In Tigers camp, Jim Leyland and Dave Dombrowski are searching for their fifth starter this Spring. In Orioles camp, one through five are wide open.
If you hurry down to Sarasota, you could compete to start on Opening Day.
Taiwanese pitcher Wei-Yin Chen made his exhibition debut on Wednesday and impressed those in attendance. After throwing 31 pitches in 2/3 of an inning during an intersquad game, Chen pulled it together and rebounded nicely against the Twins.
Roch Kubatko reports that his fastball topped out at 91 miles per hour and that he allowed only one hit in two scoreless innings. He also retired all three batters faced in the second inning.
Where does Chen fit in the O’s rotation? Matt Lund, Patrick Guthrie and I discussed that topic on the BSR Podcast this week. I see him as the Orioles fifth starter behind Tommy Hunter, Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton and Brian Matusz. But with the uncertainty of this rotation, anything is possible.
I see him as possibly the number 2 or 3. My rotation projection is: Jake Arrieta, Wei-Yin Chen, Tommy Hunter, Zach Britton, Alfredo Simon. Bank on it.
I am going down this week and auditioning, I pride myself on being a control type thrower-my fast ball tops out at 62, wish me luck. My projected rotation is Hunter, Arrieta, Chen, Hammel and Britton. Unfortunately I think Brian is done, Tillman is a head case and should be traded. Never fear, the Bundy boys are waiting in the wings.Simon will be the long guy. Wada will set up JJ as the closer. Gregg will be the Gonzo of last year, taking up space and crying.