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Baltimore Orioles: Still About the Pitching

By Nate Wardle

Mar 15, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Tyler Wilson (63) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2016; Dunedin, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Tyler Wilson (63) throws a pitch during the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is March 15, which means we are about halfway through Spring Training. So, let’s examine the Baltimore Orioles.

Going into Spring Training, the major concern was going to be the starting pitching. Sure, everyone was wondering who would be the DH, and who would be the corner outfielders.

With the signing of Pedro Alvarez, both of those questions are largely answered.

Alvarez will primarily be used as DH, either Mark Trumbo or Chris Davis will play in RF, and left field will likely be manned by Nolan Reimold, who had a great catch to save a likely grand slam on Tuesday, or Hyun Soo Kim, who is now batting around .100.

The bench has solidified itself. Ryan Flaherty has had the best spring of everyone, and will likely be the utility player. Caleb Joseph will be the backup catcher, one of Kim or Reimold will likely be on the bench, as well as another outfielder, likely Joey Rickard, who has had a very good spring.

So, not too worried about the hitting at this point. The O’s offense this spring has not been fantastic, but I think it will be fine.

Then there is the pitching.

And if you have been reading my pieces long enough, you will know that I think that for the Baltimore Orioles to be successful, it is all about the pitching.

I’ll be blunt: It hasn’t been pretty.

Of those expected to be in the starting rotation, only Kevin Gausman has pitched well. Chris Tillman made his first start Tuesday, and struggled in the first inning. Yovani Gallardo has also struggled in the first innings of his two starts, and has also struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark.

Ubaldo Jimenez has been worse than Gallardo, and Miguel Gonzalez has been down right terrible. In fact, it is possible that Gonzalez may be losing his grip on a starting spot.

Tyler Wilson and Vance Worley have both shown themselves worthy of getting a look at being a starter. Wilson proved that Tuesday, going 3 1/3 innings, which is tied for the most any Oriole has gone so far this spring.

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The bullpen, at least of players expected to be in it, has been pretty good. Mychal Givens and Zach Britton have both been excellent. No one else has put their roster spot in jeopardy either. And Dylan Bundy has shown that he might have the ability to be a major bullpen contributor.

But, it all comes down to pitching, and specifically at this point, starting pitching. The Baltimore Orioles didn’t go get a top-of-the-line starter, instead deciding that saving money and signing Yovani Gallardo would best serve the team.

The Baltimore Orioles will go as far as the starting pitching will take them.  If what we have seen this spring is any indication, that may not be very far.

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