Player Profiles: Chris Tillman
Chris Tillman came to the Baltimore Orioles in the same deal that brought Adam Jones to the Orioles. Tillman was a second round draft pick in the 2006 draft and was selected by the Seattle Mariners. In 2008 Tillman was traded to the Orioles for Eric Bedard. Tillman is a tall right-handed starting pitcher.
The trade with the Mariners remains one of the Orioles best trades in history and really helped the Orioles turn back into a winning organization. Tillman made his Orioles debut on 2009 but struggled in his three seasons. In Tillman’s first three seasons he only had a combined seven wins.
To Tillman’s credit he did make his Orioles debut at the very young age of 21. Not only that but Tillman was still learning his change up, a pitch that has become one of his best pitches. Tillman also has a fast ball that can reach the mid 90’s and a very good curve ball. Tillman is a tall pitcher at 6’5” who throws downhill.
Hard work and dedication helped Tillman turn his career around after a not-so-great start. In 2012 Tillman completely turned things around and had a nine win season. Tillman started the 2012 season in AAA Norfolk and worked on fixing his mechanics. Tillman’s final record in 2012 was 9-3 with a 2.93 era.
The 2012 season was not a fluke for Tillman as he followed it up with an All Star season in 2013. Not only did Tillman become an All Star he also became the Orioles ace. Tillman had a 16-7 record with a 3.71 era in 2013 but would have had more wins if some of his games were not blown.
This is an example of a great start by Tillman that the Orioles failed to get the win.
Tillman is known for being a fly ball pitcher but in 2013 he became a strike out pitcher. Tillman struck out 179 batters in 2013 which is a large increase from the 66 he struck out in 2012. 2013 was Tillman’s first full season in the Major Leagues.
Tillman is one Orioles pitcher who hates being taken out of games. Tillman always tries to get deep into games even when he does not have his best stuff. Even when Tillman does not have all his pitches he somehow finds a way to keep the game in hand and give the Orioles a chance to win.
I think Tillman’s toughness and winning attitude sets him apart from other pitchers. It is because of Tillman’s qualities that I think he will have a fantastic career going forward. Tillman can eat up innings but when he is on his game he can be near unhittable and has been close to throwing no hitters in the past. Tillman has been able to stay healthy throughout his young career.
Update:
Tillman was release by the Orioles in July of 2018. Tillman had multiple injuries and was struggling the past few years.
Here are Tillman’s stats.
