Steve Trachsel

I say put Matt Albers in his place, put Trachsel in the bullpen and here is our bullpen......

Starters: Jeremy Guthrie; Daniel Cabrera; Brian Burres; Matt Albers; Garrett Olson

Middle Relievers: Dennis Sarfate; Steve Trachsel; Randor Bierd(When returns)

Long Relievers: Lance Cormier; Jim R. Johnson

Lefty-Specialist: Jaime Walker

Righty-specialist: Chad Bradford

Closer: George Sherrill

Steve Trachsel may not be pitching well (his numbers sure say that he isn't), but the intangibles he brings to the pitching staff are immeasurable. Steve came back to the Orioles knowing he would serve as a mentor to the young pitchers, and bring a veteran leadership to the staff. Eating some innings would have been preferred, but it is early and although his performance has been less than stellar, he probably deserves at least 12 starts before he is lynched by the angry Baltimore fans.

Let's not forget that Matt Albers did start 18 games for the Astros last year. He's been a starter his entire career and probably belongs in the 4 or 5 spot in the rotation. But his early success in the long relief role has been a blessing to the O's (see Trachsel above as one of those reasons). Perhaps the chemistry should not be messed with.

And Dragon is right. You don't want to have another Daniel Cabrera on your hands. If he was given the proper training and time in the minors, he may have been dominant in the league today. Garrett Olson and Jim R. Johnson have had early success too. But young pitchers have fragile psyches. It is imperative that they be brought along the right way.