Guthrie Pitching Strong in Spring Training

From The Capital newspaper in Annapolis:

Guthrie makes big pitch to O's

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - If Jeremy Guthrie intended to sneak under the radar to claim a spot in the Baltimore Orioles bullpen, the right-hander's stellar spring performance has changed his plan of attack.

"He might be a guy we're seriously considering whether we can carry him on the ballclub and how we can fit him in there to give us a multiple-inning guy," manager Sam Perlozzo said of Guthrie. "He's got a nice arm and it looks to me like he can pitch in the big leagues."

The Indians thought so, too, bestowing a then-franchise record $3 million signing bonus after drafting Guthrie with the 22nd overall pick in 2002. But after Guthrie went 0-0 with a 6.08 ERA in 16 games during five trials over three seasons, Cleveland designated him for assignment to clear a roster spot.

Baltimore claimed Guthrie off waivers Jan. 29, added him to the roster and invited him to spring training. Because he is out of minor league options, Guthrie must make the Orioles or again be exposed to waivers.

"To be designated when I was, that was a positive for me," said Guthrie, 27, who was 9-5 with a 3.14 ERA last year with Triple-A Buffalo. "It was before camp started, so it gave me a much better chance to be claimed, to have an opportunity."

Guthrie, who took off 1999-2000 for a Mormon mission to Spain after his freshman year at Brigham Young, has made the most of his chance. In five games, Guthrie has worked 10 innings to a 1.80 ERA, allowing two runs - one earned - on four hits, walking two and striking out nine.

Though the Orioles bulked up their bullpen with the offseason acquisitions of free agent relievers Jamie Walker, Danys Baez, Chad Bradford and Scott Williamson, none of them are long relievers. While Guthrie would prefer to start, he's been impressive enough to warrant consideration for a long relief role.

"It's good to be able to go in and make a good impression and play up to the ability you know you have," said Guthrie, who transferred to Stanford in 2000. "It's an opportunity. ... It's always nice to be somewhere where you have a chance."

Despite focusing on relief rather than starting, Guthrie hasn't changed his approach to pitching.
"I'm doing the same thing I've done the last two years - try to attack the hitters early, throw fastballs, try to get them to hit the ball," said Guthrie. "I think I get in trouble when I try to hit too many spots early and get behind guys."

Bullpen coach Dave Trembley saw plenty of Guthrie while managing Baltimore's Triple-A affiliate in Ottawa for the past two seasons. Trembley thinks the Orioles made a wise choice to offer the right-hander a second chance.

"He's quiet but intense at the same time. He's reserved but very committed. I think he lets his performances on the field do that talking," Trembley said. "The guy is a workaholic. He doesn't say a lot, but coming in here to a new club, I think he's taking the right approach."