Given the season-long problems that the starters have had, it is likely that the next waive of call-ups will be sooner than later.  We know this: Guthrie, Uehara, Hill, and Bergesen will likely remain in place barring injury/sucktitude.  This leaves only one spot remaining, assuming management does the right thing and parts ways with Mr. Eaton.

There are many different scenarios that could develop for that fifth spot.  We could use up our remaining stop-gaps from AAA, those being Chris Waters and David Pauley.  This would be ok, although most here agree that neither of these two is a long-term solution in any way.

We could make a bold move and call-up one of the coveted youngsters from AAA, those being Chris Tillman and David Hernandez.  Many here at CC (including myself) would advise against this.  Both pitchers have things to work on which is well known among the Oriole informed.

That leaves the final starter not mentioned from AAA-Jason Berken.  With all of the pitching talent in our minor league system, someone like Berken can easily go overlooked (similar to Brad Bergesen's rapid ascent).  This is understandable given his relatively inauspicious beginnings.  Jason was a sixth-round draft pick out of Clemson with basically average size and average stuff.  His first two seasons (2006 and 2007) were spent in Aberdeen and Frederick respectively, where he showed more averageness.  It wasn't until last year when Berken was with the Bowie Baysox that he began to open some eyes.  In 145 innings, Berken walked only 38 batters and struck out 125 while going 12-4 with a 3.58 ERA.

This season Berken began at AA Bowie again, but this lasted only two relatively mediocre starts.  Since his promotion to AAA Norfolk Jason has made 5 starts, going 2-0 with a minuscule 1.05 ERA!!  This is remarkable and definitely will not continue, but Berken has at least served notice that he should be considered for the next call-up.  Nobody expected much from him, so like Bergesen anything we can get is basically a bonus.

So there are the options.  Who should get the call?  A "veteran" who is likely to not succeed?  A youngster who is likely not ready?  Or the guy in the middle of it all who is the most unlikely to have made it this far?  Your thoughts please...