No worries about Avery to Double-A

I see where some fans think the Orioles may be rushing 20-year-old outfielder Xavier Avery by promoting him to Bowie, a story we reported here yesterday. To that I say, don't worry about it. The O's are providing a player who has had a solid year with a new challenge and a chance to get his feet wet at the level he would likely be sent to next year anyway. In a best-case scenario, he does well and starts next season full of confidence beginning it at Bowie and maybe ending up making Triple-A at just 21. In a worst-case scenario, he is overmatched and starts next year back at Frederick. It would probably be for just a short time and before long, he'd be with the Baysox again. Under director of player development John Stockstill, the O's are moving some players faster than in the past. Some that have moved up this year, like Matt Angle and Joe Mahoney, have proven they can handle it. Everything I've seen and heard about Avery, tells me he'll be fine at Double-A. Don't expect Mahoney like stats from someone so youthful, but this is a young man with a good work ethic that is coachable and with a good head on his shoulders. In other words, just the kind of kid you are happy to promote. For most of these players, the organization has a bigger picture plan in mind. For Avery, that included the possibility to move to Double-A this year. Maybe it shows there is a sense of urgency throughout the entire organization now. It's time to challenge, not coddle, some of the top, young players. Avery to Double-A. I like that move. I like it a lot. Meanwhile, Delmarva pitcher Matt Hobgood has not been in a game since he left his July 31st start after nine pitches due to lower back spasms. Hobgood is getting closer to a return to the mound and threw a bullpen session this week. He may return to game action within a week.