With Brian Matusz out 3-6 weeks because of a strained intercostal muscle*, Zach Britton is up from the minors to take Matusz’s spot in the rotation. Britton is a top 20 prospect in all of baseball and his start today is generating a ton of hype, as it should. 30 of his friends and family will be there to watch. Here are a few links for further reading on Britton:
- Five Reasons Zach Britton Should Not Make the Opening Day Rotation
- Zach Britton Interview
- Zach Britton Scouting Report
*According to Camden Depot: “The intercoastal are a series of muscles that are interlaced with the ribs and help provide stability to the rib cage. Straining this muscle is usually the result of a quick and sudden twisting of the core.”
ESPN’s David Schoenfield believes the Orioles could be surprise team of 2011. The article doesn’t include anything we don’t already know, but it’s nice to see the Orioles getting some national attention.
Finally released from a Dominican prison, Alfredo Simon is now in Florida in minor league camp and could be ready to pitch in a month or two.
After the Orioles win last night, Adam Jones complimented Nick Markakis‘ game saving catch with this tweet:
What a helluva finish. My man Markakis. He can flat out play
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SimplyAJ10
The Orioles released their minor league rosters to the players on Friday, and I’ve been able to dig up a bunch of player assignments:
- Ryan Adams to Norfolk
- Joe Mahoney to Bowie
- Caleb Joseph to Bowie
- Jesse Beal to Frederick
- Dan Klein to Frederick
- Cameron Roth to Delmarva
- Jason Gurka to Delmarva
- Justin Dalles to Delmarva
- Michael Ohlman to Delmarva
- Manny Machado to Delmarva
- Tim Berry to Delmarva
- Randy Henry to stay in extended spring training
- Parker Bridwell to stay in extended spring training
If you’d like me to check up on a player’s assignment, post in our forums and let me know which player.
