Orioles Notebook
Simon Given Opportunity In Bullpen
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Monday, September 8, 2008
As part of several changes he's brought to the Baltimore Orioles organization, president Andy MacPhail has placed an emphasis on bolstering the team's international scouting efforts. Just this season, international scouting director John Stockstill has traveled through Asian and Latin America, hoping to establish the pipelines that the Orioles hope will one day generate fresh talent.
But the irony wasn't lost on MacPhail earlier this week when Alfredo Simon, 27, became the first product of the Orioles' new efforts.
"It's not a high profile, high expenditure," MacPhail said of Simon, who might be little more than a Band-Aid for the team's recent pitching woes. "But we think he was better than what we have at our disposal."
Before allowing three runs in relief Saturday during his major league debut, Simon signed a minor league contract and pitched a game at Class AAA Norfolk. Simon has pitched with the Texas, San Francisco and Philadelphia organizations. When the Los Angeles Dodgers released him during spring training, Simon went to the Mexican League for the first time in his career.
Stockstill said he saw Simon while scouting another player.
"He's pitched eight or nine years. People are aware of him," Stockstill said. "He just happened to be in the same place."
Simon caught Stockstill's eye with a fastball that topped out at 98 mph, and emerged as an option for the Orioles after helping the Mexican League's Monterrey Sultans earn a postseason berth with a 2.67 ERA.
"I just want to be able to do the same thing I did over there to help the team," Simon said. "They gave me the opportunity, and I want to do the best I can to stay here."
Simon became the 26th pitcher the Orioles have used this season, inching closer to the team-record of 27 pitchers that appeared last season.
Getting Back
George Sherrill (shoulder) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session today, but might be required to face live hitters in another session before returning to the bullpen. Designated hitter Aubrey Huff (hamstring) is expected to return after missing the past two games for the birth of his first child.
UP NEXT: Monday vs. Indians 7:05 p.m. Carmona (8-5) vs. Olson (8-7) MASN, WTEM 980
Tuesday vs. Indians 7:05 p.m. Sowers (2-8) vs. Guthrie (10-11) MASN2, WTEM 980
