Chris Ray got another shot at a save in New York today. We all held our breath. But this time the outcome was much better as Ray dusted himself off and picked up his second save of the short year. That is right Bird fans the Orioles took 2 of 3 from the Yankees in New York today with a 6-4 victory.
Erik Bedard got the start today, and started a bit rough. He surrendered a 3-run homer to Alex Rodriguez who picked a great time to go on an absolute tear. But for the next six innings he would be untouchable giving up no runs and only 2 hits over that time. Bedard mixed his pitches and seemed to be bothered by the cold a bit, snow did periodically start and stop over the course of the game, but he pitched like an ace today regardless.
The bullpen needed to rebound and the Yankee lineup did not make it any easier. The Orioles went through Chad Bradford, Jamie Walker, John Parrish and Chris Ray to get through the last three innings. It is ALWAYS tough in New York.
Offensively the Orioles got their five of their six runs from unlikely places. Kevin Millar came through with a huge 2-run jack into monument park in the second. Millar had a good day going 2 -3 with the homer and a double, looks like he is finally putting things together. But the real kudos goes to backup catcher Paul Bako who launched a critical 3-run homer into the short porch in right field. I think even Bako was shocked it went out, his fist homerun since the 2004 season! And it could not have come at a better time. It gave the Orioles a 5-3 lead at the time. Millar would strike again in the 7th with a sacrifice fly that plated Miguel Tejada. The Yankees would score a run in the 8th. Jonny Damon scorched a triple past a chugging Jay Gibbons and he would score on a ground out later that inning.
Seeing Jaybles (Yeah, Jaybles) out there in left field makes me long for Jay Payton to get back healthy and fast. I like Jay, but left field does not suit him. Thankfully there hasn't been too many costly mistakes and he has looked passable out there, but I would rather not tempt fate anymore than we already have.
Opening day is Monday and I can not wait. I will be there camera in hand to give you a full report.
Great game today O's fans. I'm sure it put us all in a better mood for tomorrow.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Ray Vs. A-Rod
Last year, Chris Ray came into New York last year and stole one on a questionable call. One out away from their second win, bases loaded, against Alex Rodriguez. Last year Ray made A-Rod look silly.
Today, not so much.
A-Rod came up with a huge grand slam to power the Yankees to a 10-7 soul-crushing win.
The 8th and 9th innings undid the Orioles today. Baez came in the 8th and got one quick out, then back-to-back walks set up Jason Giambi for a monster 3-run blast into the right field seats. That inning was maddening for many reasons, highest on the list was Baez wasn't missing by much, but he wasn't getting the calls on the two walks - the one to Abreu especially.
That set up the 9th. Ray comes in and got two quick outs. Then a single to Robinson Cano, up comes Derek Jeter. Jeter worked a 1-1 count. Then a pitch came inside and he offered and the pitch clipped his finger. He started to trot off to first, BUT the first base ump said, "Not so fast. You swung. Strike two." The Orioles got a break. Jeter works the count 3-2 count. The pitch comes in, letter high. Ball four.
Personally I lost it, my hat flew across the room and the birds outside my window scattered with the string of obscenities that flowed from my mouth.
Bobby Abreu up, second pitch, hits him. Crap.
And then A-Rod.
Ray takes his first loss and blown save of the year, The Orioles fall to 1-4 on the season. The Orioles were up 7-3 going into the 8th inning. Steve Trachsel started today and looked great. He only had one bad inning, the fourth. At one point he retired 6 Yankees in a row and only allowed 4 hits, 2 of them to A-Rod.
A-Rod. That clutch hit he hit today, be prepared to see it everywhere. It will be on Sportscenter, it will be on PTI, it will be on Around The Horn, it will be dissected by Baseball Tonight. It will be EVERYWHERE for the next week. Unless of course he goes 0'fer tomorrow and leaves 8 men in scoring position.
One can hope. Who needs a drink?
A golden oldie from last year. Sums up all our feelings.
Today, not so much.
A-Rod came up with a huge grand slam to power the Yankees to a 10-7 soul-crushing win.
The 8th and 9th innings undid the Orioles today. Baez came in the 8th and got one quick out, then back-to-back walks set up Jason Giambi for a monster 3-run blast into the right field seats. That inning was maddening for many reasons, highest on the list was Baez wasn't missing by much, but he wasn't getting the calls on the two walks - the one to Abreu especially.
That set up the 9th. Ray comes in and got two quick outs. Then a single to Robinson Cano, up comes Derek Jeter. Jeter worked a 1-1 count. Then a pitch came inside and he offered and the pitch clipped his finger. He started to trot off to first, BUT the first base ump said, "Not so fast. You swung. Strike two." The Orioles got a break. Jeter works the count 3-2 count. The pitch comes in, letter high. Ball four.
Personally I lost it, my hat flew across the room and the birds outside my window scattered with the string of obscenities that flowed from my mouth.
Bobby Abreu up, second pitch, hits him. Crap.
And then A-Rod.
Ray takes his first loss and blown save of the year, The Orioles fall to 1-4 on the season. The Orioles were up 7-3 going into the 8th inning. Steve Trachsel started today and looked great. He only had one bad inning, the fourth. At one point he retired 6 Yankees in a row and only allowed 4 hits, 2 of them to A-Rod.
A-Rod. That clutch hit he hit today, be prepared to see it everywhere. It will be on Sportscenter, it will be on PTI, it will be on Around The Horn, it will be dissected by Baseball Tonight. It will be EVERYWHERE for the next week. Unless of course he goes 0'fer tomorrow and leaves 8 men in scoring position.
One can hope. Who needs a drink?
A golden oldie from last year. Sums up all our feelings.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Big Loe in the Boogiedown
The Birds take their uninspired, to put it nicely, 0-3 record into the Bronx tonight to open up a series against the hated, despised, loathed and poo-pooed New York Yankees. The Orioles may have some problems, but the Yanks are not beyond their own troubles.
1) The constant A-Rod, Jeter drama. Two of the best players in baseball playing on a legendary team in the most recognizable city in the WORLD and they can't find a way to co-exist. Frankly that is just pathetic.
2) The Orioles rotation looks shaky but the Yankees make-shift rotation leaves a lot to be desired. Due to the Bronx rain-out earlier this week the O's miss the return of Andy Pettite (noted Oriole killer) and draw Mike Mussina tonight. Up next for the Yankees...umm...errr...Kei Igawa (AKA The Dice-K consolation prize) and Darrel Rasner, yeah I hadn't heard of him either.
3) Injuries, injuries, injuries. Most importantly Jonny Damon "Will test his calf" before tonight's game, per ESPN, and he will be a game-time decision.
Sets up good for the O's right? Well, I have doubts. The Orioles just seem to have a habit of making no-name pitchers look like Cy Young. Boof Bonser skunked us last year in his second or third start in Baltimore (I was there, ugh) And seeing no-names in the Bronx makes that little voice in the back of my head chime in with said doubts. The Orioles' offense was fairly dreadful over the first series, scoring only 8 runs in 3 games. Is there any hope?
Cue: Adam Loewen.
Loewen in his games against the Yankees:
2-1, 2.63 ERA, 23K and holding the bombers to a .205 AVG. One word comes to mind - NICE.
Loewen is our best hope to get off the schnide in a hurry, and no better place to do it than in the Boogiedown. There is nothing better than the sound of 50 thousand Yankee fans shutting the hell up.
On a final note, ESPN's first round of power rankings came out, The birds? 27. "Will the Orioles sell out their home opener on Monday? We will be watching..." Only one way to stop the shots guys and that is win. Go get 'em Birds!
1) The constant A-Rod, Jeter drama. Two of the best players in baseball playing on a legendary team in the most recognizable city in the WORLD and they can't find a way to co-exist. Frankly that is just pathetic.
2) The Orioles rotation looks shaky but the Yankees make-shift rotation leaves a lot to be desired. Due to the Bronx rain-out earlier this week the O's miss the return of Andy Pettite (noted Oriole killer) and draw Mike Mussina tonight. Up next for the Yankees...umm...errr...Kei Igawa (AKA The Dice-K consolation prize) and Darrel Rasner, yeah I hadn't heard of him either.
3) Injuries, injuries, injuries. Most importantly Jonny Damon "Will test his calf" before tonight's game, per ESPN, and he will be a game-time decision.
Sets up good for the O's right? Well, I have doubts. The Orioles just seem to have a habit of making no-name pitchers look like Cy Young. Boof Bonser skunked us last year in his second or third start in Baltimore (I was there, ugh) And seeing no-names in the Bronx makes that little voice in the back of my head chime in with said doubts. The Orioles' offense was fairly dreadful over the first series, scoring only 8 runs in 3 games. Is there any hope?
Cue: Adam Loewen.
Loewen in his games against the Yankees:
2-1, 2.63 ERA, 23K and holding the bombers to a .205 AVG. One word comes to mind - NICE.
Loewen is our best hope to get off the schnide in a hurry, and no better place to do it than in the Boogiedown. There is nothing better than the sound of 50 thousand Yankee fans shutting the hell up.
On a final note, ESPN's first round of power rankings came out, The birds? 27. "Will the Orioles sell out their home opener on Monday? We will be watching..." Only one way to stop the shots guys and that is win. Go get 'em Birds!
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Birds Start the Year 0-2
Last night Daniel Cabrera was pretty dominant. Striking out 9, walking 4 but only one was a "bad walk." He surrendered 6 hits, only one that was hit with any power, a liner single up the middle. And he held the Twins lineup to only 3 runs.
Yet, the Orioles only got 2. The Birds dropped to 0-2 on the young season, the first time they have started 0-2 since 1995. Not the way one wanted to start the season, but there have been things to be happy about these first two games.
Game One:
"The Orioles can't hit lefties"
Got 4 runs and 7 hits off the best pitcher, not just LH pitcher, in baseball.
Game Two:
Daniel Needs to take the next step."
7IP 9K 4BB, 6H but NONE were hit hard and a sawed off broken flaire is what did him in.
The bullpen has been as good as advertised over the last two games pitching 5.1 innings of 1 run ball. All of them, especially Parrish, have looked strong. The defense has been stellar so far as well. Tejada has already pulled off some damn good DPs. Markakis has been flashing the glove and the arm in RF and Huff has been more than solid at first.
Gibbons and Patterson hitting the ball well. Their outs have been pretty loud. Gibbons' two doubles in game one were very encouraging.
Things to be concerned about:
Roberts and Mora have 2 hits between them to start the season (2-17.) Last night they left 3 men on base. Millar is still struggling with his current 0'fer. He also left 3 men on base himself last night.
The bottom half of the lineup will be a lot better once Hernandez and Payton return. And I will give Roberts and Mora the rest of the week before I start getting real nervous. So even with two losses, I'm still encouraged. Hernandez' bat is a huge hole right now, but that will take care of itself.
There has been a lot to be happy about in the past two games, now if we could just get the desired outcome.
Yet, the Orioles only got 2. The Birds dropped to 0-2 on the young season, the first time they have started 0-2 since 1995. Not the way one wanted to start the season, but there have been things to be happy about these first two games.
Game One:
"The Orioles can't hit lefties"
Got 4 runs and 7 hits off the best pitcher, not just LH pitcher, in baseball.
Game Two:
Daniel Needs to take the next step."
7IP 9K 4BB, 6H but NONE were hit hard and a sawed off broken flaire is what did him in.
The bullpen has been as good as advertised over the last two games pitching 5.1 innings of 1 run ball. All of them, especially Parrish, have looked strong. The defense has been stellar so far as well. Tejada has already pulled off some damn good DPs. Markakis has been flashing the glove and the arm in RF and Huff has been more than solid at first.
Gibbons and Patterson hitting the ball well. Their outs have been pretty loud. Gibbons' two doubles in game one were very encouraging.
Things to be concerned about:
Roberts and Mora have 2 hits between them to start the season (2-17.) Last night they left 3 men on base. Millar is still struggling with his current 0'fer. He also left 3 men on base himself last night.
The bottom half of the lineup will be a lot better once Hernandez and Payton return. And I will give Roberts and Mora the rest of the week before I start getting real nervous. So even with two losses, I'm still encouraged. Hernandez' bat is a huge hole right now, but that will take care of itself.
There has been a lot to be happy about in the past two games, now if we could just get the desired outcome.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
This Just In
As reported here first....
Paul Bako is out of the lineup tonight. No official word why, but you know he is still seeing stars from the shot he took last night. At least ROCH seems to think so. Alberto Castillo, Boston trade fodder, gets the start tonight.
Paul Bako is out of the lineup tonight. No official word why, but you know he is still seeing stars from the shot he took last night. At least ROCH seems to think so. Alberto Castillo, Boston trade fodder, gets the start tonight.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Baltimore Falls to Minnesota 7-4
Tonight was a game of streaks.
The Orioles' streak was 6 straight opening day wins, the longest active run. The Twins' had a much more impressive one. They had not lost a game that Johan Santana started at home since 2005!
As the teams got ready to take the field, a late scratch for the O's was Ramon Hernandez. He missed this evening and likely the entire Twins series with an oblique strain so much maligned back-up Paul Bako got the start. Giving the Orioles FOUR left handers against the best left handed pitcher in baseball.
Yikes.
The game started off well enough, but Bedard and the O's quickly fell behind in the second when Bedard gave up back-to-back homers to Justin Morneau and Torii Hunter. The O's would come back though tying and taking a 3-2 lead in the top of the fourth off of Santana.
In the bottom the Twins got one, and it could have
been more if it weren't for a STELLAR play by Bako with an assist by Markakis. Markakis gunned in a single towards the plate, after one run scored Justin Mornaeu tried to score, Bako received the throw and was promptly DECKED by the former hockey player. Bako held on to the ball for the out. His chin was bleeding but he didn't care, he wanted to play. After he got bandaged up he was right back in there, but you are not going to convince me that his head wasn't still ringing after the hit he took.
The fifth inning was not kind to Bedard as the Twins would tack on 2 more runs and finally chase him. The bullpen was very good tonight. Giving up one run over 4.2 innings. John Parrish, playing in his first ML game in over a year, looked especially good going 2 scoreless innings.
There were offensive highlights as Miguel Tejada absolutely CRANKED a solo shot into the left-center field seats. Gibbons had a good night as well. In fact the middle of the order tonight was a combined 6-12 with a HR , 3 doubles and 3 RBIs. If the heart of the Birds order can put up production like that more times than not the Orioles will win some games this year.
The real story though was Bedard getting hit hard. Bedard had some bright spots but he remains winless against the Twins, now 0-4 in his career. His final line looks pretty bad; 4.2IP 10H 6ER and 2HR. he would walk 2 and strike out 3. Bedard did not have his best stuff tonight but he was not helped out by home plate umpire Jerry "The Hutt" West. Now I know it is uncouth to go after the ump on the first night, but this guy's zone was floating everywhere, for both teams. Santana was glaring in at him, as was the Twins' bullpen. The normally calm Melvin Mora got in his face after a questionable call.
It's not that West was squeezing anyone, he was just all over the place leaving many hitters, again for both teams, swinging wildly because they were never really sure what was a strike or a ball.
Umpiring not withstanding, Bedard needs to pitch better. And he will.
We lost this one guys, but we will lose at least 60 more. So break it down:
THE GOOD: After early inning hacking the Orioles hitters settled down and started working their counts nicely. Tejada's dinger off Santana came on pitch 4 after he worked him to a 2-1 count. Bako even worked the count well today drawing the first walk of the evening off of Santana. While I am on Paul Bako, he was good today. He looked good behind the plate save for one errant ball that popped out of his glove he played a good catcher and saved at least one run by taking that shot. Seriously, if you didn't see it - find it. Bako got decked, I bet we hear tomorrow he has a mild concussion.
Also, the bullpen. The 42 Million dollar pen did its job tonight by cooling down the hot bats of the Twins. Some will probably say they should've gotten to them sooner, but you have to give Erik a chance to work through it. Its opening day and you don't want burn out your pen too soon in what sets up to be a tough series.
THE BAD: Bedard, plain and simple he got hit. He left too many balls out over the middle and the Twins hitters made him pay. He needs to be better, if he is we win that game.
THE UGLY: Jerry "Ham Sandwich" West. His zone was floating and pissing off both teams. Even Sutcliff on the ESPN feed was making comments on his inconsistency, especially in the later innings. Jay Gibbons' 7th inning AB was high comedy.
Tough loss today guy, but its only one. Tomorrow Daniel "I can't believe Melky is more famous than me" Cabrera goes up against Boof "Not John Wilkes" Bonser in the metrodome.
In the division: Jays and Yankees win, Sox and Rays lose.
The Orioles' streak was 6 straight opening day wins, the longest active run. The Twins' had a much more impressive one. They had not lost a game that Johan Santana started at home since 2005!
As the teams got ready to take the field, a late scratch for the O's was Ramon Hernandez. He missed this evening and likely the entire Twins series with an oblique strain so much maligned back-up Paul Bako got the start. Giving the Orioles FOUR left handers against the best left handed pitcher in baseball.
Yikes.
The game started off well enough, but Bedard and the O's quickly fell behind in the second when Bedard gave up back-to-back homers to Justin Morneau and Torii Hunter. The O's would come back though tying and taking a 3-2 lead in the top of the fourth off of Santana.
In the bottom the Twins got one, and it could have
been more if it weren't for a STELLAR play by Bako with an assist by Markakis. Markakis gunned in a single towards the plate, after one run scored Justin Mornaeu tried to score, Bako received the throw and was promptly DECKED by the former hockey player. Bako held on to the ball for the out. His chin was bleeding but he didn't care, he wanted to play. After he got bandaged up he was right back in there, but you are not going to convince me that his head wasn't still ringing after the hit he took.The fifth inning was not kind to Bedard as the Twins would tack on 2 more runs and finally chase him. The bullpen was very good tonight. Giving up one run over 4.2 innings. John Parrish, playing in his first ML game in over a year, looked especially good going 2 scoreless innings.
There were offensive highlights as Miguel Tejada absolutely CRANKED a solo shot into the left-center field seats. Gibbons had a good night as well. In fact the middle of the order tonight was a combined 6-12 with a HR , 3 doubles and 3 RBIs. If the heart of the Birds order can put up production like that more times than not the Orioles will win some games this year.
The real story though was Bedard getting hit hard. Bedard had some bright spots but he remains winless against the Twins, now 0-4 in his career. His final line looks pretty bad; 4.2IP 10H 6ER and 2HR. he would walk 2 and strike out 3. Bedard did not have his best stuff tonight but he was not helped out by home plate umpire Jerry "The Hutt" West. Now I know it is uncouth to go after the ump on the first night, but this guy's zone was floating everywhere, for both teams. Santana was glaring in at him, as was the Twins' bullpen. The normally calm Melvin Mora got in his face after a questionable call.
It's not that West was squeezing anyone, he was just all over the place leaving many hitters, again for both teams, swinging wildly because they were never really sure what was a strike or a ball.
Umpiring not withstanding, Bedard needs to pitch better. And he will.
We lost this one guys, but we will lose at least 60 more. So break it down:
THE GOOD: After early inning hacking the Orioles hitters settled down and started working their counts nicely. Tejada's dinger off Santana came on pitch 4 after he worked him to a 2-1 count. Bako even worked the count well today drawing the first walk of the evening off of Santana. While I am on Paul Bako, he was good today. He looked good behind the plate save for one errant ball that popped out of his glove he played a good catcher and saved at least one run by taking that shot. Seriously, if you didn't see it - find it. Bako got decked, I bet we hear tomorrow he has a mild concussion.
Also, the bullpen. The 42 Million dollar pen did its job tonight by cooling down the hot bats of the Twins. Some will probably say they should've gotten to them sooner, but you have to give Erik a chance to work through it. Its opening day and you don't want burn out your pen too soon in what sets up to be a tough series.
THE BAD: Bedard, plain and simple he got hit. He left too many balls out over the middle and the Twins hitters made him pay. He needs to be better, if he is we win that game.
THE UGLY: Jerry "Ham Sandwich" West. His zone was floating and pissing off both teams. Even Sutcliff on the ESPN feed was making comments on his inconsistency, especially in the later innings. Jay Gibbons' 7th inning AB was high comedy.
Tough loss today guy, but its only one. Tomorrow Daniel "I can't believe Melky is more famous than me" Cabrera goes up against Boof "Not John Wilkes" Bonser in the metrodome.
In the division: Jays and Yankees win, Sox and Rays lose.
Happy Opening Day!
Though its not REALLY opening day until the gates of Camden Yard open up, we do have baseball today. right now the Yankees are beating the Devil Rays 2-0. A-Rod already has one error and a K, nice.
More on the Orioles later tonight as the game approaches, for now - the first Flockcast of the season.
Enjoy
More on the Orioles later tonight as the game approaches, for now - the first Flockcast of the season.
Enjoy
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