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How do you prepare for a pitcher who’s about to make his Major League debut? By watching video. Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said Tuesday that he doesn’t know much about Minnesota starter Armando Gabino beyond what he’s seen in film study.

“He throws a changeup, not a split,” said Trembley of the rookie right-hander. ”He throws a slider, a sinker. He was a reliever. I’m sure he’ll be very excited to pitch. “

Trembley went on to say that Gabino is just like every other rookie in one respect: He’ll be excited to make his debut and perhaps a bit anxious about the challenge in front of him.

“What I’ve always found with young guys making their first start is if you get a chance early, you’d better not let them off the ropes,” he said. ”Because if you let them off the ropes, they’ll take a deep breath and feel like they got a second wind. You can’t let them have it.”

– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/