Orioles: Mixed reviews on Koji
The bottom line is the bottom line, but I'm guessing Koji Uehara will not have much good to say about his five-inning performance against the Yankees. He threw a lot of pitches and got away with a few balls up in the zone and he is his own worst critic. Chien-Ming Wang just pitched a lot worse and took a sound beating -- seven runs on nine hits over 3 2/3 innings -- as the Orioles took control early for the second game in a row.
Wang (which is pronounced "Wong" for those of you who can't get your minds out of junior high) will be having nightmares about Nick Markakis, who needs a triple to hit for the cycle.
The Orioles lineup has left quite an impression on the Yankees pitching staff so far, but A.J. Burnett is waiting in the wings..
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Comments
Personally, I think any time you hold the Yanks to 1 run in 5 innings, you have done your job. That's as good a 5 as Guthrie had yesterday. I also thought Baez was outstanding, the best I've seen him in years. 95 with control and movement is big time stuff. They'd better make more plans for him. And the defense is starting to show what we can accomplish with even mediocre pitching.
Posted by: woodieman | April 8, 2009 11:01 PM
A guy named Schmuck worried about someone pronouncing a name as 'Wang.' There's irony for you....
Posted by: Dave | April 8, 2009 11:51 PM
If he didn't pitch well and still held NY to 1 run over 5 innings, then I like his chances to win a few games this year. I saw glimpses of that 'commanding the strike zone' ability he has and I think the chill might have bothered him some, but all in all I'd have to give him an A- for his debut...he also showed he knows how to pitch with a lead...plus he looked like he was having fun...I like that in a pitcher.
Posted by: Ed | April 9, 2009 2:29 AM
BAD PUN OF THE DAY: Speaking of "Wong," a man named Tommy Wong is in love with his first cousin, Suzie Wong. The two of them go to their priest, Fr. Jones, to see about getting married and tell him how they just know they are meant for each other.
The priest explains to them how church law prohibits such a union because of the close degree of consanguinity. Then Tommy and Suzie plead that an exception somehow be made in their case.
Fr. Jones sighed, then looking at them kindly, says, "Believe me when I tell you I'm sympathetic to your plight, but two Wongs don't make a rite."
Posted by: Ken Francisk | April 9, 2009 12:28 PM
Hey Schmuck what are thoughts about the Orioles bullpen from the first 2 games?
They still have problems holding leads and gave up too many runs to make the games too close for comfort, though the Orioles still won.
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Pete's reply: Too early to judge. Sarfate had a tough outing and Sherrill is still a little rough, but give them a little time to get into some kind of rhythm.
Posted by: NC Orioles Fan (Charlotte) | April 9, 2009 1:46 PM