The lineup
Brian Roberts - 2B
Melvin Mora - 3B
Nick Markakis - RF
Kevin Millar - 1B
Aubrey Huff - DH
Ramon Hernandez - C
Jay Payton - LF
Adam Jones - CF
Alex Cintron - SS
Jeremy Guthrie - P
Most of the pre-game conversation naturally revolved around last night's game.
Manager Dave Trembley said he inserted Luis Hernandez as a pinch-runner at first base because he wanted more speed in case the Yankees tried to turn a double play. Hernandez figured to get to second base a lot faster than Kevin Millar. Trembley said Aubrey Huff, who stood at third, is just as fast as Hernandez and didn't need to be replaced.
Hernandez apparently forgot that he needed to touch second base on the winning hit. Alex Cintron yelled at him in Spanish to keep running.
Many of us wondered whether Melvin Mora tried to call time before reliever Dennis Sarfate picked off Derek Jeter at second base. MASN cameras caught Mora raising both arms and taking a few steps forward. But Mora was trying to get catcher Ramon Hernandez's sign for a possible double steal - whether Hernandez would throw to second or third.
Meanwhile, there were two pickoff plays being relayed at the same time. Millar had one for a certain pitch, and Roberts had one. Sarfate threw to Roberts, who applied the tag on Jeter.
It's fascinating to learn how much goes on that we're not even aware of. It's the game within the game.
Comments
God knows there was so much to savor about last night’s 10-9, 11th inning win over the Yankees.
What about Adam Jones’ base running to tie the game at 4-4? He singles to left, takes advantage of Damon’s awful arm to advance to second on Bynum’s fly to center, gets to third on a passed ball, and then sprints home on Robert’s Baltimore chop that A-Rod throws away.
For a guy who has gotten some criticism for his instincts on the base paths, that was all good stuff.
Posted by: Barry | May 28, 2008 5:24 PM
In case you hadn't noticed, Stumblin' Jack Cust is leading the league in walks.
Posted by: tvdpdx | May 28, 2008 5:35 PM
I think there were so many moments that everybody forgot about Adam Jones' excellent baserunning in that situation. The tagging up was incredible, because he just got back to first, and sprinted to second, and he's only 22.
I know players can do this easily, but with the kind of acumen that Jones will be able to learn, he's just going to get better.
Posted by: Ben W | May 28, 2008 5:39 PM
Wow! Trem is the best thing since sliced bread. He needs an extented contract. Safe call. Gibbons not a safe call. What closet in the wrehouse are those pro mos of Jay hitting glass windows out of the place.Sorry Roch. You did take up for him. Good for you. Hope he appreciates you. [ Spelling not counted.] Vinyard is a monster waiting to happen. Salazar will be here like Trem said. Hope Mac don't sit on the pot to long. Shipum while their hot.
Posted by: Herb | May 28, 2008 6:38 PM
Roch,
What are your thoughts as to why Markakis is struggling so badly? The situation tonight is exactly where they need him and he's not delivering. Is this being looked at as a slump or are there long-term concerns within the organization?
Posted by: gary | May 28, 2008 7:33 PM
Roch,
Gary Thorne is calling these Giambi HRs as "off the warehouse." Neither one really hit the warehouse, did it? Sure didn't look like it to me...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------Certainly not on the fly. - Roch
Posted by: Alan in VA | May 28, 2008 8:15 PM
gary--Did you like how Markakis delivered on Memorial Day? Did his 3 for 3, throwing out Damon at the plate for his league-leading 9th assist, and his 423 foot home run worry you?
You ask "are there long-term concerns within the organization?"
What a wacky question.
Nick Markakis is one of best young players in baseball. He does it all. I'm sure you too know that.
Relax and enjoy what we have.
Posted by: Barry | May 28, 2008 11:00 PM