I feel like I do one of these "ex-Orioles returning as Spring Training instructors" blog entries at least once a year. If not, I really should. Nostalgia is one of the chief motivating factors behind this enterprise, to be honest. Anyway, one name from my childhood who came to Sarasota this winter (check the calendar, the vernal equinox won't be here for another ten days) was Todd Frohwirth. The submarine-style reliever, who toiled for the O's from 1991 through 1993, is now a scout in the Baltimore organization. The team invited him to the Ed Smith Stadium complex a few weeks back and he spent some time with kindred spirit Darren O'Day, helping the sidewinding setup man to hone a changeup. Although O'Day was as dependable as ever in 2013, pitching to a 2.18 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP, there is room for improvement. His strikeout-to-walk ratio dropped by a full strikeout, from 4.93-to-1 in 2012 to 3.93-to-1 last season. Lefties also tattooed the righthander to a .309/.367/.556 tune. If Darren can add another weapon to his utility belt, he could turn those troubling numbers on their heads. Then the next time you see Darren O'Day cross up an opposing batter with an offspeed pitch, you can say, "Thanks, Todd!".
No comments:
Post a Comment