Bob

McCrory

McCrory had a 1.64 ERA and five saves in 11 innings. With his ability to get strikeouts and groundballs, he’d have a bright future as a reliever if he can only cut down on the walks. It’s likely that he’ll make his major league debut at some point during 2008.

There’s not going to be a whole lot of difference in quality between the Orioles’ major league pitching staff and the one they have at Norfolk. Mickolio and McCrory will be late-game relievers for the Tides. Mickolio had a 1.93 ERA this spring, while McCrory was at 2.25. Waters could be part of the rotation. Hennessey and Parrish might also factor into the mix once healthy. Both had arm problems this spring, costing them opportunities to make the Orioles.

The O’s needed the outfield insurance with Adam Jones straining his hamstring, Luke Scott dealing with a bruised shoulder, and Felix Pie coming down with a stomach illness. The 25-year-old Neimold earned the callup with a monster .396/.484/.755 line at Norfolk. Reliever Bob McCrory will change places with Reimold.

McCrory spent about a week and a half with the O’s, allowing five earned runs and five walks in five innings. He was bumped to clear room for Nolan Reimold.

McCrory made a strong case for a bullpen spot this spring and had allowed three runs in 12 innings for Norfolk. Ideally, he’d turn into a setup man for the Orioles.

“Listen, I feel terrible for Bob McCrory,” manager Dave Trembley said. “But on the other hand, I’m sure it gives him an answer on why he was pitching the way he was. ... He was not pitching the way we all felt that he was capable of pitching. It must have been something that he was dealing with for a while and he didn’t say anything.” McCrory will undergo surgery on Friday. He had allowed nine earned runs in 2 1/3 innings since his September 8 call-up.

Chances are he’s done for the season. McCrory first complained of shoulder problems over the weekend. He had allowed nine earned runs in 2 1/3 innings since his September 8 call-up.

McCrory had a 9.00 ERA over a brief three-game stint with the Orioles in May. The 27-year-old right-hander managed a 3.88 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 50 appearances out of Norfolk’s bullpen.

McCrory got his first taste of the majors at the end of April and allowed four runs in two-thirds of an inning over the course of two appearances. He ended up with a 3.80 ERA in 45 innings for Norfolk. The Orioles have looked at him as a potential closer, but they should be thrilled if he settles in as a seventh- or eighth-inning guy.

McCrory, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, would seem to be the one from the group most likely to remain in the organization. Hill had surgery in August to repair a torn labrum. He’s aiming to return in spring training, but it’s doubtful that he’ll open 2010 on a major league roster.