The Orioles’ rainout Thursday night allowed me to read up a little on the upcoming Ravens-Steelers game in Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon.

And that has to make some of you nervous. You know what a fool can do with some knowledge, after all.

Anyway, I’ll make many of you Ravens’ fans happy. I’m picking the Steelers to win this one, which inevitably means the Ravens will pull out a tough road victory.

I am not exactly precise in this exercise. I think I was about 50-50 the past two years and started this one 1-2. So, you’re welcome, Ravens fans.

The funny thing is I usually take the most desperate team when it comes to divisional games. And considering the Steelers are undefeated and the Ravens certainly don’t want to fall two games behind in the division, the Ravens need this one more.

And the Steelers, we shouldn’t forget, are technically using their third-string QB. But the whole Ray Rice thing concerns me – as does playing in hostile Heinz Field.

I say it is close, 13-10, Steelers. And they clinch on a Troy Polamalu, fourth-quarter interception.

Now I want your prediction for the winner, score and player of the game. We’ll sort it all out next week, when the Orioles are officially done for the year.

Daily Think Special: Prediction Friday: Ravens-Steelers

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Alfredo Zambrano, a 17-year-old shortstop from Venezuela that played for the Orioles' Dominican Summer League team this year, was suspended for 50 games for failing a drug test, Major League Baseball announced today.

Zambrano was one of three suspensions announced, along with international minor leaguers in summer leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels.

The suspensions will take effect next year.

Zambrano, who batted .140 in 18 games for the Orioles' DSL team, tested positive for metabolites of the banned substance, Nandrolone.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Major League Baseball Players Association just released, in conjunction with the commissioner’s office, an announcement that there would be changes to the free-agent system this winter.

The most interesting one is that the exclusive bargaining period between the player and his former club has been reduced from 15 days after the World Series to five.

That could be significant for a team like, say, the Washington Nationals, which are trying to tie up Adam Dunn before the vultures swoop in.

For the Orioles, who have seven pending free agents, this doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, this year anyway. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail has already said he expects each of the club’s pending free agents to test the market.

In other words, he wasn’t planning on re-signing any of them during the exclusive negotiating period anyway. He wants to see what’s out there for the Orioles as well as letting his free agents – specifically Ty Wigginton, Koji Uehara, Cesar Izturis and Corey Patterson—explore their options before meeting to talk contract.

Some of the other changes include eliminating the need to file for free agency (a formality) and moving up the deadlines for offering arbitration and non-tendering players. There had been a lot of grousing from players about how long the free-agent process had dragged. Most want to know where they’ll be playing by Christmas and that wasn’t happening anymore.

There’s also a provision restricting the abilities of all involved to negotiate through the media. Specifics haven’t been announced on that one, but here’s a prediction: It’s not going to make those of us who cover baseball particularly happy.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Orioles final homestand of the season will have to wait a day.

Due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole, the Orioles’ Thursday night game against the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards has been postponed.

It is rescheduled as part of a straight doubleheader Friday afternoon beginning at 4:35 p.m. The second game will follow 20 minutes after the first. Tickets for Friday and Thursday will be good for both games.

Tickets for Thursday’s contest can be exchanged for tickets of equal value for Friday’s doubleheader, but if those with Thursday’s tickets cannot make Friday’s game or the two others remaining this season, they can exchange the tickets for non-prime games in April or May, 2011.

Jeremy Guthrie, who was scheduled to start Thursday night’s game, is expected to pitch Friday night. Chris Tillman, tentatively slated for Friday night, will now pitch Friday afternoon

Friday's games will be televised on MASN2 and the Orioles' normal radio affiliates.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

When Koji Uehara went on the disabled list May 25 with a right forearm strain, I considered his extensive injury history and wondered if he’d ever pitch again for the Orioles.

Now, I wonder if the Orioles can afford to not resign him and bring him back as their closer next season.

After pitching a perfect ninth inning in the Orioles’ 2-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays last night, Uehara now has 11 saves in 13 opportunities. That’s not going to overwhelm anybody, but his performance since his last blown save should.

Since surrendering a game-winning, three-run homer to the New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez in the ninth inning Sept. 17, Uehara has faced 15 batters in five outings and retired every one of them. Eleven of those 15 outs have come on strikeouts.

Speaking of strikeouts, Uehara has now fanned 41 batters since he issued his last walk to the Toronto Blue Jays’ Fred Lewis on July 16. That’s the longest stretch of strikeouts between walks in the American League since Pedro Martinez fanned 49 batters without issuing a walk in 2000.

He also has set a club record by not walking a batter in 30 consecutive appearances spanning 32 innings. He went to 3-2 last night against the Rays’ Dan Johnson and promptly struck him out.

He faced six batters in the Tampa series and struck out five of them. Ben Zobrist was the only batter to make contact and he hacked at the first pitch, sending a harmless pop-up into the glove of center fielder Adam Jones.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

Though they weren't talking about it too much, the Orioles were well aware that tonight's 2-0 victory here over the Tampa Bay Rays meant that they'd avoid reaching 100 losses for the third time in franchise history.

But that, at least in the visiting clubhouse, took a backseat to Kevin Millwood's performance in his final start of the season and likely of his Orioles' career. Listening to the Orioles talk about Millwood following his seven shutout innings, an outing that ended with a bases-loaded strikeout of B.J. Upton, showed just how well-respected that the veteran was in the clubhouse, and how badly they felt for how his season has gone.

"I don’t think I’ve ever pulled for anybody in my life as much as I did in that seventh inning with Upton at the plate," said pitching coach Rick Kranitz. "He really deserved that. He gave everything he had. He emptied his tank right there. He threw the ball extremely well tonight. He mixed speeds well, he was down. It was a good win for him and for the club.

Millwood finished the season with a 4-16 record and a 5.10 ERA. Sure, he had some really tough stretches and featured stuff, at times, that was nowhere near good enough to consistently get hitters out, especially in the American League East. To be honest, I had no idea how he did it tonight because his fastball was being clocked anywhere from 83 to 88 miles an hour.

But he was the recipient of the second worst run support in the A.L. - he gave up three earned runs or less in eight of his first 10 starts and won none of them - and he did pitch 190 2/3 innings. His leadership and the way that he handled his struggles was also extremely invaluable for the rest of the staff to see.

"To me, the tough thing was to look at his season and see that he had 16 losses," Kranitz said. "I thought earlier in the year, he could just have easily been 8-4 after his first 12 games. He did have some bad games that I thought inflated his ERA. I look at that record and it’s not an indication for how he threw, especially early. But as far as the young guys, they see a guy that’s been a warrior, a guy that has put up big numbers in his career. They saw him go through a tough stretch and be professional. He was the same guy. Hopefully our guys took a look and saw how you handle things in tough situations and when things aren’t going real well for you.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter agreed.

"You see the way he has handled adversity individually and from a group standpoint," Showalter said. "That’s probably the baseball Gods shining on him at the end of the season, I think. There’s a lot of stuff going on inside for a guy to do what he’s done through the course of his career. I hope the rest of his career treats him as well as he’s treated the game."

Amen.

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Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

A lot of news here at Tropicana Field as the Orioles prepare for the series finale and their final road game of the season:

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said that he will talk to his coaching staff at some point over the weekend to let them know where they stand, but he'd be surprised if any definitive decisions on the make-up of the staff are made until after the World Series. It clearly will be a tough process for Showalter, who has been pleased with how hard his staff has worked. He did say that there is a possibility that the staff will return intact.

Alfredo Simon had his suspension for hitting Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista with a pitch reduced from three games to two. He'll start serving it tonight, so he'll be eligible to play again in the second game of the Detroit series.

Orioles starter Jake Arrieta has decided to not have surgery to repair the bone spur in his right elbow after getting a second opinion from Los Angeles Angels medical director Dr. Lewis Yocum.

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts is still experiencing headaches and is not in the lineup for a second straight night. Showalter said that he'll see a doctor tomorrow in Baltimore.

Nick Markakis is in the lineup at designated hitter for the first time in his career. Felix Pie will get the start in right field with Adam Jones in center and Corey Patterson in left.

With the heavy rain predicted in Baltimore tomorrow, there has already been discussions about a Friday double header versus the Detroit Tigers.

Jeremy Guthrie is tentatively scheduled to pitch the first game of the series with Chris TIllman - and not Rick VandenHurk - likely going in game two.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

So Cal Ripken Jr. is getting into the sports snack business.

This is not exactly news in the classic sense, as Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly usually (and reliably) report.

This is not even really news in the Lingerie Football League sense, which my colleague Chris Korman broke down for you yesterday.

That Ripken, a Baltimore baseball legend, is putting his name on Power Shred, described in a news release as a "high-quality protein rich snack made from lean American beef" is news more in the Dan-Marino-and-Don-Shula-do-Nutrisystem-commercials sense.

You see one-time masters of their domain doing these commercials, or in Ripken's case putting his name on a product through a news release, and you can almost see the "SNL" writers penning a spoof.

"With three flavors, it tastes great and is made from a high-quality lean American beef. Give it a try," Ripken said in a new release.

Somewhere in that comment and in the release of Power Shred, there's a commentary on sports legends and their post-professional careers.

But such lofty commentary is beyond the scope of this current blog post. We'll save that for another day.

Until then, what are your thoughts about these endorsements? Do they resonate with you? Do they make you more likely to try a product? Or do they make you roll your eyes a little (a lot)?

-- Mike Catalini

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Later today, Kevin Millwood will make his final start of the 2010 season against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. It will almost certainly be his final appearance as an Oriole as the veteran right-hander is a free agent after the season and the club isn’t expected to resign him.

However, Millwood said yesterday that it will not be the final start of his accomplished career.

“The only thing I’m certain of right now is that I want to play again next year,” said the 35-year-old who has pitched in 413 games over 14 big league season, and logged 2,498 innings. “I’m just going to go in the offseason thinking about preparing for next season.”

Millwood, who was acquired by the Orioles from the Texas Rangers last December in exchange for reliever Chris Ray, admitted that this has been “as tough” as any season of his career. He enters tonight’s start with a 3-16 record and a 5.29 ERA. He currently leads the majors in losses and is second in the American League to Tampa Bay’s James Shields in earned runs (108) and home runs (30) allowed, and fourth in A.L. in hits allowed (221).

The numbers will undoubtedly scare some teams away this offseason, but Millwood said that he’s not worried about what kind of market there will be for him, and he has no geographical or league preference on where he wants to play next.

“I’m not really concerned about it,” he said. “It’s not a situation going into the offseason where I feel like I need to get a big contract or make a ton of money. It’s just a situation where I definitely want to play. My biggest [thing] is just wanting to go to a contending team.”

Asked if there was any chance that he could return to the Orioles, who are interested in adding a veteran pitcher this offseason to pair with Jeremy Guthrie, Millwood said, “Right now, I wouldn’t count anybody out for next year. … We have a lot of great guys here and a lot of good players. I think the clubhouse is in a good way right now. Everybody pretty much gets along and pulls for each other. The experience in that regard has been really good.

“I think it’s definitely looking better [for the Orioles]. The biggest thing was making sure that there is a manager here that everybody knows is going to be here. Everybody knows that Buck [Showalter] is going to be here for the next three or four years or whatever [his contract] was. I think having a little stability is key.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Knowing that the Tampa Bay Rays needed just one victory or a Boston Red Sox loss to clinch a playoff berth, Orioles manager Buck Showalter said on Monday that he hoped some of his players stuck around in the dugout long enough to watch some of the celebration if the Rays happened to get a playoff-clinching win..

That happened tonight, and a couple of Orioles, including infielders Robert Andino and Brandon Snyder and reliever MIchael Gonzalez, hung around the visiting dugout at Tropicana Field, but most just quietly trudged to the clubhouse oblivious to the mob of Rays that rushed the field.

That included Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, who was fanned by Rays closer Rafael Soriano for the final out.

"It’s not me celebrating so why the hell would I want to watch somebody else celebrate?,” Jones said. “Nobody wants to see nobody be clinched on. Let’s face it, nobody wants to see it, but it happens. A lot of respect to them. They deserve it.”

Asked about whether the Orioles could have gained some motivation going forward by taking in the Rays' celebration, Jones said, "“We all know what winning is like, probably not all at this level, but we all know what winning is like. We don’t want to have to watch somebody else win to know what it is like."

Orioles young starter Brad Bergesen, who was rocked for five runs in five innings in his worst start in two month, disagreed with Jones, saying it will "definitely" serve as motviation.

"I think [with] what we’ve done in the last couple months, we really started to believe in ourselves so hopefully we are going to turn this thing around and come in with some momentum for next year,” he said.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Julio Lugo was just thrown out of the game by home plate umpire Joe West for tossing his bat, helmet and elbow pad after striking out looking to end the top of the fifth inning.

Lugo, who was a late entry into the Orioles' lineup for the ill Brian Roberts, struck out looking twice and singled in his other at-bat. He didn't say anything to West following the second strikeout, but the home plate umpire obviously objected to the equipment tossing.

With Lugo ejected, Ty Wigginton moved over to second base and Brandon Snyder entered the game at first.

The Orioles are trailing 5-0 in the bottom of the fifth as Brad Bergesen clearly doesn't have it tonight while dealing with the left-handed heavy Rays lineup.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Brian Roberts was expected to bat leadoff and play second base tonight, but it was just announced that he has been scratched from the lineup and replaced by Julio Lugo.

Roberts is not feeling well, but an Orioles' official wasn't sure about the specifics of his illness.

The flu bug appears to be traveling around the Orioles' clubhouse because both Chris Tillman and Rick VandenHurk are under the weather. I'm not sure if that's what Roberts has or not, though he was present for the team stretch and in the clubhouse before the game.

Without Roberts, the Orioles will face left-hander David Price, who opposes a lineup that includes Lugo, Robert Andino, Josh Bell, Jake Fox and Nolan Reimold.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 6:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Orioles manager Buck Showalter and president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail today visited the Orioles' major league spring training complex at Ed Smith Stadium and the minor league facility at the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex at Twin Lakes Park. It will be interesting to get Showalter’s perspective on the facilities when he meets with the media later today.

As for my perspective, I walked around both facilities yesterday with Orioles vice president of planning and development Janet Marie Smith, and I was impressed with how much progress has been made. I went to Ed Smith about six weeks earlier when the Orioles last played the Rays and they were still heavily involved in the process of taking things out -- as in the older seats and stuff -- than putting things on. But that has changed, and it’s easy to see why team officials are so confident that the project will be done by mid-February 2011 when Orioles start reporting for spring training.

“This is the most fun part of the project,” Smith said as she stood in what remained of the gutted press box and looked out toward center field. “You can see it coming together. Everything is no longer on paper.”

While we were there, workers were installing steel plates, which will help support a canopy that will address the frequent complaints about the lack of shaded areas at Ed Smith. All the entrances were cut out, including the one right behind home plate that will allow fans to walk in and immediately get a glimpse of the field. The spots for the deli and the Orioles team store were marked off, while bulldozers moved around dirt and debris in the areas that will hold both the home and visiting bullpens and the picnic area.

Workers are hoping to finish the steel work by November, and then they’ll begin the framing of the building and other projects. That will include laying Astroturf on one of the fields so the Orioles can prepare for playing 18 games a year on the turf at Tropicana Field and Rogers Centre.

The only part of the project that won’t begin is the renovation of the building that houses both the Orioles' clubhouse and offices. That probably won’t begin until after the team heads north after spring training.

As for Twin Lakes Park, the much-maligned facility, the main clubhouse building is completely gutted. Not only will the whole clubhouse building undergo a thorough and much-needed renovation, but four of the outfields will also be redone. The infields were made over last year.

The Orioles will then take some of the sod removed from Twin Lakes and bring it to Ed Smith, where it will be put down to clean up some of the nearby parking lots and areas.

“When we said we’re trying to put nothing in the dumpsters, we mean it literally,” Smith said.

Ed Smith Stadium will also use the seats removed from Camden Yards the past couple of offseasons.

Photo by Craig Landefeld

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis’ low home run (10) and RBI total (57) has been a popular topic around these parts so I figured there would plenty of interest in a recent Baseball Prospectus piece on that very topic.

The article, titled “Nick Markakis: Greek God of Warning Track Power,” was written by Craig Brown and he, along with his editors, were kind enough to give me permission to use some of their findings. I would have posted the link and I certainly encourage everyone to visit the website and read the fine work at www.baseballprospectus.com, but it is subscription only.

Essentially, Brown concludes that Markakis’ RBI numbers are down significantly, largely because of Brian Roberts’ extended absence, and he simply hasn’t had many quality RBI opportunities. However, Markakis is hardly blameless, as Brown points out, noting that he’s become an opposite-field hitter.

Here are some excerpts from the article (all stats are good through Sunday’s game, meaning the Orioles’ 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays Monday in which Markakis had two RBIs isn’t included):

“Collectively, Oriole leadoff hitters posted a .304 on-base percentage while Roberts was sidelined. … Compare the total .304 OBP to the .364 OBP Roberts has posted since rejoining the team on July 23, hitting exclusively in the leadoff spot. The numbers illustrate just how much Markakis missed Roberts batting at the top of the order. In Markakis’ first 94 games of the season (all but four played without Roberts) he averaged 11.8 AB/RBI. In 59 games since Roberts’ return, Markakis is averaging 9.9 AB/RBI. … Especially when we combine his three previous seasons and see over that timeframe, Markakis drove in a run every 6.2 at bats. It turns out he's not bringing home his usual percentage of base runners. This season, Markakis is driving home just 13% of all runners, well below his career rate of 17%.”

“In 2007, almost 62% of Markakis’ plate appearances with men on base had at least one runner in scoring position. This season, just 55% of his plate appearances with runners on have come with at least one runner in scoring position. Not only is Markakis getting fewer RBI opportunities, he’s also getting a lower percentage of quality RBI opportunities. (As defined by plate appearances with at least one runner in scoring position.) When he does come to the plate with runners on second or third, he’s hitting .315/.405/.392. Basically, he's lacking the RBI results because he's lacking the opportunity.”

Brown then moves on to discussing Markakis’ declining power numbers, which he describes as “slightly more problematic” than the RBI total.

“If we look at Markakis’ 2009 6.6% homer/flyball rates, we would assume that because of his consistency from 2006 to 2008 (overall 8.7% HR/FB) his home run total would rebound in 2010. Except, as we all know, that hasn’t been the case. Markakis is no different from most hitters in that the majority of his power lives to his pull field. All but one of his home runs this season have landed to the right - or pull - side of second base. This is fine, except Markakis has evolved from a hitter who once sprayed the ball to all fields, to a hitter who now favors going to the opposite field.”

Brown then finishes the article by saying, “Markakis is still a good hitter. His contact rate of 88% is the highest of his career and he's hit at least 43 doubles for the fourth consecutive season. He's done this while bumping his walk rate to almost 11% and has no problem hitting against left-handed pitching. The power still lurks in Markakis, although it will continue to be underutilized unless he can rediscover his pull stroke. The silver lining is, even if his home run totals don't fully recover and return to 2007 levels, we can expect his RBI total to rebound from what has become an extremely forgettable year.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (42)
        

The story of the game, of course, was Orioles' rookie lefty Brian Matusz, who allowed just three hits and two walks in seven shutout innings. All of the three hits were singles and two of them were of the infield variety. Matusz put 63 of his 94 pitches in the strike zone and started the first 15 Rays with first-pitch strikes.

"He did not miss a spot all night," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said. "He commanded every pitch that he had. We knew that he was good. Earlier in the season, he was not pitching as well, but that was about as good as he can be tonight."

In his last 10 starts, Matusz is 6-1 with a 2.09 ERA. Over his last seven, the 23-year-old lefty is 5-0 with a 1.58 ERA, and has allowed just 24 hits in 40 innings. During that span, only 23 batters have even reached second base and seven of those came in his Sept. 6 start at Yankee Stadium.

A couple of other notes:
The Orioles are now 14-11 on the road under Buck Showalter, and yes, this win counts even though bench coach Jeff Datz managed the club with Showalter serving a one-game suspension. That's notable because that's the same number of road wins in 25 games as the Orioles won in the previous 54 road games before Showalter's arrival.

Nick Markakis, who was the hitting star with two hits and two RBIs, was 0-for-7 against Rays lefty Randy Choate before his RBI single sparked the Orioles' three-run seventh.

The crowd at Tropicana Field was only 12,446, the fourth lowest of the season. I've covered many games at the Trop so I can'r say I'm stunned. But that's still kind of said when you consider the Rays need one win or a Boston Red Sox loss to clinch their second playoff berth in franchise history.

"No I’m not [surprised]," said Showalter, who watched the game from a suite. "I’ve been coming to Tampa for a while. I don’t know what does it have to do with. You’re as equipped as everybody else here to weigh in on it. I just know that it’s a really good baseball team going to the playoffs again. From a baseball fan, I’d like to see them get a lot more support. They deserve it. But the 12,000 people that were here were very supportive, I can tell you that. They were certainly screaming at me. I kept going back as deep as I could [in the suite] where I could see the game."

Kudos to Rays stars Evan Longoria and David Price, who both brought up the disappointing attendance total.

To put that number in perspective, more than 10,000 people attended the Orioles-New York Yankees spring training game that was played just over the bridge in Tampa.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

With their deal with CBS Radio’s 105.7 FM expiring after the season, the Orioles are currently fielding proposals from outlets looking to become the team’s flagship radio station going forward.

WBAL Radio 1090-AM and 105.7 are two stations in negotiations with the club, according to a source familiar with the talks, and they’d be the two frontrunners because of what they offer, both in terms of the signal strength and the financial means.

However, no deal is imminent, according to the source. The Orioles have been partners with 105.7 since the 2007 season. WBAL had previously served as their flagship station for 19 years.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)
        

Major League Baseball has hit Orioles reliever Alfredo Simon with a three-game suspension for, in its eyes, intentionally throwing at Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista in the fifth inning of the teams' game at Rogers Centre on Sunday.

It was the second time Bautista had been hit in the game, and it came after a warning had been issued.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter received a one-game suspension for Simon's hitting Bautista after the warning. Showalter will serve his suspension tonight during the Orioles' series opener at the Tampa Bay Rays.

Simon was scheduled to begin serving his ban tonight, but because he filed an appeal, his suspension will be held in abeyance until the process is finished. His hearing his scheduled for Thursday.

"I was surprised," Simon said. "I don’t try to hit him. He’s a good friend of mine. There’s no reason to hit him. His manager thinks [Showalter] brought me in to hit him because I’m the guy that usually throws the eighth inning or ninth inning. But the reason they bring me in is because there was no pitchers left and [Rick] VandenHurk started. I’m the only righty in the bullpen."

Simon and Showalter also received undisclosed fines, as did Blue Jays starter Shaun Marcum, for throwing at Luke Scott in the fourth inning Sunday, which MLB deemed intentional.

Bench coach Jeff Datz will serve as the Orioles' manager tonight, prompting Showalter to say, "I think the further [I'm] away from it, the better chance we got."

Showalter reiterated that the Orioles weren't throwing at Bautista on purpose.

"We had one right-handed pitcher down there who already knew that he was going to spell Vandy. I’m going to call down there and say, ‘Hey, you’re my only guy and I want you to hit Bautista after throwing two balls?,’" Showalter said. "You go through it, but I understand how it looks and I would have upset about it too, and I would have done what the umpire did. There’s nothing you can do about it. It looked that way. I can tell you that it wasn’t intentional, but I understand how you can feel differently. Simon was the only guy we had right-handed in that situation. He already knew that he was probably going to be the first guy in and when he hit him, it really put us in a tough spot because we didn’t want to use [Matt] Albers or [David] Hernandez or any of the guys that we had to use yesterday."

Posted by Steve Gould at 4:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

A win is a win, right?

The Ravens will take it after beating a seemingly inferior Cleveland Browns squad, 24-17.

I’ll take it because I previously was 0-2 predicting Ravens games this season. My 31-10 guess was way off (unless you just transfer one TD from the Ravens to the Browns. Then I am brilliant).

Anyway, few of you thought it would be as close as it was. A free drink chip goes to Ravenesque for a 16-10 call. The free drink tab for the week goes to Connolly’s semi-regular Bob M. He had 24-10. Good thought, Bob.

Once again I was working the day job -- in Toronto watching a few plunkings between the Orioles and Blue Jays -- and didn’t get to watch any of the Ravens game. I can’t comment on it, but I’m wondering whether you guys are concerned because the Ravens “only” won by a TD.

For my baseball readers, I want to know whether you think the Orioles were purposely throwing at home run leader Jose Bautista on Sunday; he was hit on the left arm by a Rick VandenHurk pitch in the third and an Alfredo Simon pitch in the fifth.

VandenHurk certainly wasn’t, in my opinion. But after Luke Scott was hit in the fourth in retaliation to Bautista’s third-inning plunking, you have to wonder whether Alfredo Simon purposely hit him again in the fifth.

Simon says no. So does Buck Showalter, who said he understood why the Blue Jays felt it looked that way. The Jays’ were pretty miffed that Simon hit Bautista one pitch after almost hitting him. And they questioned why Simon, who hadn’t pitched before the seventh in any game this year, entered in the fifth.

Baseball intrigue and football exhaling. Stab at them both.

Daily Think Special: Do you think the Orioles purposely threw at Jose Bautista?

Bonus Think Special: Are you disappointed the Ravens “only” won by seven?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Updating a previous item about the Orioles’ rotation for the remainder of the season, it looks like either Rick VandenHurk or Chris Tillman – not both -- will get one final start.

The rest of the rotation appears to be set. Brian Matusz pitches Monday at Tampa and will be followed by Brad Bergesen and Kevin Millwood.

Tillman is tentatively set to pitch Thursday at Camden Yards against the Detroit Tigers. But if he is skipped – which is possible if the Orioles want to see VandenHurk again – then Jeremy Guthrie would likely be moved up to Thursday and pitch on regular, four-days’ rest. Then VandenHurk would start Friday’s game.

Matusz and Bergesen are expected to pitch the final two games of the season on Saturday and Sunday.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Alfredo Simon came in to relieve Rick Vandenurk to begin the fifth inning.

And he didn't stay around long.

After getting an out, Simon threw two balls to Toronto slugger Jose Bautista, the second close enough that Bautista stumbled out of the batter's box.

On his next pitch, Simon plunked Bautista in the left forearm and was immediately ejected by home plate umpire Bill Welke.

Bautista, the major-league leader in homers, was hit by a VandenHurk pitch in the left arm and ribs in in his previous at-bat in the third.

Incidentally, Luke Scott was hit by Shaun Marcum in the fourth, the first Orioles batter after Bautista's first plunking. And Welke warned the benches after that one.

So Orioles manager Buck Showalter was also ejected in the bottom of the fifth, per baseball protocol. It's Showalter's second ejection as an Oriole. The first came August 20 against the Rangers in Baltimore.

By the way, VandenHurk's first Orioles' start lasted four innings. He gave up four hits, two walks and allowed three runs while striking out five.

Matt Albers is now in to pitch for Simon.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Well it wasn’t pretty, but the damage was minimized.

VandenHurk, making his first start as an Oriole, walked the first batter he faced: Toronto Blue Jays leadoff hitter Travis Snider, on six pitches.

He then went 2-0 to Aaron Hill before catcher Matt Wieters went out to talk to him. VandenHurk struck out Hill and got Jose Bautista to fly out before Vernon Wells singled to center to bring in Snider.

VandenHurk struck out the next batter, Lyle Overbay, to get out of the inning down just 1-0.

He walked the first batter in the second, though. And then gave up a single and made a throwing error on a pickoff. Eventually he allowed a second run on a sacrifice fly, but he’s down just 2-1 heading into the third.

It’s possible VandenHurk gets one more start this season, but this could be it for him in 2010.

Orioles manager Showalter said before the game that no one else in the rotation will get shut down, so each of the five besides VandenHurk will have one more start. He said it was possible that Brian Matusz and Brad Bergesen could get two, which would mean VandenHurk doesn’t start again this season.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 1:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

This series in Toronto is a perfect example of how hitting the long ball can make a real difference.

In two games against the Blue Jays the Orioles have had 24 hits including six doubles. They have had one homer and scored eight runs.

The Blue Jays have had 13 hits in those two games and no doubles. But they have hit seven home runs and have scored 10 runs. They've won both games, 5-4.

On the season, the Jays have hit 241 homers, most in the majors. The Orioles have hit 131 -- 110 fewer than Toronto -- which is 10th of 14 clubs in the American League.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter was asked before Saturday's game whether playing Toronto puts an intense light on the Orioles' deficiencies in the power department.

Diplomatically, this is what he said: "I am not in the 'We’ve got to have this, we’ve got to have that' mode right now. ... That’s for another time. ... We want to make sure our answers aren’t in our backyard before we start coveting our neighbors’ people, so to speak."

Read between the lines and the answer is yes, this team needs a power hitter or two for 2011.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

By completing the fifth inning Saturday at Rogers Centre, Jeremy Guthrie has hit the 200-inning mark for the second consecutive season.

He is the first Orioles pitcher to accomplish that since Mike Mussina and Sidney Ponson both did it in 1999-2000. Mussina actually had a streak of six straight 200-plus-inning seasons from 1996-2000 before he left for the New York Yankees.

Guthrie has given up just three hits, including two solo homers, in his five innings. Meanwhile, Ricky Romero was pulled after five, surrendering three runs on five hits and five walks. He threw 105 pitches in five innings, including 57 in the first two.

Two of the Orioles' three runs have come on bases-loaded walks.

The Orioles are up 3-2 in the sixth.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Some various notes from Saturday’s pregame with Buck Showalter.

As expected, Rick VandenHurk will make his first start for the Orioles on Sunday against the Jays. The Orioles informed him of that this morning. The only thing that could change that is if the Orioles were forced into an extremely long game today, and needed him to pitch deep into extra innings.

VandenHurk, 25, has made 32 starts in the majors, but all for the Florida Marlins from 2007-09. He’s made eight major-league appearances this season, two with the Marlins and six with the Orioles, and all were out of the bullpen

“You just adjust to the situation you are in,” VandenHurk said. “I was in the bullpen the last two months and you adjust to being in the bullpen. I am starting (Sunday), so I’ll adjust my routine to starting (Sunday).”

Showalter said he wants to see how VandenHurk responds to the assignment, but it doesn’t make or break his future with the organization.

“How he pitches tomorrow, is it going to be exactly what he is going to do the rest of his career? Of course not, necessarily,” Showalter said. “But there are a lot of things that you look for. I think it’s more you watch the hitters’ reactions as much as you do what the statistics show you after the game.”

So far he has been impressed with VandenHurk, who was acquired from the Marlins on July 31 for Will Ohman.

“He is a competitive man, he is in good shape, you can tell how hard he works,” Showalter said. “He does a lot of things to give him a chance to do good stuff on the field. The only way to see if that carries over is to run him out there. He is out of options next year and I don’t want to necessarily get fooled in September, but more importantly in March.

In other news, Jake Fox is making his seventh start of the season behind the plate Saturday, and Matt Wieters is sitting for the second consecutive game. On Friday, Fox was the DH, Craig Tatum caught and Wieters pinch-hit in the ninth, flying out to end the game.

Showalter said Wieters will catch Sunday, but he wants to keep giving opportunities to others as the season wanes.

“We’ve got nine or 10 games left, it might come a time in the offseason when we are trying to make calls where we wish we would have done it,” Showalter said of starting Fox. “We also like our chances to win with him back there, too.”

Also seeing action Saturday is Julio Lugo, who is starting at designated hitter for the first time this season. Lugo has started just two games overall in September due to recurring headaches. But he believes a pinched nerve was causing the pain, and is feeling better.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

When Jose Bautista was a Rule 5 pick with the Orioles in 2004, the club saw him as a raw athlete, a kid with a powerful bat, a good eye and a cannon arm who didn't have a true position.

No one, I repeat, no one, thought this guy would hit 52 home runs in a season one day.

Heck, his career high for a season was 16 -- and that was way back in 2006. I mean, this guy was twice overlooked by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and they need help more than the Orioles.

But all these years later, Bautista is making the Orioles pay for their decision not to keep him on the 25-man roster (again, a move no one complained about in 2004).

He has now hit nine homers and driven in 19 runs in 60 at-bats against the Orioles this year. That's almost as many homers as Nick Markakis (10) has hit all season.

Only two other players (Toronto's Tony Batista in 2000 and Washington's Frank Howard in 1968) have hit as many as nine homers against the Orioles in one season. No one has hit more.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Chris Tillman walked just one batter and gave up only four hits in six innings pitched.

That's a nice departure from his last two starts when Tillman allowed six walks each.

Problem is all five of Tillman's baserunners scored -- three on homers.

Tillman's line: 6 IP, 4H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3Ks. He threw 86 pitches, 54 for strikes.

Vernon Wells hit a two-run homer in the fourth, the 30th of the season for Wells.

The other three runs scored courtesy of former Oriole Jose Bautista. Who padded his major-league-leading home run total to 52 with a solo shot in the first and a two-run bomb in the sixth that landed in the second deck at Rogers Centre.

Of Bautista's 52 homers this season, nine have come against the Orioles. That's the most he's hit against a team this year.

Former University of Maryland standout Brett Cecil is out of the game, too. He also lasted six innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on 11 hits and no walks. He fanned six.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

You may have noticed that Troy Patton finally pitched on Wednesday in Boston, his first big-league outing in three years.

But this story is much more than just a comeback from an arm injury.

Patton, 25, pitched on Wednesday in front of his 34-year-old sister, whom he had never met before this week.

It’s an incredible story, and one that gets a major assist from the social media site, Facebook.

Patton’s father had been married previously. His ex-wife took their daughter, Heather, away when she was 4 and Patton’s father never saw her again. Before this week, that is.

According to Patton, his dad hired a private investigator in the past to find the girl, but the attempts to reunite were unsuccessful.

“I knew about her when I was younger, my dad has always talked about her. ‘Oh, it’s my daughter’s birthday today,’” Patton said. “It really hurt him every year because he tried to find her earlier, Technology wasn’t what it is now.”

Fast forward to this year. Patton’s dad, who lives in Houston and is remarried with four boys, including Troy, set up a Facebook account and entered “Heather Patton.” And there was a hit for a woman in Boston that matched the age. It was her.

Patton’s dad and the woman agreed to meet in Boston, to watch the Red Sox and Orioles play this past week.

On Wednesday, they watched Patton make his Orioles debut and his first big-league appearance since September 2007, when he was with the Houston Astros. Patton was traded that offseason to the Orioles in the Miguel Tejada deal and then missed all of 2008 after labrum surgery, spending nearly two full seasons in the minors.

He had been up with the Orioles three times this season, but didn’t pitch until Wednesday, when he faced four batters in the seventh, walking one, allowing a hit and recording two outs.

“I have another 2/3 of an inning in the big leagues, which isn’t much to most people, but it means a lot to me,” said Patton, who appeared in three games for the Astros in 2007. “Three years since I’ve done anything, so it means a lot to me.”

One of his outs was a strikeout of Red Sox slugger David Ortiz. And that had a little extra meaning, given the unusual reunion in the Fenway park stands.

“(Heather) knew who (Ortiz) was, too, which is good,” Patton laughed.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter knew of the story before Patton pitched Wednesday. He said he had wanted to get the lefty into a game, and that may have provided more motivation.

“I’d like to paint it that way, but if his sister hadn’t been there he probably would have pitched anyway,” Showalter said. “But it is something that I stepped back and (thought) about, and everybody in the dugout was really pulling for him to get a clean outing, so to speak. That was pretty cool.”

Patton said he has now “friended” his sister – whom he says has similar hair color and eyes and definitely possesses a family resemblance -- on Facebook. He expects to keep in touch with her and for her to meet the rest of his family.

“It’s kind of cool, too, because I got to meet her first,” Patton said. “Now, when everybody else meets her, me and her already kind of know each other. … She’s definitely part of the family now.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Jake Arrieta met with club president Andy MacPhail and manager Buck Showalter this afternoon about whether to have a bone spur surgically removed from his right elbow.

He walked out of the meeting saying no decision has been made. He said they are still waiting for renowned orthopedist Lewis Yocum, the Los Angeles Angels physician, to review the MRI of Arrieta’s elbow.

The 24-year-old rookie said he is still leaning toward not having surgery since it doesn’t bother him, but it’s a decision he won’t make until he hears Yocum’s second opinion.

“I would like to not get it done, because it hasn’t given me trouble in my career, ever,” Arrieta said. “But if [the Orioles] feel like it would be beneficial to have it done -- for the rest of my career -- then we’ll talk about that. But as for now, we are waiting on Yocum.”

He said there is no timetable for when Yocum will look at the MRI. It’s possible, Arrieta said, that he might travel to see Yocum after the season, “if [Yocum] can’t get a definitive answer from the films.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

The Orioles have informed Triple-A Norfolk hitting coach Richie Hebner and Rookie-level Bluefield pitching coach Larry McCall that they will not be invited back for next season.

Hebner, who spent 18 seasons in the big leagues, served just one year as the Tides’ hitting coach. He joined the organization during the 2009 season, taking over as the Single-A Frederick Keys’ manager.

McCall spent 21 seasons as a pitching coach in the Orioles’ organization, working at every level. He was the Double-A Bowie pitching coach in 2009 after serving in that capacity the previous two seasons at Triple-A. This past season was his second stint at Bluefield.

There could be several changes on the minor league coaching staffs, but they likely won’t be finalized until Orioles manager Buck Showalter decides on his big league staff. Several minor league coaches, including Bobby Dickerson, Brian Graham and Mike Bordick, have spent time with the major league club since Showalter took over, and could be candidates to join his staff for the 2011 season.

It’s also unknown what will happen with third base coach Gary Allenson, who left his position as Norfolk’s manager to take as the Orioles’ third base coach when Juan Samuel was elevated to interim manager. If Allenson doesn’t stay with the big league staff, he could return to Norfolk and his role as Tides manager next season.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said Wednesday that it’s possible the club will start talking to its free agents both before and during the exclusive two-week negotiating window the Orioles will have after the players file for free agency.

In past offseasons, the Orioles have let their free agents explore their options before starting talks with them later if there is interest, as with the case of Mark Hendrickson last year.

“I’m not writing any of them off,” MacPhail said. “I think there is a scenario where virtually every one of them could be back one way or another, but some of that is dependent on whatever options they think they have and we think we have.”

The Orioles will have seven major league free agents heading into the offseason: infielders Cesar Izturis, Julio Lugo and Ty Wigginton; outfielder Corey Patterson; starting pitcher Kevin Millwood; and relievers Mark Hendrickson and Koji Uehara.

I'm sure we'll be breaking down the chances of their return in the coming days, but if I were to handicap the odds right now, I'd say this: There is a very good chance that Izturis will return, especially if the Orioles are able to upgrade offensively at two other positions. I'd say it's about 50-50 with Wigginton and Uehara, and a little below that with Patterson and Hendrickson. There is virtually no chance that Millwood or Lugo comes back.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (24)
        

OK, Ravens’ fans, I am sorry.

I know you are a superstitious bunch. Most sports fans are.

And I understand what I have done to you so far. Each week we pick the outcome of the Ravens’ game in this corner dive (yeah, I know we are under the Orioles Insider umbrella; deal with it). And, so far, I am 0-2 in such endeavor.

I had the Ravens losing to the Jets (they won) and then beating the Bengals (they lost). So I know many of you want me to keep the jinx alive and take the Browns this weekend against your purple warriors.

Can’t do it. Got to go with the considerable gut. Ravens win this one at home. And they win it easily. My prediction is Ravens 31, Browns 10.

My star of the game is Ray Rice, finally, who runs all over the Browns’ D. My guess is all components of the Ravens’ game come together on Sunday. No matter what I might predict (I really don’t think I am affecting things here people, no matter what some of you suggest).

So we’ll see if my jinx holds up. Or if even I can’t screw up this one.

Now I need your call on Prediction Friday. Give me a score of the Ravens-Browns game, a winner and a player of the game.

Those closest will get props next week in this very space, assuming it’s not burned down by angry patrons if the Ravens lose.

Daily Think Special: Prediction Friday: Ravens-Browns

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

It certainly hasn't been any easy year for Orioles minor leaguer Mychal Givens, The Sun's Dean Jones Jr. writes.

The prospect, whom the Orioles drafted in the second round in 2009, has endured not being assigned to a full-season affiliate after spring training, a significant injury in late May and the club's selecting fellow shortstop Manny Machado with the third overall pick in the 2010 draft -- immediately bumping Givens from his spot as the organization's top prospect at the position.

Throughout these tribulations, however, Givens has stayed strong and confident.

"You can call them setbacks, but I don't look at it that way. It's always a bumpy road. You're going to always have that, but it's just how you're going to come back from it," Givens said. "I look at it in a positive way, a way to get stronger, and a way to help my team."

Read Dean's article in its entirety here.

Posted by Steve Gould at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Fifteen Orioles minor leaguers, including 2010 first-round draft pick Manny Machado, are participating in the team's two-week fall instructional program at Camden Yards.

The workouts, which are being held in Baltimore due to ongoing renovations at both Ed Smith Stadium and Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota, Fla., started on Sept. 20 and are expected to continue until Oct. 2.

"It starts at 7:30 a.m. and goes until 2:30 or 3 o'clock [in the afternoon] every day," Orioles director of player development John Stockstill said. "There's work indoors. There's work going on at all times."

The purpose of the fall program -- to give the minor leaguers an opportunity for extra work on the fundamentals, including hitting, fielding and base running -- hasn't changed because of the location, but a lot of the players notice a difference in holding the practices at a major league park.

"Other teams are doing [instructional programs] at their spring training facility and we're out here on a major league field, taking [batting practice], catching ground balls," Machado said. "It's a great opportunity."

Other players included in the program are: infielders Mychal Givens, L.J. Hoes, Connor Narron, Jonathan Schoop and Tyler Townsend; outfielders Xavier Avery, Glynn Davis, Kyle Hudson, Trent Mummey and Brenden Webb; and catchers Riley Hornback, Tanner Murphy, Michael Ohlman and Wynston Sawyer.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 1:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Former Orioles infielder Miguel Tejada isn't much of a home run hitter at this stage of his career, but he still has a knack for hitting big home runs.

Tejada slammed a two-run shot off Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Ted Lilly last night, giving him 300 career home runs.and sending the San Diego Padres to a 3-1 victory and back into first place in the National League West.

Traded by the Orioles to the Padres just before the deadline for minor league pitcher Wynn Pelzer, Tejada is the 22nd active player to reach the 300-homer mark. Out of his 300 homers, 109 of them were with the Orioles, and 289 of them were as a shortstop. That puts him third on the all-time home run list at that position behind Cal Ripken Jr. (345) and Alex Rodriguez (344).

Tejada has certainly done his part to help the Padres in the pennant chase, batting .273 with eight homers and 27 RBIs in 194 at-bats, while playing solid defense at shortstop. He hit .269 with seven homers and 39 RBIs in 401 at-bats as the Orioles' third baseman this season.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

The Orioles lost tonight because they managed only one run in seven innings against struggling starter John Lackey, while their starter, Kevin Millwood, surrendered six earned runs in five-plus innings.

That was all there was to it for manager Buck Showalter, who didn't think the loss had anything to do with the Orioles not showing a killer instinct to finish off the sweep, or being content with already winning their first series at Fenway Park since July 2004.

“We’ve done that some or a lot. We did it [Tuesday] night,” said Showalter when asked about the Orioles’ ability to finish off a club. “I think it was more Lackey than anything else. The want-to was there. You learn from it and move on. It doesn’t mean that you’ve won two games and that’s good enough. I don’t get that feeling at all that it was OK we won the series and we’ll just play with house money. You do have that but you take that to your advantage instead of giving yourself some out. I don’t see that though.”

Under Showalter, the Orioles have secured three series sweeps, doing it to the Los Angeles Angels twice and the Toronto Blue Jays once. But they've also won the first two games of a series and then lost the third four times under Showalter, including in three of their last five series. It's been hard to find fault with anything the club has done under Showalter, but the Orioles know if they are going to be able to hang in the American League East, they're probably going to have to sharpen their killer instinct.

“I don’t think anyone here is satisfied with two out of three. I’m not,” Millwood said. “It’s going to take winning for long stretches for guys to learn how to do it. This organization has been down for a while. It finally seems like it’s starting to get on an upswing. Hopefully the way we are playing now can carry over next year for these guys, or us.”

Adam Jones was particularly vocal about not being satisfied with just winning two-of-three against Boston, and spliting the season series, 9-9.

“We wanted to get that sweep … and we came close,” said Jones. “We won the series so that’s something to be proud of, but the thing is, we could have won the season series. Instead of 9-9, we could have gone 10-8. To me, it’s my third year here. That would have been the first time we won against them. That would have meant a lot. But it’s the closest we’ve played since I’ve been here, and as tough as we played them all year. That’s something to be proud about.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Kevin Millwood hadn't allowed a hit heading into the bottom of the fourth inning, but that ended in a big way.

Red Sox rookie Ryan Kalish led off the bottom of the fourth with a single. After a J.D. Drew pop out, Victor Martinez singled to right, putting runners on first and second with one out.

David Ortiz then launched Millwood's 1-0 slider over the right-field wall and into the visiting bullpen. Ortiz's 31st homer of the season gave the Red Sox a 3-1 lead.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

After taking the first two games of the three-game series in Boston, the Orioles can do something that they haven't done against the Red Sox in 16 years: sweep a series at Fenway Park.

The Orioles haven't swept a three-game series on Yawkey Way since June 10-12, 1994, and that certainly was on their mind after completing last night's victory.

“We have to turn our attention to trying to get tomorrow's [game] so we can get all three,” said Orioles first baseman Ty Wigginton, who has driven in the game-winning run in three straight games. “That ought to be our sole goal right now.”

With a 9-8 record against the Red Sox this season, a victory tonight would give the Orioles their first outright season series win against them since 2004 when they went 10-9. As it is, the Orioles have already won more games against Boston this season than they had the previous two seasons combined.

"I know it was pretty bad here," said second baseman Brian Roberts. "We’ve never had a whole lot of success here in a long time. It’s been good to just play good baseball. When you are in close games and your pitchers are throwing the ball the way that ours are, we feel like we have a chance late in the game."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

The victory improved the Orioles' record to 9-8 against the Red Sox this season. With only one game remaining between the two clubs, the Orioles have clinched their first .500 or better season series against the Red Sox since 2004 and just their second since 1998.

The Orioles clinched their first win in a three-game series at Fenway Park since July 2004. That stat stunned even second baseman Brian Roberts, who has been part of plenty of losses on Yawkey Way. Overall, Boston had won 15 straight series over the Orioles at Fenway.

The Orioles have won 12 of their past 16 games. They now need to go only 2-9 the rest of the way to avoid a 100-loss season, and 4-7 over their final 11 games to better the 64-98 performance from last year’s club.

The Orioles are 29-17 overall under new manager Buck Showalter, including 13-7 on the road. They had been just 14-40 on the road under former managers Dave Trembley and Juan Samuel.

Ty Wigginton’s go-ahead three-run homer off Scott Atchison in the seventh inning was his 21st home run of the season but his first since Aug. 22, a span of 26 games. Wigginton does have six RBIs in his past four games, and he’s driven home the game-winning run in each of the Orioles’ three straight wins.

Brad Bergesen, who allowed one earned run in six innings to pick up the win, is 5-1 with a 2.31 ERA in his past 10 starts. He also lowered his season ERA to 4.90, the first time it has been below 5.00 all season. Bergesen entered August with a 6.63 ERA.

The one negative tonight was Felix Pie's not running out his infield pop-up in the sixth inning that scored the Orioles' only run against Boston starter Clay Buchholz. Red Sox second baseman Marco Scutaro dropped the ball, which hung in the air seemingly forever. Adam Jones scored all the way from first on the play. Pie only made it to first. Something is wrong with that picture, and both Jones and Showalter let Pie know about it after the fact.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

Ty Wigginton probably deserved that one.

The Orioles burly first baseman absolutely mauled two balls in Monday's series opener and they absolutely died in deep center field, otherwise known as Death Valley at Fenway Park.

So with the game tied and two runners on in the seventh inning tonight, Wigginton decided to go the other way. It was a wise move.

Wigginton lined Scott Atchison's first pitch just inside the right-field foul pole. The three-run homer, Wigginton's 21st home run of the season, gave the Orioles a 4-1 lead.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Chalk up another body part that Brian Roberts will need to ice after the game.

The veteran second baseman just hurt his left shoulder trying to field Jed Lowrie's hard one hopper. The ball hit off Roberts' glove and then bounced into shallow right field. Roberts either was shaken up or he didn't see where the ball was, allowing Lowrie to take second base.

Head athletic trainer Richie Bancells and manager Buck Showalter immediately came out of the dugout to look at Roberts, who currently remains in the game.

Lowrie came around to score the game's first run on Daniel Nava's two-out single off Brad Bergesen in the second inning.

The Orioles had a man on third with one out in the top of the frame after Matt Wieters hit a leadoff double and Adam Jones dropped down a sacrifice bunt. But Clay Buchholz retired Felix Pie on a groundout and then struck out Robert Andino to end the inning.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

With his two doubles last night, Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis became just the third player in baseball history to hit 43 or more doubles in four straight seasons.

The other two - Joe Medwick (1935-39) and Tris Speaker (1920-23) - are both in the Hall of Fame. Not bad company at all for the 26-year-old.

Both of Markakis' doubles last night went to the Green Monster in left field, prompting manager Buck Showalter to turn to hitting coach Terry Crowley and say, "'How many doubles do you think Nicky would have in this place?' He could play some pepper out there."

Markakis now has 179 doubles since the start of the 2007 season, and 12 games remaining in 2010 to build on that total.

Markakis also appears to have gone back to a batting stance that he was using earlier this season. His hands are much lower and the bat is sort of resting on his shoulder.

Markakis spends hours working with hitting coach Terry Crowley and watching video of his swing. He's barely at his locker anymore because he spends so much time analyzing his swing and his at-bats.

However, he's not one to expand too much when you ask him about his stance. He admitted earlier this season that he has tried several different stances this year and he stays with the one that feels comfortable at the time.

After going 2-for-4 with a walk last night, I'm assuming he'll stick with what he's doing for now.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

It wasn't a long start, but it was a solid one for Brian Matusz considering he threw 38 pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox.

It also wasn't a flawless performance from the bullpen, unless you only consider Koji Uehara's impressive ninth inning in which he struck out two and threw eight of his nine pitches for strikes. But it was a very good performance in a very hard place to get the final nine outs.

But by far, the most impressive part of the Orioles' 4-2 victory last night at Fenway Park was their timely hitting, and the way they battled at the plate in the decisive top of the seventh inning.

Let's review: Brian Roberts works a one-out walk against Daisuke Matsuzaka, laying off a 3-2 pitch. Nick Markakis gets behind Matsuzaka, but lines a 2-2 offering off the base of the Green Monster in left field for a double.

Now, with runners on second and third and one out and the game tied at two, Boston manager Terry Francona brought in Daniel Bard, arguably the top set-up man in baseball, looking for the strikeout of Ty Wigginton. It appeared that he'd get it as Wigginton quickly fell behind 0-2. But the veteran fouled off several tough pitched, and then took a couple of close pitches before hitting a go-ahead sacrifice fly to center field. Luke Scott then made it a two-run game with another gritty at-bat, resulting in a two-out, two-strike single.

"Obviously, a lot of people have had trouble with [Bard]," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "Ty’s not the type of guy that just gives in. He’s going to [man] up and compete. That’s what you have to do to do what he did. And Luke had a big base hit there."

It goes without saying - and this was the lead of the game story - that it's been these types of at-bats the last month and a half, to go along with pretty consistent pitching, that has allowed the Orioles to 28-17 since Showalter took over.

"Wiggy’s at bat was certainly a huge key to our win tonight," said Roberts. "That’s not an easy at-bat for anybody. In that situation, starting him off with three or four sliders and then to foul off 99 [miles an hour] in on the hands. That was a very professional at-bat. It’s something you come to expect out of Wiggy because he does have a lot of really good at-bats especially in key situations.

"It’s a combination of timely hitting and good pitching. When it comes to offensively, that’s the big thing, getting runners in with less than two outs. You don’t necessarily have to have a hit. You just need a good at-bat and get the guy in. It’s happening certainly a lot more than it did in the first half."

Wigginton, who has now brought in the game-winning run in two straight games, agreed with Roberts.

"I think you are seeing a lot more unselfish at-bats," Wigginton said. "I think you are seeing guys give themselves up, making sure to move the runner, and if you benefit with the hit, it’s even better. And that’s what it takes to be a good ballclub."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
        

Orioles rookie left-hander Brian Matusz entered tonight's series opener having pitched just one inning over the past 13 days and the rust showed in the first inning.

Matusz allowed only one run on Victor Martinez's single to right, but he threw 38 pitches in the frame. All but 12 of them were strikes, but the Red Sox repeteadly fouled off pitches and got into deep counts.

Marco Scutaro started the inning with a nine-pitch walk. It took 22 pitches for Matusz to get his first out of the first inning on Adrian Beltre's pop-out to left field.

The second went a little better as Matusz pitched a perfect inning on 13 pitches. Still, the 51 pitches after two suggests that it's going to be a busy night for the bullpen.

The game is tied at one heading into the third. Luke Scott drove in the Orioles' run with a sacrifice fly in the top of the first inning.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Jake Arrieta, who was planning to get surgery to have a bone spur removed from his right elbow, is having second thoughts and is now leaning against having the surgery.

Arrieta is currently seeking a second opinion, which could be limited to noted orthopedist and Los Angeles Angels team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum looking at the results of a recent magnetic resonance imaging test that Arrieta had performed on his pitching arm.

Julio Lugo (recurring headaches) was cleared to begin playing again. The club isn't sure he'll make it to Boston in time for tonight's series opener, but he will definitely be available tomorrow.

Brian Matusz will start tonight, followed by Brad Bergesen on Tuesday and Kevin Millwood on Wednesday. Jeremy Guthrie is tentatively scheduled to start Friday's series opener in Toronto. Chris Tillman would then be scheduled to pitch Saturday, but Orioles manager Buck Showalter declined to unveil the rest of the rotation for the Toronto series.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

I see how this works this season.

I make a prediction and the Ravens do the opposite. They must be reading this and want to prove me wrong. Perhaps it is just an early-season coincidence. The third thought is that I am way over my skis in predicting the NFL and I should stick to baseball.

To avoid a concussion to my ego and to sidestep ridiculous conspiracy theories (we’ll wait until Week 6 or so to do that), let’s just call it an unfortunate coincidence.

The Ravens are now 1-1 after losing 15-10 in Cincinnati on Sunday. I’m 0-2 predicting their outcomes.

I wasn’t alone Sunday in the wrong column, however. We had 48 responses in the bar since Friday, and only six had the Bengals winning. OG1, Doc, Bob, John and Oregon Rick get free drink chips for their calls -- a Bengals win, but most in a shootout-type contest.

Only P.Dawn had both a low-scoring affair and a Bengals’ win, predicting a 20-10 Ravens’ loss. A free bar tab for the week for you. Use it wisely.

To be honest, I couldn’t dissect the Ravens’ game because I was busy with my day job at Camden Yards, watching the Orioles beat the Yankees’ 4-3 in 11 innings. Great game, great comeback.

Just not sure how many of you watched or cared -- with the Ravens on and the Orioles buried in the standings.

I’ll throw out two questions today.

I want to know if you still get psyched when the Orioles pull off a big win like they did against the Yankees.

Do you just look at it as a meaningless September game now that the Ravens are up and rolling? Or do you still get warm and fuzzy knowing that these wins are precious to the Yankees and the Orioles stole one in very Yankee fashion?

I also want to know your impressions of the Ravens’ game and what you think went wrong with the offense. Was it just poor execution by Joe Flacco or does it go deeper? Again, I had one eye occasionally on the TV, but the other fixed squarely on Chris Tillman’s pitch count.

Daily Think Special: Do you still get psyched by a walkoff Orioles win, no matter the standings?

Bonus Think Special: What went wrong with the Ravens on Sunday?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (45)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Luke Scott was 1-for-12 with a single against Mariano Rivera before stepping to the plate in the ninth inning Sunday.

He hit Rivera’s second cut-fastball onto the flag court to tie the score at 3. He eventually scored the game-winner in the 11th when he raced home from second on a Ty Wigginton gapper.

The always-joyful Scott clapped and yelled and fist-pumped his way to the dugout after his ninth-inning drama, again reminding us of Kevin Millwood’s fantastic quote earlier this season that Scott hits baseball’s “happiest homers.”

Scott was asked afterward about having just one previous hit against Rivera, the surefire Hall of Famer who had yielded just one other long ball this season (to Minnesota’s Jason Kubel in May).

Forget about hits, Scott said, he counts how many hittable pitches he has ever seen from Rivera. You know, ones that don’t dip and dive as Scott begins his swing.

“I haven’t been counting how many hits. I’ve been counting how many balls have actually been [fully] on the plate, instead of being on the corner or just off. I think I’m up to three in 12 or 13 at-bats, which is pretty impressive,” Scott said. “You know what pitch is coming, but 13 at-bats, I can count three balls that have been at least one full ball on the plate in the strike zone.”

Scott now has a career-high and team-leading 27 homers. He has 103 in his big league career. The one against Rivera, though, was one of, if not the biggest of his career.

“Yeah, absolutely. Considering the situation, the best closer I think that’s ever taken the mound, it’s just another experience that I’ll never forget,” Scott said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity and the way things worked out. It was a lot of fun against a real good team.”

He’s a happy guy with happy homers.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

The Orioles are still listing their Wednesday starter in Boston as “to be announced,” but it’s likely Kevin Millwood will pitch that one on regular four-days’ rest.

Brad Bergesen will definitely pitch Tuesday in Fenway, Orioles manager Buck Showalter said.

“Could be Millwood (on Wednesday) we’ll see how we get through (Sunday),” Showalter said. “That’s one of the options.”

The Orioles considered having Rick VandenHurk, who has pitched exclusively out of relief since being recalled Aug. 16, make a start, but that probably won’t happen Wednesday.

“We’ll see,” Showalter said. “We’re still planning on getting Vandy a start, we’re not exactly sure where it’s going to slot out yet.”

One other thing: Bob Turley, who threw the first pitch at Memorial Stadium in 1954 for the Orioles and recorded a complete game win that day in the modern-day Orioles’ home franchise opener, turns 80 today.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

The most interesting part of Saturday’s 11-3 pounding of the Orioles by the New York Yankees probably occurred with the game’s first pitch.

Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie plunked Yankees’ leadoff hitter Derek Jeter in the left elbow (and not bat, by the way).

It was the 45th time Guthrie has faced Jeter in his career – the most plate appearances against Guthrie by any big leaguer – and the first time Guthrie has ever hit Jeter.

But it was the 10th time Guthrie has plunked a Yankee in the 15 games he has pitched against them. That doesn’t include a preseason contest on March 29 of this year when Guthrie hit two more (Mark Teixeira and Francisco Cervelli).

Guthrie has now plunked 37 batters in his career and 10 of them have been Yankees in 15 games. In comparison, he’s also pitched against the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox 15 times. He’s hit one player each from both of those teams.

After the 10 plunked Yankees, the next team he has hit the most is the Chicago White Sox, five hit batters in 10 games.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi isn’t amused about Guthrie’s propensity to hit Yankees.

“Too many, just too many,” Girardi said. “I just really don’t understand it and I know he likes to pitch inside, but it’s too many. And that doesn’t include the ones in spring training.”

For the record, Guthrie is second in the American League with 14 hit batters this season. The only pitcher with more is one of Girardi’s starters, A.J. Burnett, who has hit 16.

And Guthrie made that point to my Sun colleague Jeff Zrebiec after he was informed of Girardi’s statement.

“He understands that he has a great pitcher over there in A.J. that his hit more guys than I have,” Guthrie told Zrebiec. “I watch and appreciate the aggressive nature that A.J. takes in throwing to both sides of the plate and I think I’m a similar pitcher. One of the occupational hazards when you do that is you are occasionally going to hit some guys, but you can’t let that affect what you do. Hitting guys intentionally is something totally different, but pitching inside has to be part of what I do to be effective."

He also added this:

“The most important thing for me is to listen and take advice from my own manager, Buck Showalter, and not to worry about the other 29 managers and what they have to say about my pitching.”

Guthrie said during his post-game press conference that his command was off all game, and it started with that first pitch.

“Just trying to go inside. Derek knows I am going to throw the ball in there all day long, that’s the way I approach it,” Guthrie said. “So I guess it was a good indicator when I tried to throw the pitches away later on in the game they went inside and when I tried to throw that one inside it went way inside. So it’s just a matter of not having great command tonight.”

For his part, Jeter called Guthrie “effectively wild” and said he “didn’t read anything into” being hit in the first.

“I haven’t been counting (how many Yankees Guthrie has plunked),” Jeter said. “But, no, I don’t think he hit me on purpose.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Jeremy Guthrie is done for the night.

It certainly wasn’t one of his better outings. He allowed six runs in five innings pitched, snapping a streak of three straight quality starts.

His official line: 5 innings, seven hits, six earned runs, two walks, five strikeouts, one homer and one hit batter (Derek Jeter with the first pitch of the game).

The six earned runs tie a season-high for Guthrie, who has done it four other times this year.

Mark Hendrickson came in to pitch the sixth. He’s given up a run on a RBI double by Nick Swisher that Nolan Reimold couldn’t pick up in the left field corner. It’s the second time Reimold has had trouble grabbing a ball in left today.

Swisher’s double scored Derek Jeter from first. Jeter singled on a bang-bang play at first – Cesar Izturis’ throw and Jeter seemed to arrive at the same time. Manager Buck Showalter briefly argued the call.

Yankees are up 7-3 in sixth.

By the way, it’s a sellout at the Yards tonight. The second one this year and the second largest crowd this season, with 48,775. Second only to Opening Day.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The Orioles did have a scout in attendance at Barret Loux’s bullpen session earlier this week in Texas.

Loux, a right-handed pitcher out of Texas A&M who was taken sixth overall in the 2010 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, failed his physical and didn’t sign with Arizona because of concerns about his shoulder and elbow. He was later declared a free agent effective Sept. 1 and he’s free to sign with any club.

MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart reported yesterday that 15 teams had scouts on hand to watch Loux’s bullpen session.

It’s still too early to determine the severity of the Orioles’ interest in the pitcher, who reportedly isn't in a rush to sign with a club.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles had been waffling on whether rookie right-hander Jake Arrieta would make his next start Tuesday in Boston.

He won't. He won't make another for the rest of 2010.

On Wednesday, he will have a bone spur removed from his right elbow by team physician Andrew Cosgarea. It is not expected to affect his preparation this offseason.

Arrieta had a MRI today on his right elbow and it confirmed what Arrieta has known for years: He has a bone spur. He had tightness in his right triceps after his last start, a discomfort that has since subsided. No other damage was discovered and Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he heard "about how good the ligament looks and everything."

Arrieta said the bone spur goes back to at least to his time at Texas Christian University and possibly all the way to high school. He said it really doesn't bother him and he doesn't believe it has grown.

"I knew I had it when I was in college," said Arrieta, 24. "My flexibility hasn’t gotten any worse so I have been healthy, 100 percent, since then. It's really the docs call on whether he thinks it is smart to get it taken out or not."

Arrieta said he wouldn't miss any real time -- estimating the recovery period is "five days."

The bone spur is only a partial reason for shutting Arrieta down, however, He has thrown 173 1/3 combined innings this year, significantly more than his high of 150 2/3 innings set last year. The Orioles didn't want him to exceed his personal best by more than 30 innings.

"It was 50-50," on whether Arrieta was going to make his next start in Boston. "We were going to err on the side of caution with that one. It might have been 51-49, no."

Arrieta will end the season 6-6 with a 4.66 ERA in 18 starts. He struck out 52 batters and walked 48 while allowing 106 hits in 100 1/3 innings. In his last eight starts, he is 3-3 with a 3.78 ERA.

"I can see why people are high on him and I can see why he’s had some challenges, too," Showalter said. "He seemed to be getting better as it went on. He’s just got to come in next year. He’s going to have a chance to make our club."

Arrieta, who was 6-2 with a 1.85 ERA in 12 games at Triple-A Norfolk before his call-up, said 2010 was a success for him personally.

“Overall, I am very happy with the way the year went. I made a lot of strides at Norfolk at the beginning of the year from last year. And then the same thing here. I got here, struggled for an extended period of time, but had some really good starts mixed in there and then found some consistency over the last four starts,” Arrieta said. “It’s just a matter of learning, and the quicker you learn the more success you are going to have early. I was able to learn a lot and use it and it showed out there on the field.”

Showalter said the decision also allows the team to get Rick VandenHurk a start in Boston. It could be either Tuesday or Wednesday. VandenHurk, who has been used in relief since he was called up in August, will pitch one of the days and Brad Bergesen will pitch the other.

Showalter said the actual day hadn't been determined; it is dependent on whether VandenHurk is needed in relief Saturday night.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Orioles amateur scouting director Joe Jordan was beaming just a little bit Friday night, like a proud papa, or proud uncle anyway.

Two of his prized draftees – Zach Britton, a third-rounder in 2006, and Joe Mahoney, a sixth-rounder in 2007 – were honored by the Orioles on Friday at Camden Yards.

Britton, who was a combined 10-7 with a 2.70 ERA in 27 combined games at Triple-A Norfolk and Double-A Bowie, was named the Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

Mahoney, who hit .307 with 30 doubles, 18 homers and 78 RBIs in 124 combined games at High-A Frederick and Bowie, was named the Brooks Robinson Minor League Player of the Year.

Mahoney wasn’t on a lot of people’s radar to begin the season; he wasn’t listed in Baseball America’s Top 30 prospects in the Orioles organization this year. But Jordan said he felt this would be Mahoney’s season.

“He was my pick to click in spring training. … He has gotten into a lot better rhythm with his pre-swing routine. He has got strength. He’s got unbelievable power. And this year his swing kind of came together.”

What has impressed Jordan the most is an attribute not expected from a 6-foot-6 first baseman.

“The thing that Joe is that I don’t think we quite realized is that he is so athletic,” Jordan said. “We didn’t realize he could run like he could run. We didn’t realize that in spring training 2010 he would have the highest vertical jump of any minor league player that we have, and he did. Higher than (Xavier) Avery, higher than any of them, 38 ½ inches.”

As for Britton, well Jordan has been a big fan of this kid since he saw him pitch at a Texas high school. But in the last year, Jordan said the 22-year-old lefty has really impressed.

“I think last year at this time, yeah, we felt like we were on. We had us a good one. But his stuff took a jump this year,” Jordan said. “He added a full grade to his fastball, if not more at times. His slider improved at least a grade and he started using his changeup, so everything started coming together.”

One more parting quote about Britton from the man who drafted him:

“Zach Britton is a pro. You tell him what he needs to do and he is going to do it,” Jordan said. “He has always been that way. He is a dude.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Kevin Millwood threw seven innings on Friday in the Orioles’ 4-3 loss to the New York Yankees and allowed just one run.

It was a solo homer by Alex Rodriguez, which was immediately and accidentally followed by a quick burst of red fireworks – which usually are reserved for an Orioles’ homer on the occasional fireworks nights at Camden Yards.

Someone prematurely must have pressed a button – which pushed Millwood’s buttons. He brought up the incident without being asked after the game.

“The funny thing about the ARod home run is it was a little shocking that we shot off fireworks for an opposing team’s home run,” Millwood said. “That wasn’t the best thing in the world.”

Later, he mentioned it again when talking about the Yankees’ plan at the plate.

“They were a lot more aggressive tonight than they normally are,” Millwood said. “I guess it was a good thing that I was throwing my fastball where I wanted to for the most part -- except for right before the fireworks.”

It was a funny quip but Millwood, who has an excellent, dry sense of humor, didn’t see a lot of guffaws in the miscue. Once the cameras weren’t rolling, he was asked again about it and its accidental nature.

Yes, he admitted it was probably accidental, but he felt it was still, well, let’s just say he compared it to what would be left behind on the track at Pimlico.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Koji Uehara has blown two saves in 11 tries this season since taking over as the Orioles’ main ninth-inning option.

Both blown saves have come against the Yankees.

Both have come while Uehara was one out away from securing a win.

The first was on Sept. 8 in the Bronx, when Nick Swisher delivered a walkoff homer for a 3-2 Yankees’ victory.

The second came Friday night. Possibly in even more dramtic fashion.

Uehara had Alex Rodriguez down to his last strike with two outs and two on. In fact, it looked like he may have gotten ARod looking on a 1-2 count, but the pitch apparently just missed the zone.

The next pitch Rodriguez planted into the left-field seats for a 4-3 lead.

And Mariano Rivera made it stand up with a perfect ninth.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Welcome back Andino; Millwood leaves

Robert Andino is making his first start at third base in his big-league career.

And he celebrated by hitting a 340-foot homer down the left field line in the bottom of the seventh to give the Orioles a 3-1 lead against the New York Yankees and Baltimore County resident A.J. Burnett.

It was Andino’s first big-league homer since Sept. 26, 2009 at Cleveland. He had 13 homers for Triple-A Norfolk this season.

Kevin Millwood left after seven innings, continually bending but never breaking. He allowed five hits, four walks and a wild pitch, but only one run. He struck out six Yankees and now has six quality starts in his last eight outings.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

With the Yankees in town this weekend for the second to last home series of the season at Camden Yards, I thought it would be an appropriate time to look at where the Orioles stand with 16 games remaining.

With a current record of 58-88, the Orioles have to go no worse than 5-11 the rest of the way to avoid the third 100-loss season in franchise history.

The Orioles have to go no worse than 7-9 to finish with a better record than last year’s team, which compiled a 64-98 mark.

Again, I’d imagine the Orioles going 67-97 isn’t exactly something that is going to excite too many people, but it is fair to point out that the 2010 Orioles’ record through 105 games was 32-73. The 2009 Orioles’ record through 105 games was 44-61.

I think it’s also interesting to compare the Orioles to other teams this season. Below are the worst seven records in baseball after Aug.2, the day Buck Showalter took over as manager:

Cubs 46-60
Indians 45-61
Royals 45-61
Diamondbacks 39-67
Mariners 39-67
Pirates 36-69
Orioles 32-73

Below are the worst seven records in baseball entering today:
Nationals 62-84
Royals 60-85
Indians 60-86
Diamondbacks 59-88
Orioles 58-88
Mariners 55-91
Pirates 48-98

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

We wrote yesterday that infielder Joe Mahoney will win the Brooks Robinson award as the organization's top minor league player, and Zach Britton will be named the Jim Palmer award winner as the top minor league pitcher.

But they aren't the only ones who will take home some hardware tonight before the Orioles' game against the New York Yankees at Camden Yards.

Single-A Frederick first baseman Jacob Julius will be the recipient of the Elrod Hendricks Minor League Community Service Award. Julius spent over 50 hours at various community events in the Frederick area, signing autographs, instructing children and camps and clinics and entertaining underprivileged youth. He also was the winner of the Matt Minker Community Service Award, honoring community service excellence in the Carolina League.

Single-A Delmarva outfielder Kieron Pope will win the Moe Drabowsky Comeback Player of the Year Award. Pope, who missed all of the 2009 season after snapping his right femur during spring training, batted .250 with six home runs and 44 RBI in 75 games.

Triple-A Norfolk pitching coach Mike Griffin will become the first repeat winner of the Cal Ripken Sr. Player Development Award, presented to a minor league staff member who exemplifies the qualities of the late Oriole.

Amateur scout Rich Morales will be named the Jim Russo Scout of the Year Award. Morales has been a scout with the Orioles since 2006.

Double-A Bowie trainer Joe Benge will also be recognized after he was named the Eastern League Trainer of the Year.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

This summer, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation broke ground on a new youth development park at the site of old Memorial Stadium. It is one of five locations around the United States where the foundation is planning the construction of youth parks.

To help with the costs of the project, the foundation is bidding for a Pepsi Refresh Project grant for $250,000. A part of that grant would go directly to the construction costs of the Baltimore project, and to the Swing for the Future campaign.

You can help by voting for the foundation once a day. The top two vote-getters at the end of the month win the grant.

To vote, go to refresheverything.com/safeplacestoplay.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

OK, I expect I am with the majority here on this one.

I have learned my lesson, at least for a week.

I am not picking against the Ravens in Week 2. Beating the New York Jets at the new Meadowlands was a test.

Beating the AFC North defending champs in Cincinnati will make a statement: That the Ravens are the team to beat in the division -- at least until that other club north of Cumberland gets their leader back. Then it might be a coin flip.

As my Sun colleague Mike Preston wrote, this one will be a real test because the Bengals’ passing game is their offensive strength and we all still expect the Ravens’ secondary to be the team’s Achilles heel.

The Jets’ lame aerial attack -- if you can call it that -- didn’t really challenge the Ravens’ secondary. Carson Palmer and his two wallflower wide receivers, Ocho and TO, will.

But, conversely, I’m looking for the Ravens’ offense to step out against the Bengals’ talented but young defense.

I am saying 31-23 Ravens. My player of the game is a stretch, but it would be easy to take Joe Flacco, Ray Rice or one of the receivers. I’m going with Fabian Washington, who I say returns an interception for a touchdown.

Now, it is your turn. Give me the score of the game. And predict a player of the game (does not have to be a Raven). I’ll give you the props you deserve next week if you come close.

Oh, and tell me why you’ve come to your expert conclusion.

Daily Think Special: Predict the score and player of the game for Ravens-Bengals.

Buy Ravens Gear

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (48)
        

I wrote a story that should be up on the site later today on the sophomore season of Matt Wieters. With another torrid September – Wieters is batting .395 in 11 games this month – the switch-hitting catcher has raised his average to .260. He has hit 11 home runs and driven in 53.

Still, I’d imagine that most people would consider his offensive production this year as a significant disappointment as this was supposed to be a breakout season for Wieters. Even he admitted recently that while he’s pleased with the progress that he has made defensively, he was disappointed in some of his struggles at the plate.

“I expect big things out of myself,” Wieters said. “Every year, I’m working to try and be the best player that I can. This year didn’t feel like I played quite up to the level I’m capable of. It’s something that you can take into the offseason and work out even harder to try to get to where you can.

“Hopefully, I can keep finishing strong. The good thing is I have negatives and positives to take in the offseason. There are enough things I need to work on and enough things I can look at and say, ‘I need to do this every day.’ The offseason is about making the negatives into the positives. That’s how you get better.”

One thing that is important to note – and this should be comforting to Orioles fans - is that in reporting this story, I didn’t talk to one player, executive or scout who still doesn’t believe that Wieters is going to be a very good player in this league. In fact, several indicated that Wieters has made nice progress considering all that has been on his plate since he arrived in the major leagues last May.

That includes learning his own pitching staff, learning opposing ones, working on his swing from both sides of the plate, working on his game calling and defensive mechanics, and doing it all while confronting enormous expectations.

“I think it’s far too early to get concerned about him,” said one American League scout. “When he was brought up, he was the second coming of Joe Mauer. That’s a lot of expectations to live by. And then all of a sudden, he’s going to catch 145-150 games a year. It is a tremendous grind playing that position, being a switch hitter, learning a league and then having a losing season. That’s a lot to deal with.

“To be honest with you, I think he’s going to be fine, but I think the transition is going to be a lot slower than people probably expect. The responsibility that he has is tremendous. … I see this guy hitting 25 plus [homers], driving in close to 100. I see him somewhere in the fifth or sixth hole in the order and being productive. I got him being one of the top three catchers in both leagues eventually.”

Another scout, this one from the National League, also remains enthusiastic about the catcher’s future, saying he’s still a “Wieters’ guy.”

“I don’t know that he’s ever going to be a star, but I think he’ll be a very good catcher for a lot of years,” the scout said. “He’s just too good of a talent and he’s also the type of guy that elevates to the situation. I saw him against Tampa with [Carl] Crawford on base and he really sped up everything. There aren't too many guys who can do that.”

And because everybody wants to hear what Buck Showalter has to say these days, let’s just say that the Orioles’ new manager has been very impressed by Wieters, especially his game calling and defense.

“He’s pretty good,” Showalter said. “Maybe everyone expects him to be this huge offensive player and this towering presence in the lineup. I don’t know about that. All I know is what I’ve seen from him when I got here and I am impressed. And I’m not easily impressed. I’m glad Matt is on our side. I’m glad that he’s wearing our uniform.”

Showalter met with Wieters earlier this month and made sure the 24-year-old realized how much he is counted on for both his play and leadership.

Wieters is a pretty quiet and mild-mannered guy, but there have been times this season where he has let his feelings known. During one of Jeremy Guthrie’s starts in late June, Wieters stalked Guthrie down the tunnel to let him know that he wasn’t happy with Guthrie’s execution in the inning.

“He was on a clubhouse manhunt,” joked Guthrie.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

Looks like he'll be keeping that streak thing for a little longer.

Milwaukee's Prince Fielder, who had been the active consecutive-games-played leader at 327, saw his streak end Monday because of the flu. Fielder was the only player in 2009 to appear in all 162 games.

He fell just shy of Ripken's mark of 2,632 consecutive games played.

The new leader is Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp at 188 and counting. Kemp, who turns 26 this month, is young and strong. He should be doing a celebratory lap around Dodger Stadium sometime in the 2026 baseball season.

Oh, and for those of you who just tuned in, this entry was typed with tongue placed firmly in cheek.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

The Orioles are expected to unveil their minor league award winners during this weekend's series against the New York Yankees, but the recipients of the top two prizes won’t come as a surprise.

First baseman Joe Mahoney will receive the Brooks Robinson Award, given to the organization’s top minor league position player. Starter Zach Britton will be the winner of the Jim Palmer Award, presented to the organization’s top minor league pitcher.

Mahoney, a 23-year-old who was a sixth round selection in the 2007 draft, hit a combined .307 with 18 homers, 78 RBIs and 13 steals in 124 combined games for Single-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie.

Britton, a 22-year-old left-hander who is considered the Orioles’ top pitching prospect yet to reach the majors, went 10-7 with a 2.70 ERA in 27 outings between Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk. Opponents hit just .237 off him.

Last year’s winners of the Brooks Robinson and Jim Palmer awards were infielder Brandon Waring and pitcher Brian Matusz.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

Brad Bergesen pitched exceptionally well Wednesday – throwing his second complete game of the year.

He allowed just one run on seven hits in nine innings to complete the sweep against the Toronto Blue Jays, you know, the squad that had taken 12 straight from the Orioles before a certain new manager took over.

The Orioles are now 26-15 under Buck Showalter. More impressive, their rotation is an incredible 19-11 with a 2.93 ERA in those 41 starts.

Look at these numbers under Showalter:

Jake Arrieta, 3-3, 3.78 ERA in eight starts. .263 opponents’ average
Brad Bergesen, 4-1, 2.37 ERA in eight starts, .231 opponents’ average
Jeremy Guthrie, 6-2, 2.64 ERA in eight starts, .217 opponents’ average
Brian Matusz, 5-1, 2.66 ERA in eight starts, .244 opponents’ average
Kevin Millwood, 1-4, 3.28 ERA in seven starts, .260 opponents’ average
Chris Tillman, 0-0, 3.00 ERA in two starts, .175 opponents’ average

Now here’s my question. And it’s a simple one. Which one of the above starters has impressed you the most during this stretch under Showalter?

Guthrie probably has the best overall numbers, but he has been doing it for much of the year. Maybe you came to expect it from him. Maybe you’ve been more impressed with Bergesen or Arrieta or Matusz. Or maybe Millwood, who has gotten ripped by fans for much of the season, has impressed you with how he has rebounded from such a terrible middle of the year.

Yes, they have all been good under Buck. But go a step further.

Daily Think Special: Which Orioles starter has impressed you the most since Showalter has taken over? Why?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (44)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Orioles infielder Julio Lugo will see an ear-nose-and-throat specialist on Friday in hopes of finding out exactly what is causing the headaches that have kept him off the field this week. He won’t play again until he gets further medical clearance.

On Tuesday, he had an MRI and doctors concluded that the recurring headaches were related to sinusitis and not a result of being hit in the head by a pickoff throw Aug. 29 in Anaheim, Calif.

But Lugo said after feeling better Tuesday, he felt terrible again Wednesday, prompting the scheduling of more tests. Until he is cleared medically, Showalter said Lugo won’t play in any capacity.

The 35-year-old Lugo said his biggest concern right now is figuring out what’s wrong.

“The thing that kills me the most is that we don’t know what’s going on,” said Lugo, a pending free agent who has hit .251 in 90 games for the Orioles. “Because when we know what’s going on, then we can do treatment or do something for it. But you don’t know. So you are not able to do anything.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Major League Baseball made its 2011 schedule official yesterday, and by now you probably know the highlights (especially since we told you most of them during the unofficial phase a couple months ago).

The Orioles open up in Tampa again, this time April 1, which is a Friday. That’s a new twist to the entire baseball schedule.

The home opener is Monday, April 4 against the Detroit Tigers, against whom the Orioles will wrap up their road season in September. Strange, huh? The Orioles finish their season at home with three against the Boston Red Sox.

Also, the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds will play at Camden Yards for the first time in 2011. The rest of the Orioles’ interleague schedule includes trips to Atlanta and Pittsburgh and the usual home-road with the Washington Nationals.

Here are some other things that jumped out at me:

September will be as brutal as always. Sixteen of their 26 September games will be on the road. Nineteen September games are against the AL East (six with Boston and Tampa, four with Toronto and three in the Bronx).

The two non-East clubs the Orioles get in September? The Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers, and my guess is those two teams won’t be down two years in a row.

Another painful quirk of the 2011 schedule: Five, three-city road trips. Ouch. The Orioles had three this season. Three of those 2011 three-city trips come after Aug. 15. And they have an inhumane trek to end the first half: Go to Atlanta for three; fly to Texas for three, and then fly all the way back east to Boston for four. All without an off day.

This is stating the obvious, given the past 13 years, but making a run in 2011 won’t be easy.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't say it, but it sure sounded like we have seen the last of rookie Jake Arrieta this season.

Asked that very question after the Orioles' 11-3 victory tonight over the Toronto Blue Jays in which Arrieta hurled six scoreless innings, Showalter said: "It’s possibly my last one, it’s possibly yours. He’s at 176-ish right now. 180-ish is probably the limit you take him. He’s about 20-plus over, so that’s a real quality question. If he hears something about that, he’ll hear it from me first. Ask me tomorrow.”

Arrieta has actually pitched 173 1/3 innings in 30 outings between Triple-A Norfolk and the Orioles this season. His previous career high was 150 2/3 innings, set last year in 28 combined starts between Double-A Bowie and Norfolk.

The Orioles have never said what their magic number is for shutting down a pitcher, but I'm told they consider 30 innings over a previous career high as being in the “danger zone.” You don't have to be good at math to see that Arrieta is pretty much there.

As for Arrieta's thoughts on the matter, he said, "I definitely don't want to be shut down. I'd like to finish the season out with everybody. The rest of the guys are going to be here working for the last two or three weeks of the season and I want to be doing the same thing. But anytime you finish the season you want to finish on a high note. If something like that were to happen, an outing like this is a good one to end on. But I'd like to make my last two starts.”

Arrieta got a nice ovation as he walked off the mound following a scoreless sixth. It certainly would be a nice way to go out for a pitcher who has had his struggles at times during his rookie year, but he's also shown plenty of promise.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

The Orioles released their 2011 schedule on Tuesday:

April
1: at Tampa Bay
2: at Tampa Bay
3: at Tampa Bay
4: Detroit
6: Detroit
7: Detroit
8: Texas
9: Texas
10: Texas
12: at Yankees
13: at Yankees
14: at Yankees
15: at Cleveland
16: at Cleveland
17: at Cleveland
18: Minnesota
19: Minnesota
20: Minnesota
21: Minnesota
22: Yankees
23: Yankees
24: Yankees
26: Boston
27: Boston
28: Boston
29: at White Sox
30: at White Sox

May
1: at White Sox
2: at White Sox
3: at Royals
4: at Royals
5: at Royals
6: Tampa Bay
7: Tampa Bay
8: Tampa Bay
10: Seattle
11: Seattle
12: Seattle
13: at Tampa Bay
14: at Tampa Bay
15: at Tampa Bay
16: at Boston
17: at Boston
18: Yankees
19: Yankees
20: Washington
21: Washington
22: Washington
24: Kansas City
25: Kansas City
26: Kansas City
27: at Oakland
28: at Oakland
29: at Oakland
30: at Seattle
31: at Seattle

June
1: at Seattle
3: Toronto
4: Toronto
5: Toronto
6: Oakland
7: Oakland
8: Oakland
10: Tampa Bay
11: Tampa Bay
12: Tampa Bay
14: at Toronto
15: at Toronto
16: at Toronto
17: at Washington
18: at Washington
19: at Washington
20: at Pittsburgh
21: at Pittsburgh
22: at Pittsburgh
24: Cincinnati
25: Cincinnati
26: Cincinnati
28: St. Louis
29: St. Louis
30: St. Louis

July
1: at Atlanta
2: at Atlanta
3: at Atlanta
4: at Texas
5: at Texas
6: at Texas
7: at Boston
8: at Boston
9: at Boston
10: at Boston
11: ALL-STAR BREAK
12: ALL-STAR BREAK
13: ALL-STAR BREAK
14: Cleveland
15: Cleveland
16: Cleveland
17: Cleveland
18: Boston
19: Boston
20: Boston
22: Angels
23: Angels
24: Angels
26: at Toronto
27: at Toronto
28: at Toronto
29: at Yankees
30: at Yankees
31: at Yankees

August
2: at Kansas City
3: at Kansas City
4: at Kansas City
5: Toronto
6: Toronto
7: Toronto
8: White Sox
9: White Sox
10: White Sox
11: White Sox
12: Detroit
13: Detroit
14: Detroit
15: at Oakland
16: at Oakland
17: at Oakland
19: at Angels
20: at Angels
21: at Angels
22: at Minnesota
23: at Minnesota
24: at Minnesota
25: at Minnesota
26: Yankees
27: Yankees
28: Yankees
29: Yankees
30: Toronto
31: Toronto

September
1: Toronto
2: at Tampa Bay
3: at Tampa Bay
4: at Tampa Bay
5: at Yankees
6: at Yankees
7: at Yankees
9: at Toronto
10: at Toronto
11: at Toronto
12: Tampa Bay
13: Tampa Bay
14: Tampa Bay
16: Angels
17: Angels
18: Angels
19: at Boston
20: at Boston
21: at Boston
22: at Detroit
23: at Detroit
24: at Detroit
25: at Detroit
26: Boston
27: Boston
28: Boston

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Posted by Steve Gould at 8:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Brian Roberts, who suffered a right knee contusion when he was hit by a Jason Frasor pitch in the eighth inning Monday, will not be in tonight's lineup. He'll be replaced at second base by Robert Andino.

Roberts could be available if the Orioles need him later in the game. He hit a little in the indoor batting cages, but he's hobbling a little on the knee.

Infielder Julio Lugo said that he got good news from the magnetic resonance imaging that he had performed today to try to determine the cause of persistent headaches. He said the headaches are more of a result of an infection he has, and not getting hit in the head by a pick-up throw Aug.29.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter described Lugo's injury as sinusitis.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Brian Matusz, who was hit in the left triceps by a Yunel Escobar liner in the first inning on Monday, will attempt to play catch tomorrow before determining whether he will be able to make his next start.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said that the worst case scenario would be Matusz getting his next start pushed back for a couple of days. Showalter did say that Matusz was likely going to get shutdown before the season ended anyway, but the club doesn't consider his injury as something that would prompt them to do it earlier.

Second baseman Brian Roberts, who was hit in the right knee by a Jason Frasor pitch, is currently getting treatment and not taking batting practice. Showalter said that it still hasn't been decided whether he'll play tonight, and he's held off releasing the lineup until he knows for sure.

Julio Lugo (recurring headaches) had a magnetic resonance imaging performed today and Showalter said that it ruled out some stuff, but the infielder still needs to get further testing done. Lugo is not available tonight.

Tonight is Showalter T-shirt night at Camden Yards. Asked if he has ever had his jersey given away, Showalter said, "Yeah, after I got fired."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

We’ll start with the obvious this morning.

You were right. I was wrong. Not surprising, and not the first time.

I knew the Ravens-Jets game would be tight. I thought the Jets would end up victorious, 23-21, and instead the Ravens pulled it out, 10-9.

Like most of you, I grossly overestimated the offensive output, which makes it difficult to give out my fake awards this week. But, here goes: The winner of the free bar tab this week goes to Alex, who had the Ravens winning 13-10. He was just four points off, not bad.

Enjoy, Alex.

Free drink chips, for close but no cigar (non-smoking bar), go to Connolly’s stalwart Jack (17-16), and dcfields (13-7). I am also tossing a drink chip to Swanee, who predicted a 5-5 tie. It was close points-wise and it made me laugh.

Remember, we do this every week – usually Fridays – at the bar. Join in and tell your friends that you, one day, may get a fake prize.

Now, let’s switch to the Orioles for a moment.

Tonight is the last “T-Shirt Tuesday” giveaway at Camden Yards for the season.

And the honoree is Orioles’ manager Buck Showalter, whose last name and No. 26 will be emblazoned on 10,000 orange T-shirts.

Here’s what Showalter thinks about it: “Believe me, there will plenty of them left over, I guarantee you. That might be a two- or three-day special for next year and the offseason. I know what we'll be seeing, 'I've got a few of these. You want to get rid of these?'”

Funny stuff.

But here’s my question: Is this a great way to get fans excited about their new manager and the early success he has enjoyed? Or is it another embarrassing reminder of just how bad this team has been that there has to be a promotion featuring the manager after five weeks of employment?

Yes, the Orioles have played well under Showalter. Yes, he has provided a needed shot of optimism. And, yes, the Orioles have run out of viable T-shirt options (Pedro Viola T-shirt Tuesday anyone?).

I just think it’s a little strange, and a little early. But, as I’ve stated continually here, I am not a fan, so maybe I am looking at this the wrong way. And I am not a member of the Orioles’ promotional staff, which does a nice job of providing giveaways that seem to please fans.

So, enlighten me here.

Daily Think Special: Showalter T-shirt night: Great or goofy idea?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

After Monday’s dramatic 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, the Orioles had three extra names on their walking wounded list.

Two were hurt Monday; the other occurred about two weeks ago.

Brian Matusz left Monday’s start after being hit in the left triceps with a liner off the bat of Yunel Escobar in the first inning. He finished the first, but the club didn’t allow him to go back in for the second.

“It was only going to get worse as the game went on,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “I wasn’t taking a chance at this point, at any point, actually.”

Matusz had the expected swelling in his arm after the game and said he would be re-evaluated Tuesday before he’d know whether he would make his next start.

“It swelled up pretty good, it’s going to bruise up a little bit,” said Matusz who iced the triceps and then applied pressure packs to it. “It’s in a spot that really doesn’t scare me too much, its right on the triceps, that’s why I didn’t feel it when I was throwing.”

Matusz wasn’t the only key Oriole to exit early. Second baseman Brian Roberts was removed in the top of the ninth after being hit just above the right knee by a Jason Frasor pitch in the eighth inning. He remained on the bases in the eighth, but was lifted when the Orioles came out to play defense in the ninth.

“I didn’t’ like the way he moved on the ball (hit by Robert Andino in the eighth),” Showalter said. “Robby wanted to stay in there but I didn’t like what I was seeing. We’ll see where he is (Tuesday).”

He’s listed as day-to-day but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were held out of Tuesday’s game.

Injuries can linger, as evidenced by what Showalter told reporters after the game. Infielder Julio Lugo was unavailable Monday and had been unavailable since he pinch-ran Friday in Detroit. Showalter said Lugo has been having headaches and trouble sleeping recently, likely related to when he was hit in the head by an attempted pickoff on Aug. 29 in Anaheim.

He has started just two games since then. Showalter said Lugo will receive a MRI on Tuesday.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 12:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Brian Matusz was taken out after the first and has been replaced by Rick VandenHurk.

Matusz was struck in the left triceps by a Yunel Escobar liner in the first inning, the ninth pitch.

He stayed in the game and retired the next two Blue Jays. But he didn’t come out for the second. His injury is listed as a “left triceps contusion.”

His official line was one inning pitched, two hits, no runs and one strikeout. He threw 24 pitches, 14 for strikes.

It was the shortest outing of Matusz’s big-league career. He lasted just 1 2/3 in his last start against the Blue Jays on July 18.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 7:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

The Boston Red Sox on Monday purchased the contract of former Orioles left-hander Rich Hill from Triple-A Pawtucket.

Hill, whom the Red Sox signed to a minor league contract in June, went 7-4 with a 4.00 ERA in 42 games (10 starts) at the Triple-A level this season, including 3-1 with a 3.74 ERA in 19 games (six starts) for the PawSox. Before joining Boston's organization, Hill appeared in 23 games (four starts) for Memphis of the Pacific Coast League, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, going 4-3 with a 4.30 ERA.

Once a highly touted prospect in the Chicago Cubs system, Hill, 30, never delivered for the Orioles.

They acquired him from the Cubs in February 2009 for a player to be named. The often-injured pitcher went 3-3 with a 7.80 ERA in 14 games (13 starts) for the Orioles last season, twice going on the disabled list. Hill's last appearance for the Orioles was July 27, 2009, and he underwent labrum surgery in August.

The Orioles outrighted Hill to Triple-A Norfolk after last season ended. Instead of returning to the Orioles with a minor league contract, Hill signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals in the offseason.

Text BASEBALL to 70701 to get Orioles news sent to your mobile device.

Posted by Steve Gould at 1:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

OK, so I know the main banner says “Orioles Insider,” not “Ravens Insider.” The Ravens’ blog is written by real football experts on a different part of the Sun’s site.

I understand that. But the other banner here says, “Connolly’s Corner Sports Bar,” meaning I have a little authority (as always, stress little). And when we moved the bar to the new “Orioles Insider,” I was told I should keep up all of the old shtick associated with that blog.

We have one main tradition here – besides dumb bar jokes and discussions involving bands you’ve never heard and books you’ve never read.

And that’s Prediction Friday, when I take the lead and predict the score and star of the upcoming Ravens game and you guys do the same. Then, the day after the game is over, we revisit the picks and I dole out bragging rights and fake free drink chips and bar tabs.

It’s time honored, so long as two seasons qualifies as time honored. Anyway, we already had to deviate from the plan with the Ravens’ opener on a Monday. So Prediction Friday becomes Prediction Monday this week.

So you are getting a shot of Ravens here with your normal tall glass of Orioles (see, the dumb bar puns are still with us). Some of you may be annoyed about mixing your Orioles and Ravens, but it is only once a week. And it’s a tradition, which most of you people understand. You interrupt the most sacred song in our country by screaming, “Ohhhh,” once a day every summer. So I’m doing this for you.

OK, to the Ravens-Jets game tonight. I don’t have a good feeling, Ravens’ fans. I think it is going to be close, very close. And I think points will be scored, despite how good the defenses are supposed to be. But maybe I have watched too much HBO this summer and bought into the Rex Ryan hype.

My prediction: Jets 23, Ravens 21. Star of the game: Joe Flacco. I think Flacco throws three TDs in a losing effort, but the Ravens can’t stop a game-winning drive for a field goal.

Daily Think Special: Predict the score and game star of Monday’s Ravens-Jets contest.

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Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (38)
        

The Orioles took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning today at Comerica Park, but by the time the frame was over, they trailed 6-2. That was the final score as the Detroit Tigers rallied to prevent the three-game sweep.

The Orioles finished the road trip with a 4-2 record and both of their losses came when relievers couldn't hold a lead late in the game. Koji Uehara blew the first one on Wednesday in New York, allowing a game-ending, two-run homer to Nick Swisher.

Today, Michael Gonzalez and David Hernandez combined to cough up the lead, and then Alfredo Simon allowed the game to get out of reach.

Gonzalez allowed the first two batters that he faced in the decisive eighth to reach with Will Rhymes hitting a single and Ryan Raburn connecting for a double. Orioles manager Buck Showalter then brought David Hernandez into the game to face pinch hitter Austin Jackson. He walked him to load the bases, a huge mistake because it meant that Hernandez had to pitch to A.L. RBI leader Miguel Cabrera.

Cabrera promptly lined Hernandez's first pitch into the gap to clear the bases. Brandon Inge then made it a five-run inning with a two-run homer off Alfredo Simon.

Orioles starter Chris Tillman allowed just one run and one hit over 6 2/3 innings, but he did walk six in the no decision. Detroit's Justin Verlander got the win, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out 11 over eight innings.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Third baseman Josh Bell got some good news today when X-rays on his right hand turned up no issues. Bell, who got hit in the hand by a Miguel Cabrera hard grounder in the sixth inning Saturday, is not in today's lineup, but manager Buck Showalter said that he is available to play.

Brandon Snyder will make his first big league start today at first base. It's not exactly an easy debut with Tigers ace Justin Verlander on the mound, but I'm sure Snyder will take it. He's only played one inning defensively since his Sept. 1 promotion.

Showalter also is giving shortstop Cesar Izturis the day off and will go with Robert Andino at short rather than Julio Lugo. The Orioles manager has really liked what he's seen defensively from Andino both in his one start in New York and during pre-game infield practice. Jake Fox will also get the start at catcher, and not Craig Tatum.

Closer Koji Uehara, who notched saves on both Friday and Saturday, is likely not available today. Uehara has pitched in six of the Orioles' last eight games. During that span, Michael Gonzalez has pitched only twice and Alfredo Simon only once. Uehara's durability has certainly been a surprise to me after he was supposedly unable to pitch in back-to-back games earlier this season.

And one quick stat: Jeremy Guthrie won his 10th game on Saturday, becoming the first Orioles pitcher to record three-or-more consecutive seasons with 10-or-more victories since Mike Mussina did it nine straight years from 1992 to 2000.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Orioles rookie third baseman Josh Bell hurt his right hand trying to field Miguel Cabrera's hard grounder in the sixth inning. The ball actually deflected off his hand and went right to shortstop Cesar Izturis, who threw out Cabrera for the second out of the inning.

Bell opted to stay in the game and got one more at-bat, hitting a hard liner in the ninth inning that was caught by Ramon Santiago at second base. He had his hand wrapped in ice following the game and said that he doesn't think it's anything serious, but he'll have precautionary X-rays taken on Sunday morning.

Other than Bell's situation, it was another uplifting win for the Orioles who got 16 hits, including four from Adam Jones and three each from Felix Pie and Brian Roberts, and seven shutout innings from Jeremy Guthrie. Guthrie is now 7-3 with a 2.29 ERA in 11 starts since the All-Star break and is moving up those "Most Valuable Oriole" ballots with each passing outing.

The Orioles have now won back-to-back games at Comerica Park for the first time since June 4-5, 2005. They also clinched their first back-to-back winning road trips since 2008. With Chris Tillman on the mound tomorrow, they'll bid to become the first team to sweep the Tigers at their home ballpark this season.

They also are 23-14 under new manager Buck Showalter. Tigers manager Jim Leyland became the latest member of an opposing clubhouse to point out the difference in the Orioles under Showalter.

"You can just see that they’re taking the field with a better air of confidence,” said Leyland. “It looks like they’re expecting to win, they’re expecting to close it out. And until you start winning a few games, that’s hard to do. But it seems like they’ve got that swagger now.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Through five innings, the Orioles were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position off Tigers starter Max Scherzer, and that one hit was a Felix Pie single in the fourth that didn't score a run.

Entering the top of the sixth, Scherzer had also gotten his last five outs via the strikeout.

But these Orioles continue to surprise and they just put up four runs in the sixth with the bottom of the order doing most of the damage.

Adam Jones got it started with a leadoff double, his third hit of the night. Felix Pie then doubled him home to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead. Josh Bell followed with an infield single, and Cesar Izturis scored both Pie and Bell with a two-run triple. Ty Wigginton drove in the fourth run with a sacrifice fly to deep center that Tigers rookie Austin Jackson made a great play just to catch.

Jeremy Guthrie just turned in a perfect sixth inning. He's allowed five hits in six scoreless.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 9:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The start of the second game of the series between the Orioles and Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park was delayed 27 minutes because of the rain.

The first pitch was finally thrown by Max Scherzer at 7:32 p.m. following a nice Sept. 11 tribute.

The Orioles just botched a nice opportunity to get on top of the Tigers early. Brian Roberts led off the game with a single and then Scherzer walked Ty Wigginton. Nick Markakis grounded into a fielder's choice, leaving runners on the corners with one out.

Scherzer then retired Luke Scott on a soft liner to third baseman Brandon Inge and then Matt Wieters popped-out to left field.

Jeremy Guthrie is about to throw his first pitch in the bottom of the first.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

With their 6-3 victory over the Tigers in the series opener last night, the Orioles improved to 54-87 on the season. That means that over their final 21 games, they’ll have to go no worse than 9-12 to avoid the third 100-loss season in franchise history.

Perhaps, you don’t think that mark is a big deal. After all, whether the Orioles lose 100 games or 96, they will still finish in last place. I know there are plenty of members of the organization who disagree and think it’s important to avoid the 100 losses. There is a certain significance around baseball put on that 100-loss plateau, like it’s the deciding factor in whether a team is just bad or incredibly awful.

Either way, it is kind of remarkable that we are even discussing whether the Orioles could lose 100 games. I had almost accepted it as a formality about a month ago. When Buck Showalter took over as Orioles manager Aug. 2, the team was 32-73. The .305 winning percentage put them on pace to go 49 -113. That would have shattered the franchise record for losses set by the 1988 club that went 54-107.

Now, the Orioles' .383 winning percentage has them on pace to finish 62-100. Of course, if the Orioles keep playing the way they have been and taking series from the best teams in baseball, it’s not going to matter.

But avoiding 100 losses certainly won’t be easy. The Orioles’ 25 remaining games are against teams that enter play today a combined 81 games over .500. The Orioles combined record this season against the remaining teams on their schedule -- six games left versus both Detroit and Toronto and three each versus New York, Boston and Tampa Bay -- is 17-44.

However, under Showalter, their combined record against those teams is 7-6.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
        

I don't want to make this all about Buck Showalter again because he's certainly gotten the majority of the credit for the Orioles' improved play over the last six weeks, even though there were other factors out of his control - primarily the health of some of the key Orioles - that have contributed.

However, it sure seems that most decisions that he has made have worked out to the Orioles' benefit. Last night, he gives infielder Jake Fox his first start since Aug. 29 and Fox responds by going 2-for-4 with a double and a two-run homer. Now, you may say that starting Fox was a no-brainer because he entered the night 4-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs off Detroit starter Armando Galarraga. However, that's not too much of a sample size and Showalter could have very easily given Brandon Snyder his first career start or just stayed with Ty Wigginton and Josh Bell at the corners. Instead, he opted to give a player who had just one at-bat all month, a start and Fox delivered.

Then, there was Showalter's decision to bring on David Hernandez with the game tied in the bottom of the seventh inning. I was a little skeptical because Hernandez essentially had pitched two total innings in the past month and both of those were against Double-A hitters. It seemed to be a tight spot for him to come in and work off the rust. However after allowing a leadoff triple to exciting rookie Austin Jackson, Hernandez got out of the jam with the help of an intentional walk to Miguel Cabrera and two strikeouts.

You'd also have to cite his decision to pinch-run Corey Patterson for Fox after Fox's leadoff double in the ninth inning. That was kind of a no-brainer, but it did mean that Snyder was going to have to make his debut and play first base in the bottom of the inning in potentially a two-run game. The speedy Patterson beat out Cabrera's throw to first on Cesar Izturis' groundball and then scored an insurance run on Brian Roberts' sacrifice fly. Cabrera didn't make a good throw, but I'm not sure Fox beats it.

All in all, a pretty good night for Showalter and the Orioles.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Carolina League playoffs (A)

Score: Potomac Nationals 7, Frederick Keys 1 (Box score)

Recap: The Keys managed only four singles in a 7-1 loss to Potomac during the third game of the Carolina League playoff series, which the Nationals lead, two games to one.

Frederick right fielder Ronnie Welty was 1-for-4 with the team's only run.

Keys starting pitcher Zach Clark (0-1) allowed three runs and five hits in three innings, while relief pitcher David Walters was roughed up for four runs and five hits in two innings.

The Keys face elimination in Game 4 on Saturday at 6:35 p.m.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera just smacked a two-run homer off Kevin Millwood over the left-field wall to tie the game at two in the bottom of the sixth.

It should have been no worse than a solo shot, but Millwood walked the previous batter, Johnny Damon, after catcher Matt Wieters' dropped a Damon foul pop-up that should have been the first out.

It's the second time in less than a week that Wieters has dropped a foul pop-up behind the plate.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Outfielder Nolan Reimold is not in the Orioles' lineup tonight as manager Buck Showalter continued to go with Felix Pie in left field.

I asked Showalter before the game if he'd consider giving Reimold a start at first base before the season ends. Showalter said that he would, but stopped short of saying that it's on his "To-do list."

"Not to do but to consider," he said. "But I’m also leaning on some people that have seen him play a lot at first base. One game would still be a lot less than what people that have seen him in the organization play first would tell me."

Showalter acknowledged that there are so many other options at first base, including rookie Brandon Snyder, who has still yet to get in a game.

"I know that [Reimold's] capable of going over there and playing first base," Showalter said. "I wouldn’t say we wouldn’t. We have Snyder that is going to play some, [Ty Wiggington] obviously, [Jake Fox]. We have a lot of people capable of playing there and he’s one of them. I know that’s part of what he brings."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

I don’t know if you caught it, but on Tuesday, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland picked up his 1,481st win.

That put him 20th all-time for wins by managers. And it jumped him over Earl Weaver, the Orioles’ Hall of Fame skipper.

John Lowe, the long-time and fantastic Tigers beat writer for the Detroit Free Press, passed on this story from Leyland about his interaction with the Earl of Baltimore. It occurred back in 1963 when Weaver was a minor-league manager and Leyland was kicking around the bushes as a player.

“I went to spring training with Baltimore in 1963,” Leyland said. “Earl Weaver sent me home and told me to find something else to do.”

Leyland began his playing career with the Tigers the next year and never made it to the majors – just like Weaver. He managed 11 years in the minors – just like Weaver.

And there is one other obvious similarity between the two: They both enjoyed a drag on a cigarette during a game. Orioles fans remember Weaver dubbing reliever Don Stanhouse “Full Pack,” because Weaver said he’d go through a full pack of cigarettes each time the enigmatic Stanhouse came into a game.

Well, a few years ago, Leyland was asked what he liked better, managing in the American League or National League. He said the NL, because with the pitcher batting, he was assured time every couple of innings to head into the clubhouse and light up a smoke.

Now that’s old school.

One more thing to ponder about Leyland and Weaver: Leyland’s career record is 1,483-1,507 with four teams; Weaver was 1,480-1060 with one team.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

I wrote mostly about the relationship between Luke Scott and Felix Pie in this morning's paper, and about how Scott has really encouraged his teammate to prepare better and work harder. However, another relationship that has really helped Pie is the one he shares with veteran hitting coach Terry Crowley.

Pie even gets emotional when he talks about what Crowley has meant to him, and about how the hitting coach stood by him last season when the talented outfielder was jettisoned to the bench.

"The Felix Pie that everybody sees right now, that is because this guy made that person," Pie said. "This guy, every day, he makes me strong, he makes my mind strong. ... He tells me all the time, ‘I know you have the talent to play, but your mind has to be strong.’ Everything is coming together now. He talks to me a lot. He’s helped me a lot. The player that everybody sees right now is because of this guy."

Crowley was very complimentary of Pie's work ethic.

"He’s in the tunnel every day," Crowley said. "He goes through my drills every day, day game after a night game, after days off. He works hard. Last year, the second half of the season, he was a good hitter. I think it takes a little while to believe in your heart, believe it in your mind, like, 'Hey, I do belong here and if I keep doing things right, I’ll have a successful year.' I think he’s in that stage right now. He believes that he can hit. He believes that if he puts in the work to improve, he can be an effective player on the team."

Crowley also pointed out other positive attributes of Pie, including what a good teammate that he has become.

"He’s an exciting player in a sense that he’s got speed, he’s got a good arm, he can run the ball down in the outfield, he’s shown us that he can hit for an average, and he’s shown us that he’s got power. The game fits him perfectly," Crowley said. "I don’t think there is any player on the team that enjoys winning more than he does. I’ve seen him celebrate harder than anybody else on the team when he didn’t have any hits in that particular game. If we win a game in the ninth inning, he’s the first one over the [rail] and out to congratulate the guy. I think the players have now gotten to know him, that he’s a little eccentric sometimes in the way he acts. But they know that he’s got a good heart and the team comes first."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 8:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (20)
        

Carolina League playoffs (A)

Score: Potomac Nationals 5, Frederick Keys 4 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Brian Ward was 1-for-3 with two RBIs, but the Keys were edged, 5-4, by Potomac at Harry Grove Stadium to even the Carolina League playoff series at one game apiece.

Ward batted .199 with two home runs and 30 RBIs in 83 games during the regular season. In the first two postseason contests, the 24-year-old catcher is 4-for-7 with a home run and six RBIs.

Frederick third baseman Billy Rowell and second baseman L.J. Hoes each contributed a double and a run scored, while designated hitter Miguel Abreu added an RBI and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Ryan O'Shea gave up four runs and six hits in five innings, and relief pitcher Nathan Nery (0-1) was charged with one run and three hits in 1 1/3 innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It might not be the best time to point out how much outfielder Felix Pie has improved since he became an Oriole as he went 1-for-12 with six strikeouts in the completed Yankees series. However, three days doesn’t erase the growth he has shown, and the fact remains that Pie is hitting just under .300 in the big leagues since last June.

Pie credits his improvement to the amount of work hitting coach Terry Crowley has put in with him, along with the confidence of knowing he’ll be in the lineup every day even if he is coming off a bad game.

There are also several Orioles who feel that designated hitter Luke Scott has helped Pie greatly, not only in preparing for games, but also bringing out the young outfielder’s personality. Pie didn’t speak too much to his teammates after he joined the club last year, but that has changed. Now, you frequently see Pie smiling and joking around with teammates, and enjoying the camaraderie with the other Orioles.

“The game fits him perfectly,” Crowley said. “I don’t think there is any player on the team that enjoys winning more than he does. I’ve seen him celebrate harder than anybody else on the team when he didn’t have any hits in that particular game. If we win a game in the ninth inning, he’s the first one over the rail and out to congratulate the guy. I think the players have now gotten to know him. They know that he’s a little eccentric sometimes in the way he acts, but they know that he’s got a good heart and the team comes first.”

It was Scott who berated Pie early last season when he felt the young outfielder was doing too much sulking and moping around rather than trying to work his way back into the lineup.

“It was like, ‘OK, Felix came here and he didn’t want to work,’ ” Scott said. “He was just this big ball of talent, and there was no character, no discipline, no hard work, no dedication. There was laziness and an attitude that somebody owes him something.”

Scott didn’t mince words to Pie, even calling him a bad teammate at the time.

To his credit, Pie accepted the criticism and has acted on it. That’s why very few people have enjoyed Pie’s progress this year more than Scott has.

I’ll have more on the new Pie in a story on our website later today.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

There will be an interesting subplot to the Orioles’ series opener against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park tomorrow night, and it’s not Kevin Millwood’s first start there since he lasted just one inning July 5.

Armando Galarraga will start the game for the Tigers, and the plate umpire will be Jim Joyce. That’s noteworthy because it was Joyce’s blown call at first base June 2 that denied Galarraga a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians.

"I've seen him since, I've talked to him; the only difference is I'm not going to be at first base, I'm going to be at home plate," Joyce told the Associated Press. “Apprehensive, but also kind of excited about it, really, to be honest with you."

Joyce hasn’t been back to Detroit since that early June series.

The Orioles, who arrived in the Motor City last night, hadn’t been there since early July. That wasn’t a good trip as they were swept in three games and outscored 23-16 in the process.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Carolina League playoffs (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 10, Potomac Nationals 9 (Box score)

Recap: After the teams combined for two grand slams and 15 runs scored in the first inning, the Keys grabbed a 1-0 series lead in the Carolina League Northern Division championship series with a 10-9 victory over Potomac at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick catcher Brian Ward was 3-for-4 with a grand slam, while second baseman L.J. Hoes was 2-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored -- including the game-winning tally.

Keys left fielder Kyle Hudson contributed three hits in the win, and third baseman Billy Rowell was 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Starting pitcher Oliver Drake was touched up for eight runs (six earned), three hits and five walks in two-thirds of an inning for the Keys, while relief pitcher Will Startup (1-0) allowed one run in 1 2/3 innings.

The second game of the series will be played Thursday night in Frederick. Before the matchup, Orioles prospects Manny Machado, Adam Gaylord, Mychal Givens, Connor Narron, Jonathan Schoop and Kipp Schutz will sign autographs for fans from 6 to 6:30 p.m. inside Harry Grove Stadium.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

By now, you guys all know how it went down in the ninth inning so I won't recap it in this spot. But here are quotes from the Orioles' clubhouse following the loss.

Manager Buck Showalter
On performance of starters in series: "I like the fact that they came out there and threw strikes and attacked the hitters. What teams like the Yankees feast on is timidness and not being aggressive, those are the kind of thing we preach to all our guys but especially those guys."

On taking two of three from the Yankees: "Believe me, I’m not some curmudgeon that doesn’t understand reality. You know, I’m proud of them. They competed their butt off and were a couple outs away. This one stings a little bit when you think about what could have been. But you could have thought about that the last two [games] and we didn’t. But it's nine innings and it’s relentless when you are dealing with lineups in the American League East."

Closer Koji Uehara
On giving up game-ending home run to Nick Swisher: "That was the one thing I didn’t want to give up, a home run. I’m not feeling good about it. I was trying to get good counts, but at the same time, I didn’t want to walk him. It was tough."

Second baseman Brian Roberts
On Orioles playing good series: "I don’t think it boils down to necessarily this series. It’s been a good stretch for us. Any time you can come into this place and get two out of three, it’s always good. We certainly would have liked to end it on a little better note, but we played great the whole time. You tip your hat. Nick hit a good pitch and hit a homer the other way. That’s what you have to make somebody do to beat you."

On performance of young arms: "It’s really been for a month. All of our guys are throwing the ball well. That could be a huge step for us going forward with those guys getting experience this deep in the season. They are tired, they probably have never thrown this many innings in their life. Yet, they’re still pitching well against good teams. I think that’s big for their confidence going forward and for us as a team."

Matt Wieters
On getting green slight on 3-0 count and hitting two-run homer: "It’s something where we were trying to drive him in. You get to 3-0 and you expect the fastball. Buck had the confidence to turn me loose and I put a good swing on it."

On Uehara's ninth inning: "Koji is fine. That’s always going to happen as a closer. You’re not going to close every game. Even their guy, probably the best in the game, doesn’t get every save that he goes out there for. He got behind 2-0 and Swisher was looking heater and he got it and was able to put a good swing on it. That’s tough to do. Not too many guys square up Koji’s heater that often. You have to tip your hat to him."

Starter Brad Bergesen
On controlling the Yankees: "I was happy to be able to go out there against their lineup at their place and be able to hold them down. But it’s a great lineup. It would have been a lot better if we would have gotten a victory."

On his run of good pitching: "I think a big key to that is pitching more with my four-seam [fastball]. Establishing strikes early on and then going to the two-seam later when I’m ahead of guys, I think that was the biggest key for me."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

Orioles closer Koji Uehara just served up a walk-off two-run homer to Nick Swisher with one out in the ninth inning as the New York Yankees beat the Orioles 3-2 to salvage one game in the three-game set.

The Orioles were bidding to sweep the Yankees in the Bronx for the first time since June 6-8, 1986.

Asked to protect a 2-1 lead in the ninth, Uehara gave up a leadoff single to Alex Rodriguez. He retired Robinson Cano but fell behind 2-0 to Swisher, who pounded an 88 miles an hour fastball into the visiting bullpen.

it was a gut-wrenching way to end one of the more uplifting series of the season.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

It certainly seems that manager Buck Showalter is pushing all the right buttons these days.

With a runner on first, no outs and a 3-0 count to Matt Wieters, Showalter gave his young catcher the green light. And Wieters made his new manager look rather smart, bashing Ivan Nova's 91 miles per hour fastball deep into the left-field seats.

Wieters' 11th homer of the season gave the Orioles a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The Orioles' instructional program at Camden Yards will start on Sept.20 and run through Oct. 2. The list of players invited hasn't been finalized, but here's eight that are definitely expected to attend: Infielders LJ Hoes, Connor Narron, Manny Machado, Mychal Givens and Jonathan Schoop; Outfielders Trent Mummey, Kyle Hudson and Brenden Webb.

Xavier Avery is also tentatively scheduled to attend, but he has been added to Single-A Frederick's playoff roster and he's also expected to report to the Arizona Fall League. The Orioles could choose to give him a break rather than having him as part of the program.

There will also be about four to six catchers invited, raising the total of participating players to about 15.

In other Orioles' news, Michael Gonzalez, who is unavailable the past two games after having back and neck spasms, threw on the field today and should be available if needed.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter defended center fielder Adam Jones' defense in center field in Tuesday's game.

"I didn’t really see it as struggles," Showalter said. "He’s one of the best center fielders in baseball. I think we expect him to catch everything and he’ll catch a lot of balls that people won’t get to. He throws well. When you look at our list of challenges, defense in center field is not one of them. I didn’t look at it as him having a bad game there."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie has been named the club’s 2010 Roberto Clemente Award nominee, Major League Baseball announced Wednesday. Guthrie is one of 30 finalists for the national award given annually to the MLB player who combines a dedication to giving back to the community with talent on the baseball field.

The right-hander has been an active member of the Baltimore community since joining the Orioles in 2007, giving motivational speeches to groups in Baltimore and Sarasota, Fla., visiting wounded soldiers and participating in the Orioles annual Holiday Party for underprivileged kids. Guthrie has also spent time with Baltimore’s Helping Up Mission, a program that serves the spiritual and physical needs of poor and homeless men around the city. Guthrie and his wife Jenny have donated $5,000 to the Maryland Food Bank and $5,000 to the OriolesReach Gameday Experience program, which brings underprivileged youth to Oriole Park at Camden Yards for a game, hat and T-shirt and concessions.

Wednesday marks the ninth-annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by MLB to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially recognize local club nominees who best represent the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their clubs. The award is named for the 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Fans are encouraged to participate in the selection process for the national award recipient by visiting chevy.com/clemente from Sept. 7 through Oct. 8 to vote for one of the 30 club nominees. Past Orioles to win the national honor include Eric Davis in 1997, Cal Ripken Jr. in 1992, Ken Singleton in 1982 and Brooks Robinson in 1972.

-- Mike Miller

Posted by Baltimore Sun sports at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Buck Showalter was going to be a prime topic of conversation either way with the Orioles in New York facing a Yankees team that Showalter used to manage. However after his new club took the first two from the reigning world champs, there is even more talk about how well the Orioles are playing since Showalter took over. They are 21-13 under him and 6-4-1 in series. They had won just four total series before Showalter took over.

Here are a couple of comments about the new Orioles under Showalter:

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter: "They’re playing well. I don’t know because I never switched managers in the middle of a season, but I’m pretty sure there are a lot of guys over there trying to make an impression."

Orioles outfielder Nolan Reimold: "It’s a different atmosphere, for sure, because winning cures a lot, pretty much everything. Guys are having a lot of fun. Going out there and winning and playing good ball is fun."

Orioles outfielder Adam Jones: "I think it’s the same group of guys, but we are holding ourselves personally accountable for whatever goes on. I just think our focus is a little bit tighter and we are playing a lot better team baseball. You saw it out there [Tuesday]. It was a mistake by me, and I was picked up by our pitchers. Earlier on in the year, that might have opened the floodgates or something else. But they were able to limit my mistake and get us through the inning."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

Yankees ace CC Sabathia entered tonight with a 13-1 record and a 2.59 ERA in 18 career starts against the Orioles.

He also is undefeated in his last 21 starts at Yankee Stadium, going 16-0 with a 2.05 ERA during that span. Then, there is his bid to become a 20-game winner for the first time in his career.

However, the Orioles jumped on him for three first-inning runs as the first five hitters to face Sabathia reached base. Brian Roberts singled, Felix Pie walked, Nick Markakis singled and Ty Wigginton drove in their first run with a bases-loaded single.

In his return to the lineup, Adam Jones followed with a two-run single, giving the Orioles a 3-0 lead. Sabathia didn't get his first out until Nolan Reimold flied out on his 20th pitches.

He threw 26 total pitches in the inning, striking out Craig Tatum and getting Robert Andino to fly out to end the frame.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Orioles left-handed pitcher Troy Patton is in the visitors' clubhouse at Yankee Stadium, The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec reports.

Despite earlier speculation that he might be recalled to the big league team from Triple-A Norfolk, the expectation as recently as this morning was that Patton would not be promoted and that right-hander David Hernandez and Double-A Bowie lefty Pedro Viola would be the club's final roster additions.

Update: Minutes ago, the club officially announced that it has recalled Patton and Viola and reinstated Hernandez from the 15-day disabled list.

With the move, the Orioles will have one more pitcher they'll have to try to find innings for, as you'd have to believe they want to avoid calling up Patton simply to have him sit on the bench -- though they did exactly that at one point this season, for one day, to have him serve as an emergency long reliever.

Patton went 8-11 with a 4.43 ERA in 25 starts for Norfolk this season. In his last game for the Tides on Friday, he allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out six in 6 2/3 innings and earned the win over visiting Charlotte.

In other news, center fielder Adam Jones is back in the Orioles' starting lineup. Jones had been held out of the lineup for 10 of the past 12 games after being hit in the back of the left shoulder by a pitch from the Chicago White Sox's Gavin Floyd (Mount St. Joseph) on Aug. 24. Jones hasn't played since Wednesday.

Also, the recently called-up Robert Andino is in the lineup at shortstop. Andino played in 78 games for the Orioles last season but is set to see his first action with the team this year.

Posted by Steve Gould at 3:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

I was watching the Yankee Stadium radar gun very closely yesterday and I’m not sure one of Brian Matusz’s pitches was clocked at 90 miles an hour or above. That just makes what he was able to do that much more impressive. The reason most baseball pundits predicted that Matusz would contend for American League Rookie of the Year is because he knows how to pitch and he competes. Both those qualities were evident yesterday. I know that Matusz hasn’t overwhelmed at times this year, but I think you have to still be excited about the kid’s future. He has faced the Yankees five times now and he’s allowed three earned runs or fewer in all of those starts. That says something right there as does the fact that he appears to be getting better as the season goes on.

It’s obvious that the Orioles could use a couple of bats and at least one veteran starting pitcher, but one area going forward that Andy MacPhail and Buck Showalter have to feel pretty good about is the bullpen. Between Jim Johnson, Michael Gonzalez, Alfredo Simon and David Hernandez, the Orioles have four power arms at the back end of the bullpen. They resign closer Koji Uehara and maybe add another left-hander that they you could use earlier in the game, and that group would appear to be one of the team’s strengths heading into the 2010 season.

It’s funny how things sometimes turn out the opposite of what you hear. I had only seen Josh Bell play in spring training, but all I heard was he struggles hitting right-handed and he needs work with his footwork and range at third base. Well, he’s hit all three of his homers from the right side of the plate and he’s gotten to a lot of balls at third that I thought he had no chance on. However, his arm has been extremely erratic. He forced first baseman Ty Wigginton to scoop three different balls out of the dirt yesterday. His arm is clearly strong, but accuracy remains elusive.

Speaking of Wigginton, I agree with a couple of posters who suggested that the burly infielder would benefit from a day off. Wigginton plays with great energy and effort and that hasn’t changed, but he does look a little sluggish lately. It would be good time to give Brandon Snyder his first big league start at first base. However, I doubt that comes against CC Sabathia tonight.

A lot of people earlier this season felt that the Orioles leaned too much on the absence of leadoff man Brian Roberts as an explanation for their awful start. However, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter yesterday became the latest opponent to point out how different the Orioles are with Roberts in the lineup. He even called Roberts a "pain," which I'm sure he meant as a compliment because of Roberts' ability to foul off pitches, work counts and cause some havoc on the basepaths. The Orioles still could use two impact bats to be an offense that could slug it out with the American League heavyweights. But as they are presently constructed, they still can be dangerous as long as Roberts is at the top of the order.

And just a few other things ... Barring an injury or a sudden need on the Orioles big league roster, the activation of reliever David Hernandez and the promotion of reliever Pedro Viola will be the final two call-ups. That means no Troy Patton, Scott Moore, Matt Angle, Dennis Sarfate or anybody else who has been speculated. I guess the feeling is that the Orioles already have enough guys they are struggling to find innings for so why add even more.

Also, the Orioles find out today whether outfielder Lou Montanez, who was designated for assignment last week, clears waivers, but the result couldn't be any less significant for them. At season's end, Montanez will be a six-year minor league free agent and he can sign with any team that he wants to go to for 2011. I highly doubt that will be the Orioles, who already have a glut of outfielders and no plans to call up Montanez. So whether he clears or not, he isn't expected to be in the organization next year anyway. Montanez, of course, is hoping he doesn't clear so he gets on another 40-man roster.

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Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (21)
        

I'm late to this party, but I can confirm that relievers David Hernandez and Pedro Viola, who have both been pitching for Double-A Bowie, will join the club tomorrow in New York. It might be a couple of days before they pitch for the Orioles as Hernandez threw a scoreless inning today in a game that Viola started. The 27-year-old lefty allowed four earned runs in six innings as the Baysox lost their season finale to Richmond.

In two rehab appearances for the Baysox, Hernandez threw two scoreless innings, allowing one hit. He has been on the disabled list since Aug. 5 with a sprained left ankle. He'll likely be ready to pitch by Wednesday's series finale in the Bronx.

Viola is 3-4 with a 3.59 ERA for Bowie. He is on the 40-man so the Orioles want to get a look at him before they will have to make some tough roster decisions in the offseason.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Monday was the end of the regular season in the minor leagues.

Single-A Frederick will play in the Carolina League playoffs, while the rest of the teams in the Orioles' minor league system failed to make the postseason. The Keys added infielder Mychal Givens to their roster from short-season Single-A Aberdeen.

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Durham Bulls 6, Norfolk Tides 5, 12 innings (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Rhyne Hughes was 2-for-5 with a solo home run and two runs scored in the Tides' 6-5 loss in 12 innings against Durham.

Norfolk second baseman Miguel Abreu contributed three hits, including two doubles, and an RBI, while center fielder Matt Angle was 2-for-6 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Tides starting pitcher Tim Bascom gave up five runs and 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings, and relief pitcher Mike Hinckley (1-4) allowed one run and five hits in three-plus innings.

Third baseman Scott Moore added two hits and an RBI for Norfolk.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Richmond Flying Squirrels 4, Bowie Baysox 3 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Brandon Waring hit his 22nd home run of the season, but the Baysox were edged, 4-3, in the season finale by Richmond.

Bowie designated hitter Joel Guzman was 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while catcher Caleb Joseph added a pair of doubles in the defeat.

Baysox starting pitcher Pedro Viola (3-4) allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings, and relief pitcher David Hernandez tossed a scoreless frame.

Left fielder Danny Figueroa was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two runs scored for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 14, Wilmington Blue Rocks 8 (Box score)

Recap: Every Keys starter reached base at least two times as the team pounded 19 hits in a 14-8 rout over Wilmington in the regular-season finale at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick shortstop Jonathan Schoop was 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored, while right fielder Ronnie Welty added a pair of doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored.

Keys center fielder Kyle Hudson contributed three hits, including a double, an RBI and two runs scored, while third baseman Billy Rowell was 2-for-6 with two RBIs.

Rowell batted .275 with 11 home runs and 61 RBIs in 117 games during the regular season for Frederick. He hit .305 in 61 games after the All-Star break and established a career high in RBIs.

Starting pitcher Zach Clark tossed two scoreless frames for the Keys, while relief pitcher Jose Duran (5-3) threw 2 2/3 shutout innings for the win.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Augusta GreenJackets 7, Delmarva Shorebirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Austin Rauch was 2-for-4 with a solo home run as the Shorebirds concluded their season with a 7-2 loss to Augusta at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva second baseman Omar Casamayor contributed two hits and an RBI, while first baseman Tyler Stampone scored a run in the defeat.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Matt Hobgood held the GreenJackets to one hit in five scoreless innings. He was 3-7 with a 4.40 ERA in 21 starts during his first full year as a member of the Orioles' minor league system.

Relief pitcher Aaron Swenson (1-1) was touched up for four runs and four hits in one inning for Delmarva. He collected one strikeout and walked one batter.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Orioles rookie left-hander Brian Matusz just got out of a rigorous fifth-inning without allowing a run, thanks to a nice play by rookie third baseman Josh Bell on Derek Jeter's inning-ending groundout.

Matutsz threw 31 pitches in the inning, leaving his pitch count at 87 heading into the sixth. He's allowed just one run on Alex Rodriguez's fourth-inning homer, three hits and a walk.

The Orioles lead 2-1 in the top of the sixth. They scored their runs on Felix Pie's double play in the third inning and Brian Roberts' RBI single in the fifth.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (left shoulder soreness) is not in the lineup for the 10th time in the past 12 games, but he took batting practice for a second straight day and likely could play today if needed.

"I want to play. I feel like I’m ready, but I have to go out and do all the stuff on the field, everything that they are doing," Jones said. "No matter how good I feel, I still have to go out there and hit live pitching and really put an impact on the ball. It [stinks], but I just have to do it."

While annoyed that he wasn't in the lineup, Jones said that he was pleased with how he was feeling and the improvements that he has made since getting a cortisone injection on Thursday.

"I believe in modern medicine," he said.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter manager said he still will be cautious with Jones.

"I'm hoping that this is the day he's mad at me," Showalter said.

Judging by Jones' demeanor after he looked at the lineup, I'd say mission accomplished.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

As the minor league season winds down, Orioles Director of Player Development John Stockstill has been meeting with many of the organization’s minor leaguers to finalize plans for them to play winter ball. This is nothing new at this time of the year, but the Orioles are being aggressive in encouraging several of their prospects to play in places like Venezuela and Dominican Republic to potentially accelerate their paths to the big leagues.

One example is Double-A first baseman Joe Mahoney, who will likely play winter ball in Venezuela.

“Our attitude is to make the players understand that they need to earn a spot on this club,” Stockstill said. “In order to do that, some of them are going to need to play winter ball to work on their deficiencies. What we’re trying to do is give them the opportunity in the best places in the world to do that.

“The attitude that you want to cultivate is they better be prepared to earn their way. This club is looking for people to take jobs. We’re trying to give our players the understanding that they are responsible for their own careers and they have to earn their spot. We have several players knocking on the door so take the step and give yourself a chance to earn a Major League job next year.”

The Orioles will be sending nine players to the Arizona Fall League, but the organization also would like to see some of its position players get challenged in other winter leagues outside the United States. Very few teams send their top pitching prospects to the AFL, so it makes sense for some position players to go elsewhere to see better pitching,

“When you get to certain places in Dominican, certain places in Venezuela, certain places in Mexico and Puerto Rico, there are 5,000 screaming fans, and you are paid to win,” Stockstill said. “You learn something about yourself and what you need to do to compete at the major league level.”

Below is a small list of some Oriole minor leaguers and the invites they have gotten from different winter leagues. I included the guys going to the AFL as well.

Arizona Fall League: Ryan Adams, Xavier Avery, Oliver Drake, Pat Egan, Caleb Joseph, Kam Mickolio, Greg Miclat, Wynn Pelzer, Tyler Townsend
Venezuela: Matt Angle, Joe Mahoney, Zach Clark, Pat Egan, Chad Thall
Mexico: Jeff Salazar
Dominican Republic: Scott Moore
Australia: LJ Hoes, Mychal Givens, Brandon Waring
Puerto Rico: Brandon Cooney, Sean Gleason

Now, here are a couple of things to keep in mind about the list:
Just because these players have been invited to play for certain teams, it doesn’t mean that they are definitely going to go. The Orioles recognize that certain situations are not for everyone, and some players have good workout/playing programs near their offseason homes, where it’s not as imperative that they head elsewhere to play.

The list is not all encompassing and there will be other players going to different locales to play. I’m sure somebody will ask about former first-round pick Billy Rowell. I did the same and was told that his situation is undetermined. Tyler Henson had gotten several invites from teams, but his late-season injury will likely prevent him from playing winter ball. This year’s top pick, Manny Machado, is not expected to play out of the country, but that’s not 100 percent settled yet.

Also, several of the Orioles’ Latin players will likely play on teams in their native countries. One example is shortstop Pedro Florimon, who is expected to play winter ball in the Dominican.

You’ve also probably noticed that very few of the Orioles’ top pitching prospects are on that list. That’s by design. Most of them will hit their innings limit for the year and the club doesn’t want them throwing until they begin preparations for spring training 2011. That’s pretty standard throughout the league.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Durham Bulls 6, Norfolk Tides 5 (Box score)

Recap: Catcher Michel Hernandez was 2-for-3 with a solo home run as the Tides blew a late lead in a 6-5 loss on the road against Durham.

Norfolk first baseman Rhyne Hughes contributed a pair of doubles, an RBI and a run scored, while left fielder Jeff Salazar was 2-for-3 with two walks, a stolen base and two runs scored.

Tides starting pitcher Armando Gabino was charged with three runs (two earned) and four hits in five innings, and closer Dennis Sarfate (2-2) suffered the loss after giving up one run and one hit in his third blown save of the season.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Richmond Flying Squirrels 1, Bowie Baysox 0 (Box score)

Recap: The Baysox managed only two hits as they fell, 1-0, in a pitchers' duel against Richmond.

Bowie starting pitcher Steve Johnson only allowed one hit in seven scoreless innings. He struck out six batters and issued one walk.

Relief pitcher Bob McCrory (3-4) was charged with one run and three hits while not recording an out in the eighth inning for Bowie. He also walked one batter.

Baysox center fielder Xavier Avery was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Wilmington Blue Rocks 7, Frederick Keys 6 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Ronnie Welty was 2-for-5 with his 18th home run of the season and two RBIs in the Keys' 7-6 loss to Wilmington.

Frederick center fielder Kyle Hudson and left fielder Bobby Stevens each contributed two hits, while second baseman L.J. Hoes added two stolen bases and a run scored.

Keys starting pitcher Kenny Moreland was charged with seven runs and eight hits in five innings. Moreland issued three walks, collected four strikeouts and hit one batter.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Augusta GreenJackets 3, Delmarva Shorebirds 2 (Box score)

Recap: Second baseman Omar Casamayor collected three of the Shorebirds' five hits in a 3-2 loss to Augusta at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva left fielder Levi Carolus contributed a triple and two RBIs, while catcher Kyle Moore added a single in the defeat.

Shorebirds starting pitcher Brent Allar gave up two runs and four hits in five innings. He issued six walks and struck out three batters.

Relief pitcher T.R. Keating (2-2) was charged with the loss for the Shorebirds after allowing one run and four hits in four innings.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Aberdeen IronBirds 8, Connecticut Tigers 7, 13 innings (Box score)

Recap: After allowing two runs in the top of the 13th, the IronBirds scored three times in the bottom of the inning for a come-from-behind victory, 8-7, over Connecticut at Ripken Stadium.

Aberdeen shortstop Manny Machado knocked in two RBIs with a two-out triple in the bottom of the 13th, and left fielder Kipp Schutz knocked him in with an RBI single.

IronBirds first baseman David Anderson hit a solo home run in the second inning -- his 12th of the season -- while center fielder Jeremy Nowak added a double and two RBIs.

Starting pitcher Justin Moore gave up four runs (two earned) and 10 hits in five innings for the IronBirds, and relief pitcher Jose Barajas (1-2) picked up the win despite allowing two runs and two hits in one inning.

Designated hitter Mychal Givens was 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored for Aberdeen.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 8:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

While Ripken was held captive by the media Sunday afternoon, the question had to be asked.

What does the greatest shortstop in franchise history think of the newest shortstop in the franchise?

Manny Machado, the club’s first round pick in 2010, played this week for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the Orioles’ Short-A affiliate owned and run by Ripken Baseball.

Ripken has watched the 18-year-old play, and has come away impressed. He buys the physical comparisons to New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, also once a highly touted high school shortstop out of Miami.

Ripken also likes Machado’s 6-foot-3, 185 pound frame – from one big shortstop to another. And he likes the kid’s offensive potential; Machado had eight hits in his first 22 at-bats for Aberdeen.

“The ball jumped off his bat the other night. I like his size. And it is really clear he has emulated ARod. It’s really clear in his mannerisms,” Ripken said. “It’s probably unfair to make the comparisons that he’s an ARod type of player. But I liked his size, I liked his strength. He made a couple plays in the field really easy and I liked the way his ball jumped off his bat. He’s definitely got some good size to him.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Cal Ripken Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Jake Fox on Sunday afternoon, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Ripken’s record-tying 2,130th consecutive game played on Sept. 5, 1995.

The next day, of course, Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s record and did his now iconic lap around Camden Yards. Not sure the Yankees will be celebrating that Monday in the Bronx.

The Orioles showed a video display before Ripken came out to a standing ovation from the crowd Sunday. He then threw a strike – from the mound, it should be noted – to Jake Fox.

Afterward, Ripken met with the media, and said it just doesn’t seem like it has been 15 years since the entire baseball world was watching him.

“I keep milking it for whatever it is worth,” Ripken joked. “No, it seems like time has gone by really, really fast. I only realize it when I look at the ages of my kids, because in many other ways it seems like that whole night that happened out here was just a couple years ago. But 15 years? We all get old, and time goes by much faster when you leave the game than it did when you played it.”

Before the game, new Orioles manager Buck Showalter was asked about Ripken and the streak – which ended in 1998 at 2.632 consecutive games.

“It was a record that everybody in baseball celebrated,” Showalter said. “It made you realize, through the years, he had always been there.”

Showalter later added: “It surprises me that anybody was able to do it, but it doesn’t surprise me that Cal was the guy. It ain’t going to happen again. You can count on it.”

Showalter and Ripken played against each other in the minors, and Ripken played for three years against the Showalter-managed Yankees in the early 1990s. In fact, Showalter joked that watching Ripken and Don Mattingly made him realize that he wasn’t going to be a major leaguer. Or last long if he did.

Showalter and Ripken talked on Monday, when Showalter went to Aberdeen to see the Ripken-owned IronBirds, the Orioles’ Short-A affiliate, play.

“Our conversations wouldn’t be that fascinating or interesting to most people,” Ripken said. “We were talking about bunt plays and cutoff relays and when you do the infield in and when you don’t. He turns on my baseball brain in a lot of ways. I always thought Buck was one of the best baseball guys I have ever had a chance to talk to.

Ripken was asked Sunday afternoon whether Showalter’s presence with the Orioles strengthens his interest to join the organization in an executive role, something that has been talked about once Ripken’s son, Ryan, a junior at Gilman, heads to college.

“The answer is yes, kind of, but I still have my timetable that when I retire I want to be there for my kids to go off to college. That’s the timetable I have always set,” Ripken said. “Although there was a lot of rumors and stuff going on early in the season about that being shortened, but certainly I still value the flexibility and the time that I have now. And you wouldn’t have that if you came back to a big league team.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

The Orioles’ 8-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday night didn’t just snap a three-game losing streak.

It gave Buck Showalter his 900th career managerial win in his 12th season. He’s the 64th manager in history to reach that mark and is ninth among active managers in wins.

Did Showalter, who has lost 846 games in his career, know the milestone was coming?

“My daughter called me a couple nights ago and left me a message, so she made me aware of it and I’d forgotten it a little bit,” he said.

What does 900 mean to him?

“It means I’ve had some good players and someone’s given me an opportunity to do this a long time. That’s about the extent of it. I’ve had a lot of losses, too. … I remember just about every one of those. Just reminds you how lucky you are to do this, to have a chance to do it. Had a lot of good players.”

At least one of his AL East rivals, Tampa Bay’s Joe Maddon, was impressed by the feat.

“I've got 500 more to go,” said Maddon, who has 391 career wins in five seasons with the Rays (and parts of two seasons with the Angels). “Buck's done it for a long time. He's very good at what he does. He's going to be around for many more years. He's a very young man.”

For the record, Showalter is 54; Maddon, 56.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

OK, here’s the absolute last chapter in the Matt Garza-Luke Scott saga, which is getting as long as Revelations.

Garza’s comments to St. Petersburg Times’ beat writer Marc Topkin on Saturday – that he didn’t appreciate Scott’s use of Bible verses as a way to question Garza’s humility – were relayed to Scott after the game.

And Scott basically said everyone has a right to his or her opinion.

“He’s just saying religion is not something you bring into baseball; it’s all a matter of choice. That’s not how I view it. Like I said, I consider it a blessing to be here and I am thankful for the opportunity to play. And that’s just my personal beliefs.”

As for Garza’s allegations that Scott’s celebration ritual is hypocritical of someone who is denouncing boastfulness in the name of God, Scott said:

"That’s part of the game. You celebrate with your teammates. I play this game because I like to have fun. When I celebrate with my teammates, I am celebrating because I am enjoying the competition and am enjoying success. It’s just as simple as that. I mean, I am pretty sure he gets pretty pumped up when he is in a big game and he does well and he gets some key outs when he needs them. I bet you he is in there and he is fired up. We all have different ways of expressing emotion in this game and that’s what makes us all unique.”

To make sure this thing goes no further, Scott made a point of saying he respects Garza and all pitchers, for that matter.

“I respect everyone that steps out on the mound that I face. I respect all my opponents because they are the best in the game and they deserve it.”

OK, nothing to see here. Carry on.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 10:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
        

If you can’t get enough of Matt Garza commenting about the Orioles, well, here’s another one for you.

Garza, the outstanding and outspoken Rays pitcher, didn’t take kindly Saturday to what Luke Scott had to say Friday in response to what Garza said earlier this week.

OK, quick rewind.

Before Friday’s game, Garza said he was extra motivated to beat the Orioles, who pounded Garza for seven runs, including three consecutive homers, in their previous meeting in July. Garza said, among other things, that he was going to “shove it down” their throats on Friday.

Well, he allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings and won the game. Afterward, Luke Scott, who had hit two homers in that July game against Garza, was asked about Garza’s comments. And Scott, a devout Christian, quoted scripture:

“He said what he said and he backed it up. He did a good job for his team, but don’t let it bite you in the butt,” Scott said about Garza. “If you let your head get big in anything in life, like I said, it’s, “Proverbs 3:34. ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Your time is coming if you think that life is going to be like that. Your time is coming and it’s not going to be fun.”

On Saturday, Garza talked to St. Petersburg Times’ beat writer Marc Topkin, and wasn’t pleased that the Bible was used against him – and by the demonstrative Scott.

“To each his own interpretation; that’s what the Bible is. I’m a Christian too; a Catholic Christian. He’s throwing something in that shouldn’t even be allowed to be brought in,’’ Garza said. “That’s a topic where you don’t ever bring that up. …

“My feeling is that God has a lot better things to worry about than if I’m going to throw a strike on a certain pitch. A lot of other things. I’d rather (Scott) not bring it up.’’

Garza also talked about Scott being hypocritical in the humility game, since Scott goes through an elaborate celebration after each homer, which includes a double point to the sky after crossing the plate, a hug of the batter on-deck and a frenzied hand-slapping routine with Felix Pie.

“It’s the same thing, where you’re showing up the other guy,’’ Garza said. “The game’s gone that far to where it’s acceptable. It’s just what it is."

Here’s a link to Topkin’s blog.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Luke Scott hit a shot off starter James Shields in the bottom of the fifth that appeared to hit the AT&T sign on the wall in right-center.

While running around first on his way to a double, Scott was twirling his hand above his head signaling the ball should be a home run; he felt it cleared the front wall and caromed off the back one.

Buck Showalter ran out to argue and the umpiring crew quickly gathered, and decided to review the call.

Moments later they came back and ruled the ball did not clear the wall and indeed struck the top of the AT&T sign -- the wall that was in play.

It was the second reviewed home run call this season at Camden Yards. The other was on June 5 when Boston's Marco Scutaro hit a ball down the left field foul-line that was initially rules a foul. Both calls, after reviews, were confirmed.

The only other reviewed home run call the Orioles have had this season was on July 3 at Fenway Park, when Jake Fox hit a ball that was first called a double off the Green Monster. After an umpires' review, the call was overturned and Fox was awarded the home run.

Saturday's ruling didn't mean much. Felix Pie followed with a double to score Scott.

The Scott double, however, chased James Shields, who was tagged for six runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Adam Jones is out of the starting lineup again, for the eighth time in 10 games due to the shoulder pain that was re-aggravated on a swing Wednesday.

And it looks like it will be nine of 11.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he “wouldn’t look for him to be a player (Saturday or Sunday).”

That’s the bad news.

The good news, Showalter said, is that athletic trainer Richie Bancells believes Jones’ shoulder, which was first injured Aug. 24 when he was hit by Gavin Floyd pitch, is improving after a cortisone shot Thursday. So playing Sunday is not an impossibility, just not likely.

“I will leave that open, but I know talking to Richie, we are excited about the progress he is making and there’s always that possibility. I am not going to take that carrot away from him,” Showalter said. “From my perspective, I am not looking at it like there is a sense that we are going to have him back real quick, but I am hoping to get surprised by it tomorrow or Monday.”

Corey Patterson started in center on Saturday.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The Orioles’ 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night was the Orioles’ third consecutive defeat, a team low point under new manager Buck Showalter.

It also dropped the Orioles to 12-40 against the AL East, that’s an, ahem, .231 winning percentage. Wanna hear worse? Take out the 7-8 record against the Boston Red Sox and the Orioles are 5-32 against the other three clubs in the East.

New manager Buck Showalter has said repeatedly that he doesn’t care which division the Orioles are in. The point, he said, is you have to beat the best to win it all, so you might as well beat them during the regular season.

Makes sense, but it’s probably worth pointing out that the Orioles are 18-17 against the AL West this year and 12-18 against the AL Central.

So, yeah, life likely would be easier if the Orioles were in another division. But there’s a flip side to the argument. If/when the Orioles ever do rise above the ineptitude, I would assume it would make it that much sweeter for the players and the fan base to achieve it in this division.

That’s what I want to know from you this weekend. If you had the power, would you move the Orioles to another division? Or do you want them to stay in the AL East, keep taking their lumps and wait for the day when you can feel it is all worth it?

One condition here: It can’t be temporary. You can’t move them until they are good and then transfer them back to the East. Stay or go; those are your choices.

Daily Think Special: Would you move the Orioles out of the AL East?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (81)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Tampa Bay’s Matt Garza, who started Friday’s 4-1 victory over the Orioles, had some interesting things to say to Tampa-area reporters this week. Getting beat up in Baltimore on July 20 – allowing seven runs, including four homers, in 6 1/3 innings – still smarted apparently.

So Garza vowed he’d pitch a whole lot better on Friday. Here were some of his comments: “They went back-to-back-to-back (with homers), and Luke Scott (hit two), so I'm going to make them feel really uncomfortable in the box,” Garza said earlier this week. “So they know, this (stuff) doesn't happen. 'Don't get used to it.'

Another one: “I'm just going to go in there, hair on fire like I have been, and just go after them and say, 'Hey, you got me the first time. Well, I'm going to shove it down your throat this time.'"

And a final one: “They're a bunch of young guys, and they're just out there to make a mess of everything, which is fine," Garza said. ”You expect that from them. But I owe them a lot of payback for the type of outing I had last time against them.”

The Orioles read the quotes and, for the most part, kept quiet, hoping their bats would talk for them. They didn’t.

Garza didn’t “shove,” but he got the win, allowing five hits, walking three and giving up one run in 5 2/3 innings.

This is what Garza said after the game:

“They did a good job tonight. When I said that, I never meant any disrespect to their guys; they’re a great club. When I say they’re young and they can cause a mess, more like playing a spoiler role, and they’re capable of that.”

He was asked afterward about his comment that he wanted to make the Orioles feel uncomfortable – which was taken as a veiled way of saying he would pitch inside and keep players off the plate. But after the game, he said that wasn’t what he meant. Gamesmanship, he said, was his purpose. And it worked, he believes.

“That has nothing to do with going up and in and knocking guys down. That was a mental game right there, and I won it,” he said. “They were so geared up to hit that fastball in that they totally forgot the other side of the plate. And you can notice that in the first at-bat with Markakis, where he was geared up to pull everything away, butt-out swings, just letting the bat hit. That was good for me because next time through they were like, am I staying out there, am I coming in?

"So they were uncomfortable. Task completed.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 4, Charlotte Knights 2 (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Michael Aubrey hit a two-run home run as the Tides grabbed a 4-2 victory over Charlotte at Harbor Park.

Norfolk outfielder Jeff Salazar was 3-for-4 with an RBI, two stolen bases and a run scored, while second baseman Paco Figueroa and catcher Michel Hernandez each added two hits.

Starting pitcher Troy Patton (8-11) was charged with two runs (one earned) and five hits in 6 2/3 innings for the Tides, while closer Dennis Sarfate tossed a scoreless frame to earn his 20th save of the season.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 5, Richmond Flying Squirrels 3 (Box score)

Recap: Right fielder Jonathan Tucker was 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs, a stolen base and two runs scored as the Baysox won, 5-3, over Richmond.

Bowie designated hitter Joel Guzman added a double and two RBIs.

Baysox starting pitcher Ryohei Tanaka (8-12) tossed five scoreless frames, and relief pitcher Jose Diaz recorded the final five outs for his fourth save in Double-A.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Frederick Keys 10, Kinston Indians 5 (Box score)

Recap: Third baseman Billy Rowell was 3-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored in the Keys' 10-5 victory over Kinston at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick first baseman Tyler Townsend was a home run shy of the cycle, while second baseman L.J. Hoes was 3-for-4 with two RBIs.

Keys starting pitcher Oliver Drake (6-6) gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings. He struck out six batters and issued two walks.

Right fielder Ronnie Welty and center fielder Kyle Hudson each added two hits and two runs scored for Frederick. Hudson also picked up his 39th stolen base of the season, while Welty contributed a double and an RBI.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Augusta GreenJackets 10, Delmarva Shorebirds 3 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Patrick Kantakevich (0-9) was roughed up for eight runs and 10 hits in 1 1/3 innings as the Shorebirds were pounded, 10-3, by Augusta at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva first baseman Tyler Stampone was 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, while left fielder Levi Carolus added a single, triple and a run scored.

Shortstop Garabez Rosa and third baseman Tyler Kelly each added an RBI for the Shorebirds.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Connecticut Tigers 7, Aberdeen IronBirds 6 (Box score)

Recap: For the fourth consecutive game against Connecticut, the IronBirds suffered a one-run loss.

Aberdeen second baseman Mychal Givens hit a solo home run -- his second of the season -- in the team's 7-6 loss to the Tigers at Ripken Stadium.

IronBirds first baseman David Anderson contributed two hits, while left fielder Kipp Schutz added a double, an RBI and a run scored in the defeat.

Starting pitcher Tim Adleman gave up four runs (one earned) and five hits in five innings for Aberdeen, and relief pitcher Ashur Tolliver (0-1) was charged with three runs and four hits in 1 2/3 innings.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Here’s an interesting tidbit worth sharing from Buck Showalter’s pre-game session Friday.

Showalter was asked about a strange development in Thursday’s game that, honestly, had no bearing on the outcome. But it was noteworthy nonetheless.

In Thursday’s third inning, Orioles rookie third baseman Josh Bell fielded a grounder by Boston Marco Scutaro and stepped on third for the inning’s final out. Bell then continued to throw to first, surprising Ty Wigginton, who attempted to field and, subsequently, missed the bouncing, unnecessary throw.

It was the third time Bell has lost track of outs in the past month, and the manager made it a point to talk to the rookie about the continual mistake.

“It’s more of a reaction thing, that he stepped on the bag,” Showalter said. “But the game should never catch you by surprise and that’s a concentration thing. You don’t expect or tolerate (that) from anybody.”

Showalter said the Orioles in the dugout were joking with Wigginton when he came into the dugout about the veteran’s chance at the fourth out.

“(Wigginton) had a great answer: ‘I couldn’t tell if he touched the bag and plus I was heading towards the dugout anyway. I just happened to stop there and the next thing I know he was throwing,’” said Showalter, relaying the comments.

“With that being said, it ain’t funny,” Showalter said. “(Bell) was embarrassed about it. Not good.”

Orioles’ fans said they wanted a manager that would hold his players accountable when they make mistakes. Well, that’s been happening so far.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 8:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

With Chris Tillman pitching Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays, the entire Orioles rotation will be pushed back, meaning every starter will soon be pitching on six-days' rest instead of the nornal four.

Here's how the rotation shakes out:

For the Rays series, which starts today: Millwood, tonight; Guthrie on Saturday; Tillman on Sunday.

For the Yankee series in New York: Brian Matusz on Monday; Jake Arrieta on Tuesday and Brad Bergesen on Wednesday.

Thursday is an off day, before Millwood, on six days rest, pitches Friday at Detroit, followed by Guthrie, Tillman, etc.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The Orioles are pushing back their rotation to make room for Chris Tillman, who is being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and will pitch Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Brian Matusz, who was scheduled to pitch Sunday, will be pushed back to Monday, and Jake Arrieta, Monday’s scheduled starter, is expected to pitch Tuesday in New York now.

Arrieta had his normal side session today scrapped by the team, which gives further proof that he won’t be pitching until Tuesday at least.

So, at least for now, there will be a six-man rotation. Things will get complicated because the Orioles have three off days from Sept. 9 to Sept. 23, so, if they stayed with a six-man rotation, the pitchers would be on six days rest.

The Orioles would also like to get a look at Rick VandenHurk as a starter, so expect some shutting down and maneuvering over the next few weeks as some of the young guys near their career high for innings.

Here is a quick list, courtesy of the hard-working Jeff Z, on current innings and career highs for the four young Orioles starters:

ARRIETA: 73 IP at Triple-A; 88 at majors. Total now, 161; Previous pro high, 150 2/3 IP in 2009
MATUSZ: Total now, 150 2/3 IP; 157 2/3 last year in first pro season
BERGESEN: 136 2/3 IP this year in majors; Total now, 151 1/3 IP; Pro high is 165 1/3 in 2008.
TILLMAN: 121 1/3 IP this year in minors; Total now, 146 1/3 IP; Pro high is 161 2/3 in 09

One other thing: Adam Jones (shoulder) is unavailable today. He had a shot in his ailing left shoulder Thursday and is still being listed as day-to-day. No minor-league recall is imminent, but could still happen.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 4:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

It appears that Chris Tillman will make his next start for the Orioles, and not for Triple-A Norfolk.

Though no final decision has been made, Tillman is expected to be in Baltimore this weekend and as of now, the club is leaning toward starting him Sunday in the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Rookie lefty Brian Matusz is currently scheduled to start that game, but the Orioles could just push him back a day and have him start during the New York Yankees series.

That would also alllow Jake Arrieta, who has already exceeded his professional high in innings, and Brad Bergesen to get another day of rest in between starts.

Tillman's addition to the rotation wouldn't necessarily mean that the Orioles would go to a six-man rotation. The team could do different things to rig it where certain guys, like veteran Jeremy Guthrie, could stay on schedule, while a couple of younger guys could be skipped an occasional start.

We should hear more about this plan during manager Buck Showalter's pre-game meeting with reporters.

With Adam Jones and Corey Patterson both currently limited by injuries, the Orioles are considering adding another outfielder from the minors. Triple-A Norfolk center fielder Matt Angle would be the most likely candidate. However, he recently injured his hand and could miss the final couple of games of Norfolk's season. That also would obviously take him out of consideration for a promotion.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 1:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

The Orioles have seven players facing free agency at year’s end.

Four are from the offense: infielders Ty Wigginton, Cesar Izturis, Julio Lugo and outfielder Corey Patterson.

Three are from the pitching staff: starter Kevin Millwood and relievers Koji Uehara and Mark Hendrickson.

All seven filled a role for the Orioles this year, though only Patterson and Wigginton exceeded expectations.

None will get the Orioles draft picks next year if they leave via free agency (only Uehara and Millwood have a chance, if offered arbitration, and that process wouldn’t be cost effective given Millwood’s and Uehara’s current salaries).

So it comes down to whether you want any of the seven back next year and at what cost.

The Orioles would like to retain Wigginton, the club’s lone all star, but he will command at least a two-year deal and wants to play every day, while the Orioles are in search of a corner bat with more pop – and whether they get one likely will determine Wigginton’s fate here.

Uehara has pitched great in a relief role, but he made $5 million each of the past two seasons and he likely won’t take a huge pay cut. The Orioles would be gambling on the 35-year-old’s health if they want him back.

Izturis is a good defender and the free agent shortstop market is thin. He’s a good veteran presence and so is Millwood and Hendrickson. Patterson has done everything asked as a reserve/starting outfielder. Lugo can play multiple positions as a utility infielder.

Do you want any of these guys back? Who and why?

Daily Think Special: Would you re-sign any of the Orioles’ seven pending free agents?

Posted by Dan Connolly at 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (39)
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 4, Charlotte Knights 1, 13 innings (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Michael Aubrey was 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs, including a three-run walkoff shot, as the Tides grabbed a 4-1 victory over Charlotte in 13 innings at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starting pitcher Chris George gave up one run and five hits in eight innings. He struck out seven batters and threw 66 of his 103 pitches for strikes.

Relief pitcher Jim Hoey (4-0) retired the side in the top of the 13th to pick up the win for Norfolk, while left fielder Miguel Abreu was 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 7, Altoona Curve 2 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Joel Guzman hit a three-run home run in the top of the first as the Baysox cruised to a 7-2 win over Altoona at Prince George's Stadium.

It was the 33rd home run of the year for Guzman, who has gone deep in each of the past three games.

Bowie second baseman Ryan Adams was 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored, while shortstop Carlos Rojas added a double and two RBIs.

Baysox starting pitcher Rick Zagone (5-5) gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings. He collected four strikeouts and issued two walks in the outing.

Center fielder Xavier Avery was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI for Bowie.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Kinston Indians 5, Frederick Keys 3, 10 innings (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Bobby Stevens hit a solo home run, but the Keys allowed three runs in the top of the 10th in a 5-3 loss to Kinston at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick third baseman Billy Rowell was 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, while first baseman Tyler Townsend added a single and a triple.

Rowell is batting .274 with 11 home runs, 56 RBIs and 24 doubles in 113 games for Frederick this season. He is batting .341 with one home run and five RBIs in his past 10 games.

Keys starting pitcher Luis Noel allowed two runs and two hits in two innings, while relief pitcher Brett Bordes (4-3) gave up three runs and four hits in two innings.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Kannapolis Intimidators 8, Delmarva Shorebirds 5 (Box score)

Recap: The Shorebirds committed four more errors -- including three by shortstop Garabez Rosa -- in an 8-5 loss to Kannapolis at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Rosa has 46 errors in 122 games for Delmarva this season.

Shorebirds center fielder Trent Mummey was 2-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs, while third baseman Gary Helmick added two hits and an RBI.

Starting pitcher Nicholas Haughian (6-4) was charged with five runs (four earned) and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked four batters and collected six strikeouts.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Connecticut Tigers 1, Aberdeen IronBirds 0 (Box score)

Recap: The IronBirds outhit Connecticut, 8-4, but they couldn't come up with any timely offense in a 1-0 loss on the road against the Tigers.

Aberdeen left fielder Blair Dunlap was 3-for-4 as all eight hits were singles.

IronBirds starting pitcher Aaron Wirsch (0-1) gave up one run and three hits in three innings during his New York-Penn League debut. He struck out four batters and issued two walks.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 11:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Here's a real head-shaker for you.

Brad Bergesen was knocked around for five runs in the second inning Thursday.

Daisuke Matsuzaka had a no-hitter through three and left in the sixth -- after Bergesen -- with the lead.

And yet Bergesen's ERA lowered and Matsuzaka's went up.

Bergesen gave up five runs but was charged with two due to an error by Ty Wigginton in the second. Bergesen allowed eight hits and a career-high five walks in 5 1/3 innnings and his season ERA dropped from 5.55 to 5.47.

Matsuzaka retired 14 of 17 to start the game, but gave up four runs in the sixth. He lasted 5 2/3, allowing six hits and a walk and his ERA went up to 4.29.

He's stil in line for the win, though. The Red Sox are up 6-4 in the seventh.

Posted by Dan Connolly at 9:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

The Orioles are just 1-11 this season in games that decide the winner of a three-game series and that record doesn't appear to be getting better any time soon.

Boston just hung a five-spot on Orioles starter Brad Bergesen in the top of the second inning and lead 5-0.

The inning started wtih a long home run by Adrian Beltre and ended with a strikeout by Beltre. In between, Jed Lowrie walked, Mike Lowell singled, Daniel Nava reached on an Ty Wigginton error, Ryan Kalish hit an RBI double, Marco Scutaro walked and David Ortiz hit a two-run single.

Rick VandenHurk was warming up in the bullpen and was probably one more hit away from entering the game.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

Adam Jones won’t start today after re-aggravating his shoulder injury on a swing in the fifth inning of Wednesday’s game.

The problem, he said, is that this discomfort is more intense and is in a slightly different spot – more in the shoulder and shoulder blade now as opposed to the shoulder blade and back last week, when he was hit by a Gavin Floyd pitch on Aug. 24 and missed five games.

“Before it was just kind of sore,” Jones said. “This is actual pain.”

He expected to see the team doctor sometime Thursday and get a more detailed evaluation. He has his own thoughts, though

“I should be (out) a couple days and then get back on that field,” Jones said. “That’s my own diagnosis of myself.

Jones has dealt with injuries toward the end of the season in each of his three seasons with the Orioles. He missed last September due to a sprained left ankle and he broke his left foot fouling off a ball in August, 2008.

“It’s annoying how much time I’ve missed. I don’t even want to miss another day,” Jones said. “It’s annoying. It’s a long year. We’ve got one more month, and something stupid like this throws everything off. It sucks. It’s part of the sport. It’s part of the lifestyle we live. You’ve just got to let our trainers do their jobs and get me back on the field.”

Orioles manager Buck Showalter would only say Jones wasn’t available to start. He wasn’t sure what the timetable would be for his starting center fielder.

“I think getting to know Adam and listening to a lot of people talk, he’s not that type of guy that you know every ounce of discomfort he is feeling. We’ve seen what kind of tough guy he is. He had that one swing that really did him last night, we knew we were not going to have him hit again,” Showalter said. “There were a couple times it kind of tweaked him but it went away. Last night it didn’t go away. We’ll take it day-to-day and hope for improvements, but he is not available to hit tonight to start the game. We’ll see what he can bring and what (contributions) he might be able to make, but we’ll be cautious with it.”

Felix Pie will start in center and Nolan Reimold, who was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday when rosters expanded, will play left field. Corey Patterson, another option at center and left, also is banged up after hitting a wall last week in Chicago and was not available to start.

“Patterson’s still got some physical challenges going into the game tonight,” Showalter said. “But it is also a good opportunity to get Nolan out there too.”

On Patterson, Showalter said: “He ran into the wall in Chicago and (has a) couple bangs here or there.”

Posted by Dan Connolly at 5:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

1. Manager Buck Showalter made it clear following Tuesday's win in the series opener over Boston that he stretched relievers Jim Johnson and Koji Uehara a little to make sure that they secured the victory. He even brought up the fact that Jon Lester was pitching for the Red Sox the following night. The implication was clearly that the Orioles had to cement a victory because you obviously can't count on beating Lester. That loomed large last night. Wanting to stay away from Johnson, Uehara and Michael Gonzalez, Showalter tried to get some big outs from Mark Hendrickson and Alfredo Simon and they couldn't hold a two-run lead.

2. One of the things that Jake Arrieta should focus on heading into next season is improving his tempo. He kind of put a choke hold on last night's game with how slow he was working. It's something that has been discussed with him. Working that slow puts his defense on its heels and it lulls the rest of the team to sleep. His pace in his last two starts have been painful.

3. This is just my opinion and not based on anything that I have heard, but I really wonder if the team could shut down Simon early this season. He's obviously had his struggles of late, giving up homers in five of his past eight outings. Simon obviously worked his butt off to come back from Tommy John surgery in less than a year and he should be applauded for that. He also pitched very well for a long stretch, helping to stabilize a decimated bullpen. His velocity also doesn't indicate that he is tired as he was popping 97 miles an hour on the stadium radar gun last night. But his location has been very bad and it's pretty obvious that he's not getting the late movement on his pitches that he was earlier in the year. It probably wouldn't be the worst thing to shut him down a little early and give somebody else an opportunity, like a Dennis Sarfate.

4. Center fielder Adam Jones wasn't available for comment after the game, but I'd be surprised if he plays in tonight's series finale. Jones was removed in the seventh inning last night because of recurring upper back soreness from getting hit by a Gavin Floyd fastball more than a week ago. While it was believed that Jones aggravated the injury by slamming into the center-field wall while making a catch, Showalter actually said that it was on a swing during his strikeout in the fifth inning. Corey Patterson is also a little banged up, so it wouldn't be shocking to see Nolan Reimold in left field tonight, perhaps with Felix Pie moving to center.

5. Showalter appears fond of taking the occasional jab at the Red Sox and Yankees, two of the heavyweights in the American League East. He brought up the Yankees a couple of weeks ago, pointing out the leeway they get with umpires to make a point on the night the normally mild-mannered Nick Markakis was ejected. Last night, he mentioned the amount of questioning of home plate umpire Tom Hallion's calls that the Red Sox were doing. Asked about Arrieta's tempo, Showalter said, "His tempo is something we’ve got to get better with, too. Of course, Boston dictates that a lot, as much as they step out of the box and they talk to the umpire a lot about calls.”

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

Norfolk Tides (AAA)

Score: Norfolk Tides 6, Gwinnett Braves 2 (Box score)

Recap: The Tides scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning and cruised to a 6-2 victory over Gwinnett at Harbor Park.

Norfolk right fielder Rhyne Hughes, left fielder Miguel Abreu and catcher Michel Hernandez each contributed two RBIs, while shortstop Blake Davis was 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored.

Tides starting pitcher Tim Bascom (4-7) held the Braves to one run and six hits in six innings. He struck out three batters and issued two walks.

Relief pitcher Alberto Castillo recorded the final four outs to pick up his fourth save of the season for Norfolk. He collected two strikeouts.

Bowie Baysox (AA)

Score: Bowie Baysox 6, Altoona Curve 2 (Box score)

Recap: Designated hitter Joel Guzman smacked his 32nd home run of the season -- a two-run shot in the first -- as the Baysox picked up a 6-2 win over Altoona at Prince George's Stadium.

Bowie infielder Brandon Waring was 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double and two runs scored, while second baseman Xavier Avery and outfielder Joe Mahoney each added a double.

Baysox starting pitcher Pedro Viola gave up two runs (one earned) and four hits in three innings, and relief pitcher Bob McCrory (3-3) tossed three scoreless frames for the victory.

Frederick Keys (A)

Score: Kinston Indians 7, Frederick Keys 4 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Zach Clark (2-3) was touched up for five runs and 10 hits in five innings as the Keys suffered a 7-4 loss to Kinston at Harry Grove Stadium.

Frederick designated hitter Ronnie Welty contributed a double, two RBIs and a run scored, while right fielder Brian Conley added three hits and an RBI.

Keys relief pitcher Cole McCurry collected seven strikeouts and didn't allow any hits, but he was charged with two runs. He issued one walk and hit two batters.

Delmarva Shorebirds (A)

Score: Delmarva Shorebirds 1, Kannapolis Intimidators 0 (Box score)

Recap: Starting pitcher Scott Copeland (1-0) tossed six scoreless innings in his debut with Delmarva as the Shorebirds won, 1-0, over Kannapolis at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

Delmarva second baseman Omar Casamayor was 2-for-2 with an RBI, while left fielder Levi Carolus added two hits, including a double, and a run scored.

Shorebirds relief pitcher David Walters recorded the final three outs for his fourth save of the season. He struck out two batters in the ninth.

Aberdeen IronBirds (A)

Score: Connecticut Tigers 3, Aberdeen IronBirds 2, 10 innings (Box score)

Recap: First baseman Adam Gaylord hit a pair of doubles and scored a run in the IronBirds' 3-2 loss to Connecticut in 10 innings.

Aberdeen shortstop Manny Machado was 2-for-4 with a throwing error, while center fielder Austin Knight added two hits, including a double, an RBI and a run scored.

IronBirds starting pitcher Justin Moore tossed two no-hit frames, and relief pitcher Dan Klein struck out two batters in one scoreless inning.

Relief pitcher Jose Barajas (0-2) gave up one run and three hits in the 10th inning without recording an out for Aberdeen.

Posted by Dean Jones Jr. at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Perhaps, this is a new era of Orioles' baseball under manager Buck Showalter.

After Jake Arrieta surrendered a run in the top of the first on David Ortiz's RBI double, the Orioles just scored four times in the bottom of the inning against their nemesis, Jon Lester.

To put that in perspective, the Orioles had tallied just six earned runs total in Lester's previous seven starts against them. In his three previous starts against the Orioles this season, the ace lefty allowed a total of one earned run in 19 innings.

Lester, if you recall, is 12-0 in 15 career starts versus Baltimore.

Julio Lugo got the inning started with a one-out single off the glove of Red Sox third baseman Adrian Beltre. Nick Markakis then singled and Lester hit Ty Wigginton in the foot with a pitch to load the bases.

Adam Jones plated two runs with a double to left. Wigginton scored the third run when Lester threw a wild pitch over the head of Felix Pie, who then doubled to right field to give the Orioles a 4-0 lead.

Lester eventually struck out Matt Wieters and got Nolan Reimold to ground out to end the 34-pitch first.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

First, a couple of pieces of news that came out of manager Buck Showalter's pre-game talk with the media.

Chris Tillman, who pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings for Triple-A Norfolk last night, remains on schedule to make his next start for the Tides on Sunday. Then, he's expected to be promoted to the Orioles, who are planning to go with a six-man rotation. Showalter acknowledged that one pitcher -- he didn't name him, but it's obvious he's talking about tonight's starter, Jake Arrieta -- is rapidly approaching his career high in innings. Arrieta still has some starts in him, but going to a six-man rotation will ease the burden on him a little bit.

Reliever David Hernandez (sprained left ankle) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session today in Sarasota, Fla., and the Orioles got very positive reports about his velocity. He's expected to take two days off and then go to Double-A Bowie for a brief rehab assignment. Showalter said Hernandez could rejoin the Orioles in seven to 10 days.

As for the call-ups, Showalter made it clear that nobody should expect that Nolan Reimold, Brandon Snyder or Robert Andino are going to be in the lineup on an everyday basis. Reimold is in the lineup tonight at designated hitter, but here is Showalter's comment when he was asked about using the three new players going forward:

"The tiebreaker is always going to be what’s best for the Baltimore Orioles," Showalter said. "We’re going to try to win all our ballgames. But we’ll get some looks along the way. I wouldn’t expect it to be part the waters and some guy plays for two weeks straight. We’re also evaluating the people that are here and trying to win a baseball game.”

Now, some comments from Reimold, Snyder and Andino:

Reimold: On the cause of his problems: "It was just kind of a downward spiral. Things just kept getting worse and worse, until finally, I got to that point where I had to snap out of it, turn things around, start playing a lot better and finish the year a lot stronger than I started it. I’m happy to be up here and looking forward to get out there and playing some baseball at Camden Yards. I’m excited to be in the lineup tonight."

On whether this has been his most difficult year: "Difficult, yeah, of course. And disappointing. You could certainly say that. But I’m glad that I turned things around and that I’m getting the opportunity to be back up here. I’m looking to make the most of it. I don’t think I’m the player that I was earlier this year. I think how I played as of late, and last year, is more indicative of the type of player that I am. I’m just looking to get up here and show that I can get up here and play again."

Brandon Snyder: On whether he was surprised by his first promotion: "Honestly, from probably about the last three or four weeks to a month, I just put it completely out of my mind. I said, 'If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't.' This has been the most roller-coaster season I've ever been through, with injuries and playing well and not playing well. So I just decided I wasn't even going to think about it, and it was awfully good surprise."

On improving offensively: "I think more or less, it's about the mental side. All season long, I kept looking for a reason in my swing or in the little things that I'd always changed before. And it wasn't there. It wasn't because I was wrong, but mentally I wasn't having a good approach and the confidence I had from before. The biggest thing for me was when I was on the DL, I sat back for a month and was able to watch the game. By doing that, I realized I'm making way too big a deal about this. It definitely helped a lot."

Robert Andino: On the difficulty of being in the minors all year after being an Oriole all last season: "At first, it was hard, but I don’t think about that no more. I’m here now. It was a long season, but it’s cool. I thought it was a good season. You are always looking for something better, but I thought I did all right."

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 5:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

To make room for infielder Robert Andino on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have designated outfielder Lou Montanez.

Montanez hit .223 (56-for-251) in 93 games for the Orioles over the past three seasons. That includes a .140 average in 26 games this season.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 3:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

By now, you probably know that the Orioles will announce today the promotions of outfielder Nolan Reimold and infielders Brandon Snyder and Robert Andino. Reimold and Snyder are already on the 40-man roster, but the Orioles will have to designate a player for assignment to make room for Andino. That won’t be too hard. There are several players – pitchers Frank Mata and Armando Gabino, infielder Rhyne Hughes and outfielder Lou Montanez to name a few – who aren’t expected to get call-ups and might not factor in the team’s plans going forward.

The Orioles will then add three or four pitchers in the days ahead, but the exact timing of the next wave of promotions hasn’t been decided. Right-hander Chris Tillman, who throw 6 2/3 scoreless innings for Triple-A Norfolk last night, will come up and start for the Orioles as the club goes to a six-man rotation for a good part of September. However, manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Rick Kranitz still have to decide whether Tillman will make his next scheduled start for the Tides on Sunday in their second-to-last game of the season or immediately come up to the big leagues.

With how well the rotation is going, there could be a sense of "what’s the rush?" However, team officials are looking at the number of innings that have already been logged by rookies Jake Arrieta and Brian Matusz this year and know adding Tillman into the mix will ease their workload a bit.

Another pitcher who will rejoin the club is reliever David Hernandez, who is on the disabled list with a left ankle sprain. Hernandez is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session in Sarasota, Fla., today, and how quickly he's activated will depend how he looks in today's session.

After Tillman and Hernandez, the Orioles will probably add one other pitcher, though they haven’t ruled out promoting two. With Michael Gonzalez pitching mostly in the eighth inning, the Orioles are leaning heavily toward bringing up a left-hander who could be used earlier in the game in matchup situations. The three guys who immediately come to mind are Troy Patton, Alberto Castillo and Pedro Viola.

It’s still not impossible that a guy like Dennis Sarfate gets another look, but with the length the Orioles are getting from their starters, Showalter is having a hard enough time getting guys in the current bullpen enough work to keep them sharp. That’s obviously a good problem to have. So look for them to add Hernandez and a lefty and then see whether the run of good starting pitching continues before deciding whether another reliever is needed.

We’ll know more later about how Showalter plans to mix in guys like Reimold and Snyder, especially with the team playing so well. However, I expect these guys to get some opportunities to show what they can do, and this month could be especially pivotal to a player like Reimold, who has had a nightmare season.

A couple of other things: Infielder Scott Moore got some consideration for a promotion. However, Moore hasn’t played since Aug. 24 and he’s dealing with pneumothorax, which is basically a partial collapse of the lung. Moore is recovering nicely and is expected to resume baseball activities today. However, it’s unlikely that he’ll join the Orioles before season’s end.

Outfield prospect Xavier Avery, who is currently at Double-A Bowie, remains the top candidate to join the Orioles’ contingent headed to the Arizona Fall League. That hasn’t been finalized, but Avery is at the top of the list.

Posted by Jeff Zrebiec at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)