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Jan 23, 2012 - The bad news? In 2011, Baltimore's Brian Matusz set a new record for the highest ERA for a pitcher with at least 40 innings: 10.69.
The good news?
Two bits, actually. First, this note of optimism from Brady Anderson (via Peter Schmuck):
Orioles Hall of Famer Brady Anderson, making his first appearance since being appointed special assistant to executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette, said today at FanFest that the difference between Brian Matusz a year ago at this time and Brian Matusz today is the difference between night and day. "He's like a different human as far as his mentality and his dedication and the raw numbers, what type of athlete he is, he's not the same,'' Anderson said of the left-hander. By most accounts, Matusz arrived at spring training last year in less than optimum condition and started the season on the disabled list with an intercostal strain. He never really recovered and ended up back in the minor leagues for part of the season.
The second bit of good news is that before Matusz took the record, it was held by someone named Roy Halladay. And he seems to have turned out all right.
Of course, the news isn't all good. After Matusz and Halladay, the next five guys on the list -- considering only pitchers 27 or younger, since Matusz was 24 and Halladay 23 -- are Micah Bowie, Aaron Myette, Andy Larkin, and Glen Cook.
Bowie probably enjoyed the best career of those four. He finished with a 6.16 career ERA.
I'm still optimistic about Matusz, because being optimistic is more fun than being pessimistic. But he wasn't that good before last season, and there's a better chance that he'll be Micah Bowie than Roy Halladay.
13 comments
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Comments
When I saw the title, I thought this was another case of confused identity
Although Matusz probably wishes he had a different name because his name is lousy.
by Sharparoni on Jan 23, 2012 1:27 PM EST reply actions
So he's really Roberto Hernandez Heredia?
by CSFreeman on Jan 23, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
No.
He’s really Fausto Carmona. And he’s very angry that he wasn’t able to pitch under his real name for the past couple seasons.
by BennyGStein on Jan 23, 2012 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
Our first ITBSOHL Sighting!
Matusz is … wait for it … In The Best Shape Of His Life!
This is how you know Spring Training is just around the corner: you start getting the stories about this player or that player re-dedicating himself and therefore is now ITBSOHL! Heck, some of them are even true, and a few of the players follow up with decent seasons. Good luck to Brian Matusz, our leadoff ITBSOHL player for 2012!
by d_c_guy on Jan 23, 2012 2:47 PM EST reply actions
Not quite first
Marlon Byrd was reported ITBSOHL by SB Nation here last Thursday. Byrd: Oriole — the ornithological mixup’s understandable.
Brain: "Pinky, are you pondering what i'm pondering?"
Pinky: "Yes, ... wait, ... no, ... never mind"
by jbg2772 on Jan 23, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
I was busy last Thursday ... it happens
by d_c_guy on Jan 23, 2012 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
And Frankie Gutierrez
On Lookout Landing last week.
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring". ~Rogers Hornsby
by extavernmouse on Jan 24, 2012 2:07 AM EST up reply actions
Brady Anderson is in the Hall of Fame?
by rea on Jan 23, 2012 4:00 PM EST reply actions
The Orioles' Hall of Fame.
by thepartybird on Jan 23, 2012 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
i thought that was really poorly worded as well.
by sparty316 on Jan 23, 2012 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
Hehehe.
Peter Schmuck. No way. No way that is a real name. Especially considering the literal meaning of “Schmuck” in Yiddish. (Which you can go look up on your own if you care – trying to keep it semi-classy)
by thepartybird on Jan 23, 2012 5:38 PM EST reply actions
The name is rather redundant, similar to Richard Johnson.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
by Doncosmic on Jan 23, 2012 5:43 PM EST up reply actions
Best name ever.
by aronofsky40 on Jan 24, 2012 8:38 AM EST up reply actions
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