Before heading to the ballpark...
I just hope I can find my way. It's been a while. I might have to stop and ask for directions.
It's called Camden Yards, right?
I freaked out this morning when I pulled back the curtains in my bedroom and saw a bright light. It momentarily blinded me and forced me to shield my eyes. I hadn't seen anything like it.
Turned out it was only the sun.
I don’t often provide links to other blogs at my paper – it would take six months to recognize them all - but I’m making an exception so you can read Kevin Van Valkenburg’s moving tribute to a former co-worker, Chris Ewell, who passed away over the weekend. I had to wipe away a few tears by the time I reached the end. It’s beautifully written and truly captures the qualities that made Chris so special, including courage that, while facing his own mortality at such a young age, I can’t even begin to fathom.It also makes me step back and appreciate all that God has given me, including my health, my loving and supportive parents and sister, wonderful friends who occasionally pick up a bar tab - though not nearly often enough - and a beautiful daughter who, though still unable to pick up the wet towels on her bedroom floor or take the six steps necessary to deposit her trash in the appropriate receptacle, remains my single greatest accomplishment.
Changing my blog photo would be No. 2.For all the angst over the stretch of 17 road games in 20 days, the disappearing offense, Steve Trachsel’s early exits, Jamie Walker’s sudden vulnerability against left-handed batters, a thin bench and the nagging injuries, the Orioles are a .500 team on May 13 and only 3 1/3 games out of first place.
Raise your hand if you would have gladly settled for this back when we were dissecting the club over the winter.Me, too.
Julio Lugo leads the majors with 11 errors. Jonathan Papelbon has blown two of his last three save opportunities.The Orioles’ strategy should be obvious: hit a lot of ground balls to shortstop and don’t fall behind by more than three runs going into the ninth inning.
The Red Sox have activated first baseman Sean Casey from the disabled list and designated reliever Julian Tavarez for assignment – giving him the chance to go elsewhere and disappoint his ninth organization.Said Red Sox manager Terry Francona: “We thought we can win more games with other pitchers.”
True. And three of them currently have mothers who pass out snacks after their games and car-pool their teammates back to their parents’ homes.Single-A Frederick is 2-2 on its current road trip. The Keys have scored 19 runs in their two wins, and none in their two losses.
Brandon Erbe allowed six runs in five innings last night, leaving him 3-3 with a 5.53 ERA. He’s shown improvement over last season, but he’s still got a long way to go at age 20. He also illustrates just how advanced Chris Tillman is by comparison. Tillman turned 20 last month and is 3-0 with a 2.87 ERA in seven starts at Double-A Bowie. He allowed one hit over six innings in his last start.Hopefully, they’ll both be in the Orioles' rotation in a few years, along with Troy Patton and Matt Albers. And Radhames Liz and Hayden Penn. And Jake Arrieta and Tim Bascom. And Chorye Spoone and Pedro Beato. And David Hernandez and Brad Bergeson.
And we’ll still be debating whether the Orioles should trade Daniel Cabrera.Scott Moore hit his second home run last night at Triple-A Norfolk. Oscar Salazar went 2-for-4 with a double and his fifth RBI. He’s batting .307.
Craig Anderson served up four home runs in 2 1/3 innings. He allowed nine runs (eight earned) and 10 hits, walked three and staggered away with his ERA at 10.13.Bob McCrory, reminded what it’s like to pitch in a game, struck out two in a perfect inning. He threw 10 of 13 pitches for strikes.
That’s the guy we’re expecting to see the next time he’s in Baltimore.
Comments
Don't forget Guthrie and Olson, and Burress for a spot start. O's become the first team with a 12 man rotation, with "bullpen sessions" occuring against actual live hitting- in the 7th, 8th and 9th!
Posted by: Mather | May 13, 2008 11:04 AM
Hey Roch, what about Brian Burres and Garrett Olson pitching back-to-back for 2 weeks now. Trembley needs to consider having Trachsel sandwiched in between them?
Posted by: Nelson | May 13, 2008 11:10 AM
Roch,
You gotta help me. I bought tix to Fireworks night months ago (Friday's game). According to the rotation Trachsel is supposed to pitch. Won't Trembley skip him because of all the off dates? Please tell me that's going to happen - I spent $600 on tickets to watch Trachsel get bombed?! Say it isn't so!
Posted by: Craig S | May 13, 2008 11:24 AM
Roch, hear about Yu Darvish? He's in the japanese league, 6'5 and he's only 21. Think Angelos can come up with the kinda of money that it's going to take to get this guy--NO! Supposedly he's better, or at the very least on par with Daisuke Matsuzaka.Check it out
Posted by: Nelson | May 13, 2008 11:33 AM
Roch,,,,,,,I wouldn't change your blog photo , I had some friends over for mothers day , I was checking your blog when a lady walked by and stated 'who is that handsome guy?" , I don't know how my grandmother got into my computer room,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Posted by: Jim from Dundalk | May 13, 2008 11:34 AM
To state the obvious: None of the four free agents in Walker, Baez, Payton, and even Bradford signed by the previous regime have worked out for the O's.
Posted by: sudhir | May 13, 2008 11:35 AM
Roch, the KVV tribute?
Wow....
Didn't know the man but pain felt is infectious
Posted by: Bud J | May 13, 2008 11:43 AM
Roch,
How about an update on the wealth of pitchers who are on the DL? I haven't seen any mention of Cory Doyne in ages. Jim Hoey seems to have disappeared from the news also.
The Orioles may not look good on paper, but due to very timely hitting and pretty fair pitching they're more than holding their own. When you take the schedule into account, then their efforts have been outstanding!
Posted by: Jim Carter | May 13, 2008 12:21 PM
Roch--if you have any problem finding the ballpark tonight, just follow the Red Sux fans...I'd be happy if we could split this 2 game series.
Posted by: bill ths 85 | May 13, 2008 12:37 PM
In my mind, the future rotation includes Loewen, Tillman and Arrieta...the other two are a little fuzzy at the moment, but I'm sure I'll still be happy with them.
What a strange year that that O's should be hanging on near the .500 mark halfway through May, with the chance to actually get BETTER as the season wears on....and even stranger when I'd rather us be facing the Sox & Yanks than the Rays!! Now if the weather would start acting like it was May rather than early April...
Posted by: Tracy | May 13, 2008 12:37 PM
Way to read ESPN.com's page 2 Nelson.
If you read the whole article you would see that he is not going to be a free agent untill after the 2113 season. There is no guarantee that his current team will post him before that time or if he actually wants to pitch in the US.
Posted by: Jeff V. | May 13, 2008 1:11 PM
Roch,
Thank you for posting that link to the tribute. I like you shed a tear near the end. What a well written piece and like you said, makes us appreciate everything we have even more. I know I will go home and hug my little boys even tighter tonight. Thanks again.
Jeff in Knoxville, TN
Posted by: Jeff | May 13, 2008 1:25 PM
At first, I agreed with many of you that it was a bit silly to have a Markakis t-shirt give-away for a Red Sox game. However, there is the outside possibility that the organization is actually trying to bring out as many O's fans as possible to welcome the team back from a grueling roadtrip. i also think many of you are overestimating the number of Red Sox fans who will show up:
1) it is a 2-game midweek series
2) colleges are out
3) schools in Boston are not
4) gas prices are high
Okay... so maybe I'm just being hopeful, but I am enjoying the direction of the team and I love free t-shirts so I'll see any of you at the game who can make it.
I agree with Tracy that the rotation sounds better with Loewen, Tillman, Arrieta, but also add Guthrie, Olson/Albers/Burres/Liz... i don't think we will see Patton, Penn, Erbe or Beato meet with regular success at this level but this is just based on what I've read and heard (would love to be proven wrong). Some of these guys should be moved for position prospects soon while they have value.
Posted by: JPA | May 13, 2008 1:31 PM
Sorry 2013 season not 2113 shame there isnt an edit function.
U is for undo
Posted by: Jeff V. | May 13, 2008 1:37 PM
Anybody else notice that the Jays designated Gustavo Chacin for assignment?
This guy was supposed to be a young hot shot the past few years. Is it worth picking him up and dropping him in AAA? He's 27 now. It can't hurt to have insurance. And I don't think he's V. Zambrano kind of insurance.
Posted by: Glen Burnie Joe | May 13, 2008 1:51 PM
In 2113, that guy will be going through a "dead arm" period. A permanent one.
Posted by: terpfan | May 13, 2008 1:58 PM
The ticket takers should make the first 10,000 fans who enter the stadium tonight recite "Nomar", "Wicked Smart", and "Fenway Park." If no "r" is heard then no t-shirt for them. Hey yo Nick!
Posted by: HB | May 13, 2008 2:06 PM
in Re: Yu Darvish - Although only 21 years of age, Darvish has 3 years of professional experience. That means he can be posted in…. 7 years!
Posted by: Tom in seattle | May 13, 2008 2:08 PM
The only thing stopping the Oriole's from taking both games is Beckett's pitching [tonight]. Work the count, get him out of there because the RS's bullpen has been terrible of late.
The O's have won 10 of 16 at home. Good odds.
Posted by: Northern Oriole | May 13, 2008 2:21 PM
Jeff V.
You caught yourself before I could past...although under the previous GMs a pitcher who was a free agent in 2113 might be the kind of seasoned 'bargin' that they would have been looking to sign.
Posted by: O's Fan in Nebraska | May 13, 2008 2:32 PM
I know it's not always possible with all your commitments, Roch, but thanks for today's entry -- a great mix of sentimental (in the best sense of the word) reflection, humor and organizational updates.
Posted by: Dimitrios | May 13, 2008 2:35 PM
Who hit a fair ball 60 feet, perfect weather conditions, the ball just laid there where any infielder or the catcher could pick it up and tag the hitter out. It took the batter 15 or so minutes to reach 1st. base with a single. MMMMM! Gil McDougel after he lined the ball into Herb Score's eye. He went straight to the mound till they carried Score off. Cleveland and the umps agreed to let McDougle take 1st. base.
Posted by: Herb | May 13, 2008 3:04 PM
I think Nelson's point is: if Angelos starts the gears turning immediately on Darvish, by the time 2013 comes around all of the indecision and wallowing would be out of the way and we would be in a position to chase after him. Ok, maybe it isn't Nelson's point so I'll make it my point.
Since everyone is posting future rotations: (suprise) Cabrera, Arrieta, Tillman, Olson, and name your fifth, maybe Patton?
Posted by: matt | May 13, 2008 3:05 PM
Roch, glad you linked KVV's blog. He's very good. And for someone who isn't a Baltimore native, he seems to get us. I've enjoyed his blogs thusfar.
Wish I could be there for tonight's game so I could jaw at some Red Sox fans. ;) I have some good friends in the Boston area who like to talk smack with me in good fun, so they're not ALL horrible to deal with. It just makes me shake my head at the ones who act like punks. Ironically.. The guy who cut my hair yesterday was a Boston native, and did nothing but rave about Baltimore as soon as I mentioned growing up there. Everything from John Waters, to the architecture, to the crab cakes, to the people. He loved it all. Good times.
Back to baseball.. I am also VERY pleased with the season so far. If they finish the year around, or above .500, I'd be happy with that. Heck, I'll even settle for slightly below .500. I can't wait to go catch some games at the Yard again. (Arriving home for good on June 1st! Yes!!) Safeco is nice and everything, but it just doesn't compare. Today I had some random Seattlelite say to me, "Hey man, you guys stole our best player!" while I was out wearing my O's hat. I just smiled and said, "Yeah, tell Bavasi we say thanks!" Not sure which player he was specifically referring to. Probably Sherrill.
Also, the O's shouldn't bother with trading DCab yet, unless teams come busting down their door and offer a king's ransom. I don't think anyone will this year. Not with his inconsistent track record. Maybe next year, or the year after, if he shows that he's put it all together over a longer stretch. By then, more of the young arms in the organization should be ready to take his spot.
I haven't gotten that sinking feeling yet when the O's get into a bit of a funk this year. There's no feeling of, "Oh boy, the wheels are falling off the cart." What a nice change of pace!
Posted by: KW | May 13, 2008 3:34 PM
Based on what I've seen I think our rotation could look something like this
Cabrera
Loewen
Tillman
Olson
Arrieta
No real true ace hear but it sounds like Arrieta or Tillman could fill that role, but heres 5 good to great arms with quality stuff and no real injury concerns with the exception of Loewen.
Posted by: Capella | May 13, 2008 3:54 PM
What is the answer to 99 out of 100 questions?
Posted by: Nelson | May 13, 2008 4:32 PM
Hey V. another question. Were you present to witness the contract signing? I'm just curious because it didn't occur to you that there could be a loop-hole somewhere in there(contract).
Posted by: Nelson | May 13, 2008 4:36 PM
Can't believe that Daniel Cabrera isn't on anybody's future rotation? What's everybody been watching? He's the O's best bet for an all-star spot. Bring up Salazar and Terrero, and put Redman and Wieters in the on-deck circle (exit Payton and L. Hernandez and put Scott and Quiroz on notice). Too unorthodox? Look at the Marlins.
Posted by: Tom Nasell | May 13, 2008 4:41 PM
Another question-- Well actually more like a statement. None of us were present to witness the contract signing. So don"t rule out the possiblity of Mr. Steinbrenner placing a call to one of the BIG corporations in Japan. Side note: In the Japanese league they don't have owners of teams' like we do in the states--things work a little different over there!
Posted by: Nelson | May 13, 2008 4:42 PM
Cabrera will be dealt(trade) come july! McPhail could care less how long it took to finally get this guy on track. The O's could get alot in return if he continues to pitch the way he's pitching.
Posted by: Nelson | May 13, 2008 4:47 PM
oops!
Posted by: Nelson | May 13, 2008 4:56 PM
Re: pain felt is infectious,,, Bud J
Shared pain is lessened
Shared joy is increased
Thus we refute entropy.
-Spider Robinson
Look him up, he's worth a read.
Posted by: Caddyshack | May 13, 2008 5:07 PM
Don't need a loophole Nelson, the truth of the matter is the Nippon Ham Fighters "could" post him after this season. However, since they are one of the few teams in Japan turning a profit why would they?
Given the level of success the young man has been having, and his popularity, it is very unlikely that the Fighters will post him anytime soon unless he tries to force his way out. He has given no indications of wanting to leave and his father says this on the subject:
And is there any team for which Farsad would like Yu to pitch? "I love the New York and Boston area. If he ever makes it there, I don't know, it's up to him, anywhere in the States is good, but I personally love New England."
The article was a nice read and he seems like a fine player but it is way too soon to be worring about him.
BTW I was the first one on this blog last year talking up Fukudome. So don't go thinking I am against the O's making moves in that direction.
Posted by: Jeff V. | May 13, 2008 5:22 PM
Nice. You're right no loophole! They don't need one. Lets go O's tonight
Posted by: Nelson | May 13, 2008 6:05 PM