When Josh Rupe broke camp with the Orioles, fans were in disbelief as to why Buck Showalter would stick this guy in his bullpen. Buck argued that they liked what they saw from Rupe in spring training, where he gave up just 2 ER in 14.2 innings pitched. But spring training is spring training--why value 14.2 innings of spring training more than the past 5 seasons of Rupe's career where he allowed a .380 OBP to opposing hitters over 637 plate appearances?
Now that fans are completely fed up with Rupe after allowing 8 ER in 9.1 IP, it's time to look for other options; or to a greater extent, the day when we will no longer have to see him in a Baltimore Orioles uniform. Troy Patton looks to be not only a candidate to replace Rupe, but also a nice option in the long run.
I have no doubts that Troy Patton is a better reliever than Rupe and it couldn't hurt to have a third lefty in the 'pen.
Unless the O's call up Patton, we'll probably have to live with Rupe until Brian Matusz is fully healthy. When Matusz returns Bergesen should slide to the bullpen and Rupe would likely be sent to Norfolk: where he needs to stay for good.
