My Favorite Failed Starter

The “Cavalry” didn’t turn out to be much help, did it? Most of the young arms Baltimore fans were told to pin their hopes on turned out to be firing blanks. There have been a few bright spots – the brightest of which may be my favorite failed starter: Brian Matusz.

Matusz recently told reporters that he still thinks of himself as a starter. Yes, really.

But he seems to have blossomed in the bullpen. Consider that Matusz has stranded 51 of the 56 runners he has inherited since being converted into a reliever in 2012. Or that he absolutely owns David Ortiz (allowing just one hit – a double – in 20 ABs, including 12 Ks).

The problem is his splits. While he’s been able to hold left-handed hitters to an anemic .204 average in the last three seasons, and has allowed a .342 average against right-handed hitters in the same period. The club stretched Matusz out as a starter during the spring, in part to give him the necessary innings to work on his change-up. The change-up, the Orioles feel is key to improving his splits against right-handed hitters.

Matusz was apparently challenged by Buck Showalter to improve on defense and holding runners. If Matusz can be consistent with those improvements and his change-up, he could be a real weapon in the bullpen – regardless of the role. There have never been questions about the stuff… the question has been whether he can be the starter we thought he’d be when he was drafted.

Well, I’m sorry Brian, but I don’t think of you as a starter any more. Nor do i think of you as the reliever who single-highhandedly allowed Voldermort to take the 2012 ALDS from me (not that I’m bitter). Instead, what I see is a lights-out reliever who is versatile enough to handle one out or a couple of innings. A guy who is battle tested, and a guy who absolutely demolishes left-handed hitters. I feel comfortable in a tough spot when you come into the game. I love the fire I’m finally seeing from you. It’s nice to see a guy I rooted for find that elusive major league success.

In short, you’re my favorite failed starter.