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The Yankees drew to within a run of the Orioles on Hideki Matsui's two-run homer off Chris Ray in the seventh inning, which has set the stage for some interesting bullpen intrigue. Ray, Jamie Walker and Dennis Sarfate already have pitched in the game and Jim Johnson is preparing to come on for the eighth. If he can get through a scoreless innings, we're going to find out if George Sherrill really is a different pitcher when the lights come on.
Peter Schmuck wants you to know that, contrary to popular belief, he is more than just a bon vivant, raconteur and collector of blousy flowered shirts. He is a semi-respected journalist who has covered virtually every sport -- except luge, of course – and tackled issues that transcend the mere games people play. If that isn’t enough to qualify him to provide witty, wide-ranging commentary on the sports world ... and the rest of the world, for that matter ... he is an avid reader of history, biography and the classics, as well as a charming blowhard who pops off on both sports and politics on WBAL Radio. That means you can expect a little of everything in The Schmuck Stops Here, but the major focus will be keeping you up to the minute on Baltimore’s major sports teams and themes, whether it’s throwing up the Orioles lineup the minute it’s announced or updating you on the latest sprained ankle in Owings Mills. Oh, and by the way, that’s Mr. Schmuck to you. 
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Comments
You have to give it to the O's. They did not quit. Just when it looked like they were going to blow it, they explode right back and break it wide open. The pitching was weak, and as usual, the offense bailed them out. Who would have thought Caesar would come through?
Posted by: MIke | April 6, 2009 7:56 PM
Sweet job on the updates there Pete.
Posted by: Ryan | April 6, 2009 10:44 PM
The bad news about Sherrill is that he allowed a batter to reach base; the good news is he didn't do to lead off an inning, as we saw too often last year.
"v" for victory
Posted by: Ken Francis | April 6, 2009 11:30 PM
First place! I always feel better after the first win of the season...we know it can be elusive.
Posted by: Austin Holthaus | April 6, 2009 11:43 PM
First place! I always feel better after the first win of the season...we know it can be elusive.
Posted by: Austin | April 6, 2009 11:44 PM
Nice way to open the season. Jeremy pitched a very good game and Sarfate, JJ and George, all did their jobs.
Pete, I think right off the bat, we all saw what an upgrade we have at SS with Cesar, as he is as good with the glove as advertised. HR was awesome too! It was great to see a catcher who can block balls in the dirt and go to the mound when needed unlike Ramon. Great performances all around from Cesar and Zaun.
Looking forward to seeing Koji on Wednesday.
Posted by: Birdland Todd | April 7, 2009 12:33 AM
Pete, Who won? I'm still waiting for your next post. This is nerve wracking. I'm starting to get tired, but I keep refreshing and hoping you post again soon.
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Pete's reply: Stop it. I had to write the column. The line score is right down on the right side of the blog.
Posted by: Bill In Elkton | April 7, 2009 8:19 AM
Great win and all ..My only sore spot is the makeup of our bullpen and Trembley's use ot it, which I hope isn't a pattern.
For example, with the 37 arms brought to spring training, could we not have found another lefty(other than Sherrill) who could go more than one batter(Walker). I am referring to the 7th when Trembley went to Ray, despite the Yanks having 2 lefties due up(Matsui & Damon). I also think that was a tough spot to send Ray in, given that he was out all year. We may have shattered his confidence and lost the game.
I get that fact that Walker is kept on the roster for $$$ reasons but it's time for him to be able to pitch effectively for a least inning or go. He can't even get one lefty out though so time to send him packing if he continues to struggle. I'm not even sure a team like the O's can afford the luxury of the so-called lefty specialist anyway because the shaky rotation is going to put a huge burden on everyone in the 'pen.
Posted by: TerryP | April 7, 2009 11:38 AM
I still think Walker needs to be the one let go when Eaton is signed. He's old, tired, has no control, no stuff, and is done. We don't need a one batter pitcher. Our righthanders can pitch better to lefties than he can. Please Andy, write him off and release him!!
Posted by: woodieman | April 7, 2009 7:45 PM