Steve Melewski

Monday morning musings

March 26, 2010, 5:37am

Steve Melewski

Orioles

It was a good weekend for O's starting pitching. Four starters worked a combined 20 innings and pitched to an ERA of 2.25. Brian Matusz got it started with 5 1/3 scoreless and hitless innings Friday vs. Philly. Tillman and Bergesen pitched well in split-squad games Saturday and Kevin Millwood gave up just one run Sunday vs. Philly. Don't the O's seem to pitch well vs. the NL Champs? A switch to the NL East anyone? The four combined: 20IP, 10h, 5er, 7bb, 17K. Let's not talk about...

Tags:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

Minnesota's gain, New York's loss

March 26, 2010, 5:36am

Steve Melewski

Orioles

There were likely many fans and front office people around baseball delighted to see catcher Joe Mauer sign his megabucks contract with the Twins. Mauer's eight-year, $184 million deal tops even Mark Teixeira's eight-year, $180-million package. By the way, Mauer's OPS last year was 1.031 to Tex's .948. Jason Stark of ESPN wrote that if Mauer had made it to free agency, the Yankees and Red Sox may have upped the bidding to 30 million per year for Mauer. Only A-Rod and Derek Jeter have...

Tags:

steve melewski orioles

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

After setback, Flacco looks forward to the 2010 season

March 26, 2010, 5:36am

Steve Melewski

Orioles

After setback, Flacco looks forward to the 2010 season

When Mike Flacco reported to Bluefield last summer, many Orioles fans were following his progress closer than they might with most 31st-round draft picks. That had a lot to do with the fact that Mike is the younger brother of Joe Flacco, the Ravens quarterback. But if you look into Mike's baseball past, you find a player with his own story to tell, someone that is working to make his own name for himself. Mike Flacco was a 2005 high school grad. But over the next three years his baseball...

Tags:

steve melewski orioles Buck Showalter

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

B-Rob comments

March 26, 2010, 5:34am

Steve Melewski

Orioles

Brian Roberts said he is making solid progress as he attempts to get in some exhibition games soon and be ready for Opening Day. Roberts was a guest today on the phone on the Scott Garceau show on MASN and 105.7FM the Fan during MASN's Brian Roberts report. "I've taken batting practice three times now with no ill effects of that. The swing is starting to feel better and I've taken ground balls and run around. I'm very close to getting into game action and preparing for April...

Tags:

steve melewski orioles Andy MacPhail John Stockstill

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

David Stockstill will oversee the setup of O's minor league rosters

March 26, 2010, 5:34am

Steve Melewski

Orioles

David Stockstill will oversee the setup of O's minor league rosters

We've learned a few more nuggets of info today and tonight about the front office changes coming with the O's organization. It's been reported that David Stockstill is expected to move into international scouting while his brother John moves into a role leading the farm system operations. While the announcement may come Friday, their official new positions will not take effect until at least opening day. David Stockstill will stay on in his current role to help set the season opening...

Tags:

steve melewski orioles

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

Brian Matusz questions and answers

March 26, 2010, 5:32am

Steve Melewski

Orioles

So Brian Matusz gave up three runs. That matched the total runs he had given up in his three previous outings. They said he didn't have his best stuff, yet Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday went a combined 0-for-6 against him. All pitchers should struggle so. With a 3.10 spring ERA and 19 strikeouts to three walks in 20 1/3 exhibition innings, the kid is playing to rave reviews throughout Florida. Will fans get carried away with their expectations for the lefty? Am I Polish? Yes and yes. ...

Tags:

steve melewski orioles

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest

Not everyone is on the Bergesen bandwagon

March 26, 2010, 5:31am

Steve Melewski

Orioles

Not everyone is on the Bergesen bandwagon

Whether he's getting hit with batted balls or getting sore after shooting a commercial, maybe nothing can stop Brad Bergesen from his mission to become a solid Major League pitcher. Throughout his career Bergesen has heard the critics - he doesn't throw hard enough, he doesn't strikeout enough hitters, he's just not a top prospect. Click here for a recent Fangraphs article where the author seems to want to convince himself that Bergesen is a decent pitcher, but just can't. In fairness...