Birds House: Calling Norfolk. Norfolk, please pick up the orange courtesy phone

Yikes!  Another week, another bunch of horrible performances by the Orioles.  To answer the age old question, yes, things can get worse, and we’re there now.  The O’s pulled out only one win all week (against the Oakland A’s) and then got swept by Toronto, but this is where I try to put a positive spin on the sad situation that has become Baltimore baseball.  And that spin is this:  Chris Tillman.

With the team on a heavy downward spiral, it’s time to shake things up, and Tillman is just the person to call up.  With AAA Norfolk this year, Tillman posted a record of 5-4 with an ERA of 3.12.  Tillman also tossed a no hitter for Norfolk back in April.  Tillman pitched decently in limited action last year with the O’s but lost the 5th starter battle with David Hernandez and wound up starting the season in AAA.  With the Orioles season slipping away, now is the chance to see what he can do.

So far, he is off to a solid start.

Another name that could be up soon is another Norfolk Tides pitcher, Jake Arrieta. For the season, Arrieta is 5-2 with a minuscule ERA of 1.86.  If anything, he could use a little work on his control, but hey, its not like Baltimore has anything to lose at this point.

Hopefully Baltimore can turn things around, but if not, let’s hope they can use this season to give young players the experience they need so they can compete next year.

—by Andy Mindzak