It seems to me this summer is going to be interesting in comparing and contrasting the two local ballclubs. On the surface, the O's seem like they have more in the way of actual talent, but those in charge have very little idea how to utilize it. For instance, take the current configuration of their bench. They decided to bring 13 pitchers north, which leaves three bench spots. Back-up C Paul Bako is one, Utility Infielder Chris Gomez is two, and Freddie Bynum is three.
Since Ramon Hernandez tweaked his side in BP Sunday, he's unavailable for the week. The O's won't DL him, so they needed another catcher, and called up the ubiquitous Alberto Castillo, the very definition of a 4-A player, and sent out Brain Burress, the third lefty pen guy. Burress has some talent, but why did they think three lefties were necessary? Regardless, he's on the train to Norfolk now anyway.
So, in back-to-back games against the Twins, the O's need a pinch-hitter in the 9th inning against Joe Nathan, and they summon Bynum. Understand, I like Freddie Bynum. He can play just about anywhere, is fast, and not attitudinal. But he's not particularly skilled with the bat. So when pinch-hitting for .215 hitting catchers in the 9th against one of baseball's best closers, the O's must rely on a career .220 hitter. Wither Jon Knott?
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