52 replies to this topic

[Oriole85]

Anybody trying to argue that Matusz wasn't a fantastic option at the time he was drafted is using purely hindsight and not being fair to reality. The choice was between Matusz and Smoak. Either would have been a great choice at #4. Neither have panned out.

Just the way it works some times. Matusz or Smoak weren't Hobgood type choices, they just haven't panned out.

Upside potential: A top-of-the-rotation, left-handed starter. The term "ace" gets thrown around too often, but Matusz has the goods to fit that description.

http://mlb.mlb.com/m..._top&pid=451085

[RShack]

Proved?

Matusz had 10 or so very good starts at the end of 2010 and has otherwise been dreadful. It's not like he had it all figured out. Baseball history is littered with pitchers who put together an excellent 1/3 of a season.

Yeah, I think "proved" is right. Look, it's not like he was a 1-pitch wonder and then everybody figured him out. He had 4 pitches and he was good with any 2 of them. In his first ST right out of college, DT took pitches away from him and he still got everybody out.

Now, to be fair about it, as DuffMan and Mike B have pointed out, significant parts of his decline may be due to him being a knucklehead who won't listen. But it's also true that he had a different PC every time he turned around. How much of it is due to which factors? Beats me.

But, while I truly don't know how much of his decline to attribute to what, I do feel quite sure saying he was indeed more-than-fine right out of the box, the problem is what happened later. It's not that he was just fooling everybody at first. He really was a remarkably complete SP before the O's happened to him... or before he happened to himself, or whatever it was...

[JeremyStrain]

I've met and talked to him, and this "kucklehead" persona is so far off base.

[RShack]

I've met and talked to him, and this "kucklehead" persona is so far off base.

Well, I'm the one who used knucklehead... in response to others citing quotes saying he wasn't coachable. I never meant to suggest the he's not a bright person, only that he might be resistant to being coached. Do you have any basis for having an opinion about that? Because that's the only issue I was referring to...

[JeremyStrain]

Well, I'm the one who used knucklehead... in response to others citing quotes saying he wasn't coachable. I never meant to suggest the he's not a bright person, only that he might be resistant to being coached. Do you have any basis for having an opinion about that? Because that's the only issue I was referring to...

Oh yeah I know, didn't mean to say it was you saying that. Just seen it brought up so many times the past couple years and it kinda makes me mad, cause if you talk to the kid for a minute he's nothing like that. Very laid back, LOVES the game, loves to compete, really good kid. Seemed very coachable to me, and I'm usually good at picking out the ones that are a challenge.

There are always going to be guys that don't get along with certain guys or personality types. I think Buck did a terrible job of picking coaches...that's all I'll say on that.

That being said, I don't think Bmore is a great fit for his style, and I think he'll go on to have a very solid career somewhere else.

[Oriole85]

Look we all hear different things or have different experiences, not to mention people change. One baseball insider I spoke with said he was a self-absorbed jerk and he had an attitude adjustment this past offseason.

[BobPhelan]

Showalter said today its still conceivable that Matusz could start for #orioles later this season. Viewed as reliever for now

Long-term, the #orioles still think Matusz has a future as a starter

Duquette on Matusz going to the 'pen: "It's for now. It's to address a need we have in the big leagues that we've been trying to address."

https://twitter.com/masnRoch

[mweb08]

I think there is som over reacting here. I have said a few times, September is going to be all hands on deck. Look for Matusz and Jake to both be part of a 12-14 man BP in September.

It is about trying to win games.
Everyone starts fresh next year.

I agree.

I think Brian has the ability to be a good addition to the pen as a lefty specialist and as a mop-up guy. I don't think this has much bearing on his future or how anyone views him going forward.

[SportsGuy]

Showalter said today its still conceivable that Matusz could start for #orioles later this season. Viewed as reliever for now

Long-term, the #orioles still think Matusz has a future as a starter

Duquette on Matusz going to the 'pen: "It's for now. It's to address a need we have in the big leagues that we've been trying to address."

https://twitter.com/masnRoch

Then why not pick up Mijares? Is it really all about money?

[JeremyStrain]

Then why not pick up Mijares? Is it really all about money?

I actually would have done it with Britton if they think he is healthy. His arsenal is much better for BP work.

[SportsGuy]

BMat in pen tonight.

2.2 ip..4 hits, 2 walks, 1 run and 5 ks..52 pitches thus far.

Up to 2 runs and 5 hits.

Got through 3 IP..but threw 59 pitches. 64% for strikes.

[BobPhelan]

Fastball hit 94 apparently.

[Mackus]

BMat in pen tonight.

2.2 ip..4 hits, 2 walks, 1 run and 5 ks..52 pitches thus far.

Up to 2 runs and 5 hits.

Got through 3 IP..but threw 59 pitches. 64% for strikes.

His pitch efficiency problems will be a non-factor if he's coming out of the bullpen (aside from possibly limiting his availability for back-to-back games at times).

I think he can be a decent option in September as a lefty out of the pen, especially following a righty starter as Buck mentioned. It's certainly a creative way of trying to get some tangible value out of Matusz during the most important 6 or so weeks of the past 15 years.