I’m just as curious to see David Hernandez as anyone tonight. What I’m hearing now is that his problem has been an inability to put guys away quickly (owing to his not sparkling stuff that we already know about) and thus an inability to go deep into games. I can’t say I noticed that (although I am noticing Matusz consistently getting through 7 strong innings).

In 8 games at Norfolk, Hernandez threw 43.1 innings, or just under 5 and a half per game. So that could be trouble against a good, balanced, patient lineup like the Tigers (who swing at almost the exact same number of balls as the O’s do, and we’ve all been very impressed with the Orioles’ plate discipline, even if it hasn’t amounted to a heck of a lot of walks).

Of course, the fly ballness of Hernandez’s stuff also worries me against the likes of Cabrera, Granderson, and Ordonez in OPACY. BUT! I’ve heard repeatedly that Hernandez gets by on a very deceptive delivery (I don’t recall from the one time I saw him in Bowie) and without much in the way of a scouting report, the Mystery factor could boost Hernandez past these Tigers.

So I’m cautiously optimistic. More than I was with Berken (And I’m STILL trying to figure out how he only gave up 2 runs).

You’re right, the turnaround is just stunning, heck the O’s are projected winners over Los Tigres today.

I find myself thinking, if the bullpen manages to not get injured, and these kids don’t struggle too badly up here… what the hell happens when the real cavalry is ready to ride? What an awesome dilemma to have. You have to think we will turn a couple of these kids into a stud third baseman at some point.