Starting Pitching

[lumber2121]

How does everyone feel about the O's starting rotation? Will Ponson or Rodrigo be the opening day starter? How will Cabrera fare this year? Will he have the stamina to put a full year together? How will Chen, Bedard and Riley fit into the mix?

Here is my guess for the starting rotation to start the year.

1. Ponson (paid too much to not start opening day)
2. Bedard (Lopez is better, but may want to go RH, LH, RH..)
3. Lopez (should be number one, see note on Ponson)
4. Cabrera (again, hopefully he will not tire in the second half)
5. Chen or Riley (it will come down to whether Chen is effective with his changeup or if Riley can find control).

I am not sure is Ainsworth and DuBose will be ready.

If both Chen and Riley hammer out the kinks in their game and Ainswroth and DuBose get healthy, the Orioles could have a deep, if somewhat mediocre, staff. I think Beattie and Flanagan received too much flack for not going after pitching in the off season. There is a lot of potential here that Orioles need to develop. They are more than one pitcher away from World Series contention.

These are my thoughts. It could be way off target. Who knows. This the beauty of Spring.

[Nanner]

WOOHOO!!! ANOTHER ORIOLES FAN!!!

:wave1:

Hiya, Lumber!!!

Actually, I think your analysis is excellent! :thumbsup:

I think the rotation possibilities are very intriguing. Alot hinges on Ponson maturing, Cabrera being able to last, and Ainsworth and DuBose being healthy.

It could be very exciting, and I agree that alot of fans are being way too hard on Beattie and Flanagan for not getting pitching. There really wasn't that much available, when you come down to it, and too many teams going after what little was available.

I think I'm going to have fun seeing what these guys can do. :cheer: