I know, I know...it's Tighlman Island. However you get the play on words I presume. Chris Tillman wasn't supposed to start until tomorrow, but due to Brian Matusz getting sent to the DL with a back strain he got moved up to start tonight. Through four innings, Tillman's given up two walks. As Gary Throne and Mike Flanagan have pointed out on MASN, this game might set the record for the most changeups in a game. Tillman's change has been nasty thus far. Furthermore, he's chosen precisely when he's wanted to use it. Unfortunately for the O's, Tampa's starter James Shields is on a similar run. Keep in mind that Tillman was borderline in terms of even being on the roster. Now he's making a case that he should remain. Admittedly four innings is hardly a decent sample of what a pitcher can do (good or bad). However in those four innings Tillman has been great. If there's one criticism that could be made it would be that his pitch count is a bit on the high side (68).
Personally I think that the Orioles are better than these Tampa Rays. They proved that off the bat last night under the blonde setting sun of Tampa (or the dome that is). Before a dominating performance by Jeremy Guthrie the Orioles got a 4-1 Opening Day win. Oriole bats were a bit quiet, however they got the job done that needed to be done. I suppose that in this age of big home runs we sometimes fail to appreciate the little things that get done in order to win games. That's what the Orioles have neglected to do over the past 13 years, and that's exactly what they did to win last night.
The only thing that might slow Chris Tillman down tonight is the pitch count. However Oriole pitching has been dominant thus far in 2011. As I said above, Brian Matusz has been sent to the DL before even making a start due to a back strain. The Orioles will call up Zach Britton to make his first major league start tomorrow, and Jake Arrieta will get the nod for Mondays home opener at Camden Yards against Detroit. In theory the O's don't need a fifth starter until April 10th due to Tuesday's scheduled day off. Speaking of Tillman, we should see him at Oriole Park on Thursday against the Tigers.
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