Everyday on BSR we’re going to take a look at a different Oriole’s numbers from last season and set goals for them this year. Today we take a look at the O’s ace of the rotation Jeremy Guthrie. The Birds’ starter will represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic next month and is one of the top overlooked starters in the American League.

GuthriePhoto from the Baltimore Sun

2008 numbers

 W   L   G  SV   IP     H    R   ER   HR  BB   SO   ERA
10  12  30   0  190.7  176   82  77   24  58   120  3.63

2009 projections

 W   L   G  SV   IP     H    R   ER   HR  BB   SO   ERA
14   9  30   0  202.5  167   72  69   19  45   131  3.02

I keep thinking this is the year for Guthrie, that he’ll finally get a little run support. The guy finished with a 3.63 ERA and 10 wins? You’ve got to be kidding me. A.J. Burnett finished the season with 18 wins and a 4.07 ERA. With the Orioles offense improving this year you should count on seeing Guthrie win a few closer games.

With a few more wins comes a few more innings. Guthrie finished the ’08 season with one complete game, while I don’t see him finishing much more than that I expect to see him later in games, in those close 7th and 8th innings.

Guthrie won’t have a 200 strike out season, but he will add a few to his numbers from last season. He keeps the ball in play and plays great defense. For Guthrie a successful season comes with a bigger number under that “W” column. His numbers have been slanted due to poor run support for far too long. This season that will change.

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