Being Brian Matusz

There were pretty big expectations for LHP Brian Matusz coming into last season, especially after he tore through the minor leagues (11-2, 1.91 ERA) and made a relatively successful MLB debut in 2009 (5-2, 4.63 in 8 starts) in '09. And while some were disappointed with his production over the 1st half, in reality he's right where he needs to be on the growth curve for a #1-ish (probably more of a #2) major league starter.

A few interesting things about Brian:

• 2011 Opening Day Age: 24
• Height: 6'4", Weight: 190 lbs
• Throws Left, Bats Left
• Born in Grand Junction, CO (February 11th, 1987)
• Went to high school at St. Mary's in Phoenix, AZ.
• Was originally selected by the Angels in the 4th Round (133rd overall) of the 2005 draft, but didn't end up signing.
• Instead, he attended college at the University of San Diego. Stats below...

• Was a first-team All American and West Coast Conference pitcher of the year in '08.
• Drafted by Orioles in 1st Round (4th Overall), 2008. He was picked directly in front of 2010 NL Rookie-of-the-Year Buster Posey. (#5, to San Francisco).
• Inked a 4-year deal worth $3.5MM with the O's on Aug 15, 2008.
• He made his Major League Debut on 8/4/2009, against Detriot (he went 5 innings, gave up a run and got the win).
• Through 2010, his career record is 15-14, 4.37 in 40 major league starts.
• 1st Half 2010: 3-9, 4.77 -> 2nd Half: 7-3, 3.63
• Final 2010 Record: 10-12, 4.30
• At this point, he's #2 or #3 starter (behind Guthrie). Figures heavily in their plans; they're counting on him to develop into some form of consistent, top-of-the-rotation kind of guy.
• Is slated to make $1.4MM next season (not bad for a 3rd year guy).
• Side note - he has as a career 6.55 ERA in day games, vs 3.76 at night.

Matusz was ridiculously good after Buck Showalter replaced Juan Samuel as the Orioles' manager; from August 1st through the end of the year, he was 7-1 (.875) with a 2.18 ERA in 62 innings over 11 starts.

He might have saved his best for last; in his final start on October 2nd against the Tigers, he went 6 1/3 innings, gave up two hits and two walks, and struck out 9. He was dominant in that game (he only came out because of a high pitch count, and a worth-nothing game), and gave fans a nice glimpse of top-end potential to close out the season.

The following link is for Matusz's 2010 "Top Performance" matrix on Retrosheet.org, which categorizes his best games by category, like innings, strikeouts, HRs allowed, etc...

Brian Matusz Top Performances