97 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

In ’09, Hunter was 9-6, with 4.10 era. In 112 ip, he allowed 113 hits, 13 homers, 33 bb’s, with 64 k’s. His OPS against was .736, with a G/F ratio of 0.64.

In ’10, Hunter was 13-4, with a 3.73 era. In 128 ip, he allowed 125 hits, 21 homers, 33 bb’s, with 68 k’s. His OPS against was .740, with a G/F ratio of 0.74.

In '11, he dealt with oblique and groin injuries to start the year. With the O’s, Hunter’s average fastball was 91.9 mph. Reminded me of Guthrie in some ways. He finished 4-4, 4.48 era. In his 84.2 ip, he allowed 100 hits, 12 homers, 15 bb's, with 45 k's. His OPS against was .782, with a G/F ratio of 0.77.

At AAA Round Rock, he pitched in 8 games, starting 5. He was 2-2, with a 5.06 era. He pitched 26.2 ip, allowing 37 hits, 2 hr’s, 3 bb’s, with 16 k’s.

SI's Tom Verducci had an interesting article last year (http://sportsillustr... ... index.html) which pointed to Hunter as an example of a pitcher who 'steals' distance, and whose effective fastball is improved because of this.

I like Hunter. To me, he would ideally be in your bullpen. I get the sense that some would prefer him the rotation. I don't see that as very likely barring a number of injuries.

I'm looking at a staff which looks like:

Guthrie, Britton, Chen, Arrieta, Wada
Johnson, Gregg, Strop, Hunter, Patton, Eveland, and Simon

Matusz, Tillman, Bergesen at AAA, with O'Day, Rapada, and Phillips as other potential options for the O's bullpen.

Does anyone believe the O's should go into the season with Hunter as part of the rotation?

[SportsGuy]

Should go? No, not unless more trades are made.

Will go? Absolutely.

[Tucker Blair]

I actually think Hunter will be a pleasant surprise this year. I think he can provide us with productive enough starts. He certainly does not have the upside that the young guys such as Britton/Matusz/Arrieta/Tillman/etc have, but he could be a league average starter while those guys either get acclimated or seasoned in the minors more.

Is he a long term option? probably not. But as of now it's going to be pretty tough for them to not go with him in the rotation since he has experience and more success compared to some of the other guys. It's a good problem to have for once though!

[Luke Jackson]

One point here: I think Buck loves Hunter. I think he's said as much on multiple occasions. He told reporters multiple times how good Hunter looked in mini-camp. So...I think Buck wants Hunter to start. With that being said, Chen was signed to be in the starting rotation. Everything that was reported from the Wada signing (and press conference) sure made it seem like he was signed to be in the rotation. Guthrie and Britton, of course, are in the rotation (barring a trade involving Guthrie). And there's a healthy Arrieta and Matusz (best shape of his life!!!).

What does this all mean? I'm not too sure.

[Tucker Blair]

One point here: I think Buck loves Hunter. I think he's said as much on multiple occasions. He told reporters multiple times how good Hunter looked in mini-camp. So...I think Buck wants Hunter to start. With that being said, Chen was signed to be in the starting rotation. Everything that was reported from the Wada signing (and press conference) sure made it seem like he was signed to be in the rotation. Guthrie and Britton, of course, are in the rotation (barring a trade involving Guthrie). And there's a healthy Arrieta and Matusz (best shape of his life!!!).

What does this all mean? I'm not too sure.

It means that Spring Training will be a hell of a time!

For once we will actually have people battling out for rotation spots. I am sure they will even tell Britton he has to earn a spot. I wouldn't quite put Wada in the rotation yet either. I know what they said about him and all, but if he gets out-pitched, then you put him in the bullpen (where he most likely ends up anyways)

[SportsGuy]

One point here: I think Buck loves Hunter. I think he's said as much on multiple occasions. He told reporters multiple times how good Hunter looked in mini-camp. So...I think Buck wants Hunter to start. With that being said, Chen was signed to be in the starting rotation. Everything that was reported from the Wada signing (and press conference) sure made it seem like he was signed to be in the rotation. Guthrie and Britton, of course, are in the rotation (barring a trade involving Guthrie). And there's a healthy Arrieta and Matusz (best shape of his life!!!).

What does this all mean? I'm not too sure.

That too much emphasis will be placed on a small sample in ST and that what is best for the long term future of the team will be ignored?

[E_Walker]

Chris. In your opening post, you mentioned both Asian pitchers in the starting rotation. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't the thought that Wada would go to the bullpen? Or has that changed recently?

[BSLChrisStoner]

Chris. In your opening post, you mentioned both Asian pitchers in the starting rotation. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't the thought that Wada would go to the bullpen? Or has that changed recently?

Chen's spot is secure. It is a bit of a question with Wada. From his comments, I think he signed here with at least the promise of having the chance to start.

[NCRaven]

If we started the season with Guthrie, Britton, Chen, Arrieta and Hunter in the rotation, I would be neither surprised or upset. If Matusz outpitches him or we acquire Jackson, then I would be perfectly happy seeing him take Simon's place at the back of the bullpen, as well. I do think that Hunter, Simon, and Bergesen in the pen make little sense though.

[BSLChrisStoner]

MASN / Kubatko: http://www.masnsport...tory-lines.html

Kubatko has Guthrie and Chen as the two rotation certainties, and believes Hunter will be included, leaving two spots up for grabs. Certainly something to watch.

[Luke Jackson]

I think the one of the wild cards with the rotation battles is Wada. Was he promised a spot in the rotation on Opening Day or was he promised the *opportunity* to win a rotation spot? (Presumably, a lot of teams viewed Wada exclusively in a relief role.) If Wada goes to spring training and is clearly not one of the five best guys in Sarasota but isn't killed by opposing lineups, does he get a rotation spot? I don't know. We'll see.

I could see the rotation (barring injury, of course, as we learned about all too well last spring) becoming...

Guthrie - Britton - Chen - Hunter - Arrieta. This seems like the most likely rotation to me for some reason. There's some upside here with Britton and Arrieta, but we know Guthrie is what he is and Hunter seems like he is what he is. Chen is the unknown but if he stays healthy, he should get a spot.

Guthrie - Britton - Chen - Hunter - Wada. This would send Arrieta to the 'pen, which might be his long-term destination, or Norfolk. I can't imagine Arrieta would be pleased with either, particularly the latter. I'd give Arrieta another 30 starts with his elbow fixed, at which point it should be apparent what his future role is. If his ERA is the neighborhood of 5.00 again, then the 'pen it shall be.

Guthrie - Britton - Chen - Arrieta - Wada. This would send Hunter to the bullpen, where I think his stuff plays better. He has more velocity out of the 'pen, but I have a feeling Buck wants Hunter in the rotation.

Guthrie - Britton - Chen - Arrieta - Matusz or Guthrie - Britton - Chen - Wada - Matusz. I think the organization has a plan in mind for Matusz, and I'd bet that plan includes him going to Norfolk and wanting for him to dominate at that level. But what happens if Matusz comes to camp and Brady Anderson's got him looking like Lou Ferrigno and Matusz is showing 2009/'10 quality stuff and command? I'm not sure how you DON'T put Matusz in the Opening Day rotation if this is the case. If Matusz has 2009/'10 stuff/command, then he is unquestionably one of the five best starters on the team.

[weams]

One point here: I think Buck loves Hunter. I think he's said as much on multiple occasions. He told reporters multiple times how good Hunter looked in mini-camp. So...I think Buck wants Hunter to start. With that being said, Chen was signed to be in the starting rotation. Everything that was reported from the Wada signing (and press conference) sure made it seem like he was signed to be in the rotation. Guthrie and Britton, of course, are in the rotation (barring a trade involving Guthrie). And there's a healthy Arrieta and Matusz (best shape of his life!!!).

What does this all mean? I'm not too sure.

I think Buck and Dan would like Hunter to start.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I think Buck and Dan would like Hunter to start.

I agree about Buck, but I'm not sure about Dan. We are hearing that Hunter is in that proverbial 'best shape of his life.' Will be interesting to see what happens in camp. I'm glad he is one of the 12 arms that will be on the team, as I do think he will help the staff whatever his role is.

[BSLChrisStoner]

As mentioned in the 'How do you see the staff with Hammel, Lindstrom, Ayala' thread (http://baltimorespor...c.php?f=3&t=400), I've come around on seeing Hunter in the rotation.

The main reason being that if Ayala is in the bullpen (along with Johnson, Lindstrom, Gregg, Strop), you already have 5 RHP in the 'pen. At that point it makes more sense for Hunter to be one of the 5 starters, with Wada penciled in to begin the year in the bullpen.

[SportsGuy]

He will be the OD starter.

[Slappy]

I just don't like Hunter in the AL East. I like the fact that he doesn't walk many people, but that's about it. He doesn't strike out many batters and is an extreme fly ball pitcher (0.68 ratio). In a division with a collection of launching pad parks and power packed lineups, he doesn't seem to play well. He might start the season in the rotation but I don't see him there at the end.

[tpjs1]

He will be the OD starter.

I've expected Hunter to be in the rotation if he has a good spring, but I hadn't thought about Opening Day. But, when it comes right down to it, is there anyone else that makes more sense?

[SportsGuy]

He will be the OD starter.

I've expected Hunter to be in the rotation if he has a good spring, but I hadn't thought about Opening Day. But, when it comes right down to it, is there anyone else that makes more sense?

Not really, especially when you consider that Buck seems to really like him and his mentality on the mound.

[Greg Pappas]

Amid the options for OD, Hunter wouldn't totally surprise me. If he excels this spring, even less so.

[wellsk86]

From Mel Antonen on Twitter:

#Orioles' Dan Duquette says Tommy Hunter's challenge is to "be in shape,'' this spring.#MLB

No decisions are final, but it seems Hunter and Hammel will lead #Orioles' rotation, no matter what kind of spring each has.#MLB

#Orioles' GM Dan Duquette says that, even with big contracts, new pitchers Wada and Chen could start in the minors.#MLB

http://twitter.com/#!/MelAntonen