Orioles: Jones limps off
The last thing the Orioles needed in the midst of their pitching crisis was for center fielder Adam Jones to hobble off the field after his first at-bat today with a sore hamstring. He was replaced in center field by Felix Pie and probably will be lost for the next few days.
That's a big hit, since he's been one of the most productive and entertaining players in the lineup. It'll be an even bigger hit if the club decides to play it safe and put on the disabled list for a couple of weeks, though that might create an early opportunity for sizzling Norfolk outfielder Lou Montanez.
Well, no sense getting ahead of ourselves. Just a "tight" hamstring until club officials say otherwise.
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Comments
What about Reimold? It's hard to argue that he's not putting up better numbers than Montanez.
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Pete's reply: Montanez has a 28-game minor league hitting streak, a .400-plus average and previous major league experience. I think he would be the first guy up.
Posted by: malbie | April 19, 2009 2:43 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Tettleton's Fruit Loops | April 19, 2009 3:09 PM
Pie and Freel combined aren't hitting my mother-in-law's weight.
Posted by: terry | April 19, 2009 3:25 PM
It comes in threes, Wieters, Jones......
The season just got infinitely longer all of a sudden this weekend between injuries and the pitching meltdown hitting 3 months early.
Posted by: James C | April 19, 2009 3:38 PM
I know everyone love's Sweet Lou and he has more time but I'd prefer to see Reimold. He's younger, and I think has more upside.
Posted by: Nick FROM BOSTON | April 19, 2009 4:13 PM
Koji gave 7 strong innings, which the team sorely needed. However, one groundball out through six innings? That is something that will surely catch up to him throughout the season. Perhaps, when/if he gets a better grip on the baseball, he'll utilize his defense in the center of the diamond better.
Adam Eaton had only one decent year in his entire career, and that was in the debut of San Diego's cavernous ballpark. He got extended work in spring training; a generous strike zone yesterday, and STILL couldn't get to the fifth. Cut him now!
The 15 day DL wouldn't be a bad thing for Ajones; we would see Pie in his natural position, and Montanez would get a look. That is a fair test to send out Pie on Jones return if he continues his subpar hitting.
I didn't like Ryan Freel being lifted for a pinch hitter in the ninth. All he needs is a line drive to score the runner from second, and turn his season around. An already frustrated player, he probably got even further frustrated when his manager lifted him. And Gregg Zaun as a pinch hitter? He should never bat above the 8-hole in the lineup, let alone pinch hit.
Posted by: doug | April 19, 2009 4:33 PM
doug--Good stuff.
Posted by: Barry | April 19, 2009 6:04 PM
I also have to question sending up Zahn as a PH...Freel has already been running his mouth off-let him show us why he should be used more. Zahn is not used to playing so much and it's showing with his bat. I think he's a gamer but his arm is shot and word is getting out pretty quick that it's a track meet when he's behind the dish.
Hopefully, we can salvage one game and avoid a long losing streak, which has been our trademark in recent years. We've hung in there against Boston but good teams always seem to find a way to win.
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Pete's reply: That was a pure RH/LH move.
Posted by: TerryP | April 19, 2009 7:44 PM
Montanez over Reimold? What Sunday afternoon cocktails have you been sipping Pete? I will meet you half way, get rid of Freel or Pie and call both of them up!!!
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Pete's reply: If you're going to call somebody up who isn't going to play every day, I go with the more experienced guy.
Posted by: gbrown | April 19, 2009 8:01 PM