Starting Pitching and the Bullpen

The Orioles starting rotation, except for 28-year-old Jeremy Guthrie, has been struggling mightily this season. As a staff the O's lead the majors in bases on balls and are top-5 in giving up home runs. A weary bullpen is bound to break down due to the inconsistency of the starting pitching that has defined the Orioles at the end of June and most of July.

At the beginning of the season the pitching was outstanding, but as the season has gone on and the weather has gotten warmer, the bullpen arms have gotten more and more tired. Having inconsistent starters has also become a detriment to the hitters as well. The pitching staff is tired forcing manager Dave Trembley to carry an unorthodox staff of 13 pitchers instead of 12 or 11. With the O's only having a three man bench, it really limits what Trembley can do in the later innings.

Hopefully, if Brian Matusz signs, and some of the Double-A kids are ready next year, the Orioles starting staff will be better than it has been for the past few years.