recorded 5 Ks in 2.2 innings.

Rookie Dylan Bunday was allowed to pitch 2 innings with the big club before he was sent to minor league camp. He threw well, and showed enough command to earn himself a spot in the AA rotation.

Robert Andino has been a pleasant surprise this spring taking the 2B job and making it his. He has a .429 OPB to go along with a .333 average and .762 OPS. Behind him things aren't so clear as Matt Antonelli, Ryan Flarherty, and Ryan Adam are looking to back him up. The most encouraging player may be 1B Chris Davis who has put this line together so far .463/467/.846. If Davis can continue to provide that kind of punch, the pitching may have time to come around.

While wins and losses are not important in the spring the O's are not happy with the 2=5 mark and hope to string together a few more wins in the 2nd week of spring.

Comments

# 1 DJ @ Apr 10

Are you playing all ST games? I'm 3-5 with the Mets right now. This is the first year I've played ST and I'm really enjoying it ... I've found a few guys that may make my Opening Day roster that aren't on the Mets' real-life OD roster.

My ERA is high, too, but those numbers are inflated because of the 1-inning relievers that get lit up at times. And, starters are only working 3-5 innings.

# 2 N51_rob @ Apr 10

Probably not all, gonna go through the rotation twice maybe give Matusz a 3rd start. Want to give Wieters and even Reynolds a chance batting 4th. I would say I will probably play another 7-8 games. The Opening day Rosters are coming out so I may start with those for my "Official" Franchise, but I can still use them here.

# 3 PackerBacker123 @ Apr 10

spring training numbers are pointless, even in video games.

# 4 N51_rob @ Apr 12

I agree but it is fun, and gives me something to write about. But a starting pitcher who can't get guys out in spring training probably isn't making the 25 man roster. Matusz, Hammel for example.