Bullpen move
The Orioles designated reliever Ryan Bukvich for assignment, which should surprise...absolutely nobody. There wasn't a safe place to use him in any game.
Greg Aquino had his contract purchased from Triple-A Norfolk, and manager Dave Trembley hopes to use him as a seventh inning guy.
Pitching coach Rick Kranitz said Aquino's stuff plays at this level, especially his slider, which is a strikeout pitch. Perhaps the long stretches of inactivity hurt Aquino during his first stint with the club, when he posted a 14.21 ERA in six games.
Here's the lineup:
Brian Roberts - 2B
Jay Payton - LF
Nick Markakis - RF
Aubrey Huff - DH
Kevin Millar - 1B
Melvin Mora - 3B
Adam Jones - CF
Guillermo Quiroz - C
Brandon Fahey - SS
Brian Burres - P
Comments
Roch,
When does Jones hit in the #2 hole.
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Trembley said maybe in the second half against certain lefties. - Roch
Posted by: Matt | July 5, 2008 4:53 PM
I figured it would be Aquino. No reason not to give him another chance really.What the heck happened to McCrory,he fell off the planet.Whacky line up tonight..
Posted by: John | July 5, 2008 4:54 PM
Yeah, I didn't think it was fair to judge Aquino on his last go-round. He pitched so infrequently that it must have been impossible for him to maintain consistent mechanics. Bukvich was horrible since his promotion. We need Aquino big time because right now Jim Johnson is the only guy Trembley can rely on in a one run game.
Also, Bradford should be traded back to the NL with either Rocky Cherry or Randor Bierd taking his spot in the 'pen.
Posted by: Dylan | July 5, 2008 4:57 PM
2 good moves by the Orioles. Not a big fan of the lineup but I guess you need to get Quiroz, Payton and Mora in the lineup some time.
Posted by: Jared | July 5, 2008 5:01 PM
I hate to see anyone lose his job but I almost received a ticket on 95 yesterday listening to the game for yelling "Mother Buckvich" Hopefully the Yankees claim him on waivers.
Posted by: Chris | July 5, 2008 5:23 PM
Happy to see Bukvich sent down, but Aquino? Hope his stuff has gotten better since last time or he won't be here long either. Hope everyone had a Happy 4th.
Posted by: nebraska_jeff | July 5, 2008 5:28 PM
Roch, any news on Randor Bierd? Is he rehabbing? I would have thought he might have been the next reliever back on the roster.
Posted by: Andrew | July 5, 2008 5:32 PM
Was at the game yesterday, and was surprised when I wasn't allowed to take in an open bottle of water. If it hadn't been opened, I couldn've taken it in. When did this rule start??
I have a feeling it's all about money as it usually is.
Posted by: Tom C. | July 5, 2008 5:41 PM
Oh, second post,
Brew Crew are looking for a starting pitcher, and are willing to trade J.J. Hardy.
What SP would you give up for Hardy.
Posted by: Matt | July 5, 2008 5:42 PM
Roch--is Hernandez not in the lineup because tomorrow is a day game, and we need to end the Sunday losing streak?
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Trembley said it's just a normal day off, but your theory makes a lot of sense. - Roch
Posted by: Josh | July 5, 2008 5:51 PM
Hey Roch, do you think the Orioles will go after SS Cristian Guzman? Should they?
Posted by: John | July 5, 2008 5:56 PM
Umm no lefties starting today. Why is Payton in there? People didn't like my Jones idea because of his .319 OB% when Payton has a .292.
4 for last 48 ... Might be time to give Mora a few days off. Let Huff play 3B and Scott DH if they want to get Payton in there.
Always fun to be backseat manager. I can't ever be wrong
Posted by: Shawn | July 5, 2008 6:53 PM
John - I thought the Nationals were getting close to extending Guzman? Sure, he would fit the bill nicely, based on his past two years, but I don't know that the Nats will let him walk. If they can't re-sign him, I'm not sure the Orioles want to get him as a rental for the rest of this year only.
Posted by: Jack | July 5, 2008 7:16 PM