Orioles averaging less than a field goal in last 10 games
This was not a good time for the Orioles to be running into the most effective pitching staff in baseball. In Oakland, it's the '60s again. The Athletics have a team ERA of 3.12 and have held the opposition to a .235 batting average with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 234 to 96.
For a team like the Orioles who count a single, a fielder's choice that moves the runner and a sacrifice fly as a big inning, that's trouble with a capital T and that rhymes with D as in De-feat -- which is what the Orioles met for the fourth straight time last night dropping them below .500 for the first time since opening day.
Against Oakland starter Justin Duchscherer and a couple of relief pitchers, the O's managed just two runs on four measly hits, all singles, in a 4-2 loss last night. Starter Brian Burres was OK in six innings and Matt Albers solid in relief but the Orioles would need Christy Mathewson pitching these days. They scored one run on five hits in a 10-inning loss Monday and in losing eight of the last 10 games, the O's are averaging less than three runs a game.
Manager Dave Trembley keeps tinkering with the lineup. Nick Markakis was moved back to No. 3 after a few games hitting in the No. 2 hole. Markakis went 0-for-3 and grounded into a double play. He did walk and scored in the Orioles' two-run fourth. Aubrey Huff is still batting cleanup and has a 10-game hitting streak. And that, folks, is what amounts to offensive highlights these days.
Comments
You might want to rename the manager "Dave" and make mention that "Nick Markakis ... did walk and SCORE".
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That's what happens when you blog at 2 a.m. after watching West Coast games. But I did mention Markakis's walk and run.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Mark | May 7, 2008 4:06 AM
Bill the lineup the orioles put on the filed day in and day out isn't as good as many minor league teams . Another night with just 4 hits. This is starting to be a joke. But the real sad thing is Nick will soon be hitting 200 just like the rest of the over the hill bums. Is he trying to do to much to carry this team or his he still harboring ill feelings about what the orioles are paying him this year. Last 10 games they are averaging less then 3 runs a game. The pitching has been great. Sad thing no solutions to fix the problem .Dog days will start early for this team this year. It was fun while it lasted.
Posted by: bob lancione | May 7, 2008 6:20 AM
tough to win when you're not getting any production from ss, 1b, little production from 3rd base, cf, lf and c. markakis gets no protection or help and roberts is playing ok. huff is fair and there is no bench. the pitching is good. we just don't have much talent and the aaa and aa minor league teams have few position players who have talent. it looks like they need look to make a trade using some pitching as bait to get a bat or two..
Posted by: fkterp | May 7, 2008 6:20 AM
Bill,
You may want to change Jim Trembley to Dave Trembley before to many people give you grief. Always enjoy your blog - keep up the good work.
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Alex,
Thanks ... as I mentioned to a previous reader, that's what happens when you blog at 2 a.m. after two West Coast series.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Alex M | May 7, 2008 8:21 AM
Thanks Terry Crowley !!! It has been a wonderful 11+ years with you as the hitting coach. Why does this guy get a free pass??
Posted by: JWBBZ | May 7, 2008 8:57 AM
Why are you dumping on the "Crow"? Is he supposed to turn everybody into a Pujols? You have to have some ability in the first place. Just like you cant teach a 80 MPH pitcher to throw 100 MPH. The Orioles are suffering from inept at the very top. Until recently not much attention was paid to the farm system.
Posted by: Captain Jack | May 7, 2008 1:21 PM