March 10, 2008
Split-Up
The Orioles might have found a gem in the rule 5 draft:
It's a mystery pitch that needs a catchy name. Too bad "Gyroball" is taken. The Orioles will have to come up with another way to describe what Rule 5 pick Randor Bierd is throwing.
Bierd has a "swing-and-miss" pitch that's almost as difficult to describe as it is to hit. Manager Dave Trembley once called it a cross between a splitter and a changeup. He later referred to it as a combination changeup and forkball, a relative of the splitter.
Bierd showed progress last year in the minors. His catcher, Guillermo Quiroz, describes the pitch as a Johan Santana type changeup. Bierd is someone to keep your eye on this season.
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Posted by David Pinto at
11:10 AM
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Pitchers
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He gave up a HR every five innings in A and AA? And he'll be pitching in the AL East?
Yes please.
"He later referred to it as a combination changeup and forkball"
Might I suggest "forkup"?
Though announcers with a Southern accent may want to tread lightly here.
The clear choice is the "sporkball"