It’s that time of year again fellow O’s fans – Opening day is just one day away. We are all dying to get some nice weather, enjoy some of that “Orioles Magic,” maybe have a Boog’s pit beef sandwich and drink several of those specialized Natty Boh cans at 10 bucks a pop.
Just like the optimism that comes with springtime and that excitement to begin a new baseball season can help us overlook paying $100 for three beers, it seems to be that time of year again for optimism that Jake Arietta can be a significant contributor to the Orioles rotation this season.
Hopefully – unlike my wavering optimism about beer prices – by mid season, Jake will still be giving us all a reason to feel good about putting him back in the starting five this year.
Every O’s fan is familiar with the Jake Arietta meltdown that took place last season (I’d rather not re-hash it for fear of flashbacks).
After looking like a stud pitcher on opening day, I was beginning to drink the Orange Kool Aid – perhaps you were too… could Jake Arietta be that elusive ace we have been looking for? Sure he was young, sure he was unproven, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have high hopes.
Then, suddenly the Hindenburg exploded and crashed to the ground…
Cue the psychoanalysis:
In my opinion, like some of the other O’s top prospects of the past, Jake Arietta has just one hurdle to overcome…. Jake Arietta.
Baseball is such a mental sport. What these guys have going on in their heads 90% of the time separates the Tommy John’s of the baseball world from the Tommy Lasorda’s. The reality is that if you make it into the MLB you’re obviously good. Everyone there has the potential to be great. The mental side of the game is a major reason why everyone isn’t.
Arietta has all of the skills, mechanics, and pitches that make a starting pitcher great. Call me crazy but I believe he has the ability to be as great as any guy that has ever taken the mound in the MLB. Jake just needs some mental toughness like those other pitching icons to keep a few bad pitches from turning into a shelling. Jake needs to be that “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” kind of guy from now on if he wants his shot at greatness.
I believe that Jake Arietta can do it. Apparently Buck does too…now he just needs to.
And while the springtime is upon us and those cold, expensive beers go down so smooth, why not give Jake another start at the mound on opening day?
Why not get behind him tomorrow and help boost his confidence that Baltimore is behind him? After all, ‘tis the season for optimism, and I currently have plenty to go around.
And like all the other O’s fans watching the game Friday I will be hoping that this is the new beginning of a beautiful relationship with Baltimore for Jake Arietta for years to come.
Just please, this year Jake… don’t go breaking my heart.
2 Responses
Well put and good article, I concur that Jakes problem isn’t his arm but his head. Though he showed flashes of brilliance as a starter it was his humbling experience being sent down that made him effective in the pen in last september last year. I look forward to seeing his maturity this season.
Awesome read!