VandenHurk impressive in Norfolk debut

Making his first start for Triple-A Norfolk, Rick VandenHurk pitched seven innings, allowing only one run on four hits against Indianapolis. He also struck out four and walked just one, while earning the win.

With the addition of VandenHurk to the organization, the Orioles currently have a few starting pitching options in Norfolk: Chris Tillman, Zach Britton, and VandenHurk. The O's rotation -- which currently consists of Brian Matusz, Jeremy Guthrie, Kevin Millwood, Jake Arrieta, and Brad Bergesen -- has struggled mightily, but it's still very young. Millwood won't be in Baltimore next season, but he may stay with the team for the rest of the season if the O's don't 1) work out a deal with another club, or 2) simply release him. Matusz, Guthrie, and Arrieta will all be in the rotation next season barring a trade, while Bergesen's ineffectiveness may cause him to be converted into a reliever.

Tillman seems like a lock to be added to the rotation next season, but then again, that's what many fans thought heading into spring training. The 22-year-old Britton is also an intriguing option, but he's only pitched 31.2 innings in Norfolk and probably needs some more seasoning before being called up. With that being said, if he continues to pitch well, I wouldn't be shocked for him to get a start or two before the season ends. (Or maybe not: According to David Golebiewski of FanGraphs, "[t]he chances of Britton getting ample major league innings this season are slim — the O’s aren’t playing for anything of consequence, and the southpaw is a little more than 30 frames away from his previous career high workload." For more information on Britton, check out that link.) VandenHurk also seems like a likely addition to the pitching staff in September.

If I had to make a guess on what the O's rotation looks like in 2011, here's what I'd say:

Matusz
Guthrie
Arrieta
Tillman
VandenHurk

But, again, it's too early for that, especially since most fans probably haven't seen VandenHurk pitch yet. The O's may decide to sign a veteran starter, or they may make a few trades. It's also possible that Britton will be ready by then. We'll see -- it's up to you, Mr. Showalter.

Ohman trade reactions

Last night, the Orioles traded Will Ohman to the Marlins for 25-year-old pitcher Rick VandenHurk. With the way the O's rotation has struggled, VandenHurk will likely get the chance to pitch either in the rotation or in the bullpen at some point in the near future, depending on what the O's do with some of the pitchers currently on the roster. And make no mistake about it, VandenHurk is happy to be in Baltimore. In an e-mail response to Orioles Insider's Dan Connolly, VandenHurk expressed his excitement:

"I think it's great! I'm very excited to come to the Orioles organization. I've worked with Kranny before and he knows me and knows what I've got, and that's important. And I'm excited for this opportunity."

Hopefully his enthusiasm pays off.

Don't know much about VandenHurk or what to think of the deal? Here are some quick takes on the trade:

• "From Baltimore’s perspective, the club gives up a guy with a 4.76 projected FIP from ZiPS for a 25-year-old with a history of missing lumber and missing starts. Originally signed out of the Netherlands back in 2002, VandenHurk has struck out nearly a batter per inning during the course of his minor league career, with 3.8 BB/9. He sits 91-92 MPH with his fastball, mixing in a hard mid-80′s slider and a changeup. . . . Chances are, this trade won’t have a profound effect on either team. Ohman’s a so-so southpaw, and VandenHurk can’t seem to stay off the DL for any sustained length of time. Still, the swap gives the Marlins a better lefty than Tankersley and the O’s a live arm who could play some part on the next relevant Baltimore club." [David Golebiewski, FanGraphs]
• "The trade is a win for the Orioles in that Ohman wouldn’t provide future value while Vandenhurk might (even if it’s only a little), but I don’t see anything to get too excited about. That this is the only deal the O’s made at the deadline is disappointing. I guess winning 60 games instead of 55 this year matters more than potentially going from 85 to 90 in 2012, or 2013, etc." [Daniel Moroz, Camden Crazies]
• "One of the few Dutch-born players in big league history, VandenHurk came back from Tommy John surgery in 2005 to unexpectedly make the big leagues in April 2007, not having pitched above high Class A previously. He went 4-6, 6.83 in 81 2/3 innings as a 22-year-old rookie for the Marlins in 2007, but he has been unable to establish himself in the big league rotation in subsequent seasons. VandenHurk has fought control problems at times in 2010, though he still has the potential to be a mid- or back-of-the-rotation starter. His fastball tops out around 92 mph with good life, and he complements it with a slider and changeup. He's had trouble keeping the ball down, though, as he's given up 11 homers in 19 starts for New Orleans and his 0.62 groundout-to-flyout ratio was among the lowest in the Pacific Coast League, a factor that seem to make him a poor match for hitter-friendly Camden Yards. But a fresh start could do him some good." [Jim Shonerd, Baseball America]