On another scorching day...
Good morning. Hope you had a wonderful weekend, filled with lots of shade, air conditioning and cold beverages.
I’m supposed to play tennis tomorrow morning. I’ll be soaked in sweat after opening the can of balls.
I spent last night at Michael’s 8th Avenue in Glen Burnie, serving as the guest speaker at the Friends of Joe Cannon Stadium Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet. Each public and private school in Anne Arundel County nominated a baseball player who excelled on the field and in the classroom. It was nice to return to my roots – not excelling at anything, but being back in the county where I grew up and worked for so many years. And congratulations to South River’s Ken Dunn, who was named Coach of the Year. He’s one of the few holdovers from my days covering preps in the county, fresh out of college and not having a clue what I was doing.
I hadn’t seen Dunn in at least 12 years, and I’m guessing it’s been a few more, but he remembered me, which means I must have left some sort of impression.
After exchanging hellos, he said, “The only time I see you now is when you’re on TV with…what’s her name?”
“Anita Marks?”
“Yeah, her.”
Finally, I get top billing!
Maybe if she’s nice, I’ll let her co-host with me again this week.
So what have we learned about Radhames Liz after two starts? His mechanics still need some work, but he’s much improved over last year. And he’s pretty solid for five innings.
Anything else?
If you’re still looking to add Steve Trachsel’s autograph to your collection, I wouldn’t wait much longer.
Rule 5 pick Randor Bierd, on the disabled list with a shoulder impingement, is scheduled to throw at extended spring training this week. Finally.
Anyone still think the Orioles were just stashing Bierd on the DL so they wouldn’t have to offer him back to the Tigers?
Draft recap: Of the 50 players chosen by the Orioles, 15 were right-handed pitchers, and 11 were lefties. They took nine outfielders, three catchers, three shortstops, one first baseman (no sense blocking Mark Teixeira), three second basemen, four third basemen and one utility players. Thirty-four were college players, 16 high school.
I keep hearing great things about the No. 2 pick, Xavier Avery, and No. 3 pick Jerome Hoes. I’m just waiting anxiously for the day when I can cover Jerome Hoes and James Hoey on the same team.
A scout also was raving about the fifth-rounder, Virginia shortstop Gregory Miclat, who reminds a lot of people of Brian Roberts. Miclat works the count and can swing the bat and steal bases. He’s also dating Brady Quinn’s sister.
And that’s why you read this blog. Where else are you going to get inside information like that?
As for the reasons behind the Texas Rangers designating Sidney Ponson for assignment, piecing together what I’ve read and been told by people close to the team, it’s a combination of being in a hotel bar in St. Petersburg, Fla. late at night and barely making it through five innings the next day, and venting in the middle of the clubhouse after being told that he’d be working on six days rest in his next start, after pitching poorly on three days his previous turn. He apparently aimed his tirade at manager Ron Washington and at least one pitcher, whose return to the rotation had altered the Aruban’s schedule.
I’m told by a reporter who covers the team that Ponson basically challenged the Rangers to release him, and “they decided they were up to the challenge.”
Such a waste of talent.
Down on the farm, Triple-A Norfolk’s Andy Mitchell was named the International League’s Pitcher of the Week after winning twice and not allowing a run over 12 innings.
Double-A Bowie’s Nolan Reimold homered last night, and I’m told the ball traveled about 450 feet. I didn’t see it, so I can’t confirm, but I hear he really launched one.
Baysox starter David Hernandez struck out eight in five innings. And our friend Luis Montanez had a two-run double.
Comments
Roch, I enjoy the Anita Marks show, but I started listening because you were co-hosting. I still listen more often when you co-host. You get top-billing in my eyes...sorry I can't offer you top-billing money!
I'm sorry to hear about Sir Sidney. I was really hoping that he had learned his lesson and was turning his career around.
Posted by: mo | June 9, 2008 11:00 AM
Wasn't Quinn's sister linked to someone else? Bret Michaels?
They still need another bat for the bench. Any news on Salazar?
Posted by: Scott | June 9, 2008 11:01 AM
Jerome Hoes apparently goes by "LJ" for "Little Jerome", because his dad is huge and he's this little speedy kid.
Xavier Avery (who will one day become simply Xavery) and Hoes are not expected to sign with the O's unless we open up the checkbook. Of course, both have signed letters of intent to colleges I believe, so even money may not be able to cure all of our problems.
I'm pretty excited about Miclat and Matusz, they were the only names I knew about prior to the draft, and I was pleasantly surprised we got both.
I noticed we took an outfielder from Towson U, my alma mater. That's pretty cool.
Posted by: Greg | June 9, 2008 11:03 AM
Roch--A few questions about Gregory Miclat:
How do we pronounce his name? (I've misplaced my copy of Tony Dorsett's "Pronounce Like the Pros."
How's his glove?
Has he ever expressed any interest in the sister of the quarterback from Scappoose, Oregon?
Posted by: Barry | June 9, 2008 11:06 AM
Yah. Can't block Teixeira!
http://bringmarkhome.withthispetition.com
Posted by: Anonymous | June 9, 2008 11:07 AM
"If you’re still looking to add Steve Trachsel’s autograph to your collection, I wouldn’t wait much longer." -- God I hope you are right!!!!
So, my car said it was 86 degrees at 8:00 this morning.... is that possible? It's too hot. I think I might actually work late tonight so I don't have to go outside and walk to my car. Stay cool everyone!
Anyways, I just checked the calendar and I noticed with have a lot of interleague games coming up. WOO! I love watching pitchers bat. HAHA! It's so funny. Does anyone remember when Benson hit a homer two years ago or when Bedard drove in Mora for a run? I love those moments because not person expects them to hit anything. HAHA!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 9, 2008 11:08 AM
What ever happened to the Orioles vs. Ponson deal? Was that every settled? It would seem this latest episode would support the Orioles' case.
Posted by: BirdsFan65 | June 9, 2008 11:13 AM
30-30 this far into season, pretty solid for the O's. While we'll only go as far as the pitching allows, this recent power surge is helping things. With Luke Scott's two homers taking him up to 9, have you noticed five guys, our second through sixth hitters, have from 9 to 11 homers? The batting averages could certainly improve, but those timely homers the past week have aided this fine road trip.
Posted by: Iowa Boog | June 9, 2008 11:17 AM
I thought Quinn's sister was engaged to Packers MLB AJ Hawk?? I hope he's not the jealous type for Miclat's sake.... Sounds like a solid pick, it will be fun to track his progress.
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Apparently, a different sister. - Roch
Posted by: JWBBZ | June 9, 2008 11:21 AM
wasn't brady quinn's sister marrying a guy from OSU? i'm pretty sure during the game between OSU and ND, they talked about that about 75 times. if she's single, i wouldn't mind a shot with her. I played baseball too. how do i get on the waiting list?
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Apparenty, a different sister. - Roch
Posted by: Teenage Mutant Ninja Angelos | June 9, 2008 11:37 AM
Hey Roch,
I may have missed a reply to this but is there any truth to the Millar to Boston talk?
Its time for Trachsel to retire. My nine year old could hit him.
Ponson belongs in the same sentence as Tyson, Rose, McGuire, Palmeiro, etc., guys that had the world by the tail and smacked themselves in the head with it. To bad it didn't knock some sense into them.
If Miclat is dating Quinn's sister does that mean he's a Brown's fan? Grrrrrrrr.
2 out of 3 with the pitchers the Blue Jays were throwing at us is something I'll take every time. Time to thump on some beaneaters now.
If the O's sign Teixeira I will move back to Baltimore and buy multiple season ticket packages, if my wife says its okay that is.
Somebody please go to Koco's and mail me one of their crabcakes, I'm jonesing down here.
Posted by: Satyr3206 | June 9, 2008 11:45 AM
I bet after the Boston series, we DFA Traschel and call up Salazar for interleague play.
How are we going to get Loewen and Bierd on the roster?
Posted by: Alan in VA | June 9, 2008 12:08 PM
Sir Sid must have really ticked off Texas mgt.(maybe on 'purpose') as he was one of their better starters-not that their rotation was vintage 70's O's. Maybe the Rangers will pick up Trachsel to take Sid's spot-when we release him-soon I hope!
I finally had a chance to see the O's Sunday on the tube and it would have been nice to beat Halladay but 2-3 is good. That man is a true ace but I shake my head at the pitching staff and team that arrogant JP has put toegether. They don't have a lefty starter but have a 'pen full of them. Marcum and Litcsh have really stepped it up but Burnett is basically a 50 mill-.500 pitcher.
The Rogers group has basically handed JP a blank cheque and he pays 2 pitchers 100 Mill(Ryan/Burnett), gives fading, released DH Big Hurt 18 mill and he still has his job???
I make this point to illustrate you don't have to plunge recklessly into the free-agent market as some of the Jays better players came up through their system. While I'm not saying that McPhail is as incompetent as JP, he should learn from other teams free agent mishaps.
Posted by: TerryP | June 9, 2008 12:16 PM
Hey Roch, from one tennis player to another, what level are you? 3.0, 3.5, 4.0? Better?
Posted by: Shannon | June 9, 2008 12:21 PM
I thought Brady Quinn WAS the sister.
Posted by: Friggenwacko | June 9, 2008 12:23 PM
So it looks like Trachsel has finally punched his ticket out with the 'glare' incident. Too bad the guy couldn't end his career in a more classy manner and acknowledge that his coach gave him a shot to extend his season. It must be tough for him to realize that it's over. Good riddance.
Posted by: bill ths 85 | June 9, 2008 12:24 PM
Tacoma Times writer speculating how good a trade of Bedard to the Philles would be for Seattle. He figures Bedard is more valuable to last place team in a trade. Kind of funny to hear Bedard trade talk in Seattle already.
Posted by: O's Fan in Nebraska | June 9, 2008 12:38 PM
Also...think is it funny that MLB is talking about how the games are two minutes faster with the new rules.
That's like say my car's gas milage has improved from 28 MPG to 28.33 MPG...I am not sure I would really notice...
Posted by: O's Fan in Nebraska | June 9, 2008 12:42 PM
Hey Roch: How long does "extended spring training" last, anyway? We're past Memorial Day, it's nearly 100 degrees outside and somewhere, spring training is still going on?
Posted by: BaltoJim | June 9, 2008 12:46 PM
Roch, how long do the O's have to sign players from the draft?
Posted by: Mark | June 9, 2008 12:49 PM
Not only did Bedard drive in Mora with that hit, but he went first-to-third on the next single! What's amazing is that the O's LOST that game (to the Nationals, I believe...)
Posted by: Steve Z | June 9, 2008 12:53 PM
Good luck to the O's if they can sign Avery and Hoes.
I just don't think that it is going to happen ....
Posted by: Long Time Fan | June 9, 2008 12:53 PM
Interesting article from the Tacoma News Tribune on the prospect of the Mariners trading Eric Bedard:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/mariners/story/384295.html
Seems he may have worn out his welcome in Seattle already, if what the writer says is true. I'm not too sure about his premise that the Phillies have enough prospects in the system to get Bedard, tho...
Posted by: DK | June 9, 2008 12:55 PM
Hey Roch, I heard that the Brewers are interested in Brian Roberts. I heard it would be a swap trade with Ricky Weeks. Any thoughts?
Posted by: Aaron | June 9, 2008 12:57 PM
To all of you guys clamoring for Teixeira, it's fortunate for the rest of us that Andy MacPhail, and not you, is running this team. Teixeira has weight problems (and declining production) written all over him as he advances into his 30's. The team that gives him $20+million/yr. in some ridiculously long-term contract (hopefully the Yankees) will end up having buyer's remorse on the level of the Giants for the Barry Zito deal.
Posted by: Ray | June 9, 2008 1:19 PM
Hmm, well, my guess is if and when (big money on WHEN) Steve Trachsel is released, he'll try to hook on someplace else, he strikes me a proud man who feels he should be starting and perhaps someone will give him that opportunity, but beyond that, he's got future Orioles minor league pitching coach written all over him. Old Oriole pitchers never die, they just become pitching coaches, just ask Scott McGregor and Dave Schmidt for example...plus, I think he'd be a very good one. Trax has very good pitching smarts, his body just can't deliver anymore.
Thoughts on Brian Burres--I like this guy alot, when he first appeared suddenly in the bullpen last year I noted that every time he was brought into the game, he got men out, no runs allowed. Who is this guy, I thought? Watching him as a starter, I feel that he may need one more pitch. A knucklecurve perhaps? Otherwise, I think he'd be a fine situation/long lefty. If the Orioles decide to trade the veteran Walker, Burres could take over his role quite easily.
As for El Sid, it would seem he has yet to take the 12 steps needed to put his demons behind him...and clearly, in violation of Dave Trembley's team policy, still puts the name on the BACK of his jersey before the name on the FRONT...
Oh, any more word the whole BALTIMORE returning to the road jerseys? There must be sportswear shops o'er Bawlmer just waiting to start selling BALTIMORE away jerseys, you know they'll sell like crazy.
Roch, thanks for the reminder about Randor Bierd, I COMPLETELY forgot about that guy. Not to worry Randor, I hear tell of a spot opening up on the pitching roster very soon...
Posted by: maxmorf | June 9, 2008 1:22 PM
roch, ESPN rumor central is reporting a possible trade of brian roberts to milwaukee for rickie weeks... any word on that from the orioles camp? sounds like milwaukee is the more interested party at this point.
Posted by: john | June 9, 2008 1:28 PM
Roch,
Is Jay Payton trying to force a trade? This is the second time he's gotten ejected when there was a distinct reason for him to be in this particular game. It's pretty close to intentional undermining of Trembley's wishes. It seems like Trembley wanted to give Jones 2 days rest w/the day off today, and Payton goes and gets ejected when he could have just kept his mouth shut and waited for his next turn. It's puzzling to say the least.
Posted by: Alex | June 9, 2008 1:30 PM
Oh man, Koco's is awesome!
Oh...and put me on the waiting list for quinn's sister, too.
Posted by: Jacob | June 9, 2008 1:43 PM
Roch, do you have any idea what the organization's plans are for Nolan Reimold? After a lackluster April, he's been tearing the cover off the ball since the beginning of May.
I'd like to see him in orange and black soon, but I don't know what moves would have to be made with Scott playing a solid LF and Millar and Huff at 1B.
At the very least Reimold should get to see some time in Norfolk.
Posted by: Brandon | June 9, 2008 1:54 PM
Aaron and John: Rest assured that there is no way the Orioles would ever trade Brian Roberts for Rickie Weeks. The Orioles are no longer a laughingstock, and they aren't giving away good players for bad ones these days.
Posted by: Dave | June 9, 2008 1:56 PM
Ray:
Where do you see the weight numbers and declining production? He was 3 for 5 with a HR last night! He's been producing for the Braves this year. He looks fine to me.
Posted by: Ben W | June 9, 2008 2:13 PM
Roberts + 3 for Gamel and Weeks.
It'll never happen, but I'd love for that trade to go through.
Posted by: Greg | June 9, 2008 2:38 PM
And there in the same dressing room as Ponson is non other than Josh Hamilton, the recovering one. If they keep Ponson around, they are enabling that kind of behaviour . Hamilton knows all about it.
Posted by: BC Mike | June 9, 2008 3:15 PM
Here is an ariticle from the Rivals network on Avery. Hope everyone can open, but reading this I would say our chances of signing him are more positive than negative.
http://ncstate.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=811495
Posted by: Will | June 9, 2008 3:27 PM
Richie Weeks is TERRIBLE, I have a friend who is a Brewers fan and I've heard more than I want to know. If that trade goes through, MacPhail will ruin all the trust he's built up with the fans.
Posted by: Alan in VA | June 9, 2008 3:36 PM
Rickie Weeks? Why in the world would we be interested in a career .243 hitter who is hitting .210 so far this year? If you wanted to talk about some kind of package including Prince Fielder I can get excited about that, but they need to tell him to give up being a vegetarian so he can get his full power stroke back.
Posted by: Jack | June 9, 2008 3:43 PM
I'm tired of hearing that Tracshel may not be comfortable as a relief pitcher... Both times he's been used he came in and STARTED an inning... He hasn't come in with men on base (thankfully)... Time for him to start filling pitchers at the corner bar... We'll need another bat on the bench soon anyway...
v is for vamoose trax... get outta town!!!
Posted by: Steve "The Nuclear Guy" | June 9, 2008 3:53 PM
I predict both Avery and Hoes will be signed, Jordan indicated both made it known what it would take before the orioles used higher picks on them and he expected to sign ost if not all of their first 10 or 15 picks.. I also believe the orioles might be much busier this year during the international sgning period. We must wait and see..
Posted by: grant | June 9, 2008 5:09 PM
Bedard got a hit against the Nationals that scored a run. Then went from first to third on another hit. Then got lit up the next inning and we lost. He said he got "winded" running from first to third. What a dork.
Posted by: duke of earl | June 9, 2008 6:14 PM
ESPN must think that Jim Beattie and/or Syd Thrift still is the O's GM. Roberts for Weeks? What a joke. More like Rickie WEAKS. Thank God we have Andy MacPhail as GM.
Posted by: Julie | June 9, 2008 6:47 PM
According to the Atlanta Journal Xavier's first choice is baseball. And the paper has him 90% sure playing baseball
Posted by: greg staniewicz | June 9, 2008 9:45 PM
The Star-Telegram reports: "Ponson might have started digging his grave last week in St. Petersburg, Fla., during the final stop on a 10-game road trip. Multiple sources said that the right-hander drank too much the night of May 26 and had to be removed from the bar at the team hotel. "
http://www.star-telegram.com/284/story/687448.html
Posted by: Bill813 | June 9, 2008 10:32 PM
Sidney Ponson is fat.
Posted by: Tim T | June 9, 2008 11:21 PM
Rickie Weeks has been a complete bum the last couple years,it would be absolutely insane to trade Rob for him. They should be looking at extending BRob.I've always said Millar knows where the bodys are buried and the fact they only took one 1stbaseman in the draft proves it.
As far as Hoes goes,think about how great it would be to wear his jersey legally when Don Imus got fired for using the same word.
Posted by: John | June 10, 2008 2:42 AM
Huff has really stunk the last few weeks, I hope they bring up Salazar today and start using him as a RH DH.
Posted by: John | June 10, 2008 2:45 AM