Orioles can't clean up after mistakes
The Orioles’ 4-2 loss yesterday to the Rays was helped along by an error on center fielder Adam Jones that allowed a couple of runners to take an extra base and that was symptomatic of the position this team finds itself. It will have a hard time recovering from the smallest of bobbles, whether it’s a fielding error as it was yesterday or a breakdown by a relief pitcher as it was the night before.
To be sure, the O’s have had their share of comebacks in the young season, a testament to their resiliency. On the other hand, the offensive stats indicate that that’s not likely to keep happening. Going into the season, offense was a concern and there’s no greater evidence than having to bat Kevin Millar clean-up.
Millar is obviously an asset to this team in more ways than can be measured in a box score but last night’s 0-for-4 was typical of his year so far. He’s hitting .215 and his average with runners in scoring position is less than .200. For the season, he has four home runs and 12 RBIs. The net effect goes beyond Millar. If pitcher’s find they don’t have to respect the No. 4, the No. 3 – in this case, Nick Markakis – gets tougher pitches. Markakis is hitting .276 with 4 homers and 11 RBIs. But this is hardly all on Millar. As a team, the Orioles are hitting .247.
The problem is that the Orioles really don’t have a true clean-up hitter. For most of his career, Millar has been mostly used as a No. 5, 6 or 7, so he’s being asked to do something that’s not his best fit. But Millar will do whatever he’s asked to do. There’s no answer here, just an acknowledgement that the Orioles still need a few pieces. But we’ve known that all along.
Comments
Good points Bill. If we are going to rebuild, then we can't forget the offense. I'm fairly pleased about the pitching future but if don't score runs, we aren't going to win too many games.
I realize you can't do everything at once and 'rebuilds' take time but I don't see too much offense down in the farm that's going to provide immediate help. I think perhaps we should look at trading veterans like Bradford/Walker/Trachsel for a young bat but what's the market like?
I not confident that the vets like Huff/Millar/Payton are going to get things turned around. Millar for example should be only facing lefties rather than an everyday role and cleanup!!
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Terry,
I don't know that you can get the kind of hitting help they need in a trade for the pitchers you mentioned. I think the best bet is opening the wallet in free agency for hitting and counting on Jones and Scott maturing along with guys in the minors, like that third baseman in the Tejada deal, Costanzo. He happens to be off to a slow start at Norfolk.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: TerryP | May 2, 2008 3:28 PM
I agree-not too many teams will trade proven hitters for a couple of 'pen arms but then again, most teams are weak in the bullpen...
Of the top of my head, the Tigers could probably use both Walker & Bradford and with their surplus of hitters, maybe someone like Thames or Inge?
Actually, although Inge strike out a lot, he has some pop and can play all over. Thames is a OF with power and the Tigers' 'pen is their achilles heel, especially if Zumaya and Rodney don't heal.
It's always fun to concoct hypothetical deals but the sad reality is that most don't happen and the O's need some bats.
I'd be fine with a lineup littered with aging vets if these guys could 'hold the fort' until Weiters/Reinhold are MLB ready but I'm not seeing that.
Posted by: TerryP | May 2, 2008 7:24 PM