THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505210205
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM ROBINSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
Next to pitcher Mike Birkbeck, the Tides player with the second-most time in the big leagues is catcher John Orton.
But as long as Alberto Castillo stays healthy, Orton could be one of the least-used men on the Tides.
The Mets acquired Orton, 29, from the Richmond Braves on May 1 for a player to be named later, essentially to serve as a backup to Castillo, who is four years younger. Orton played in 156 games for the California Angels from 1989 to 1993, splitting time in the big leagues and Triple-A all those seasons.
That experience and his strong defensive skills are exactly what the Mets sought for that role. And even though Orton's playing time could be slim, it beats what it would have been in Richmond, where a pair of younger catchers are being groomed.
``I was playing every day (in Richmond) until the 40-man roster guys came down,'' said Orton, who suffered a setback in 1993 when he tore a ligament in his right elbow and needed surgery. ``Then there was no room for me.''
Orton said he might have already established a place in the majors had he hit better in his first couple stints with the Angels.
But he has just a .200 batting average in 401 big league at-bats. He carried a .225 minor league average into this season, but in 19 at-bats with the Tides he has ripped the ball at a .474 clip, including a home run and four RBIs.
MOVE EXPECTED TODAY: Indications are that Birkbeck will be called up to the Mets after today's game and could get his first start Wednesday in New York against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jason Jacome is expected to be sent back to Norfolk. Birkbeck is 5-3 and fourth in the league with a 2.36 ERA.
MEDICAL UPDATE: Righthander Jason Isringhausen has said his shoulder felt tight before his two Triple-A starts, in which he did not allow a run, but tests have shown no obvious problem, trainer Joe Hawkins said. Two of the Tides doctors have examined Isringhausen and have ruled out labrum or rotator cuff trouble, so Isringhausen has been cleared for normal activity. ... Third baseman Aaron Ledesma is still bothered by a pulled quadriceps and was removed from Saturday's game, as he was last Tuesday. ... Utility man Greg Graham remains unavailable because of a pulled rib cage muscle.
TODAY'S STARTERS: The Tides and Toledo Mud Hens wrap up their series today at 1:15 p.m. Bill Pulsipher (5-2, 2.56), who is 3-0 with an 0.35 ERA at Harbor Park, will pitch for the Tides. Jose Lima (1-0, 1.29) goes for Toledo. Posters of Birkbeck will be given to the first 5,000 fans. by CNB