Bob Haynie: Tillman Has Been Huge For The Birds
When the Orioles traded Erik Bedard to the Seattle Mariners in 2008, CF Adam Jones was the key figure in that trade for Baltimore. But the organization also had high hopes for RHP Chris Tillman, who was involved in the deal as well.
While Jones blossomed into an All-Star, Tillman struggled to even make the major league roster.
After starting this season at Norfolk, Tillman was called up to bolster a struggling starting rotation. And bolster he has.
He made his season debut on July 4th in Seattle against his former team and was brilliant in that game. A hiccup in Minnesota followed. Undeterred, Tillman regrouped in a big way.
On Monday night, Tillman once again dominated the Mariners as he helped lead the Orioles to 3-1 victory at Camden Yards.
Monday's win was Tillman's fourth-straight and improved his record to 5-1 with a 2.38 ERA.
All of the sudden, the Orioles have been getting some strong performances from their rotation. Coincidentally, they have been winning a lot lately.
Chris Tillman has been a major reason for their success.
Still only 24, it looks as though he is finally reaching his vast potential and , hopefully, will be a mainstay for the Orioles for many years to come.
