Too many outs for Hendrickson
Mark Hendrickson isn't pitching great, but you've got to cut him a little slack in the third inning. I mean, how many outs do you expect the guy to get in one inning? Cesar Izturis made his first error of the year on that bouncer by Michael Young and Brian Roberts should have made the play on the ground ball by Hank Blalock that slipped under his glove, though it was ruled a hit.
That means Hendrickson had gotten four outs before any serious damage was done. He still made life tough on himself by walking a couple of guys in the three-run inning but he's not the type of pitcher who can afford to waste playable ground balls.
Don't misunderstand. I'm not criticizing the defense. Izturis and Roberts are great defensive players, but they're not going to be perfect. I'm just trying to keep Hendrickson's outing in perspective.
Instant update: Okay, now I am being critical. Brian Roberts just made a throwing error in the fourth inning on a possible double-play ball. Hendrickson again has gotten the equivalent of four outs in this inning and he just gave way to Radhames Liz with the bases loaded and two runs across.
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Comments
Pete,
What are the odds that Tillman or Arrieta will be in the majors this season? Even if its in September?
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Pete's reply: I think it's 80 percent Tillman shows up late in the season. Maybe 50 percent we see Arrieta in September.
Posted by: Jon | April 15, 2009 9:55 PM
So I'm watching the game now after the Caps tough loss (Avery gives the Rangers much more attitude than they had before without him, plus the King in net for New York is infinitely better than what Boudreau is forced to put in his net). Anyway, I've noticed that the O's have gotten detroyed in every series-ending game this season. The point is that we are going to have games like this, especially when Guthrie isn't on the mound. When Hendrickson and Eaton (who won't make it past late April -- he's terrible), you're going to have some rough games. I'd stretch Liz out as much as humanly possible to avoid overworking the rest of the bullpen even more. The key is that they're winning series. My goal is for the O's to split with the Sox.
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Pete's reply: I think a split in Boston would be quite an achievement.
Posted by: Luke | April 15, 2009 10:00 PM
I take back my comment about radhames being a good reliever. i realize he was put in a tough situation but i thought he'd be better. especially with a slower pitcher on the mound. hopefully in his next outing he can back up my previous statement.
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Pete's reply: I agree with Jim Palmer. He came in to relieve a fairly soft thrower and started off Nelson Cruz with an offspeed pitch. I think Moeller shouldn't have let that happen.
Posted by: Brenden Harvey | April 15, 2009 10:09 PM
Let me explain something. Brian is a passable second baseman now defensively - not great. If you're talking about his overall package - fine. But in this context you are mentioning defense, and Brian has definitely downgraded there. The stats no longer support you calling him 'great'.
Posted by: phil | April 16, 2009 6:49 AM
Pete,
We can talk Defensive blunders all you want, the reality (look at Hendrickson lifetime record) is that he too isn't very good. This shouldn't be a shocker to anyone on this post. Along with Bass and Simon make up if not the worst 3-4-5 in MLB very close to that. Koji is 2-0 but not exactly lights out, we must hope his good fortunes and our offense continue. Brian and Izturis each had errors and that happens from time to time, Jone and Markakis have each failed to make catches this year but our offense overcame those blunders. Our Def will be fine, our pitching on the otherhand???????????????????
Donde esta Pedro?
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Pete's reply: I wasn't touting Hendrickson, just making the point that you're not going to do well if he has to get four outs in two consecutive innings.
Posted by: Keith Rowe | April 16, 2009 5:00 PM
The O's 19-6 debacle came up on a recent Jays game. The announcer said that the advance scout filled a report on Hendrickson to the effect that the best approach against him was for hitters should run to the bat rack..pretty cruel but sadly true!
Posted by: TerryP | April 17, 2009 9:02 AM