Thirsting for more Waters
Like all of you, I can't wait to see what Chris Waters can do for an encore today after Tuesday night's unbelieveble eight-inning performance against the Angels. Apparently, his new teammates feel the same way as they try to complete a sweep of the three-game series against the Rangers.
"We've got to continue this tomorrow,'' Kevin Millar said after the O's second nine-run offensive explosion. "Hopefully, H2O will come through for us."
So, Waters apparently has a new nickname to go along with his first major league victory.
Millar singled in the first run of last night's game, and it would have been two RBI if Nick Markakis had not froze between second and third. Nick was apologetic, but that didn't stop Millar from comically throwing him under the bus.
"Nick did a great job of freezing on that line drive to right field to stay out of the double play,'' Millar said.
The RBI single Millar gave him three hits in his first six at-bats of the series and four RBI, but he went hitless with three strikeouts in his final four at-bats of the game.
"You get tired of driving in runs sometimes,'' he said.
Not Markakis. He hit a three-run homer in the second inning and has 10 RBI in the last five games. Or Melvin Mora, who had four more RBI last night and has 73 for the season.
Early lineup hint: Look for rookie Lou Montanez to make his second major league start and spell Luke Scott in left field today against Rangers left-hander Matt Harrison.
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Comments
Thanks for the intell on Lou. Hopefully we'll see him today.
Were you able to find out anymore on Bluefield O's, Britton and Polanco? I guess Polanco must be like Smith around here.
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Pete's reply: Don't know if you saw my earlier reply. Couldn't ascertain anything, but it doesn't appear either is a relation. Couldn't believe how many Polanco's are in the minors.
Posted by: Bill In Elkton | August 10, 2008 8:52 AM
I know this is a change of subject, but with his big night at the plate Castro got his average up to the semi-tolerable range for a slick-fielding shortstop. Belanger was a .228 career hitter, helped out by three aberrant seasons where he hit .287, .266 and .270. The rest of the time he was below .230. Not that Castro is quite the equal of the Blade, but what's the point at which you can be comfortable with a guy's hitting when you are counting on him primarily for defense at a critical position?
Also, for those who are complaining about putting a 36 year old career .229 hitter on the field as a starting SS when we are "rebuilding", keep in mind our young starting pitchers can use all the defensive help they can get. If Luis Hernandez had been up to the task defensively he would still be starting in Baltimore and we'd probably be saying we'll take the slick fielding to go with the .240 average. Nah, who am I kidding - we'd be griping that he wasn't hitting .275 with ten home runs. Or at least some blog posters would.
Posted by: Jack | August 10, 2008 9:23 AM
There's no reason to gripe about Castro playing. Who else is going to play there? It's not like Cintron is a young prospect. Everyone else failed when they tried. There is reason to gripe about Montanez not playing. If he isn't worthy of playing here every day, he should be back in Bowie finishing what he started, then given a shot in September. Our centerfielder went down. If we called up a guy who cannot play there, then it really was a stupid move. Roberson could have spelled Payton and Scott a day here and there.
Posted by: terpfan | August 10, 2008 10:25 AM
The real problem with Castro's hitting is that he is completely unable to be selective at the plate. Belanger walked about once for every ten at bats. Castro has exactly one walk this year for Baltimore, in 52 at bats. We've got too many guys who beginning swinging before they leave the bench. Payton has 11 walks in 229 at bats. Jones has 19 in 398. Cintron had 2 in 80, Fahey 2 in 87. None of these guys are power hitters, but somehow they don't see the value in the base on balls. Why isn't this taught?
Posted by: Bryan | August 10, 2008 10:50 AM
"if Markakis had not froze...?"
"Froze"? Is that right, Peter?Grammatically, I mean. Isn't it "frozen"?I think you need a personal editor, in addition to the guy who carries your cooler.
Posted by: j. roberts | August 10, 2008 12:08 PM
Jack -
Good points on Castro. I believe the reason we are starting a 36 yr old SS is for his stellar defense. With some of the young arms we have, it is imperative that they have confidence in the defense behind them. And with the way our offense is rolling right now, you can afford starting Castro.
The guy who has really surprised me this season is Huff. I was one of those during the off season and even early in the campaign looking to dump this guy. Who saw this coming? However a closer look at Huff's career statistics, indicate the guy does know how to hit. Might not be the power bat we envisioned when we signed him, but certainly a bat in the line up opposing pitchers need to respect. Since I doubt we'll get much in return for Aubry at this point, I'm quite comfortable him playing out his contract here. We've had worse signings.
Posted by: TX O's Fan | August 10, 2008 12:19 PM
Can you guys find someone other than Millar to quote? I'd actually like to hear funny asides from Orioles, not Red Soxs.
Posted by: mick | August 10, 2008 12:37 PM
well its 4to 0 top of the first so i guess its not lookin good today
Posted by: ironrider | August 10, 2008 1:55 PM
Still thirsting? I don't have the game on but from the sports ticker, it looks like the dam is leaking a bit.
Posted by: Rob in PCB FL | August 10, 2008 2:03 PM