Well, it’s about time. Then again, is it too soon?
That can be debated amongst Orioles fans, but either way, Zach Britton (RHP) has been promoted from Bowie (AA) to Baltimore’s AAA team, the Norfolk Tides. Reports from several sources (including Bowie Baysox Guru Mike Miller) say that he has gotten the promotion and will be starting Thursday against Charlotte. With a new changeup he is still trying to master, Britton has his nice sinker/slider combo that has helped him work to a 2.48 ERA over a team high 87 IP in 14 starts. He is 7-3 on the year, has only allowed 4 HRs, has a 68:28 K:BB ratio, and a very solid WHIP of 1.20.
Zach is believed to be the 5th piece in the Orioles future rotation, also including Matusz, Tillman, Bergesen, and Arrieta. Does this mean he makes it to Baltimore by the end of the season for a start or two? Will he make the roster come next Spring Training? Or will he have to wait it out and throw some good ball in Norfolk through part of next year too? We will see how it all works out. Orioles fans have a lot of hope in this kid, and he is supposedly the final piece to the rotation puzzle.
How do you feel about the move? Is it too soon, as in should he have stayed for the rest of the season in Bowie to keep his development at a consistent level? Is it too late, as in should he have been promoted earlier after continuing time after time to own AA hitters? When do you think he should be promoted to Baltimore?
