Orioles: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Preseason Predictions – Pitchers

Jun 18, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Bud Norris (25) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Ugly (in terms of predictions)

Bud Norris – Honestly, you will see that I did not expect Norris to repeat 2014, but I never expected the total meltdown, writing … “It was a career year for Norris in 2014 with a 15-8 record and 3.65 ERA.  Almost every statistic was the best he ever did. And those numbers will remain that way and not be surpassed. Even apart from the very poor spring training that Norris has had, it would be difficult to expect him to repeat 2014, given his historic performance with nothing quite like it prior to last year … I predict a step back for Norris in 2015. It will not be a disaster. I’m looking for something around a 4.00 ERA and a .500 record.”

It was, in fact, a disaster. He was 2-9 with a 7.06 ERA.

The Surprises (no predictions made)

Mychal Givens – Nobody would have predicted that he would come to the majors this year and have a 1.80 ERA in 22 games. This is a significant find and victory for player development.

Chaz Roe – In spring training, I wondered why the Orioles were bothering with this guy. He is not an All-Star, but he pitched some fine games and gave the O’s some valuable innings.

Mike Wright / Tyler Wilson – together threw 80 innings of mixed-bag pitching. Some was great, some was pretty bad. It will be interesting to see their futures with the team.