Mel Antonen Says The Pitching Rotation Has Been The Biggest Disappointment
Mel Antonen covers the Orioles for MASN, and appears on Sirius/XM radio.
Mel joined Ed and Steve to preview the Orioles series against the Nationals tonight in DC.
Steve asked Mel about what the biggest flaw has been this year for the Orioles. Mel noted that it has been our starters that have disappointed the most this season, "the rotation, especially in the second half of the season. A year ago four of the five starters cut their ERA in half from the first half to the second. If they could have fixed one thing, it would have been the starting rotation."
Ed asked Mel about the possibility of Orioles closer Zach Britton moving to the starting rotation. Mel believes Britton is capable of making the switch saying, "he was one of the top pitchers in all of baseball when he first came up from the minors. He'd have to develop secondary pitches and arm strength, but he's talented enough to do that."
Mel went on to discuss his grades for manager Buck Showalter and General Manager Dan Duquette, the impact of the off season saga between Orioles GM Dan Duquette and the Toronto Blue Jays on the Orioles season, and his picks to reach the World Series in the American and National Leagues.