Speaking of Brad Bergesen and Two Names No O's Fan Wants to Hear

Bergesen is the youngest Oriole to toss a complete game since Daniel Cabrera did so in 2004, also at the age of 23, also against the Braves. Cabrera's line: 9 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, six strikeouts, 2 walks.

Brad Bergesen is young (23), and he just tossed a complete game on the heels of an eight-inning gem. He's gone seven or more innings in each of his last four outings, giving up two runs or fewer each time. This is all very good news, but there's some less heartening news to consider as well.

Recent O's history suggests that youth and endurance don't necessarily translate to success. Avert your eyes, Orioles fans, because we're about to talk some D-Cab and some Sir Sidney.

Bergesen is the youngest Oriole to toss a complete game since Daniel Cabrera did so in 2004, also at the age of 23, also against the Braves. Cabrera's line: 9 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, six strikeouts, and two walks. Cabrera tallied six complete games in five Orioles seasons.



Oh, it gets worse.

Sidney Ponson threw six complete games at age 22, an accomplishment he matched the following season at age 23. Ponson pitched 28 complete games as an Oriole.

Ponson and Cabrera are just two of the young guns who have showed signs of promise for the Birds this decade. Other familiar names on that list include Adam Loewen, who took to the mound in 2006 at age 22; Hayden Penn, who pitched in 2006 at age 21; and Garrett Olson, who in 2007, like Bergesen, started for the O's at age 23.

These days, Loewen is reinventing himself an OF/1B in the Jays' system, Penn is trying to find his groove as a reliever with the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate after giving up three bases-loaded walks for the big club, and Olson is fluctuating between a starter's role and a relief role in Seattle.

Recent history be damned, I am choosing to remain excited about Brad Bergesen.



Who's been "going the distance" for the Birds?

Four complete games in 2008: Daniel Cabrera (2), Guthrie 1, Waters 1.

Four complete games in 2007: Cabrera, Bedard, Trachsel, Jon Leicester.

Five complete games in 2006: Kris Benson (3), Daniel Cabrera (2).

Two complete games in 2005: Sidney Ponson, Bruce Chen.

Eight complete games in 2004: Sidney Ponson (5), Rodrigo Lopez (1), Daniel Cabrera (1), Bruce Chen (1).

Nine complete games in 2003: Sidney Ponson (4), Pat Hentgen (1), Rodrigo Lopez (3), Eric Dubouse (1).