Chris Tillman: The Next Step In The Orioles Rebuilding Process

There isn't much to get excited in Birdland recently. The Orioles have only won twice since the All-Star break. Although 7 of the last 9 losses have been within 2 runs, that doesn't seem to soften the blow at all. Only the most optimistic Orioles fans have been able to watch these games with the "I see the improvement mentality."

Today, however, is a huge day for the Orioles franchise. Chris Tillman, arugably the Orioles' biggest pitching prospect is making his debut.

Rich Hill did a really good job selling his sore arm to the management, and probably saved his major league status in the process. He was placed on the 15-day DL with Alfredo Simon being moved over to the 60 Day DL (a justifiable move) to make room on the 40 man roster.

Like another highly anticipated debut a few months ago, its a rainy day in Baltimore, that we can only hope will be uplifted by a quality start of the Orioles' top minor league prospect.

An interesting question is who is next in line? Brian Matusz will likely be held off until next season (although if the Orioles are not competitive at the end of the season, they may have to in order to draw seats), Troy Patton doesn't look ready, and Brandon Snyder fighting the Mendoza line, it doesn't look as if the Orioles have another top prospect in line to come up later this serious. Jake Arrieta maybe, but it looks like Chris Waters will be the next starter to be called up. Hopefully, that will be within the next week, because the Jason Berken experiment has to be almost over.