3 In A Row

The Orioles won their 3rd Grapefruit League game in a row in as many days today with a 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Chris Tillman started for the Birds vs. Roy Oswalt of the Phillies. Tillman only gave up one in two innings of work. Chris is competing with Rich VandenHurk for the 5th spot in the rotation when the Birds cut down to 25. Following Tillman, 23 year old phenom Zack Britton pitched 2 scoreless innings in his Grapefruit League debut. Britton is one of the next great young arms in the O's farm system and will likely be a September call-up or a full time big leaguer by next year. However, Buck Showalter has not ruled him out of making the rotation this year. I just don't want to see the young man rushed. Its better to wait then ruin what could be a 15 year career as the ace of the future play-off caliber Birds. On offense, the O's were lead by catcher Matt Wieters, who went 3-4 and drove in two of the O's runs. Hopefully, Matt is ready for a break out season. Last year, his defense was much improved and his management of the pitching staff was un precedented for a sophomore player. It is now time for him to get his offense started. I never thought Wieters, himself, could be the answer to all of the Orioles needs. However, he should be able to drive in 70 runs and hit 20 to 25 homeruns a year. If Buck can get that sort of production out of his catcher and 7 hole in the batting order, the Birds will be in great shape for years to come.