No, we’re not talking about Jay Gibbons’ batting average
By Christopher Heun
The Orioles have never been lower as an organization than they are right now.
That might seem like hyperbole, since the roster probably has more talent than five or six years ago and the farm system has improved since then.
But the results on the field haven’t changed in a decade. And the people making the decisions (or is it just one person, Uncle Peter?) haven’t learned from their mistakes.
They’ve fired their manager (for the third time in four seasons) but couldn’t convince the only guy they wanted as a replacement, Joe Girardi, to accept the job.
Just the thought of changing the manager proves that The Warehouse doesn’t get it: even with Earl Weaver at the helm, the Orioles are a bad ball club. They’re not a little luck and one big free agent signing away from contention. Not even close. Not when they can’t play .500 ball.
The only player on the roster who sensibly could be traded for meaningful prospects, Miguel Tejada, broke his wrist and won’t play again until after the July 31 trade deadline has passed.
If Peter Angelos really has accepted the need for a single person to be in charge of all baseball decisions, then he could have picked someone with success building a team from within. The man he named president of baseball operations, Andy MacPhail, has admitted he couldn’t develop position players in his 12 years in Chicago.
Breaking up the roster and acquiring as much young talent as possible is the only way the Birds will become contenders. But no one in The Warehouse seems to realize that. Otherwise, Tejada would have been traded long ago.
On top of that, two young pitching prospects who were supposed to blossom this season have spent most of their time on the disabled list. Adam Loewen is done for the year and Hayden Penn is turning into the second coming of Carl Pavano.
Daniel Cabrera, the third young arm always mentioned in the same breath as Loewen and Penn as the rotation of the future, has an ERA over 5.00. He's fully embraced his fate as the reincarnation of Bobby Witt.
In mid June, before Perlozzo was sent packing, I thought it couldn’t get any worse after the Birds were swept at home by the supposedly inferior Nats. Then they lost three more games, pushing their losing streak to eight. Then they fell into last place and 12 games under .500. Then Perlozzo was fired and the star player broke his wrist.
To be fair, newcomers Jeremy Guthrie and Brian Burres have stepped into the starting rotation and performed well, though much of their work has been wasted because of poor run support. Only two teams in the American League have scored fewer runs; only three have a lower slugging percentage.
No one should expect that to change anytime soon (Who’s excited about two more years of Aubrey Huff?) The only hitting prospect playing above Single A, outfielder Nolan Reimold, hasn’t played in nearly two months because of a strained oblique muscle. Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters, whom the Orioles drafted earlier this summer, will instantly become the club’s best minor league hitter once his agent, Scott Boras, allows him to sign a contract.
Some fans are holding their breath for Mark Texiera, a free agent after next season. Rather than meet the Rangers’ asking price in a trade, the Orioles would be wise to save their prospects and hope for the best once the first baseman hits the open market.
The good thing about hitting rock bottom is there’s no way to go but up. Now that the Birds have nestled into familiar territory, 10 games under .500, the bullpen will get better and some one-run games may go their way for a change. Even during their losing streak last month, they weren’t getting blown out.
The harder trick will be getting anything more valuable than AA relievers in return for mediocre veterans that predominate the Orioles roster. That’s a topic better left for another day.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
When We Were Winning - July 3, 1997
A recap of the O's most recent winning season
By Matthew Taylor
Even with the Birds' stirring victory last night, times are tough in Baltimore. But things haven't always been this bad.
As the O's head toward their 10th straight losing season, Roar from 34 will periodically take a look back at the team's most recent winning campaign, the 1997 Wire-to-Wire run. The "When We Were Winning" series is a reminder that things do change, and they hopefully will - for the better - with the Orioles.
Even just a decade ago - on July 3, 1997 - the game looked much different than it does today. The Tigers were in the AL East and still played in Tiger Stadium. The team was working on its fourth of 12 straight losing seasons.
Other franchises that are winning now but struggled then included the Red Sox (38-45, 17 games behind the O's in the East), the Twins (36-46, 7.5 out in the Central), and Oakland (36-50, 15 out in the West).
Here's what happened back in 1997, "When We Were Winning" ...
Twelve was the magic number for the Birds on July 3, 1997, as Jimmy Key picked up his 12th win of the season against the Detroit Tigers and Jeffrey Hammonds hit his 12th home run to power the O's to a 10-1 victory.
Key pitched eight strong innings, giving up five hits and only one run. Hammonds went 3-for-5, adding two doubles on top of his home run, with four RBIs. He also played all three outfield positions, not at the same time.
With the win the Birds' record stood at 54-27, putting them 7.5 games up on the hated Yankees. The Tigers fell to 38-43, dropping them to fourth place in the NL East, a game ahead of the last place Red Sox.
Attendance for the game at Tiger Stadium was 13,209.
By Matthew Taylor
Even with the Birds' stirring victory last night, times are tough in Baltimore. But things haven't always been this bad.
As the O's head toward their 10th straight losing season, Roar from 34 will periodically take a look back at the team's most recent winning campaign, the 1997 Wire-to-Wire run. The "When We Were Winning" series is a reminder that things do change, and they hopefully will - for the better - with the Orioles.
Even just a decade ago - on July 3, 1997 - the game looked much different than it does today. The Tigers were in the AL East and still played in Tiger Stadium. The team was working on its fourth of 12 straight losing seasons.
Other franchises that are winning now but struggled then included the Red Sox (38-45, 17 games behind the O's in the East), the Twins (36-46, 7.5 out in the Central), and Oakland (36-50, 15 out in the West).
Here's what happened back in 1997, "When We Were Winning" ...
Twelve was the magic number for the Birds on July 3, 1997, as Jimmy Key picked up his 12th win of the season against the Detroit Tigers and Jeffrey Hammonds hit his 12th home run to power the O's to a 10-1 victory.
Key pitched eight strong innings, giving up five hits and only one run. Hammonds went 3-for-5, adding two doubles on top of his home run, with four RBIs. He also played all three outfield positions, not at the same time.
With the win the Birds' record stood at 54-27, putting them 7.5 games up on the hated Yankees. The Tigers fell to 38-43, dropping them to fourth place in the NL East, a game ahead of the last place Red Sox.
Attendance for the game at Tiger Stadium was 13,209.
Yankee Opponents: Hot or Not?
Jeter's explanation for his team's struggles doesn't add up
By Matthew Taylor
It appears that Derek Jeter doesn't read Roar from 34. I know, I'm just as surprised as you are. If Jeter did read RF34 he would know better than to make the following statement after Sunday's loss to the A's.
The truth is exactly the opposite of Jeter's claim that "every team that's playing us is playing pretty good."
Consider that the A's had lost six of seven games headed into their series this past weekend against the Yankees. Or what about the Colorado Rockies? After sweeping the Yankees the Rockies went on an eight-game losing streak. San Francisco won two of three against New York and then promptly lost two of three to the Padres. And any O's fan can tell you that times have been, shall we say, a bit tough in Baltimore of late. The list goes on.
It's not just individual anecdotes that undermine Jeter's theory. Consider the combined June record of the Yankees' opponents last month: 105-136, a .435 winning percentage. Only three of the teams New York played in June had a winning record in the month: Arizona (15-13), Colorado (14-13), and Oakland (14-13). Clearly, the Yankees were losing to teams in June that were not playing very good baseball.
It all adds up to more myth making in the Bronx.
June records of Yankee opponents
Arizona: 14 – 13
Baltimore: 8 -17
Boston: 13 – 14
Chicago: 10 – 18
Colorado: 14 – 13
New York: 12 – 15
Oakland: 15-13
Pittsburgh: 10 – 15
San Francisco: 9 – 18
Combined record of Yankee opponents: 105 – 136
By Matthew Taylor
It appears that Derek Jeter doesn't read Roar from 34. I know, I'm just as surprised as you are. If Jeter did read RF34 he would know better than to make the following statement after Sunday's loss to the A's.
"It seems like every team that's playing us is playing pretty good. You try to stay positive but, yeah, it gets frustrating."We already debunked the myth(s) surrounding New York's June winning streak, but now we're going to have to re-visit the topic.
The truth is exactly the opposite of Jeter's claim that "every team that's playing us is playing pretty good."
Consider that the A's had lost six of seven games headed into their series this past weekend against the Yankees. Or what about the Colorado Rockies? After sweeping the Yankees the Rockies went on an eight-game losing streak. San Francisco won two of three against New York and then promptly lost two of three to the Padres. And any O's fan can tell you that times have been, shall we say, a bit tough in Baltimore of late. The list goes on.
It's not just individual anecdotes that undermine Jeter's theory. Consider the combined June record of the Yankees' opponents last month: 105-136, a .435 winning percentage. Only three of the teams New York played in June had a winning record in the month: Arizona (15-13), Colorado (14-13), and Oakland (14-13). Clearly, the Yankees were losing to teams in June that were not playing very good baseball.
It all adds up to more myth making in the Bronx.
June records of Yankee opponents
Arizona: 14 – 13
Baltimore: 8 -17
Boston: 13 – 14
Chicago: 10 – 18
Colorado: 14 – 13
New York: 12 – 15
Oakland: 15-13
Pittsburgh: 10 – 15
San Francisco: 9 – 18
Combined record of Yankee opponents: 105 – 136
Monday, July 02, 2007
All-Star is Lone Star for Orioles
Roberts will go it alone in San Francisco
by Matthew Taylor
Congrats to Brian Roberts, who made the AL All-Star roster via the Player Ballot. He's the O's lone All-Star representative.
The Orioles official MLB website makes the case for Roberts:
"Roberts went into Sunday's game ranked first among his positional peers in on-base percentage (.412) and second in batting average (.326). As if that's not enough of a case, only one other American League second baseman with at least 200 at-bats had a higher slugging mark (.454). Roberts also leads the league with 25 stolen bases."
Dayn Perry of Fox Sports thinks Roberts should be starting instead of Placido Palanco.
Meanwhile, CBS Sportsline lists Jeremy Guthrie among its All-Star snubs.
Says Guthrie: "If you look around, there's a number of starters and relievers who are having really big years. It's just good to be considered."
By any measure, the AL pitching staff is a tough rotation to crack.
by Matthew Taylor
Congrats to Brian Roberts, who made the AL All-Star roster via the Player Ballot. He's the O's lone All-Star representative.
The Orioles official MLB website makes the case for Roberts:
"Roberts went into Sunday's game ranked first among his positional peers in on-base percentage (.412) and second in batting average (.326). As if that's not enough of a case, only one other American League second baseman with at least 200 at-bats had a higher slugging mark (.454). Roberts also leads the league with 25 stolen bases."
Dayn Perry of Fox Sports thinks Roberts should be starting instead of Placido Palanco.
Meanwhile, CBS Sportsline lists Jeremy Guthrie among its All-Star snubs.
Says Guthrie: "If you look around, there's a number of starters and relievers who are having really big years. It's just good to be considered."
By any measure, the AL pitching staff is a tough rotation to crack.
Friday, June 29, 2007
New Videos
Check out the sidebar for some new O's videos from YouTube, including a classic Earl Weaver tirade.
There's No "I" in Team
And there's only one "t" in Jeter, a fact that obviously was lost on a fan behind home plate at last night's O's game.
In other news from last night:
-The O's and Yankees are responsible for the rule change that cost the Birds a rain-shortened win. Or are they?
The AP and The Washington Post tell somewhat different stories about rule changes.
From the AP:
"Before 1980, the score would have reverted to the start of the inning, giving the Orioles a 6-4 win. But the rule was changed after a game on Aug. 13, 1978, when Baltimore led 3-0 after six innings and the Yankees scored five runs in the top of the seventh. "
From The Post:
"The game fell under a new rule enacted this offseason, which states that if weather halts a game mid-inning it becomes suspended and resumes from that point. If the game was official (with five innings in the books) and was called after a completed inning, it would have been over.
Had the game unfolded last season, the Orioles would have won. Under the old rule, the game is taken back to the last completed inning, and the result stands."
Had the game unfolded last season, the Orioles would have won. Under the old rule, the game is taken back to the last completed inning, and the result stands."
-Some player reactions to the umpires' decision to keep playing in the downpour:
Melvin Mora
"He just tried to make Jeter hit so they can score one run and they can get out of here. That's what I think," said Mora, making a comment that could draw attention from the commissioner's office.
Mora said that he couldn't even see the ball cross home plate, and told Tschida that before Jeter's at-bat.
"I just asked [Tschida], 'You don't think it's too wet?' And he just started yelling at me and cursing. I said, 'You don't have to curse at me for asking a question.' And he was upset. I said, 'This is worse than when you stopped the game when we were winning. Why aren't you going to stop it now? I can't even see the ball.' And he was just cursing and cursing and cursing, and I was like, 'OK, this is not good.'"
Chris Ray
"I've never pitched in rain like that before," Ray said. "I was just trying not to throw the ball to the backstop. When they called it in the seventh inning and we had something going and it wasn't raining nearly as hard, and then it's pouring down rain and we're just out there in terrible conditions."
Compiled by Matthew Taylor
Melvin Mora
"He just tried to make Jeter hit so they can score one run and they can get out of here. That's what I think," said Mora, making a comment that could draw attention from the commissioner's office.
Mora said that he couldn't even see the ball cross home plate, and told Tschida that before Jeter's at-bat.
"I just asked [Tschida], 'You don't think it's too wet?' And he just started yelling at me and cursing. I said, 'You don't have to curse at me for asking a question.' And he was upset. I said, 'This is worse than when you stopped the game when we were winning. Why aren't you going to stop it now? I can't even see the ball.' And he was just cursing and cursing and cursing, and I was like, 'OK, this is not good.'"
Chris Ray
"I've never pitched in rain like that before," Ray said. "I was just trying not to throw the ball to the backstop. When they called it in the seventh inning and we had something going and it wasn't raining nearly as hard, and then it's pouring down rain and we're just out there in terrible conditions."
Compiled by Matthew Taylor
The O's Get Snowed in the Rain
Decision to re-start game costs the O's a rain-shortened victory
By Matthew Taylor
It looked like the Orioles had taken the lead at just the right time on Thursday night. The team rallied to go ahead 6-4 in the 7th inning, the heavens opened, and the sweep of the Yankees seemed to be complete.
Instead, the game re-started after an 18-minute delay, giving the Yankees an opportunity to score four runs in monsoon-like conditions. The game was delayed - and later suspended - after New York took the lead. The teams will pick up where they left off (on July 27, according to The Sun) with New York leading 8-6 in the 8th inning. Presumably, the weather conditions will be different.
Here's the rule in question:
4.12 SUSPENDED GAMES.(a) A game shall become a suspended game that must be completed at a future date if the game is terminated for any of the following reasons: (1) A curfew imposed by law; (2) A time limit permissible under league rules; (3) Light failure or malfunction of a mechanical field device under control of the home club. (Mechanical field device shall include automatic tarpaulin or water removal equipment); (4) Darkness, when a law prevents the lights from being turned on; (5) Weather, if a regulation game is called while an inning is in progress and before the inning is completed, and the visiting team has scored one or more runs to take the lead, and the home team has not retaken the lead ....
Melvin Mora argued vigorously with umpires Tim Tschida and Jim Joyce at the start of the second rain delay that the game should've been halted sooner. Amen, Melvin. Amen.
By Matthew Taylor
It looked like the Orioles had taken the lead at just the right time on Thursday night. The team rallied to go ahead 6-4 in the 7th inning, the heavens opened, and the sweep of the Yankees seemed to be complete.
Instead, the game re-started after an 18-minute delay, giving the Yankees an opportunity to score four runs in monsoon-like conditions. The game was delayed - and later suspended - after New York took the lead. The teams will pick up where they left off (on July 27, according to The Sun) with New York leading 8-6 in the 8th inning. Presumably, the weather conditions will be different.
Here's the rule in question:
4.12 SUSPENDED GAMES.(a) A game shall become a suspended game that must be completed at a future date if the game is terminated for any of the following reasons: (1) A curfew imposed by law; (2) A time limit permissible under league rules; (3) Light failure or malfunction of a mechanical field device under control of the home club. (Mechanical field device shall include automatic tarpaulin or water removal equipment); (4) Darkness, when a law prevents the lights from being turned on; (5) Weather, if a regulation game is called while an inning is in progress and before the inning is completed, and the visiting team has scored one or more runs to take the lead, and the home team has not retaken the lead ....
Melvin Mora argued vigorously with umpires Tim Tschida and Jim Joyce at the start of the second rain delay that the game should've been halted sooner. Amen, Melvin. Amen.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Dempsey in Durham
MASN markets the Birds down Southby Matthew Taylor
The Durham Bulls have announced that Rick Dempsey will appear at the team's July 3rd game to sign autographs and throw out the first pitch.
Dempsey in Durham? It doesn't make sense on the face of it. The Bulls are affiliated with the Devil Rays; the Mudhens are affiliated with the Tigers. Check out the sponsor, though, and the picture becomes more clear.
It's a shrewd move by MASN to strengthen its ties to the North Carolina market. The Birds were the nearest Major League Baseball team until the Nats started playing ball in D.C., and O's games are regularly televised in the state.
Since MASN broadcasts both the O's and the Nationals, it doesn't matter which organization gets top billing at Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP). However, the O's have more retired players with name recognition than do the Nats, and fans in North Carolina already have a history with the Birds.
If you haven't been to a game at the DBAP, it's well worth the drive. Having Rick Dempsey there is an added bonus. Time for a road trip.
"JULY 3RD CELEBRATION FEATURES FORMER MVP
Don't miss your chance to meet 1983 World Series MVP Rick Dempsey at the July 3rd game between the Durham Bulls and Toledo Mudhens presented by MASN. Before tossing out the ceremonial first pitch, Dempsey will host an autograph and photo session with from 6pm-6:45pm on the main concourse. Also during the game, the Bulls will wear special edition Red, White and Blue jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Meals on Wheels. Get your tickets here."
____________________
UPDATE: Turns out that MASN is actually fighting with Time Warner over channel position in North Carolina. The team - and perhaps more accurately, the network - needs all the positive publicity it can get, according to the News & Observer.
In an e-mail, Time Warner spokeswoman Melissa Buscher said that the cable provider believed Orioles and Nationals games were "of little interest" to its customers in North Carolina.
"MASN has insisted on carriage on our basic tier, which would result in almost all of our customers having to pay for a service which very few have any interest in," Buscher said.
Orioles games had been available in the Triangle for more than two decades until MASN obtained the baseball rights to this market from FSN South this season.
"When MASN pulled the rights to these games from Fox Sports Net in 2006, we received virtually no calls from customers," Buscher said.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Return of the Feel-Good Moment
One series doesn't make a season, but it sure does feel good
by Matthew Taylor
They say in Annapolis that it doesn't matter what Navy's football team does any other game of the year as long as they beat Army. It's not exactly the same situation in Baltimore, but I do find that a Birds series win over the Yankees helps heal some of this fan's constant baseball pain.
Each series against New York is almost a season of its own, which means the O's are doing pretty well in 2007. Here are some of my favorite moments from the the first two games of this week's match-up with the Yankees:
-Rick Dempsey butchering player names in "O's Extra," including my personal favorite, Milk-y Cabrera.
-Learning that the Yankees have the fewest saves in baseball this season; yes, even fewer than the Orioles.
The only objective Yankee fan I know told me during the team's recent win streak that he didn't think they could catch the Red Sox - or even make the post-season, for that matter - because their bullpen is so bad. That's not something you commonly hear about the Yankees, but it has a nice ring to it.
-Zero strikeouts for Roger Clemens, ending his streak of 200 consecutive starts with at least one strikeout.
As usual, Joe Torre provided plenty of spin for the Rocket: "I think Roger, knowing the conditions, always has a plan. There was never really a situation where he needed a strikeout Roger was thinking more about contact than striking people out, though it was an oddity."
I hope the Rocket is sharing some of his ridiculous wealth with Torre for the manager's PR efforts.
-Denying Clemens win No. 350.
-My wife's comment after Aubrey Huff's three-run home run on Wednesday night: "I'm going to have to change my opinion of Aubrey Huff. I'm not used to him getting big hits."
No, hon, you were right in the first place.
-O's fans yelling "I got it" to Alex Rodriguez as he ranged into foul territory for the final out of the 7th inning.
-Chad Bradford ringing up Jorge Posada with a wicked third strike on a full count in the 8th inning. With two runners on, one out, and the tying run in the on-deck circle, the setting was starting to look all too familiar.
-Hearing cheers for the Birds in Camden Yards during a series against New York, including a very audible "Yankees Suck" number late in the game.
-With absolutely no apologies to John Sterling: "Orioles win! Theeeeeeeee Orioles win!"
-Waking up Thursday morning and reading an AP story with this wonderful lead:
by Matthew Taylor
They say in Annapolis that it doesn't matter what Navy's football team does any other game of the year as long as they beat Army. It's not exactly the same situation in Baltimore, but I do find that a Birds series win over the Yankees helps heal some of this fan's constant baseball pain.
Each series against New York is almost a season of its own, which means the O's are doing pretty well in 2007. Here are some of my favorite moments from the the first two games of this week's match-up with the Yankees:
-Rick Dempsey butchering player names in "O's Extra," including my personal favorite, Milk-y Cabrera.
-Learning that the Yankees have the fewest saves in baseball this season; yes, even fewer than the Orioles.
The only objective Yankee fan I know told me during the team's recent win streak that he didn't think they could catch the Red Sox - or even make the post-season, for that matter - because their bullpen is so bad. That's not something you commonly hear about the Yankees, but it has a nice ring to it.
-Zero strikeouts for Roger Clemens, ending his streak of 200 consecutive starts with at least one strikeout.
As usual, Joe Torre provided plenty of spin for the Rocket: "I think Roger, knowing the conditions, always has a plan. There was never really a situation where he needed a strikeout Roger was thinking more about contact than striking people out, though it was an oddity."
I hope the Rocket is sharing some of his ridiculous wealth with Torre for the manager's PR efforts.
-Denying Clemens win No. 350.
-My wife's comment after Aubrey Huff's three-run home run on Wednesday night: "I'm going to have to change my opinion of Aubrey Huff. I'm not used to him getting big hits."
No, hon, you were right in the first place.
-O's fans yelling "I got it" to Alex Rodriguez as he ranged into foul territory for the final out of the 7th inning.
-Chad Bradford ringing up Jorge Posada with a wicked third strike on a full count in the 8th inning. With two runners on, one out, and the tying run in the on-deck circle, the setting was starting to look all too familiar.
-Hearing cheers for the Birds in Camden Yards during a series against New York, including a very audible "Yankees Suck" number late in the game.
-With absolutely no apologies to John Sterling: "Orioles win! Theeeeeeeee Orioles win!"
-Waking up Thursday morning and reading an AP story with this wonderful lead:
"This was one personal accomplishment that Roger Clemens really wanted, mostly because it would provide the New York Yankees with a lift they desperately needed.
It was a win-win situation. Clemens earns his 350th victory, and the Yankees end a three-game losing streak.
Unfortunately for Clemens and the Yankees, that scenario did not play out Wednesday night at Camden Yards.
Clemens was denied his milestone win, his streak of consecutive starts with a
strikeout ended at 200, and the Yankees lost to the Baltimore Orioles 4-0."
Monday, June 25, 2007
Beltway Baseball Wasn't Always So Bad
37 years ago today it would've been fun to be at the ballpark
by Matthew Taylor
The present ain't so good, the future's not so bright, so why not relish the Orioles' glorious past?
On this day in 1970 Frank Robinson hit two grand slams for the Birds as the O's defeated the Washington Senators 12-2. Check out the box score for the game, and you'll see the 8 RBIs next to Robinson's name. For his career, Robinson hit eight grand slams.
According to Baseball Almanac, only 12 players have hit two Grand Slams in a game, and three of them were Orioles: Jim Gentile (May 9, 1961); Robinson; and Chris Hoiles (Aug. 14, 1998).
Overall, Robinson batted .306, with 25 home runs, and 78 RBIs in 1970. He had a .398 on-base percentage, and a .520 slugging percentage. He walked just one less time (69) than he struck out (70), impressive numbers for a slugger.
As for the Birds, they won 108 games in 1970, taking the division by 15 games over the Yankees and beating the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. The team featured three 20-game winners (Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, and Dave McNally), three Gold Glove winners (Brooks Robinson, Paul Blair, and Davey Johnson), three future Hall of Famers (the Robinsons and Jim Palmer) and the AL MVP (Boog Powell).
by Matthew Taylor
The present ain't so good, the future's not so bright, so why not relish the Orioles' glorious past?
On this day in 1970 Frank Robinson hit two grand slams for the Birds as the O's defeated the Washington Senators 12-2. Check out the box score for the game, and you'll see the 8 RBIs next to Robinson's name. For his career, Robinson hit eight grand slams.
According to Baseball Almanac, only 12 players have hit two Grand Slams in a game, and three of them were Orioles: Jim Gentile (May 9, 1961); Robinson; and Chris Hoiles (Aug. 14, 1998).
Overall, Robinson batted .306, with 25 home runs, and 78 RBIs in 1970. He had a .398 on-base percentage, and a .520 slugging percentage. He walked just one less time (69) than he struck out (70), impressive numbers for a slugger.
As for the Birds, they won 108 games in 1970, taking the division by 15 games over the Yankees and beating the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. The team featured three 20-game winners (Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, and Dave McNally), three Gold Glove winners (Brooks Robinson, Paul Blair, and Davey Johnson), three future Hall of Famers (the Robinsons and Jim Palmer) and the AL MVP (Boog Powell).
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Yankees Find Fools Gold
June record is as deceiving as Torre's explanation for it
By Matthew Taylor
Yankee fans will boisterously tell you that the franchise is the best at, well, everything. Modesty does not come in pinstripes.
One thing in particular that the Bronx Bombers are good at is myth making. The organization has more legends - real and imagined - than perhaps any other professional sports team. From announcers to managers to players, myth making in New York is part of the job description.
On Saturday, Joe Torre attempted to add to Roger Clemens' real legend with what, if you're being generous, could be called hype. If you're being realistic, it's called propaganda. Pinstripe propaganda. More myth.
Asked to explain his team's recent run of success during one of Fox baseball's "informative" in-game interviews, Torre used the opportunity to blandish the Rocket. In short, Torre's thinking went, Clemens is the reason the Yankees have turned things around this month. Which, of course, is exactly what Clemens wants people to think. Too bad it's not true.
If Torre were being honest he could've offered a much simpler explanation for the Yankees' 14-6 record in June prior to Saturday's game against the San Francisco Giants: weak competition.
Aside from the Red Sox, whom the Yankees took two of three from to start the month, the combined monthly record for Yankee opponents in June is 46-71, good for a .393 winning percentage. Overall, those teams (the White Sox, Pirates, Diamondbacks, Mets, Rockies, and Giants) are a combined 209-225 for the season, good for a .481 winning percentage. In other words, the teams the Yankees have played during their win streak are either (a) not very good (the White Sox, Pirates, and Giants) or (b) they are slumping (the Mets).
Sure, the Mets are battling for first place in the NL East, but they headed into the Yankees series riding a four-game losing streak and having lost 10 of 12. The Yankees beat a slumping team.
Or consider the Rockies, the one hot team the Yankees have played since ripping off nine straight wins. Colorado came into the Yankees series having won 10 of 15 and continued their winning ways by sweeping the Evil Empire, who had previously won 10 of 12.
The truth is that the Yankees aren't as bad as their early-season run of futility would indicate. But they're also not as good as their June record suggests. And the Rocket is just a small part of it all.
Next up for New York: the Orioles. The trend continues.
____________________________________
Monthly Records of the Yankees' June Opponents (through Friday, June 22)
*Red Sox not included
White Sox: 5-15
29-41 overall, next to last place in the AL Central
Pirates: 8-12
31-42 overall, next to last place in NL Central
Diamondbacks: 10-9
42-32 overall, tied for second in the NL West
Mets (2 of 3): 5-14
39-32 overall, first place in the NL East
Rockies: 13-6
38-36 overall, next to last in the NL West
Giants: 5-15
30-42 overall, last place in the NL West
Combined opponents' records
June: 46-71, .393 winning percentage
Overall: 209-225, .481 winning percentage
By Matthew Taylor
Yankee fans will boisterously tell you that the franchise is the best at, well, everything. Modesty does not come in pinstripes.
One thing in particular that the Bronx Bombers are good at is myth making. The organization has more legends - real and imagined - than perhaps any other professional sports team. From announcers to managers to players, myth making in New York is part of the job description.
On Saturday, Joe Torre attempted to add to Roger Clemens' real legend with what, if you're being generous, could be called hype. If you're being realistic, it's called propaganda. Pinstripe propaganda. More myth.
Asked to explain his team's recent run of success during one of Fox baseball's "informative" in-game interviews, Torre used the opportunity to blandish the Rocket. In short, Torre's thinking went, Clemens is the reason the Yankees have turned things around this month. Which, of course, is exactly what Clemens wants people to think. Too bad it's not true.
If Torre were being honest he could've offered a much simpler explanation for the Yankees' 14-6 record in June prior to Saturday's game against the San Francisco Giants: weak competition.
Aside from the Red Sox, whom the Yankees took two of three from to start the month, the combined monthly record for Yankee opponents in June is 46-71, good for a .393 winning percentage. Overall, those teams (the White Sox, Pirates, Diamondbacks, Mets, Rockies, and Giants) are a combined 209-225 for the season, good for a .481 winning percentage. In other words, the teams the Yankees have played during their win streak are either (a) not very good (the White Sox, Pirates, and Giants) or (b) they are slumping (the Mets).
Sure, the Mets are battling for first place in the NL East, but they headed into the Yankees series riding a four-game losing streak and having lost 10 of 12. The Yankees beat a slumping team.
Or consider the Rockies, the one hot team the Yankees have played since ripping off nine straight wins. Colorado came into the Yankees series having won 10 of 15 and continued their winning ways by sweeping the Evil Empire, who had previously won 10 of 12.
The truth is that the Yankees aren't as bad as their early-season run of futility would indicate. But they're also not as good as their June record suggests. And the Rocket is just a small part of it all.
Next up for New York: the Orioles. The trend continues.
____________________________________
Monthly Records of the Yankees' June Opponents (through Friday, June 22)
*Red Sox not included
White Sox: 5-15
29-41 overall, next to last place in the AL Central
Pirates: 8-12
31-42 overall, next to last place in NL Central
Diamondbacks: 10-9
42-32 overall, tied for second in the NL West
Mets (2 of 3): 5-14
39-32 overall, first place in the NL East
Rockies: 13-6
38-36 overall, next to last in the NL West
Giants: 5-15
30-42 overall, last place in the NL West
Combined opponents' records
June: 46-71, .393 winning percentage
Overall: 209-225, .481 winning percentage
Friday, June 22, 2007
And a Pitching Coach to Be Named Later
Mazzone, and the O's as a jilted loverBy Matthew Taylor
We don't know if the Orioles will lose Leo Mazzone when his contract expires after the 2008 season, but we do know who the Birds lost in order to acquire Mazzone: current Myrtle Beach Pelicans Pitcher Moises Hernandez.
Hernandez, the older brother of Seattle Mariners Ace Felix Hernandez, currently leads the Carolina League with nine wins. Hernandez (9-2, 3.09 ERA) was named to the Carolina League All-Star roster this season and pitched in the Carolina League vs. California League All-Star Game on June 19, hurling one inning and allowing two runs on two hits.
Hernandez, the older brother of Seattle Mariners Ace Felix Hernandez, currently leads the Carolina League with nine wins. Hernandez (9-2, 3.09 ERA) was named to the Carolina League All-Star roster this season and pitched in the Carolina League vs. California League All-Star Game on June 19, hurling one inning and allowing two runs on two hits.
The Birds signed Hernandez in 2001. He was sent to the Atlanta Braves as compensation for Pitching Coach Leo Mazzone leaving to join the O's.
Attendance decline continues at Camden Yards;
Fans busy "washing their hair"
Is it just me, or is the Orioles' search for a new manager starting to resemble a bad dating experience?
Joe Girardi and Dusty Baker have both stated in some form that: they're flattered by the team's interest in them; the timing isn't right; and it's just not the right fit.
Girardi: In an interview with The Sun yesterday, Girardi, 42, didn't get into specifics, but said repeatedly that the job just wasn't a good fit for him right now.
"I was flattered that the Orioles called me," said Girardi. "It's a great city, a great organization. I have the utmost respect for Andy. As a coach or a player, I always loved going there [to Baltimore]. I am not going to get into a whole lot, but it just wasn't the right time for my family. I was impressed. But timing-wise, it just wasn't right."
Baker: "To me, the Orioles are a great organization and everything, and my passion is baseball," Baker said. "I want to get back into managing, but only if the right situation comes. Right now, it's a bit early for me. At this point, I would probably say it's not the right fit right now."
Next, Davey Johnson will tell Peter Angelos, "It's not you, it's me."
Attendance decline continues at Camden Yards;
Fans busy "washing their hair"
Is it just me, or is the Orioles' search for a new manager starting to resemble a bad dating experience?
Joe Girardi and Dusty Baker have both stated in some form that: they're flattered by the team's interest in them; the timing isn't right; and it's just not the right fit.
Girardi: In an interview with The Sun yesterday, Girardi, 42, didn't get into specifics, but said repeatedly that the job just wasn't a good fit for him right now.
"I was flattered that the Orioles called me," said Girardi. "It's a great city, a great organization. I have the utmost respect for Andy. As a coach or a player, I always loved going there [to Baltimore]. I am not going to get into a whole lot, but it just wasn't the right time for my family. I was impressed. But timing-wise, it just wasn't right."
Baker: "To me, the Orioles are a great organization and everything, and my passion is baseball," Baker said. "I want to get back into managing, but only if the right situation comes. Right now, it's a bit early for me. At this point, I would probably say it's not the right fit right now."
Next, Davey Johnson will tell Peter Angelos, "It's not you, it's me."
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Joe Girardi: Take This Ballclub, Please!
Second thoughts as we wait for the new skipper to be named
-- The Sun, Thursday, June 21
The coronation of Joe Girardi, former manager of the Marlins and current TV analyst for the Yankees, as the new Orioles manager sure is stalling longer than the Bay Bridge on the Fourth of July.
That leaves us to wonder about a few things:
1. Ever since his 2006 N.L. Manager of the Year award made him a hot commodity, could Girardi be holding out for a deal like Roger Clemens enjoys? He’ll only manage the O’s when they’re in New York or Chicago, where he has roots.
2. Why would anyone want to manage the Orioles, anyway? (This isn’t a joke. This is a serious question.)
3. Will Girardi get the same free pass his first year as was afforded Leo Mazzone in 2006? The pitching guru arrived in Baltimore last spring with high expectations that he could wave his magic wand and turn the Orioles pitchers into clones of those from his Atlanta years. Except it didn’t work out that way.
[Last year, only Kansas City pitchers walked more batters or had a worse ERA. But so far in 2007, the Orioles are sixth in the league in ERA, fifth in strikeouts and have allowed the fourth fewest homers. All this despite still leading the league in walks.]
4. Rick Dempsey says he’d love to manage the O’s. What would satisfy (or even excite?) more fans: Girardi at the helm or Dempsey as skipper of a team that simultaneously restores “Baltimore” to its road jerseys?
5. No matter who’s put in charge, could they please tell Kevin Millar to put his bat where his mouth is?
As of 9:30 last night, MacPhail said, contract talks hadn't begun. … Still, all indications are that the job is Girardi's to accept. … Not having interviewed any other candidates fuels the perception that Girardi is the Orioles' man.
-- The Sun, Thursday, June 21
The coronation of Joe Girardi, former manager of the Marlins and current TV analyst for the Yankees, as the new Orioles manager sure is stalling longer than the Bay Bridge on the Fourth of July.
That leaves us to wonder about a few things:
1. Ever since his 2006 N.L. Manager of the Year award made him a hot commodity, could Girardi be holding out for a deal like Roger Clemens enjoys? He’ll only manage the O’s when they’re in New York or Chicago, where he has roots.
2. Why would anyone want to manage the Orioles, anyway? (This isn’t a joke. This is a serious question.)
3. Will Girardi get the same free pass his first year as was afforded Leo Mazzone in 2006? The pitching guru arrived in Baltimore last spring with high expectations that he could wave his magic wand and turn the Orioles pitchers into clones of those from his Atlanta years. Except it didn’t work out that way.
[Last year, only Kansas City pitchers walked more batters or had a worse ERA. But so far in 2007, the Orioles are sixth in the league in ERA, fifth in strikeouts and have allowed the fourth fewest homers. All this despite still leading the league in walks.]
4. Rick Dempsey says he’d love to manage the O’s. What would satisfy (or even excite?) more fans: Girardi at the helm or Dempsey as skipper of a team that simultaneously restores “Baltimore” to its road jerseys?
5. No matter who’s put in charge, could they please tell Kevin Millar to put his bat where his mouth is?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Can We Hire Andy’s Dad Instead?
New team president is no stranger to losing
By Christopher Heun
Peter Angelos thinks the answer to the Orioles problems can be fixed by a guy who in 12 seasons steering the Cubs had a losing record of 915-1,011.
The Orioles formally introduced Andy MacPhail as the new president of baseball operations today. From 1994 to 2006, he was the president and CEO of the Cubs; during that time the team made the playoffs only twice, including 1998, when they managed to eke into the postseason by beating the Giants in a wild-card playoff.
In other words, nobody in The Warehouse will have to worry any time soon about the hassle of taking orders for playoff tickets.
To be fair, MacPhail was also GM of the Twins from 1985 to 1994, when the team won two World Series. But their overall record was just 787-784 during his tenure.
The 1987 Twins set a record for fewest regular season victories by a World Series champion with 85 (subsequently broken last year by the 83-79 Cardinals). In 1991, they won it all after having finished in last place the previous year.
For Orioles fans, the most depressing mark on the MacPhail resume is his own admission that the Cubs failed to produce young talent. When MacPhail resigned from the Cubs last October, he “admitted they have done a poor job of developing position players in the farm system.”
Despite all this, Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports thinks MacPhail is a good move:
“The hiring of former Cubs executive Andy MacPhail as chief operating officer is a step in the right direction, but only if Angelos recognizes the need for a greater overhaul.”
Maybe MacPhail can dig up an old copy of the Oriole Way handbook in his family’s attic. His father and grandfather are both in the Hall of Fame: Dad Lee MacPhail was the Orioles general manger from 1958-65 and later became the president of the American League; Between 1933 and 1947 Larry MacPhail was the chief executive of the Cincinnati Reds, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the New York Yankees.
When the season started, I thought about writing a sarcastic post comparing the Orioles chances this year with those of the Nationals, who looked like a lock to lose 100 games. But now, after sweeping a series at Camden Yards, the Nats actually have the better record.
And who is the president of the Nationals? Stan Kasten, the man who held the same position with the Atlanta Braves for 17 years, during which it won 12 consecutive division titles.
Makes you wonder which team, the Nats or the O’s, will turn it around first.
By Christopher Heun
Peter Angelos thinks the answer to the Orioles problems can be fixed by a guy who in 12 seasons steering the Cubs had a losing record of 915-1,011.
The Orioles formally introduced Andy MacPhail as the new president of baseball operations today. From 1994 to 2006, he was the president and CEO of the Cubs; during that time the team made the playoffs only twice, including 1998, when they managed to eke into the postseason by beating the Giants in a wild-card playoff.
In other words, nobody in The Warehouse will have to worry any time soon about the hassle of taking orders for playoff tickets.
To be fair, MacPhail was also GM of the Twins from 1985 to 1994, when the team won two World Series. But their overall record was just 787-784 during his tenure.
The 1987 Twins set a record for fewest regular season victories by a World Series champion with 85 (subsequently broken last year by the 83-79 Cardinals). In 1991, they won it all after having finished in last place the previous year.
For Orioles fans, the most depressing mark on the MacPhail resume is his own admission that the Cubs failed to produce young talent. When MacPhail resigned from the Cubs last October, he “admitted they have done a poor job of developing position players in the farm system.”
Despite all this, Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports thinks MacPhail is a good move:
“The hiring of former Cubs executive Andy MacPhail as chief operating officer is a step in the right direction, but only if Angelos recognizes the need for a greater overhaul.”
Maybe MacPhail can dig up an old copy of the Oriole Way handbook in his family’s attic. His father and grandfather are both in the Hall of Fame: Dad Lee MacPhail was the Orioles general manger from 1958-65 and later became the president of the American League; Between 1933 and 1947 Larry MacPhail was the chief executive of the Cincinnati Reds, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the New York Yankees.
When the season started, I thought about writing a sarcastic post comparing the Orioles chances this year with those of the Nationals, who looked like a lock to lose 100 games. But now, after sweeping a series at Camden Yards, the Nats actually have the better record.
And who is the president of the Nationals? Stan Kasten, the man who held the same position with the Atlanta Braves for 17 years, during which it won 12 consecutive division titles.
Makes you wonder which team, the Nats or the O’s, will turn it around first.
The Ups and Downs of the Birds
What a difference two months make
By Matthew Taylor
The term "roller coaster season" may be cliché, but it's becoming a way of life for Birds fans in recent years.
There are obviously more downs than ups any time you're talking about a team that's working on a 10-year losing streak. However, the O's have a way of plummeting particularly hard after offering glimmers of hope to a fan base that's starved for even the slightest hint that the dark clouds over Camden Yards might finally be parting. These sudden drops offer fresh ways of of piercing the armor of even the most hardened, pessimistic, underdog fans.
Remember 2005?
-Fourteen games over .500, 4.5 games up, on May 26.
-Sixty-two days in first place. Leading the AL East until June 23.
-A "near perfect weekend" in July when the Orioles took three out of four from the defending champion Red Sox heading into the All-Star Break.
-Palmerio three hits shy of 3,000 at the Break.
And then the bottom fell out.
Noone expected the Birds to win the AL East this season, but .500 was a realistic goal for 2007. Believe it or not, there was a guarded sense of optimism in Charm City during the first month of the season.
Looking back on some of The Sun's April coverage, two months seems like a lifetime ago.
____________
Excerpts from: "Birds of a Feather; The O's Hang Out Together. Now, Can They Win Together?"
April 20, 2007
Jeff Zrebiec
Walker, a 35-year-old veteran who made his big league debut 10 years ago, was one of 16 players or coaches who at the start of the month experienced their first Opening Day as Orioles. He was signed primarily because he was a left-handed reliever who could get people out, something that was sorely missing from the 2006 Orioles.
But he also fit in with what the front office has been trying to do for the past two seasons - repair a clubhouse that was fractured during the once-promising 2005 season because of losing, steroid allegations and other off-the-field problems.
"It was best available talent and then best available character. Those were the two criteria that we focused a lot on," club vice president Jim Duquette said. "It's been a concerted effort based on what happened in 2005. I am impressed with how quickly it has come together."
The Orioles, who bring an 8-7 record into the start of a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at Camden Yards, have given off some mixed signals through the first three weeks of the season. Their overhauled bullpen has justified the front office's $42 million-plus investment. Their offense, defense and starting pitching have been good at times, but also prone to lapses.
But the longest-tenured members of the organization acknowledge there is a different feel in the clubhouse. They said that the 2007 Orioles are looser and closer-knit.
"That's a part of why we win," designated hitter-first baseman Kevin Millar said. "There is a feel of trust in this clubhouse. It's been awesome. Trust, caring for each other, pulling for each other - that equals W's. Your talent is going to take over for an extent, but you'll lose a lot of games when you don't have guys that care about each other."
...
Winning attitude
Huff scoffed at the notion that clubhouse chemistry is overrated.
"That's [wrong]. If it's anything, it's underrated," Huff said. "I think if you have a team with good chemistry, it makes you play better baseball on the field. I've been on teams where guys couldn't stand each other and it was the most miserable season. I honestly believe that you can't win without it."
In the past, Orioles utility man Chris Gomez would have disagreed with Huff's statement. Gomez, 35, who is playing in his 15th major league season, said he has long felt camaraderie was overvalued. But he didn't feel that way after being in the dugout Monday when the team erased a six-run deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
"I haven't seen excitement like that since I've been here," said Gomez, an Oriole since 2005. "Guys were pulling for each other. It was pure excitement over a game that we probably shouldn't have won. There was a lot of unselfishness between teammates. It probably does help."
Excerpts from: "Orioles' Pen is Mightier; Club's Relievers Retire Nine of 10 Batters as O's Rally to Win Series."
April 19, 2007
Jeff Zrebiec
Bedard (3-1) left the game with two outs in the sixth inning and the Orioles' lead down to 5-4. But Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo used four relievers to get the last 10 outs, including closer Chris Ray, who struck out the side in the ninth for his fifth save. The bullpen retired nine of the 10 hitters it faced, helping the club improve to 8-7.
"It's unbelievable," said Ray, who has allowed one base runner in six appearances since surrendering the walk-off grand slam to New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez on April 7. "My job is a heck of a lot easier when you have all those guys before me going in there, setting the tempo, and keeping the momentum on our side and keeping the score the same when it gets to me. I'm throwing just one inning instead of an inning plus. The guys behind me are getting guys out left and right."
...
The bullpen, which was rebuilt this offseason to the cost of approximately $42 million after last year's group was the second worst in the league, allowed just six hits and one earned run in 13 innings of work.
"[The bullpen] has made all the difference in the world," said designated hitter Kevin Millar, whose bloop RBI double in the fifth inning scored Miguel Tejada and gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead. "That's what [the front office] attacked this offseason ... and it is paying off right now."
Excerpt from: "So Far, Orioles Right On Money With Their Revamped Bullpen."
April 17, 2007
John Eisenberg
...
But so far, so good.
Each of the Fab Four has been effective, with Walker (1.50 ERA in eight appearances) looking especially sharp. Fittingly, the only one who has looked slightly shaky (4.05 ERA in seven appearances) is the highest-paid: Baez, who signed a three-year, $19 million deal.You're probably looking at one of baseball's better bullpens when you throw in Ray, a star closer in the making, and left-hander John Parrish, who has pitched his way into the mix.
Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo is going to have to figure out how not to burn out Walker, Bradford and Ray, but having dependable options sure beats last year's nightmare.
As I said, it's still early and there are going to be hiccups, but protecting a larger percentage of their leads could propel the Orioles close to .500. The fact that they had to overpay doesn't matter. After years of botching patches, the sight of a solid bullpen is priceless.
____________
To be fair, Eisenberg's column was cautious. For example, he acknowledged of the Orioles that, "During nine straight losing seasons, they have all but perfected the art of the BBP - the botched bullpen patch." Eisenberg added, "Throwing money at any pitching problem is a risky proposition these days. "
Orioles Warehouse notes, "there is value in having a columnist in Eisenberg who has covered the local team over a long period of time and in the process has acquired an intimate sense of its history and tradition."
In other words, Eisenberg has ridden this roller coaster before.
By Matthew Taylor
The term "roller coaster season" may be cliché, but it's becoming a way of life for Birds fans in recent years.
There are obviously more downs than ups any time you're talking about a team that's working on a 10-year losing streak. However, the O's have a way of plummeting particularly hard after offering glimmers of hope to a fan base that's starved for even the slightest hint that the dark clouds over Camden Yards might finally be parting. These sudden drops offer fresh ways of of piercing the armor of even the most hardened, pessimistic, underdog fans.
Remember 2005?
-Fourteen games over .500, 4.5 games up, on May 26.
-Sixty-two days in first place. Leading the AL East until June 23.
-A "near perfect weekend" in July when the Orioles took three out of four from the defending champion Red Sox heading into the All-Star Break.
-Palmerio three hits shy of 3,000 at the Break.
And then the bottom fell out.
Noone expected the Birds to win the AL East this season, but .500 was a realistic goal for 2007. Believe it or not, there was a guarded sense of optimism in Charm City during the first month of the season.
Looking back on some of The Sun's April coverage, two months seems like a lifetime ago.
____________
Excerpts from: "Birds of a Feather; The O's Hang Out Together. Now, Can They Win Together?"
April 20, 2007
Jeff Zrebiec
Walker, a 35-year-old veteran who made his big league debut 10 years ago, was one of 16 players or coaches who at the start of the month experienced their first Opening Day as Orioles. He was signed primarily because he was a left-handed reliever who could get people out, something that was sorely missing from the 2006 Orioles.
But he also fit in with what the front office has been trying to do for the past two seasons - repair a clubhouse that was fractured during the once-promising 2005 season because of losing, steroid allegations and other off-the-field problems.
"It was best available talent and then best available character. Those were the two criteria that we focused a lot on," club vice president Jim Duquette said. "It's been a concerted effort based on what happened in 2005. I am impressed with how quickly it has come together."
The Orioles, who bring an 8-7 record into the start of a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at Camden Yards, have given off some mixed signals through the first three weeks of the season. Their overhauled bullpen has justified the front office's $42 million-plus investment. Their offense, defense and starting pitching have been good at times, but also prone to lapses.
But the longest-tenured members of the organization acknowledge there is a different feel in the clubhouse. They said that the 2007 Orioles are looser and closer-knit.
"That's a part of why we win," designated hitter-first baseman Kevin Millar said. "There is a feel of trust in this clubhouse. It's been awesome. Trust, caring for each other, pulling for each other - that equals W's. Your talent is going to take over for an extent, but you'll lose a lot of games when you don't have guys that care about each other."
...
Winning attitude
Huff scoffed at the notion that clubhouse chemistry is overrated.
"That's [wrong]. If it's anything, it's underrated," Huff said. "I think if you have a team with good chemistry, it makes you play better baseball on the field. I've been on teams where guys couldn't stand each other and it was the most miserable season. I honestly believe that you can't win without it."
In the past, Orioles utility man Chris Gomez would have disagreed with Huff's statement. Gomez, 35, who is playing in his 15th major league season, said he has long felt camaraderie was overvalued. But he didn't feel that way after being in the dugout Monday when the team erased a six-run deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
"I haven't seen excitement like that since I've been here," said Gomez, an Oriole since 2005. "Guys were pulling for each other. It was pure excitement over a game that we probably shouldn't have won. There was a lot of unselfishness between teammates. It probably does help."
Excerpts from: "Orioles' Pen is Mightier; Club's Relievers Retire Nine of 10 Batters as O's Rally to Win Series."
April 19, 2007
Jeff Zrebiec
Bedard (3-1) left the game with two outs in the sixth inning and the Orioles' lead down to 5-4. But Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo used four relievers to get the last 10 outs, including closer Chris Ray, who struck out the side in the ninth for his fifth save. The bullpen retired nine of the 10 hitters it faced, helping the club improve to 8-7.
"It's unbelievable," said Ray, who has allowed one base runner in six appearances since surrendering the walk-off grand slam to New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez on April 7. "My job is a heck of a lot easier when you have all those guys before me going in there, setting the tempo, and keeping the momentum on our side and keeping the score the same when it gets to me. I'm throwing just one inning instead of an inning plus. The guys behind me are getting guys out left and right."
...
The bullpen, which was rebuilt this offseason to the cost of approximately $42 million after last year's group was the second worst in the league, allowed just six hits and one earned run in 13 innings of work.
"[The bullpen] has made all the difference in the world," said designated hitter Kevin Millar, whose bloop RBI double in the fifth inning scored Miguel Tejada and gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead. "That's what [the front office] attacked this offseason ... and it is paying off right now."
Excerpt from: "So Far, Orioles Right On Money With Their Revamped Bullpen."
April 17, 2007
John Eisenberg
...
But so far, so good.
Each of the Fab Four has been effective, with Walker (1.50 ERA in eight appearances) looking especially sharp. Fittingly, the only one who has looked slightly shaky (4.05 ERA in seven appearances) is the highest-paid: Baez, who signed a three-year, $19 million deal.You're probably looking at one of baseball's better bullpens when you throw in Ray, a star closer in the making, and left-hander John Parrish, who has pitched his way into the mix.
Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo is going to have to figure out how not to burn out Walker, Bradford and Ray, but having dependable options sure beats last year's nightmare.
As I said, it's still early and there are going to be hiccups, but protecting a larger percentage of their leads could propel the Orioles close to .500. The fact that they had to overpay doesn't matter. After years of botching patches, the sight of a solid bullpen is priceless.
____________
To be fair, Eisenberg's column was cautious. For example, he acknowledged of the Orioles that, "During nine straight losing seasons, they have all but perfected the art of the BBP - the botched bullpen patch." Eisenberg added, "Throwing money at any pitching problem is a risky proposition these days. "
Orioles Warehouse notes, "there is value in having a columnist in Eisenberg who has covered the local team over a long period of time and in the process has acquired an intimate sense of its history and tradition."
In other words, Eisenberg has ridden this roller coaster before.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Sammy Awards
It's only been a day, but let's hand out some "Sammies"
By Matthew Taylor
Of the fact that noone took a stand for him: "I'm going to be honest. Some people I have put a lot of work in for a lot of years never said anything. Yes, I think about it."
Of the team's handling of his job situation in recent weeks: "I told them they should have stepped up. When all this talk became public, and they didn't step up ... That would have resolved it. But they didn't step up, and no matter what, you don't do that to me. You don't do that to a guy who has been in the organization for 12 years and has done so many things for this organization. I told them they should have stepped up and said, 'Sam Perlozzo is our manager.' And then if they want to fire me two days later, fine. Just resolve it. But they didn't. You don't do that to me."
Of the manager being the team's scapegoat: "It doesn't matter how many right moves you make and it still doesn't work. The manager gets fired. But not with the Dodgers. They fire their hitting coach. Here, we keep reshuffling managers."
Read the full Cumberland News-Times article here.
Most Delusional Award: To Dave Trembley, for obvious reasons.
From The Sun:
"Trembley has been on the bench for every series except two, including the opener in Minnesota. He said he's in the mind-set that he's going to manage tonight's game in San Diego 'and every game after that.'
'I wasn't told that I'm the interim manager,' he said, 'and I'm not expecting that.'"
Rumor has it that Trembley's first order of business when the O's return from the West Coast will be to meet with the team's marketing department and discuss using 1989's "Why Not?" slogan again this season. (Note the sarcasm.)
"O" the Irony! Award: To the Birds brain trust, for naming their bullpen coach interim manager. I'm guessing they're going to put Danys Baez on the Orioles MVP ballot as well.
Déjà Vu Award: To Davey Johnson and Joe Girardi.
Stop me if you've heard this before: Skipper wins "Manager of the Year" award and immediately parts ways with his team because of a personality conflict with ownership.
Joe Girardi, meet Davey Johnson.
"15 Minutes of Fame ... or Less" Award: To the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx for celebrating their connection to interim manager Dave Trembley in a press release.
The "Taxi Driver" Award: To Terry Francona of the Boston Red Sox.
"Francona refrained from comment on the firing of Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo. He joked about Kevin Millar's declaration that he planned to call a players-only meeting for today, a meeting that probably won't be held now that Perlozzo has been cashiered. 'We're all laughing,' Francona said about Millar, 'but you guys know I love him to death. He does a good job in the clubhouse. I'll bet you if he said something in the room, it would be worthy of people listening.'"
Cue Kevin Millar doing his best knock-off of DeNiro's famous "What are you lookin' at?" line ... "What are you laughin' at? Are you laughin' at me?"
Best Fan Reaction Story: To Jonathan Pitts of The Sun, for capturing the big picture. It's not just about what happened this week; it's about what's happened this decade.
"As the fortunes of the Orange and Black dwindled over the years, fans kept a reluctant truce with the team, even as the winning template, the so-called 'Oriole Way,' seemed to unravel strand by strand. But yesterday, as the O's were announcing the firing of yet another manager, fans sounded distinctly like lovers who had been betrayed too many times ...
That was a common refrain: It's not even the losing they hate. What offends them is a franchise - and players - who appear to lack interest."
By Matthew Taylor
With all due respect to Sam Perlozzo, whom we like and respect as a long-time member of the Orioles' growingly dysfunctional family, Roar from 34 is proud to announce the winners of the first-ever Sammy Awards.
Best Breaking News Coverage: To Mike Burke of The Cumberland Times-News for landing what may as well have been an exclusive interview with Sam Perlozzo.
Reporters couldn't get anywhere near their sources at Camden Yards yesterday afternoon, but Mike Burke from The Cumberland Times-News didn't need to. He landed the most thorough interview with Sam Perlozzo of any news outlet, drawing much more honesty from the former skipper than did the Associated Press.
Sometimes it pays to be the guy from the hometown paper (circulation: 32,000). Score one for the little guy.
Check out some of Perlozzo's comments to the Cumberland paper -
Of the fact that noone took a stand for him: "I'm going to be honest. Some people I have put a lot of work in for a lot of years never said anything. Yes, I think about it."
Of the team's handling of his job situation in recent weeks: "I told them they should have stepped up. When all this talk became public, and they didn't step up ... That would have resolved it. But they didn't step up, and no matter what, you don't do that to me. You don't do that to a guy who has been in the organization for 12 years and has done so many things for this organization. I told them they should have stepped up and said, 'Sam Perlozzo is our manager.' And then if they want to fire me two days later, fine. Just resolve it. But they didn't. You don't do that to me."
Of the manager being the team's scapegoat: "It doesn't matter how many right moves you make and it still doesn't work. The manager gets fired. But not with the Dodgers. They fire their hitting coach. Here, we keep reshuffling managers."
Read the full Cumberland News-Times article here.
Most Delusional Award: To Dave Trembley, for obvious reasons.
From The Sun:
"Trembley has been on the bench for every series except two, including the opener in Minnesota. He said he's in the mind-set that he's going to manage tonight's game in San Diego 'and every game after that.'
'I wasn't told that I'm the interim manager,' he said, 'and I'm not expecting that.'"
Rumor has it that Trembley's first order of business when the O's return from the West Coast will be to meet with the team's marketing department and discuss using 1989's "Why Not?" slogan again this season. (Note the sarcasm.)
"O" the Irony! Award: To the Birds brain trust, for naming their bullpen coach interim manager. I'm guessing they're going to put Danys Baez on the Orioles MVP ballot as well.
Déjà Vu Award: To Davey Johnson and Joe Girardi.
Stop me if you've heard this before: Skipper wins "Manager of the Year" award and immediately parts ways with his team because of a personality conflict with ownership.
Joe Girardi, meet Davey Johnson.
"15 Minutes of Fame ... or Less" Award: To the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx for celebrating their connection to interim manager Dave Trembley in a press release.
The "Taxi Driver" Award: To Terry Francona of the Boston Red Sox.
"Francona refrained from comment on the firing of Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo. He joked about Kevin Millar's declaration that he planned to call a players-only meeting for today, a meeting that probably won't be held now that Perlozzo has been cashiered. 'We're all laughing,' Francona said about Millar, 'but you guys know I love him to death. He does a good job in the clubhouse. I'll bet you if he said something in the room, it would be worthy of people listening.'"
Cue Kevin Millar doing his best knock-off of DeNiro's famous "What are you lookin' at?" line ... "What are you laughin' at? Are you laughin' at me?"
Best Fan Reaction Story: To Jonathan Pitts of The Sun, for capturing the big picture. It's not just about what happened this week; it's about what's happened this decade.
"As the fortunes of the Orange and Black dwindled over the years, fans kept a reluctant truce with the team, even as the winning template, the so-called 'Oriole Way,' seemed to unravel strand by strand. But yesterday, as the O's were announcing the firing of yet another manager, fans sounded distinctly like lovers who had been betrayed too many times ...
That was a common refrain: It's not even the losing they hate. What offends them is a franchise - and players - who appear to lack interest."
Monday, June 18, 2007
But Can Joe Girardi Pitch A Scoreless 8th?
If only the guy rumored to be the next manager could still play
By Christopher Heun
Approximate cost (in guaranteed salary remaining on his contract) of firing Danys Baez: $12.6 million
Approximate cost (in guaranteed salary remaining on his contract) of firing Sam Perlozzo: $1.0 million
Yeah, yeah, I know: you can’t fire the players, so you fire the manager. But couldn’t we try sacking a few slumping players and see how it works out? And then replace them with a player-manager?
By Christopher Heun
Approximate cost (in guaranteed salary remaining on his contract) of firing Danys Baez: $12.6 million
Approximate cost (in guaranteed salary remaining on his contract) of firing Sam Perlozzo: $1.0 million
Yeah, yeah, I know: you can’t fire the players, so you fire the manager. But couldn’t we try sacking a few slumping players and see how it works out? And then replace them with a player-manager?
With Perlozzo Gone, Will Mazzone Follow?
The loss of Leo Mazzone would indeed be a loss
By Matthew Taylor
The story of the day is of course Sam Perlozzo's termination. I first saw the news late this morning on the Orioles.com website. I found it rather humorous that the story stated - as late as 1 p.m. - that the Birds were reportedly going to fire Perlozzo and referenced ESPN.com as a source for the news.
Shouldn't the team's official website have the goods on this one? It's something akin to visiting the White House website and reading a story about how the U.S. is reportedly going to invade Iraq with CNN as the source for the news. I haven't seen someone get scooped like this since Vanity Fair reported that Mark Felt was Deep Throat.
For whatever it may lack in breaking team news, "The Official Site of the Baltimore Orioles" at least offers accurate team stats (as does MLB.com, the other source for this posting). Take a look at the numbers for the Birds' current starting rotation and you could make a strong case that the real loss from the Perlozzo firing will be that of pitching coach Leo Mazzone.
You've got to figure that Mazzone will skip town now that his good friend got the ax, and that should be sad news for O's fans. Say what you will about Mazzone, but the truth is he's done a very respectable job with the pitching staff. The O's have serious trouble in the bullpen. They have serious trouble at the plate. But - yes, I'm serious - the starters have put up very decent numbers thus far in 2007.
Consider:
-Erik Bedard currently leads the major leagues in strikeouts with 112. He's averaging an impressive 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
-Jeremy Guthrie, a waiver-wire pick-up with an ERA over 6.00 last season, has strung together eight consecutive quality starts and currently has the sixth best ERA in baseball. (Brian Burres doesn't have enough starts to qualify, but his 2.94 ERA would rank near the top as well.)
-Overall, the Birds' injury-riddled staff has more pitchers in the Top 50 for ERA (Guthrie, No. 6; Bedard, No. 40; Trachsel, 47) than does the Red Sox's much-celebrated staff (Beckett, No. 31; Schilling, No. 43).
-Boston's starting rotation has a combined 4.10 ERA. The ERA for the O's current starters is 3.79 (note: Boston starters have six more starts than Baltimore's rotation once you take out Orioles starters who are on the disabled list).
What the Birds' starting rotation lacks is wins, largely because of an inept bullpen and a meager lineup. Josh Beckett started the season 9-0 before losing his first game. Jeremy Bonderman (7-0) still has yet to lose. Put either one in Orange and Black and they've probably got four wins a piece at best.
Considered from a different angle, put Jeremy Guthrie on the Red Sox and he's the talk of baseball, a waiver wire pick-up on his way to the All-Star game, a lock for Rookie of the Year. Put Erik Bedard on the Tigers and he's a key piece of the best young rotation in baseball.
Given a strong bullpen and a decent lineup, Mazzone would be a legend. Then again, given a strong bullpen and a decent lineup, Sam Perlozzo would still be the O's manager.
perlozzo
By Matthew Taylor
The story of the day is of course Sam Perlozzo's termination. I first saw the news late this morning on the Orioles.com website. I found it rather humorous that the story stated - as late as 1 p.m. - that the Birds were reportedly going to fire Perlozzo and referenced ESPN.com as a source for the news.
Shouldn't the team's official website have the goods on this one? It's something akin to visiting the White House website and reading a story about how the U.S. is reportedly going to invade Iraq with CNN as the source for the news. I haven't seen someone get scooped like this since Vanity Fair reported that Mark Felt was Deep Throat.
For whatever it may lack in breaking team news, "The Official Site of the Baltimore Orioles" at least offers accurate team stats (as does MLB.com, the other source for this posting). Take a look at the numbers for the Birds' current starting rotation and you could make a strong case that the real loss from the Perlozzo firing will be that of pitching coach Leo Mazzone.
You've got to figure that Mazzone will skip town now that his good friend got the ax, and that should be sad news for O's fans. Say what you will about Mazzone, but the truth is he's done a very respectable job with the pitching staff. The O's have serious trouble in the bullpen. They have serious trouble at the plate. But - yes, I'm serious - the starters have put up very decent numbers thus far in 2007.
Consider:
-Erik Bedard currently leads the major leagues in strikeouts with 112. He's averaging an impressive 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
-Jeremy Guthrie, a waiver-wire pick-up with an ERA over 6.00 last season, has strung together eight consecutive quality starts and currently has the sixth best ERA in baseball. (Brian Burres doesn't have enough starts to qualify, but his 2.94 ERA would rank near the top as well.)
-Overall, the Birds' injury-riddled staff has more pitchers in the Top 50 for ERA (Guthrie, No. 6; Bedard, No. 40; Trachsel, 47) than does the Red Sox's much-celebrated staff (Beckett, No. 31; Schilling, No. 43).
-Boston's starting rotation has a combined 4.10 ERA. The ERA for the O's current starters is 3.79 (note: Boston starters have six more starts than Baltimore's rotation once you take out Orioles starters who are on the disabled list).
What the Birds' starting rotation lacks is wins, largely because of an inept bullpen and a meager lineup. Josh Beckett started the season 9-0 before losing his first game. Jeremy Bonderman (7-0) still has yet to lose. Put either one in Orange and Black and they've probably got four wins a piece at best.
Considered from a different angle, put Jeremy Guthrie on the Red Sox and he's the talk of baseball, a waiver wire pick-up on his way to the All-Star game, a lock for Rookie of the Year. Put Erik Bedard on the Tigers and he's a key piece of the best young rotation in baseball.
Given a strong bullpen and a decent lineup, Mazzone would be a legend. Then again, given a strong bullpen and a decent lineup, Sam Perlozzo would still be the O's manager.
perlozzo
Friday, June 15, 2007
Bird Watching Video
By Matthew Taylor
Because anything's better right now than talking about what's happening on the diamond, here's the Mascot Hall of Fame nomination video for the Oriole Bird. It's fun viewing for longtime Birds fans as it features a lot of Memorial Stadium footage.
The Bird's always there to cheer us up. We need him now more than ever.
See if you can spot the footage from a Baltimore Blast game and a quick shot of Wild Bill Hagy.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Angelos Bemoans Newspaper Cuts
By Matthew Taylor
Birds owner Peter Angelos receives an interesting mention in the farewell e-mail of Marc Sandalow, the San Francisco Chronicle's departing D.C. Bureau Chief, as reported by Poynter's Jim Romenesko:
"I spoke yesterday with Peter Angelos, the wealthy owner of the Baltimore Orioles, who was an elected official and friend of the Pelosi family. He lamented the cuts going on at the Baltimore Sun, recalling that the paper once assigned a young reporter to every city agency, and that it was the only thing that kept many politicians honest. He fears without the same presence, his city is in for a wave of corruption."
As an O's fan it's hard not to think about Peter Angelos in a narrow, "You destroyed my team" way, so it's refreshing to see that he recognizes the importance of quality, watchdog journalism.
Now we need Angelos to lament the cuts that have happened to the Orioles and remind him that the team needs an independent GM who can keep the owner honest.
Birds owner Peter Angelos receives an interesting mention in the farewell e-mail of Marc Sandalow, the San Francisco Chronicle's departing D.C. Bureau Chief, as reported by Poynter's Jim Romenesko:
"I spoke yesterday with Peter Angelos, the wealthy owner of the Baltimore Orioles, who was an elected official and friend of the Pelosi family. He lamented the cuts going on at the Baltimore Sun, recalling that the paper once assigned a young reporter to every city agency, and that it was the only thing that kept many politicians honest. He fears without the same presence, his city is in for a wave of corruption."
As an O's fan it's hard not to think about Peter Angelos in a narrow, "You destroyed my team" way, so it's refreshing to see that he recognizes the importance of quality, watchdog journalism.
Now we need Angelos to lament the cuts that have happened to the Orioles and remind him that the team needs an independent GM who can keep the owner honest.
Eddie's Going, Going, Gone from the Dodgers
By Matthew Taylor
The Dodgers axed Eddie Murray as their hitting coach today. If Eddie would start that "Silent Sluggers" blog then we'd know the real backstory on this.
It's always a downer to see something like this happen to an O's favorite. Let the speculation begin about pulling him into the hometown fold.
The Dodgers axed Eddie Murray as their hitting coach today. If Eddie would start that "Silent Sluggers" blog then we'd know the real backstory on this.
It's always a downer to see something like this happen to an O's favorite. Let the speculation begin about pulling him into the hometown fold.
The O's Won't Get Slaughtered; the Baysox Will
By Matthew Taylor(note: Chris is surely ashamed of this posting)
The U.S. Army is giving away American Flags at tonight's O's game, but if you ask me the real fun is in Bowie. The Baysox will welcome WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter to the ballpark for their Army night.
Don't think it's a big deal? Check out Slaughter's website for the "Biography of an American Hero."
You've got to love minor league baseball.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Who Let the Blogs Out?
Which Oriole do you want to hear from in the Blog-O's-phere?
By Matthew Taylor
Curtis Granderson made news this weekend when the following suggestive posting appeared on his MySpace page: "Sorry I was so loud last night. Can’t wait to see you again."
Like too many news stories these days, it was a classic case of much ado about nothing. The female poster was referring to a cell phone conversation, not a romantic tryst. A-Rod he is not.
Nevertheless, the Kansas City Star used the occasion to discuss Major Leaguers who are utilizing the Internet to market themselves and/or communicate outside of the narrow parameters of the MSM sound byte. Curt Schilling's "38 Pitches" of course factored into the conversation, as did Kevin Youkilis's new online effort.
But aside from the Not Quite As Evil Empire, no AL East players are represented in the blogosphere (although Brooks Robinson did some blogging last season). In fact, few players are mixing it up online.
Marinerds counts just 11 MLB bloggers for the 2007 season: Granderson, Schilling, Youkilis, Pat Neshek, CJ Wilson, Nate Robertson, John Lackey, Akinori Otsuka, Geoff Jenkins, John Rodriguez, and J.A. Happ. For some perspective, our site links to 15 other fan blogs about the O's alone.
It's clearly time for the players to pick up the slack, which got me thinking about potential Birds Blogs ...
-"Silent Sluggers - Albert and Eddie." Updated: Never
-"Allow Me to Explain - The Bullpen Musings of Danys Baez."
-"The Hot Seat Hangout." (Sam Perlozzo)
-"More Than Just BBQ." (Boog Powell)
-"Big Before Bonds." (Brady Anderson)
-"Finger Wagging Frankness." (Rafael Palmeiro)
-"Drunk Before Noon ... and After." (Sidney Ponson)
-"No Hablo Ingles, Your Honor." (Sammy Sosa)
-"Jockeying for Position." (Jim Palmer)
-"Here it Comes, and There it Goes." (Scott McGregor)
-"Take My Wife, Please." (Kris Benson)
-"On the Bump with Bump." (Bump Hadley, St. Louis Browns)
Do you have your own ideas for Birds Blogs? Post them in the comments section for this entry.
By Matthew Taylor
Curtis Granderson made news this weekend when the following suggestive posting appeared on his MySpace page: "Sorry I was so loud last night. Can’t wait to see you again."
Like too many news stories these days, it was a classic case of much ado about nothing. The female poster was referring to a cell phone conversation, not a romantic tryst. A-Rod he is not.
Nevertheless, the Kansas City Star used the occasion to discuss Major Leaguers who are utilizing the Internet to market themselves and/or communicate outside of the narrow parameters of the MSM sound byte. Curt Schilling's "38 Pitches" of course factored into the conversation, as did Kevin Youkilis's new online effort.
But aside from the Not Quite As Evil Empire, no AL East players are represented in the blogosphere (although Brooks Robinson did some blogging last season). In fact, few players are mixing it up online.
Marinerds counts just 11 MLB bloggers for the 2007 season: Granderson, Schilling, Youkilis, Pat Neshek, CJ Wilson, Nate Robertson, John Lackey, Akinori Otsuka, Geoff Jenkins, John Rodriguez, and J.A. Happ. For some perspective, our site links to 15 other fan blogs about the O's alone.
It's clearly time for the players to pick up the slack, which got me thinking about potential Birds Blogs ...
-"Silent Sluggers - Albert and Eddie." Updated: Never
-"Allow Me to Explain - The Bullpen Musings of Danys Baez."
-"The Hot Seat Hangout." (Sam Perlozzo)
-"More Than Just BBQ." (Boog Powell)
-"Big Before Bonds." (Brady Anderson)
-"Finger Wagging Frankness." (Rafael Palmeiro)
-"Drunk Before Noon ... and After." (Sidney Ponson)
-"No Hablo Ingles, Your Honor." (Sammy Sosa)
-"Jockeying for Position." (Jim Palmer)
-"Here it Comes, and There it Goes." (Scott McGregor)
-"Take My Wife, Please." (Kris Benson)
-"On the Bump with Bump." (Bump Hadley, St. Louis Browns)
Do you have your own ideas for Birds Blogs? Post them in the comments section for this entry.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Draft Picks Dare to Dream
MLB Draft extends the career of Oriole hopefuls
By Matthew Taylor
I learned recently that one of my co-workers played a stint in the minor leagues after graduating college. I’m a baseball fan, so the revelation intrigued me. I was fascinated by the idea of a guy chasing his dream long after others had given up theirs. Stats didn’t matter; I just wanted to know the guy's story.
One thousand four hundred and fifty-three young men assumed the role of Moonlight Graham following this week’s MLB Draft. Like my co-worker, they have the chance to pursue their dream a little longer than most. Here’s how the story begins for some of the O’s 2007 draft picks.
Jason White, University of Iowa, has a proud father.
“There weren't too many Orioles hats at the shop in the mall, so my wife told them they better get some more,” Jeff White said. “A local boy getting to play professional baseball. That's pretty special.”
Joe Mahoney, University of Richmond, sees a clear path to the majors.
Mahoney, who is 6-7 and 255 pounds, led Richmond with 17 homers and 62 runs batted in this season. He said he likes his chances for advancement in the Orioles system because “they don’t have a steady first baseman in the majors right now and they don't have any big prospects coming up.”
Matt Angle, (The) Ohio State University, is following in Nick Swisher’s footsteps.
“It’s an exciting time,” said Angle. “It is something that you work for and it has always been a goal of mine. It is a stepping stone. The goal wasn't to just get drafted, but to get drafted, move up through the minor league system and make it to the next level. Ohio State has a great history of players getting drafted and even making it to the next level with players like Nick Swisher. I would also like to thank Coach (Bob) Todd and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play at OSU and for helping me advance my baseball skills.”
Justin Moore, Chancellor High School, is young, eager, and confident.
“I knew they were going to take me. I wasn’t surprised by that," Moore said. “I just didn’t know what round it would be.”
“It was exciting. I was happy,” Moore said. “Now it all starts.”
“I want to make it to Single-A real quick,” Moore said. “I don’t want to stay in rookie ball that long.”
Eryk McConnell, NC State, simply wants an opportunity.
“It’s just a dream – always something that I wanted to do,” McConnell said. “It’s something that I’ve been striving for since I was little. Now that I have a chance I want to take advantage of it and see where it goes from there.”
By Matthew Taylor
I learned recently that one of my co-workers played a stint in the minor leagues after graduating college. I’m a baseball fan, so the revelation intrigued me. I was fascinated by the idea of a guy chasing his dream long after others had given up theirs. Stats didn’t matter; I just wanted to know the guy's story.
One thousand four hundred and fifty-three young men assumed the role of Moonlight Graham following this week’s MLB Draft. Like my co-worker, they have the chance to pursue their dream a little longer than most. Here’s how the story begins for some of the O’s 2007 draft picks.
Jason White, University of Iowa, has a proud father.
“There weren't too many Orioles hats at the shop in the mall, so my wife told them they better get some more,” Jeff White said. “A local boy getting to play professional baseball. That's pretty special.”
Joe Mahoney, University of Richmond, sees a clear path to the majors.
Mahoney, who is 6-7 and 255 pounds, led Richmond with 17 homers and 62 runs batted in this season. He said he likes his chances for advancement in the Orioles system because “they don’t have a steady first baseman in the majors right now and they don't have any big prospects coming up.”
Matt Angle, (The) Ohio State University, is following in Nick Swisher’s footsteps.
“It’s an exciting time,” said Angle. “It is something that you work for and it has always been a goal of mine. It is a stepping stone. The goal wasn't to just get drafted, but to get drafted, move up through the minor league system and make it to the next level. Ohio State has a great history of players getting drafted and even making it to the next level with players like Nick Swisher. I would also like to thank Coach (Bob) Todd and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play at OSU and for helping me advance my baseball skills.”
Justin Moore, Chancellor High School, is young, eager, and confident.
“I knew they were going to take me. I wasn’t surprised by that," Moore said. “I just didn’t know what round it would be.”
“It was exciting. I was happy,” Moore said. “Now it all starts.”
“I want to make it to Single-A real quick,” Moore said. “I don’t want to stay in rookie ball that long.”
Eryk McConnell, NC State, simply wants an opportunity.
“It’s just a dream – always something that I wanted to do,” McConnell said. “It’s something that I’ve been striving for since I was little. Now that I have a chance I want to take advantage of it and see where it goes from there.”
Thursday, May 31, 2007
We're Not Alone, O's Fans
Saddle up to a bar in these cities and commiserate with the locals
By Matthew Taylor
The fact that they’re in second place doesn’t matter; .500 baseball is what matters. An even record would end the extended run of futility that has overshadowed the team’s glorious past. And it could mean bringing fans back to one of baseball’s most beautiful ballparks.
Sound familiar? It should if you’re a fan of the Birds (25-27) or the Pittsburgh Pirates (23-28), currently two of Major League Baseball’s most futile franchises.
Party like it’s 1979? Hardly. That’s the season when Pittsburgh won 98 games and its most recent World Series. Meanwhile, the O’s won 102 games for the first of two consecutive 100-win campaigns.
Four years later the Birds recovered from a stunning Pirates comeback in the ’79 Series to win their most recent World Series. And things haven’t been the same since.
Where have you gone, Joe Altobelli?
The Birds’ trip to Kansas City this week got me curious about bad baseball. (Coincidence? I think not.) Think things are bad in Charm City? Okay, they are. But misery loves company, so here are some spots worth visiting if you’re looking for fans with whom to commiserate.
Pittsburgh (14 straight losing seasons)
Clouds over the franchise:
-Current record below .500.
-Last playoff appearance: 1992 (lost NLCS to Atlanta, four games to three).
-Average 2007 attendance at PNC Park: 19,358.
-100 losses in 2001.
The silver lining:
-Five World Championships, nine pennants, and 14 playoff appearances.
-Jason Bay.
-“We Are Family” still a classic.
Tampa Bay (9 straight losing seasons)
Clouds over the franchise:
-Team has never had a winning season, a run of nine straight losing seasons to match the Birds.
-Rays have lost at least 90 games every season.
-Thirty percent of the team's seasons have ended with at least 100 losses.
-Never finished higher than fourth in the AL East.
-Average 2007 attendance at Tropicana Field: 14,410 (lowest in the majors).
-Promising young prospects have tested the limits of “no such thing as bad publicity” adage.
The silver lining:
-Wade Bogg’s 3,000th hit at The Trop – a home run, no less.
-James Shields off to a good start in 2007.
-How bout ‘dem Tampa Bay Lightning?
Kansas City (3 straight losing seasons)
Clouds over the franchise:
-Prior to winning 83 games in 2003 the team had eight straight losing seasons.
-Royals have finished below .500 in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
-Lost 100 games in four of the last five seasons.
-A lock to finish below .500 again this season.
-Average 2007 attendance at Kauffman Stadium: 17,820 (29th in MLB).
The silver lining:
-Alex Gordon.
-Joakim Soria (although he’s currently on the DL).
-At least they’ve got good barbecue.
Proof there’s still hope for the O’s -
Detroit
-Appeared in the 2006 World Series after 12 consecutive losing seasons, including 119 losses in 2003 (a .265 winning percentage).
Milwaukee
-Twelve straight losing seasons prior to finishing 81-81 in 2005; finished below .500 in 13 of 14 seasons heading into 2007; currently leading the NL Central behind young heavy hitter Prince Fielder.
Other notable losing streaks: Colorado (6 seasons), Cincinnati (6).
By Matthew Taylor
The fact that they’re in second place doesn’t matter; .500 baseball is what matters. An even record would end the extended run of futility that has overshadowed the team’s glorious past. And it could mean bringing fans back to one of baseball’s most beautiful ballparks.
Sound familiar? It should if you’re a fan of the Birds (25-27) or the Pittsburgh Pirates (23-28), currently two of Major League Baseball’s most futile franchises.
Party like it’s 1979? Hardly. That’s the season when Pittsburgh won 98 games and its most recent World Series. Meanwhile, the O’s won 102 games for the first of two consecutive 100-win campaigns.
Four years later the Birds recovered from a stunning Pirates comeback in the ’79 Series to win their most recent World Series. And things haven’t been the same since.
Where have you gone, Joe Altobelli?
The Birds’ trip to Kansas City this week got me curious about bad baseball. (Coincidence? I think not.) Think things are bad in Charm City? Okay, they are. But misery loves company, so here are some spots worth visiting if you’re looking for fans with whom to commiserate.
Pittsburgh (14 straight losing seasons)
Clouds over the franchise:
-Current record below .500.
-Last playoff appearance: 1992 (lost NLCS to Atlanta, four games to three).
-Average 2007 attendance at PNC Park: 19,358.
-100 losses in 2001.
The silver lining:
-Five World Championships, nine pennants, and 14 playoff appearances.
-Jason Bay.
-“We Are Family” still a classic.
Tampa Bay (9 straight losing seasons)
Clouds over the franchise:
-Team has never had a winning season, a run of nine straight losing seasons to match the Birds.
-Rays have lost at least 90 games every season.
-Thirty percent of the team's seasons have ended with at least 100 losses.
-Never finished higher than fourth in the AL East.
-Average 2007 attendance at Tropicana Field: 14,410 (lowest in the majors).
-Promising young prospects have tested the limits of “no such thing as bad publicity” adage.
The silver lining:
-Wade Bogg’s 3,000th hit at The Trop – a home run, no less.
-James Shields off to a good start in 2007.
-How bout ‘dem Tampa Bay Lightning?
Kansas City (3 straight losing seasons)
Clouds over the franchise:
-Prior to winning 83 games in 2003 the team had eight straight losing seasons.
-Royals have finished below .500 in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
-Lost 100 games in four of the last five seasons.
-A lock to finish below .500 again this season.
-Average 2007 attendance at Kauffman Stadium: 17,820 (29th in MLB).
The silver lining:
-Alex Gordon.
-Joakim Soria (although he’s currently on the DL).
-At least they’ve got good barbecue.
Proof there’s still hope for the O’s -
Detroit
-Appeared in the 2006 World Series after 12 consecutive losing seasons, including 119 losses in 2003 (a .265 winning percentage).
Milwaukee
-Twelve straight losing seasons prior to finishing 81-81 in 2005; finished below .500 in 13 of 14 seasons heading into 2007; currently leading the NL Central behind young heavy hitter Prince Fielder.
Other notable losing streaks: Colorado (6 seasons), Cincinnati (6).
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Damned If They Do, Damned If They Don't
Sports Reporters caught in a Catch-22 with Johnson story
By Matthew Taylor
The big news this weekend, reported Sunday, was that the Birds could pursue Davey Johnson to replace Sam Perlozzo if the team’s struggles continue. Johnson, of course, fired back angrily, blaming – Who else? – the media.
Said Johnson: "That's why people write, because they dream up stuff and want to put pressure on people. Leave me out of these sordid little games you play."
The sordid games here are being played by the Birds front office, not by the media. It’s a case of Diamond Politics at its best.
White House reporters know well the perils of the “trial balloon.” An anonymous source in a high place leaks information in order to safely gauge public without making an on-the-record statement. If the reaction is negative, guess who falls under attack? The media, of course.
Granted, journalists aren’t supposed to deal in speculation, but for baseball reporters it's practically part of their job description: “Ability to speculate about potential trades, free agent signings, and manager firings strongly preferred.”
Writer are damned if they do, damned if they don't. Why do you suppose ESPN has a "Rumor Central" section on its website? And you have to pay extra to access that information!
In this case the writers got a raw deal. I can think of better ways to spend my Memorial Day weekend than to get belittled by a former O’s manager. Shame on the O’s front office, and shame on Davey Johnson.
By Matthew Taylor
The big news this weekend, reported Sunday, was that the Birds could pursue Davey Johnson to replace Sam Perlozzo if the team’s struggles continue. Johnson, of course, fired back angrily, blaming – Who else? – the media.
Said Johnson: "That's why people write, because they dream up stuff and want to put pressure on people. Leave me out of these sordid little games you play."
The sordid games here are being played by the Birds front office, not by the media. It’s a case of Diamond Politics at its best.
White House reporters know well the perils of the “trial balloon.” An anonymous source in a high place leaks information in order to safely gauge public without making an on-the-record statement. If the reaction is negative, guess who falls under attack? The media, of course.
Granted, journalists aren’t supposed to deal in speculation, but for baseball reporters it's practically part of their job description: “Ability to speculate about potential trades, free agent signings, and manager firings strongly preferred.”
Writer are damned if they do, damned if they don't. Why do you suppose ESPN has a "Rumor Central" section on its website? And you have to pay extra to access that information!
In this case the writers got a raw deal. I can think of better ways to spend my Memorial Day weekend than to get belittled by a former O’s manager. Shame on the O’s front office, and shame on Davey Johnson.
¿Quién es más macho?
Bullpen boo Birds jeer Baez; What if he looked like Eric Davis?
By Matthew Taylor
With apologies to Steve Kline, I'm curious if Danys Baez has worked his way up to - or even past - Terry Mathews to become the O's reliever who generates the most visceral reaction from fans after the bullpen gates open up.
Baez is now earning the kind of response at the Yard that was (sadly) once reserved for Mathews.
Consider The Post's report on the recent series against the Jays:
"The two sounds Danys Baez heard Thursday night surely will ring in his sleep, worse than most nightmares. One was the deafening crack of his flat sinker off the bat of Alex Rios. The other was the boos that cascaded from every corner of Oriole Park at Camden Yards before, during and after Baez took the mound in the 10th inning."
Oriole Magic started its own "Danys Baez Stinks Discussion" after that game.
All of this "love" for Baez brought to mind the 1997 ALDS when Terry Mathews was forcefully booed while entering a game against the Mariners.
Roch Kubatko of The Sun attended that playoff game. So did I. Fortunately, I didn't have to write a post-game reaction story about Mathews. Roch did, as he explained last season in his blog entry about "Worst Orioles Pitcher Ever."
Mathews related the fans' reaction to his plus-size weight and called to mind the physique of Eric Davis. O's fans then fell all over themselves apologizing, sending Mathews cards and gift baskets.
So, ¿Quién es más macho: Danys Baez or Terry Mathews?
By Matthew TaylorWith apologies to Steve Kline, I'm curious if Danys Baez has worked his way up to - or even past - Terry Mathews to become the O's reliever who generates the most visceral reaction from fans after the bullpen gates open up.
Baez is now earning the kind of response at the Yard that was (sadly) once reserved for Mathews.
Consider The Post's report on the recent series against the Jays:
"The two sounds Danys Baez heard Thursday night surely will ring in his sleep, worse than most nightmares. One was the deafening crack of his flat sinker off the bat of Alex Rios. The other was the boos that cascaded from every corner of Oriole Park at Camden Yards before, during and after Baez took the mound in the 10th inning."
Oriole Magic started its own "Danys Baez Stinks Discussion" after that game.
All of this "love" for Baez brought to mind the 1997 ALDS when Terry Mathews was forcefully booed while entering a game against the Mariners.
Roch Kubatko of The Sun attended that playoff game. So did I. Fortunately, I didn't have to write a post-game reaction story about Mathews. Roch did, as he explained last season in his blog entry about "Worst Orioles Pitcher Ever."
Mathews related the fans' reaction to his plus-size weight and called to mind the physique of Eric Davis. O's fans then fell all over themselves apologizing, sending Mathews cards and gift baskets.
So, ¿Quién es más macho: Danys Baez or Terry Mathews?
Thursday, May 24, 2007
New Orioles Rules
And we're not talking about beer in the clubhouse
By Christopher Heun
One story out of spring training this year was that manager Sam Perlozzo was running a tighter ship than in the past. But after watching his bullpen (well, mostly just Danys Baez) blow two leads and suffer aching losses two Sundays in a row, maybe this team needs even more discipline.
So, we suggest the following rules:
Rule #1: Erik Bedard after 98 pitches is still better than anyone in the Orioles bullpen.
Last Sunday in DC, Bedard told Perlozzo he was tired after 7 innings. Baez entered the game and quickly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Bedard is this team's version of an ace. Couldn't he take the mound one more time and give it his best shot?
Rule #2: On The Seventh Day, Baez Rests
No Danys Baez on Sundays. Last Sunday makes twice in row that he has failed on the first day of the week. Let’s hope we don’t see him Memorial Day Eve when the A's visit Camden Yards.
Rule #3: Meet Baez Behind the Dugout After the 8th Inning
Last week, Jay Payton and Melvin Mora nearly came to fisticuffs in the dugout, followed the next night by a shouting match between Freddie Bynum and first base coach Sam Mejias (a guy who plays once a month mixing it up with a little-known coach: what’s next, the bat boy making yo’ momma jokes about the traveling secretary?)
The guy who really deserves to be beaten up by his teammates is Baez.
Rule #3A: Not All Rules Are About Danys Baez.
Really. They’re not. Keep reading.
Rule #4: Perlozzo Can’t Pull His Starter Until He Gives Up At Least 3 Runs
Yeah, yeah, we know: a bullpen should be able to get two, three, even six outs before squandering leads of as much as five runs. But how about letting the starters go a little longer?
Bedard and Jeremy Guthrie (the starter on Sunday, May 12, the first of Baez's blowups) are both 28 years old. They're physically capable of throwing 100 pitches, even -- gasp -- 109. Dare to be bold.
Rule #5: We Don’t Want the Real Steve Trachsel Anyway
Let's not look too hard for the real Steve Trachsel, because the one pitching for the Orioles is making us forget everything we said about him in spring training (hint: it wasn't good).
In half of his 10 starts this season, Trachsel has pitched at least six innings and allowed less than three earned runs. He's allowed more than three earned runs only once.
Rule #6: Jay Gibbons Should Stop His Rodrigo Lopez Impression
Last season, Lopez whined when he was banished to the bullpen after his ERA swelled to more than 6.00. This year, an unhappy Gibbons has been singing the same tune when his playing time shrunk.
Our reaction to Gibbons is exactly the same as what we had to say to Lopez: who is he kidding? Be thankful you signed that four-year contract when you did.
By Christopher Heun
One story out of spring training this year was that manager Sam Perlozzo was running a tighter ship than in the past. But after watching his bullpen (well, mostly just Danys Baez) blow two leads and suffer aching losses two Sundays in a row, maybe this team needs even more discipline.
So, we suggest the following rules:
Rule #1: Erik Bedard after 98 pitches is still better than anyone in the Orioles bullpen.
Last Sunday in DC, Bedard told Perlozzo he was tired after 7 innings. Baez entered the game and quickly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Bedard is this team's version of an ace. Couldn't he take the mound one more time and give it his best shot?
Rule #2: On The Seventh Day, Baez Rests
No Danys Baez on Sundays. Last Sunday makes twice in row that he has failed on the first day of the week. Let’s hope we don’t see him Memorial Day Eve when the A's visit Camden Yards.
Rule #3: Meet Baez Behind the Dugout After the 8th Inning
Last week, Jay Payton and Melvin Mora nearly came to fisticuffs in the dugout, followed the next night by a shouting match between Freddie Bynum and first base coach Sam Mejias (a guy who plays once a month mixing it up with a little-known coach: what’s next, the bat boy making yo’ momma jokes about the traveling secretary?)
The guy who really deserves to be beaten up by his teammates is Baez.
Rule #3A: Not All Rules Are About Danys Baez.
Really. They’re not. Keep reading.
Rule #4: Perlozzo Can’t Pull His Starter Until He Gives Up At Least 3 Runs
Yeah, yeah, we know: a bullpen should be able to get two, three, even six outs before squandering leads of as much as five runs. But how about letting the starters go a little longer?
Bedard and Jeremy Guthrie (the starter on Sunday, May 12, the first of Baez's blowups) are both 28 years old. They're physically capable of throwing 100 pitches, even -- gasp -- 109. Dare to be bold.
Rule #5: We Don’t Want the Real Steve Trachsel Anyway
Let's not look too hard for the real Steve Trachsel, because the one pitching for the Orioles is making us forget everything we said about him in spring training (hint: it wasn't good).
In half of his 10 starts this season, Trachsel has pitched at least six innings and allowed less than three earned runs. He's allowed more than three earned runs only once.
Rule #6: Jay Gibbons Should Stop His Rodrigo Lopez Impression
Last season, Lopez whined when he was banished to the bullpen after his ERA swelled to more than 6.00. This year, an unhappy Gibbons has been singing the same tune when his playing time shrunk.
Our reaction to Gibbons is exactly the same as what we had to say to Lopez: who is he kidding? Be thankful you signed that four-year contract when you did.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Everything I need to know I learned from ...
...a desk calendar.
By Matthew Taylor
It's amazing what you can learn from a desk calendar.
First, some trivia -
The calendar asks ...
"Q: Who was the only baseball pitcher to notch World Series wins in three separate decades?
A: Hall of Fame hurler Jim Palmer, who won World Series games for the Baltimore Orioles in 1966, 1970, 1971, and 1983."
Next, some history -
The calendar says ...
"May 9, 1961: Diamond Jim Gentile becomes the first player to hit grand-slam homers in consecutive innings, leading the Orioles to a 13–5 rout of the Twins at the Met in Bloomington. After connecting in the first and second innings, Gentile adds another RBI for a total of nine in the game. Only Tony Lazzeri (1936), Jim Tabor (1939) and Jimmie Foxx (1946) had hit two slams in one game. In all, Gentile will hit 46 homers and 141 RBIs in 1961, the best season of his career."
Some extra research tells us ...
Gentile was a three-time All-Star with the Orioles from 1960 to 1962. He was traded by the Orioles, with $25,000, to the Kansas City Athletics in Nov. 1963 for Norm Siebern, also a three-time All-Star. Siebern's third and final All-Star appearance came with the Birds in 1964 when he batted .245 with 12 home runs and 56 RBIs.
The calendar says ...
"May 17, 1978: Super sub Lee Lacy of the Los Angeles Dodgers becomes the first man in baseball history to hit three consecutive pinch home runs in three official times at bat when he connects off Jim Rooker of the Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Earlier this month, Lacy homered off Rick Reuschel of the Cubs and John Candelaria of Pittsburgh. In 1979 Del Unser of the Phillies will equal Lacy’s achievement, and Matthew LeCroy of the Minnesota Twins will become the third member of this unique club in 2004."
Some extra research tells us ...
Lacy finished his career with the Orioles after signing with the team as a free agent in 1984. He played three seasons in Orange and Black (1985 through 1987), his only three seasons in the American League. Random fact: He appeared on the cover of "Sports Illustrated" - a World Series photo of him sliding into Yankee Fred Stanley at second base - on Oct. 23, 1978.
Thanks, Page-A-Day.
By Matthew Taylor
It's amazing what you can learn from a desk calendar.
First, some trivia -
The calendar asks ...
"Q: Who was the only baseball pitcher to notch World Series wins in three separate decades?
A: Hall of Fame hurler Jim Palmer, who won World Series games for the Baltimore Orioles in 1966, 1970, 1971, and 1983."
Next, some history -
The calendar says ...
"May 9, 1961: Diamond Jim Gentile becomes the first player to hit grand-slam homers in consecutive innings, leading the Orioles to a 13–5 rout of the Twins at the Met in Bloomington. After connecting in the first and second innings, Gentile adds another RBI for a total of nine in the game. Only Tony Lazzeri (1936), Jim Tabor (1939) and Jimmie Foxx (1946) had hit two slams in one game. In all, Gentile will hit 46 homers and 141 RBIs in 1961, the best season of his career."
Some extra research tells us ...
Gentile was a three-time All-Star with the Orioles from 1960 to 1962. He was traded by the Orioles, with $25,000, to the Kansas City Athletics in Nov. 1963 for Norm Siebern, also a three-time All-Star. Siebern's third and final All-Star appearance came with the Birds in 1964 when he batted .245 with 12 home runs and 56 RBIs.
The calendar says ...
"May 17, 1978: Super sub Lee Lacy of the Los Angeles Dodgers becomes the first man in baseball history to hit three consecutive pinch home runs in three official times at bat when he connects off Jim Rooker of the Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Earlier this month, Lacy homered off Rick Reuschel of the Cubs and John Candelaria of Pittsburgh. In 1979 Del Unser of the Phillies will equal Lacy’s achievement, and Matthew LeCroy of the Minnesota Twins will become the third member of this unique club in 2004."
Some extra research tells us ...
Lacy finished his career with the Orioles after signing with the team as a free agent in 1984. He played three seasons in Orange and Black (1985 through 1987), his only three seasons in the American League. Random fact: He appeared on the cover of "Sports Illustrated" - a World Series photo of him sliding into Yankee Fred Stanley at second base - on Oct. 23, 1978.
Thanks, Page-A-Day.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Down With Pitch Counts
Someone tell Perlozzo to stop stacking his relievers one inning at a time
By Christopher Heun
Let’s get two things straight: Managers shouldn’t be fired because of one bad decision (unless they’re named Grady Little). And relief pitchers can be asked to pitch more than one inning per outing.
It’s easy in hindsight to knock Sam Perlozzo for Sunday’s Mother’s Day Massacre in Boston, when he pulled his starting pitcher, leading 5-0 with one out in the bottom of the ninth, only to watch his bullpen blow the game. It’s not the skipper’s fault when his pitchers can’t throw strikes.
But it is fair to criticize Perlozzo for his faulty logic when calling on his bullpen. He needs to stop counting pitches and go with a hot hand.
We don’t want to get too hung up about what happened on Sunday, because the real problem is not that particular game, but here’s how Perlozzo explained why he yanked Jeremy Guthrie:
Why fault the pitcher if a batter reaches on an error on a ball that never left the infield? If a pitcher is throwing strikes and getting hitters out with a minimum of pitches, why not leave him in? This applies to Guthrie on Sunday (just 91 pitches, two outs away from a shutout) as it does to every arm in the bullpen.
Perlozzo rarely asks a reliever to go longer than a single inning. We took a look at the work history so far this season of the three new arms in the Orioles bullpen – experienced relievers with proven track records who signed over the winter for a combined $41.5 million.
All three are on pace to pitch in 80 games this season (a career high for all of them), though their total innings would not exceed their previous marks.
What that says to us: Perlozzo is using them more often than previous managers, but he’s not asking them to pitch more innings, necessarily. Is one approach better than another? Would they be more effective if used longer but less often?
Jamie Walker 4.20 ERA, 15 IP, 5 BB, 16 K, 1 HR
Last year with Detroit, Walker pitched two innings six times and was called on to get five outs an additional four occasions. This occurred at about the same frequency the previous three seasons.
This year, he pitched more than one inning for the first time last Friday night at Boston. Meanwhile, he’s on pace to come close to his career high of 65 innings pitched.
Chad Bradford 3.07 ERA, 14.2 IP, 5 BB, 8 K, 0 HR
He’s pitched more than one inning twice so far in 2007. Last year for the Mets he did so 10 times; in 2004 he did it 13 times and 23 times in 2003.
Danys Baez 4.91 ERA, 18.1 IP, 8 BB, 8 K, 4 HR
In nine of his 20 appearances this season, Baez has thrown nine pitches or less. All but four times he’s pitched exactly 1 inning; only once has he gone longer. He pitched more than an inning 10 times in 2006 and 17 times in both 2005 and 2004.
Here’s an extreme example of why this matters: on April 11 vs. Detroit, Adam Loewen didn’t allow a run but lasted just 5 innings; the Tigers won in the 12th on a grand slam by Craig Monroe off Kurt Birkins. Perlozzo used seven relievers that night, each one pitching exactly an inning, even though two (Bradford and Scott Williamson) threw just nine pitches and three others threw 15 or less.
We have no quibble with Perlozzo’s decisions on individual match-ups. In fact, asking a reliever to pitch more than an inning contradicts the conventional strategy of lefties facing lefties. Regardless, setting up those match-ups is a luxury Perlozzo doesn’t have most nights when his starter can’t get past the fifth inning.
We're rooting for Sam Perlozzo, an Orioles coach for 10 years before being named manager. The players were enthusiastic about his hiring and seem to like playing for him (though no one has spoken up in his defense this week while fans cry for his head). He deserves a shot to manage a team with a decent bench and bullpen, two things he didn’t have last year, which made it hard to evaluate his skills as a manager.
He still doesn’t have much of a bench, but he does have a better bullpen in 2007. Is he using it wisely?
By Christopher Heun
Let’s get two things straight: Managers shouldn’t be fired because of one bad decision (unless they’re named Grady Little). And relief pitchers can be asked to pitch more than one inning per outing.
It’s easy in hindsight to knock Sam Perlozzo for Sunday’s Mother’s Day Massacre in Boston, when he pulled his starting pitcher, leading 5-0 with one out in the bottom of the ninth, only to watch his bullpen blow the game. It’s not the skipper’s fault when his pitchers can’t throw strikes.
But it is fair to criticize Perlozzo for his faulty logic when calling on his bullpen. He needs to stop counting pitches and go with a hot hand.
We don’t want to get too hung up about what happened on Sunday, because the real problem is not that particular game, but here’s how Perlozzo explained why he yanked Jeremy Guthrie:
“He was going into nine innings [of] work, and he had never gone past six. We were pretty much giving him an opportunity - if he could go 1-2-3 - to stay in the ballgame. It was unfortunate that the guy got on the way he did [by an error], but at that point, I thought we had our fresh arms out there and I didn't want anything to get out of hand. Obviously, it didn't work.”
Why fault the pitcher if a batter reaches on an error on a ball that never left the infield? If a pitcher is throwing strikes and getting hitters out with a minimum of pitches, why not leave him in? This applies to Guthrie on Sunday (just 91 pitches, two outs away from a shutout) as it does to every arm in the bullpen.
Perlozzo rarely asks a reliever to go longer than a single inning. We took a look at the work history so far this season of the three new arms in the Orioles bullpen – experienced relievers with proven track records who signed over the winter for a combined $41.5 million.
All three are on pace to pitch in 80 games this season (a career high for all of them), though their total innings would not exceed their previous marks.
What that says to us: Perlozzo is using them more often than previous managers, but he’s not asking them to pitch more innings, necessarily. Is one approach better than another? Would they be more effective if used longer but less often?
Jamie Walker 4.20 ERA, 15 IP, 5 BB, 16 K, 1 HR
Last year with Detroit, Walker pitched two innings six times and was called on to get five outs an additional four occasions. This occurred at about the same frequency the previous three seasons.
This year, he pitched more than one inning for the first time last Friday night at Boston. Meanwhile, he’s on pace to come close to his career high of 65 innings pitched.
Chad Bradford 3.07 ERA, 14.2 IP, 5 BB, 8 K, 0 HR
He’s pitched more than one inning twice so far in 2007. Last year for the Mets he did so 10 times; in 2004 he did it 13 times and 23 times in 2003.
Danys Baez 4.91 ERA, 18.1 IP, 8 BB, 8 K, 4 HR
In nine of his 20 appearances this season, Baez has thrown nine pitches or less. All but four times he’s pitched exactly 1 inning; only once has he gone longer. He pitched more than an inning 10 times in 2006 and 17 times in both 2005 and 2004.
Here’s an extreme example of why this matters: on April 11 vs. Detroit, Adam Loewen didn’t allow a run but lasted just 5 innings; the Tigers won in the 12th on a grand slam by Craig Monroe off Kurt Birkins. Perlozzo used seven relievers that night, each one pitching exactly an inning, even though two (Bradford and Scott Williamson) threw just nine pitches and three others threw 15 or less.
We have no quibble with Perlozzo’s decisions on individual match-ups. In fact, asking a reliever to pitch more than an inning contradicts the conventional strategy of lefties facing lefties. Regardless, setting up those match-ups is a luxury Perlozzo doesn’t have most nights when his starter can’t get past the fifth inning.
We're rooting for Sam Perlozzo, an Orioles coach for 10 years before being named manager. The players were enthusiastic about his hiring and seem to like playing for him (though no one has spoken up in his defense this week while fans cry for his head). He deserves a shot to manage a team with a decent bench and bullpen, two things he didn’t have last year, which made it hard to evaluate his skills as a manager.
He still doesn’t have much of a bench, but he does have a better bullpen in 2007. Is he using it wisely?
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
New Cleanup Hitter Just 291 Games Away
Should the best hitter on the team bat third or fourth?
By Christopher Heun
“Let’s face it, Miguel Tejada is a great hitter but he’s not a cleanup hitter.”
Joe Angel, during his play-by-play of the Orioles-Indians game, Sunday, May 6.
"That would really be a dream come true [to play for the Orioles]. But at the same time, I have two years here with Texas and I’m going to concentrate on winning with Texas."
Mark Teixeira, as told to Jon Heyman of SI.com in March.
Joe Angel calls them as he sees them. That’s one of the many pleasures of listening to him describe a baseball game on the radio. Sunday afternoon, he let forth a quick aside about the reshuffled Orioles lineup and the proper place for the team’s best hitter, Tejada, that had us pining for a particular Severna Park, Md. native.
Instead of hitting Tejada fourth, manager Sam Perlozzo has moved him up to third lately, which if nothing else, guarantees that he gets an at-bat in the first inning. Angel may be correct – Miggy is best suited to bat third (despite hitting cleanup for much of his tenure in Baltimore) – but the sad fact is, now there’s a hole in the cleanup spot.
Let’s hope Peter Angelos and the bean counters in The Warehouse are saving up for local boy Teixeira, a free agent after the 2008 season, because he’s the closest the Birds can come to a real cleanup hitter any time soon.
Teixeira, who grew up an O’s fan, slugged 140 home runs in his first four seasons, the fourth highest total in major-league history. He’s hit more than 30 homers three years in a row, and 43 in 2005.
By comparison, the Orioles have had just two players hit 40 or more homers since 1990: Brady Anderson (50) in 1996 and Rafael Palmiero (43) in 1998. In addition to those two, only four other Orioles players have managed to hit 30 or more homers in a season since 1990 (Palmiero did it four times, from 1995 to 1998): Albert Belle (37 in 1999), Tony Batista (31 in 2002), Tejada (34 in 2004) and Cal Ripken (34 in 1991).
Funny that Cal’s name should creep into the conversation. He was the Orioles shortstop who played every day, batted third and won MVP awards. Tejada has picked up the mantle.
This may come as heresy to some fans in Baltimore, but Miggy is fast becoming not just the best hitting Oriole shortstop, but the best hitter in Oriole history.
In just three years wearing the orange and black, Tejada has set the team single-season records for hits and RBI, tied another (doubles) and nearly set a fourth; his .330 average in 2006 ranks among the best in team history.
Because of his high average and declining power, he would look better hitting third if there was thunder behind him. Angel did say Sunday that Ramon Hernandez, who’s filled that spot most games, might not be a cleanup hitter, either, but he’s been hot lately.
Overall, we like that Perlozzo’s not afraid to juggle the lineup a bit, dropping Melvin Mora from the No. 2 spot and substituting Nick Markakis against righties and Jay Payton vs. lefties. Because he sees so many pitches, coaxes walks and gets on base better than nearly all of his teammates, Kevin Millar might be worth a shot batting in front of Tejada as well.
Listen long enough to Angel, and he just might tell you so himself.
By Christopher Heun
“Let’s face it, Miguel Tejada is a great hitter but he’s not a cleanup hitter.”
Joe Angel, during his play-by-play of the Orioles-Indians game, Sunday, May 6.
"That would really be a dream come true [to play for the Orioles]. But at the same time, I have two years here with Texas and I’m going to concentrate on winning with Texas."
Mark Teixeira, as told to Jon Heyman of SI.com in March.
Joe Angel calls them as he sees them. That’s one of the many pleasures of listening to him describe a baseball game on the radio. Sunday afternoon, he let forth a quick aside about the reshuffled Orioles lineup and the proper place for the team’s best hitter, Tejada, that had us pining for a particular Severna Park, Md. native.
Instead of hitting Tejada fourth, manager Sam Perlozzo has moved him up to third lately, which if nothing else, guarantees that he gets an at-bat in the first inning. Angel may be correct – Miggy is best suited to bat third (despite hitting cleanup for much of his tenure in Baltimore) – but the sad fact is, now there’s a hole in the cleanup spot.
Let’s hope Peter Angelos and the bean counters in The Warehouse are saving up for local boy Teixeira, a free agent after the 2008 season, because he’s the closest the Birds can come to a real cleanup hitter any time soon.
Teixeira, who grew up an O’s fan, slugged 140 home runs in his first four seasons, the fourth highest total in major-league history. He’s hit more than 30 homers three years in a row, and 43 in 2005.
By comparison, the Orioles have had just two players hit 40 or more homers since 1990: Brady Anderson (50) in 1996 and Rafael Palmiero (43) in 1998. In addition to those two, only four other Orioles players have managed to hit 30 or more homers in a season since 1990 (Palmiero did it four times, from 1995 to 1998): Albert Belle (37 in 1999), Tony Batista (31 in 2002), Tejada (34 in 2004) and Cal Ripken (34 in 1991).
Funny that Cal’s name should creep into the conversation. He was the Orioles shortstop who played every day, batted third and won MVP awards. Tejada has picked up the mantle.
This may come as heresy to some fans in Baltimore, but Miggy is fast becoming not just the best hitting Oriole shortstop, but the best hitter in Oriole history.
In just three years wearing the orange and black, Tejada has set the team single-season records for hits and RBI, tied another (doubles) and nearly set a fourth; his .330 average in 2006 ranks among the best in team history.
Because of his high average and declining power, he would look better hitting third if there was thunder behind him. Angel did say Sunday that Ramon Hernandez, who’s filled that spot most games, might not be a cleanup hitter, either, but he’s been hot lately.
Overall, we like that Perlozzo’s not afraid to juggle the lineup a bit, dropping Melvin Mora from the No. 2 spot and substituting Nick Markakis against righties and Jay Payton vs. lefties. Because he sees so many pitches, coaxes walks and gets on base better than nearly all of his teammates, Kevin Millar might be worth a shot batting in front of Tejada as well.
Listen long enough to Angel, and he just might tell you so himself.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
How Much Is Inside That Glass, Anyway?
It's really not as bad as it seems. Or is it?
By Christopher Heun
The Orioles have the day off Thursday. But the bullpen will be warming up regardless, just for the sake of routine.
There’s an old baseball adage that says you’re never as good as when you win, and likewise you’re never as bad as when you lose. We’re going to lean on that heavily as we consider the O’s performance so far this season.
The good news about this year’s Birds is they’re not as bad as the team that’s lost nine out of its last ten games. Just like they aren’t as good as the team that won eight out of nine earlier in April.
Of course, it would be a lot easier to nod in agreement if more than two regulars were hitting over .257 or if the starting rotation could familiarize itself with the seventh and eighth innings. But things will change. For the better. We hope.
(Imagine the hand-wringing if the team was scoring runs in bunches and still losing.)
One reason for O’s fans to get excited is that despite the Ruthian performance of Alex Rodriguez in April, an astonishing 14 home runs and 35 RBI – the Yankees still have a losing record. The last-place Yankees, no less.
As poorly as the Birds are playing, the Bronx Bombers are playing even worse. At least we can take comfort in the Yankees’ misfortune. Here are some other reasons to look on the bright side for the rest of the season, countered by equally compelling evidence to throw in the towel.
The Glass Is Half Full:
The Orioles are ahead of the last-place Yankees in the standings.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
The Orioles are only percentage points out of last place. And the Devil Rays jumped ahead of them in the standings with a dramatic extra-inning victory over Joe Nathan and the Twins Wednesday night.
The Glass Is Half Full:
Erik Bedard will not finish the season with a 6.09 ERA, his current mark.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
Erik Bedard, the team ace, has a 6.09 ERA.
The Glass Is Half Full:
Maybe Steve Trachsel isn’t nearly as bad as we thought. He went seven innings Wednesday afternoon, has pitched the second-most innings and has the second-best ERA among starters.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
Steve Trachsel is the good news? Before Wednesday, a starter had not lasted 7 innings since April 12, a span of 18 games. And who pitched April 12? Steve Trachsel!
The Glass Is Half Full:
Orioles pitchers lead the league in strikeouts, with 209. Only three other teams have more than 180.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
They lead the league in walks, too. Apparently, Daniel Cabrera’s case of the walks is highly contagious. Adam Loewen has handed out 26 free passes in 30 innings.
The Glass Is Half Full:
Nick Markakis is batting .239. That’s heads and shoulders above his April last year. That must mean his second half, like last year, will be a monster.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
Aubrey Huff, Corey Patterson, Jay Gibbons and Kevin Millar all have lower batting averages than Markakis. Before the season started, when Huff marveled at the balance of the lineup, do you think this is what he meant?
By Christopher Heun
The Orioles have the day off Thursday. But the bullpen will be warming up regardless, just for the sake of routine.
There’s an old baseball adage that says you’re never as good as when you win, and likewise you’re never as bad as when you lose. We’re going to lean on that heavily as we consider the O’s performance so far this season.
The good news about this year’s Birds is they’re not as bad as the team that’s lost nine out of its last ten games. Just like they aren’t as good as the team that won eight out of nine earlier in April.
Of course, it would be a lot easier to nod in agreement if more than two regulars were hitting over .257 or if the starting rotation could familiarize itself with the seventh and eighth innings. But things will change. For the better. We hope.
(Imagine the hand-wringing if the team was scoring runs in bunches and still losing.)
One reason for O’s fans to get excited is that despite the Ruthian performance of Alex Rodriguez in April, an astonishing 14 home runs and 35 RBI – the Yankees still have a losing record. The last-place Yankees, no less.
As poorly as the Birds are playing, the Bronx Bombers are playing even worse. At least we can take comfort in the Yankees’ misfortune. Here are some other reasons to look on the bright side for the rest of the season, countered by equally compelling evidence to throw in the towel.
The Glass Is Half Full:
The Orioles are ahead of the last-place Yankees in the standings.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
The Orioles are only percentage points out of last place. And the Devil Rays jumped ahead of them in the standings with a dramatic extra-inning victory over Joe Nathan and the Twins Wednesday night.
The Glass Is Half Full:
Erik Bedard will not finish the season with a 6.09 ERA, his current mark.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
Erik Bedard, the team ace, has a 6.09 ERA.
The Glass Is Half Full:
Maybe Steve Trachsel isn’t nearly as bad as we thought. He went seven innings Wednesday afternoon, has pitched the second-most innings and has the second-best ERA among starters.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
Steve Trachsel is the good news? Before Wednesday, a starter had not lasted 7 innings since April 12, a span of 18 games. And who pitched April 12? Steve Trachsel!
The Glass Is Half Full:
Orioles pitchers lead the league in strikeouts, with 209. Only three other teams have more than 180.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
They lead the league in walks, too. Apparently, Daniel Cabrera’s case of the walks is highly contagious. Adam Loewen has handed out 26 free passes in 30 innings.
The Glass Is Half Full:
Nick Markakis is batting .239. That’s heads and shoulders above his April last year. That must mean his second half, like last year, will be a monster.
The Glass Is Half Empty:
Aubrey Huff, Corey Patterson, Jay Gibbons and Kevin Millar all have lower batting averages than Markakis. Before the season started, when Huff marveled at the balance of the lineup, do you think this is what he meant?
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