In seasons past, the issue surrounding the Orioles organization was a lack of pitching prospects. Now, the organization has developed enough major league-quality impact pitchers to completely reverse that trend.
“It?s pretty obvious that there?s a huge difference in the pitching prospects and the hitting prospects,” said Orioles director of minor league operations David Stockstill. “It?s something that we?ve addressed.”
The difference is evident at the major league level, where veteran journeymen such as Jim Brower and John Halama have been replaced in the Orioles? bullpen by younger components.
“We?ve got some quality young arms, but you can see now, [the issue is] the consistency level,” Bowie Baysox pitching coach Scott McGregor said Sunday from the Baysox clubhouse while watching Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera uncork a run-scoring wild pitch against the Red Sox.
Short outings by starting pitchers have overworked the bullpen, and injuries have played a role in the struggles of the relievers. One success story, however, is the continued improvement of 24-year old closer Chris Ray. With 112 days of major league service prior to opening day, Ray is ineligible for rookie of the year consideration. But he has met, and exceeded, organizational expectations in his first season as the club?s closer.
“Ray has been very special,” said McGregor, a former Orioles pitcher who worked with Ray in 2005. “If they were worried about him at the beginning of the season, they?re not worried about him now.”
Ray?s demeanor and a high-90s fastball have merged for 27 saves in 29 chances.
“He just doesn?t say anything ? just give him the ball and point him to the mound,” McGregor said.
While questions surrounded Ray?s promotion to the closer?s role despite not having earned a major league save before this season, other Orioles? minor league relievers have been thrown into the fire.
“I think some of them have gone quicker than expected,” Stockstill said. “[Right-hander Chris] Britton got his chance earlier and struggled a little bit. He got a second chance a little quicker, and he?s been outstanding.”
Britton, 23, struggled a bit in Saturday?s appearance at Fenway Park, giving up four earned runs in less than an inning of work.
“Your first time in Fenway is a little intimidating,” McGregor said. “And now they?re going to Yankee Stadium.”
As a testament to his season as a whole, Britton?s ERA after Saturday?s outing was still a solid 3.38.
“I just like the way he challenges you,” said Baysox manager Don Werner, who had Britton earlier this season at Bowie. “Everybody is going to have a bad day now and then. He battles you every time.”
While Britton seems to be a pillar in the future bridge to Ray, the other components are still up in the air. As some of their current relievers age, the Orioles will need continued help from the minor leagues. Right-handers LaTroy Hawkins, 33, and Todd Williams, 35, are under contracts that expire at season?s end.
Aside from those veterans, the Orioles have seen an influx of under-30 relievers. Rookies Sendy Rleal, 26, and left-hander Kurt Birkins, 26, made an impact, but Rleal is now in Triple-A Ottawa, and Birkins is on the 15-day disabled list.
Regardless of the outcome, the Orioles have shown no fear in promoting relievers from within when the opportunity arises.
“That?s modern day ball,” McGregor said.
