Matusz...

[IE]

It seems like every-other-week we're talking about a new Orioles' "top-prospect," but as long as they keep producing them, we'll keep talking about them.

Brian Matusz, SP, Baltimore OriolesThis week, Brian Matusz, a 22-year-old lefthanded pitcher, is getting the call all the way from Double-A. He'll make his major league debut on Tuesday against the Tigers.

Matusz was a first-round draft pick in '08, and he's spent time at Advanced-A ball and at Double-A this season.

Between the two levels, he's posted a 1.91 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 9.6 K/9 ratio in 113 innings.

Obviously, those are impressive numbers, but the majors are a whole different ball game than Single- and Double-A. Can Matusz continue his success?

He'll probably have some good stretches if he stays in the rotation, but he certainly shouldn't be counted on as any sort of long-term solution. Matusz's high K-rate, relatively low BB-rate (2.5) and impressive HR-rate (0.6) indicate future success, but it's tough for someone so young making a jump like this.

Rick Porcello made a similar leap at the start of this season, and he didn't have as impressive of minor league numbers. Still, he's struggling now, and he had all spring to prepare. Matusz will be thrown into the fire during the middle of the season when hitters are warmed up and in the middle of pennant races. If he stays in the rotation, his next five starts will be at Toronto, vs. the Angels, at Tampa Bay, at Minnesota and vs. the Yankees -- not an easy stretch for anyone.


--SportingNews

 

[IE]

Wieters Catching Matusz Good Move


I'm glad Dave Trembley has decided to give Brian Matusz something Tuesday he didn't afford Chris Tillman in the rookie's major league debut last Wednesday---Matt Wieters behind the plate.

Now this opinion has nothing to do with Gregg Zaun. His expertise and knowledge behind the plate has been a huge asset in helping these young pitchers transition to the major leagues. But---Wieters needs to be out there on days when the organization is introducing the future.

Why bring Wieters up---thrust him into the spotlight---and then pull him out on a day when all eyes are on the Orioles?

Unlike Tillman, Matusz only worked with Wieters in spring training. He has never played with Wieters in the minor leagues, so the move is not about giving the lefty a catcher he's comfortable with on Tuesday. It is, however, about the organization making a statement. Here they are: two back to back first round draft picks in "The Show" in less than two years.

It's about sending the message to the fans---these are pieces of the puzzle we are putting in place. This is why things are going to get better.

This year is all about turning the page to the future. What better way to do that then showcase your first round draft pick catcher behind the plate each and every time a young arm makes a debut.

These are the battery mates of the future.

Tillman made the comment after Monday night's game that he was more comfortable behind the plate in his second start, and a big reason was because Wieters was catching,

Those comments are good to hear, and it will be exciting to watch Matusz start building what could be an exciting relationship with Wieters on Tuesday.

--MASN

 

[shawn555]

Great start by Matusz.

Great command and a nice variety of pitches the kid is the real deal.