Matt Harvey has made the Orioles’ rotation.
That’s great news for bloggers, but bad news for Orioles fans.
“When you start an All-Star Game and then you pitch in a World Series, I think the last thing you ever think of is how excited you’ll be to make a team again,” Harvey said. “I’d like to say it was a good early birthday present, and it’s probably one of the best I’ve had.”
“The big thing that Chris Holt likes to say is you should never look back and try and be just as good as you were before,” Harvey said. “He’s tried to emphasize that, with some new weapons, with smarter pitching, maybe I could be even better, at least strive to be better.
“In my mind, if I can prepare and make sure everything is lined up to be successful, then who knows what’s going to happen? … I’m not going to try and be as good as I was. I’m trying to be better. I think that’s what you’ll see on the mound.” (Via Baltimore Sun)
That’s all nice. But as followers of my blog know, Matt throws a lot of 380 fly balls. In some parks those stay in…..and in some parks, like the one in Baltimore, those are going to sail out.
This is what your future looks like Orioles fans.
But home runs aside, here’s the one thing the Orioles really are missing. Matt cannot pitch with a runner on base. As soon as even one runner gets on he completely utterly melts down.
This spring he pitched a lot of clean innings. So, sure, if he has 34 perfect games in him he will be awesome. But I am telling you Orioles fans that as soon as one runner gets on you will want your bullpen up as fast as possible.
I’m sure the Orioles are all excited that Matt lasted 3 or 4 innings agains B squads…but I am warning you guys loud and clear…..he’s useless as a major league starter.
Happy Birthday Matt (tomorrow).
