Why I like Pie
For all the complaints this year about Felix Pie, you have to give him credit for turning a pinch running assignment into a game-turning play. He flew into third to beat the throw on Brian Roberts' sacrifice bunt and that was the play that unraveled Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez. He had trouble finding the plate after that and walked Adam Jones to drive in the tying run.
The Mets disputed the call and the replay was inconclusive, but one thing wasn't in doubt. Putting Pie out there was the right move and he made it count. Of course, Aubrey Huff had a little something to say about the outcome, too.
Big win, or as big as a win can be in June when you're in fifth place.






> 
Comments
Has anyone noticed that Nolan Reimold runs like Shaggy from Scooby Doo?
Posted by: Adam | June 18, 2009 10:08 PM
A win is always better than a loss no matter the time of year for place in the standings - unless of course it costs you a major hometown talent.
Posted by: Rusty | June 18, 2009 10:08 PM
Hey Schmuck,
BRANDON SNYDER has been promoted to AAA!!!
Posted by: Phatty | June 18, 2009 10:09 PM
DT made the wrong call leaving Berken in too long but made the right call sending in Pie to run for Wieters. I know who would catch if it went to the 10th but who the heck would play shortstop?
Posted by: ron | June 18, 2009 10:10 PM
Pete,
Good to talk to you today.
I think Pie can be a good 4th outfielder for the birds. What a great win for the team tonight, it's fun to watch this team right now. Good or bad.
.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: It was a good win. I think they may have stumbled into the right combination with Reimold and Pie.
Posted by: Denny | June 18, 2009 10:29 PM
Who doesn't like Pie?
A nice flakey crust
Can be filled with nearly any fruit, nuts, or even meat and potatoes
Good served hot or cold
Good with whipped cream and even better with ice cream.
I love Pie!
Posted by: Harrisburg Bob | June 18, 2009 10:37 PM
Wieters' numbers show that the kid is getting used to the majors quickly. Two hits today, including a double, and a homer and walk yesterday--hopefully he just keeps on improving.
As for Pie, I think it's too soon to give up on him. It's true we have Markakis, Jones, Reimold, and Scott already, but someone with his minor league numbers and not all that many plate appearances at the MLB level should be given more of a shot before being cast off.
Posted by: Steve | June 18, 2009 10:41 PM
Pete--Thanks for capturing Felix Pie's big contribution to tonight's exciting win. I watched it with my sons here in Jersey and I could not resist yelling out, "Pie got his pie in there." (I think you and most of our readers are pretty conversant with Spanish).
We all knew that Aubrey would be ready on pitch number 1 with the bases loaded to win the game.
Berken pitched well, the Orioles squandered opportunities earlier to break the game open, and the Mets came in with K-Rod to protect a one-run lead.
Tips of the hat to Weiters for his double to start the 9th and to Reimold and Jones for drawing walks against an ace reliever who was struggling tonight.
You would have gotten a kick out of hearing the fine Mets announcer Gary Cohen saying that Brian Roberts is an excellent bunter. Well, in theory. All of us have thought the ability was there. Brian's bunt was maybe in need of little more length, but Pie hustled to get his foot in there.
Nice clutch hit from Brian tonight, going the opposite way and driving in a run.
Finally, Pete, I want to let you know that I just watched Gerry Manuel interviewed on SNY and classy guy and underrated manager that he is, Gerry said that he saw the replay of Pie's slide at third and he agreed that "the umpire got it right."
As Bill O'Donnell lovingly said to all of us, now in our 50s like me, for so many seasons when we were youngsters for which we will always be thankful at the end of every Baltimore Oriole win--"It's been a good night everybody."
Posted by: Barry | June 18, 2009 10:41 PM
Wow, Harrisburg Bob, that was clever! I've never heard anyone compare Felix Pie with apple pie, cherry pie or any other pie! Why didn't anyone else think of that?
I agree with Steve, it is way to soon to give up on him. He has the tools, no one can question that. And I love that he is so enthusiastic. He was right there mobbing Huff, he was the first one off the bench when Reimold hit the game winner a few weeks back, he truly seems like a good kid.
Pete, what is the feeling around the club about Pie? How do his teammates feel about him? I'd love to see him get another extended shot out there, but for right now, he seems to have adapted to being a spot starter and pinch runner. I would guess the Orioles like his attitude and that he always seems ready when called.
Thanks.
............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Felix seemed introverted the first couple of months, but I think his teammates are warming up to him.
Posted by: Ken | June 18, 2009 10:52 PM
The guy has yet to show he can hit. Also, he was out at third, despite the call. Good win though. The NY papers and websites were counting on three W's before the series was even played. I think the Mets.com blogger was calling it a three-game respite. The NY'ers have a habit of taking teams like the O's and the Pirates for granted. Great win and great series. We should have taken three off these guys. The Mets should count themselves lucky they won the first game.
Posted by: Jay Peterson | June 18, 2009 10:53 PM
Pie and Huff = keep = no trade.
Huff's veteran composure can not be replaced by anybody else on the team. Other than Roberts, the rest of the team is still filled with kids (Mora is declining as he ages) who still need time to mentally mature. We need Huffs power and veteran "leadership".
Pie's speed and versatility in the OF is always good to have on the bench and he will only get better in the future as he becomes more comfortable and relaxes.
....'course, we could still use a 3rd baseman to replace Mora next year.....
Posted by: jongermany | June 18, 2009 10:56 PM
What a win!
Berkin pitched a great game. Nice to see him bounce back big time after his last two poor outings. Just like with Brad, Jason seems to not be affected by his last outing or last batter faced which is very impressive for a rookie.
I think Gary Thorne made a valid point in predicting the 6th inning would be tough for Jason, not only for the long time between the 5th and 6th innings, but for the O's failing to score which had to weigh in on a rookie who gets very little run support.
Pete, be honest, did you think after Markakis struck out against K Rod that the O's wouldn't win? I honestly believed that after Nick struck out, the O's were in trouble.
............................................................................................
Pete's reply: It's hard to be confident with KRod out there, so I had my doubts.
Posted by: Birdland Todd | June 18, 2009 10:59 PM
I don't know Jay. It was pretty close. And the replays seemed to be inconclusive. The bottom line is, his hustle made it close and the umpire gave him the call. He loafs in there, he's toast and the O's likely don't win.
You are right, jongermany, Pie's speed and versatility are too good a combination to let go.
I'd like to keep Huff, also, but I think he'll probably go at the deadline.
Posted by: Ken | June 18, 2009 11:03 PM
Wait, wait, wait a minute. Until Felix Pie proves he can hit a major league pitch that isn't thrown straight as an arrow he has no place taking up a roster spot. It was always evident that the guy could run fast but I think it takes a little more than that to make a major league outfielder. His hustle and enthusiasm are admirable but he still has a long way to go. We're just about out of minor league position prospects so I wouldn't be surprised to see him around for a while but as of now I'll take Montanez any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Posted by: djph | June 19, 2009 6:12 AM
Is it pronounce like Pi or Pee ay?
..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: It's pronounced Pee-A.
Posted by: Justin in Indiana | June 19, 2009 6:38 AM
Has anyone notied how well Joey Gathright is doing at Norfolk? He'd be a much better 4th OF than Pie and he can hit. The O's hanging onto Pie is cheating him out of a chance to catch onto another team and get a chance to play.
Pinch running him for Wieters was a no brainer,why is it being so over hyped?
..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Yes, it was an obvious move. But he got a great jump and did a great job with a little thing to help the win. That's what a good back-up player does. His teammates were talking about it, too, saying no one else on the team would have made it.
Posted by: John | June 19, 2009 6:57 AM
According to the umpires, the METS announcers, and my eyesight, (I even slowmow'ed it) Pie was indeed, safe at 3rd. Thank you DirectTV for alternate programming in the Midwest. Riemold undoubtedly has power, as does Montanez, but, IMO when Pie "gets" it, he will easily surpass both of them for all around ability. Here's hoping "some" team "really" gives this kid a chance, not play two, sit one, play one, sit three. I mean admit he needs the opportunity, and stick him out there for a straight three or four months and see what he has. I think they'll be handsomely rewarded. You cannot teach speed, and "none" of the O's OF'er's, not even the "great" play shallow, run quickly, chase the double over your head" A.J. has this kid's speed. I hope someone gives him a real chance. I think he deserves it. As an O's fan, I just wish it were us.
Go O's!
Posted by: Hoosier Oriole | June 19, 2009 7:56 AM
Putting in Pie was the right move. It gave the O's a chance to showcase a pinch-runner for a trade to a contender. Both Oriole bunts last night were off the mark.
Posted by: maumau | June 19, 2009 10:43 AM
Pie - Si
Wigginton - No - Think we can deal him to the Mets to play 1B and get someone (anyone!!!!) in return?
...........................................................................................
Pete's reply: I don't think he will be traded. I think they like him in spite of some struggles.
Posted by: Bob W. | June 19, 2009 1:03 PM
When Melvin was hurt last year and They had to moveHuff to third,I thought he performed admirably and has done a very good job at 1st base,his first year there for us.With Melvin Mora's declining skills and increasing age,who knows how old he really is anyhow?,I think trading Huff would be a huge mistake.We could move Huff to third and alternate,Salazar and Wigginton at first,and Wigginton at third as well.It looks like Ty is starting to get more comfortable in his role,and maybe Trembley is figuring out how to use him a bit more judiciously.Big win,but I cringe to think how many games we squandered early on with the combination of Eaton,Hendrickson and Walker.We could easily be .500 without them.For a big guy Weiters motored pretty good around first base last night for the double.This has been has pattern every stop of the way in the minors,struggle for two to thre weks and then the next thing you know,you look up and he's hitting .320 with 7 or 8 homeruns and 35 RBI's.And man does he present a good target and call a good fast game.It's nice to see the opposing batters stepping out for a change.Too bad we hardly ever do that.Was watching a game or replay on the College World Series and the umpire called time just as the pitcher ws ready to release the ball,pretty sure it was Virginia-Arkansas and the next pitch was belted.I have always hated to see that and it makes me wonder if the umpires head is in the game or somewhere else.Like last night's game Livan stayed in as ling as he did,because he was getting 3 or 4 inches off the plate on both sides consistently,which really ticks off guys like Markakis who know the strike zone and expect the umpires to know ot also.Having said that even though the pitch was a ball,in the 9th with the bases loaded you can't take a pitch that close,knowing who's behind the plate.Would love to see Salazar get some at bats and Wigginton play a little third,getting tired of seeing Melvin strand runners every night batting fifth.Yes he has a seven game hitting streak,but they have almost all been singles the opposite way.I love Melvin as a person,but tink his time has come.It would be nice if he proves me wrong,but I think Jones needs a day off at least once every two weeks and Mora at least once a week,same with Markakis.It improves your bench and keeps players fresher.I think Brian needs a day off as well,but I know Weaver would have benchedhim for some of those lackadaisical plays.By the way has anybody noticed that Tejada is second in the NL in hitting?
Posted by: Burt from Essex | June 19, 2009 1:26 PM
When Melvin was hurt last year and They had to moveHuff to third,I thought he performed admirably and has done a very good job at 1st base,his first year there for us.With Melvin Mora's declining skills and increasing age,who knows how old he really is anyhow?,I think trading Huff would be a huge mistake.We could move Huff to third and alternate,Salazar and Wigginton at first,and Wigginton at third as well.It looks like Ty is starting to get more comfortable in his role,and maybe Trembley is figuring out how to use him a bit more judiciously.Big win,but I cringe to think how many games we squandered early on with the combination of Eaton,Hendrickson and Walker.We could easily be .500 without them.For a big guy Weiters motored pretty good around first base last night for the double.This has been has pattern every stop of the way in the minors,struggle for two to thre weks and then the next thing you know,you look up and he's hitting .320 with 7 or 8 homeruns and 35 RBI's.And man does he present a good target and call a good fast game.It's nice to see the opposing batters stepping out for a change.Too bad we hardly ever do that.Was watching a game or replay on the College World Series and the umpire called time just as the pitcher ws ready to release the ball,pretty sure it was Virginia-Arkansas and the next pitch was belted.I have always hated to see that and it makes me wonder if the umpires head is in the game or somewhere else.Like last night's game Livan stayed in as ling as he did,because he was getting 3 or 4 inches off the plate on both sides consistently,which really ticks off guys like Markakis who know the strike zone and expect the umpires to know ot also.Having said that even though the pitch was a ball,in the 9th with the bases loaded you can't take a pitch that close,knowing who's behind the plate.Would love to see Salazar get some at bats and Wigginton play a little third,getting tired of seeing Melvin strand runners every night batting fifth.Yes he has a seven game hitting streak,but they have almost all been singles the opposite way.I love Melvin as a person,but tink his time has come.It would be nice if he proves me wrong,but I think Jones needs a day off at least once every two weeks and Mora at least once a week,same with Markakis.It improves your bench and keeps players fresher.I think Brian needs a day off as well,but I know Weaver would have benched him for some of those lackadaisical plays.By the way has anybody noticed that Tejada is second in the NL in hitting?
Posted by: Burt from Essex | June 19, 2009 1:27 PM
Why does everyone seem to hate Wigginton so much? Everytime I tune in a game, he seems to hit a double or a homerun and I haven't seen him miss a play in the field yet. I think he's alot like Aubrey, i.e. he'd benefit by playing more often. As for Pie, keep him, kid's just starting to warm up. Great that his speed made the difference...and I recall a game a few weeks back (Seattle?) where he made an incredible diving catch in the 9th that if he had missed it, might have gone for a double and maybe we lose the game. This kid, quietly, does a lot of things right. He may not be Adams Jones II like everyone was hoping, but I think he's well on his way to be our established fourth outfielder. And great how these kids are pitching! Soon the Kojis and Guthries will be moving on to other clubs as the Bergesens and Berkens move into their roles and space opens up for the Tillmans, Pattons, Arrietas, and Matuszs...Matuszi?...to join the team. Yes, it's a good time to be an Oriole fan! Go O's, let's see a repeat this weekend of the 1983 Series!
Posted by: maxmorf | June 19, 2009 1:27 PM
And don't forget that throw, I believe vs Seattle that cut down a run at the plate and the O's came back. Come to think of it, it might have been the game when Reimold hit his walk-off.
djph, I disagree about Montanez. He wasn't hitting when he got hurt(204/273/347) and tho he did decent last year(good avg, low OBP). He doesn't bring speed to the table and doesn't really seem to be a great defensive OF. Plus, he's three years older than Pie.
I disagree with John about Joey Gathright being a better 4th for bridge than Pie. Pie's power potential cannot be ignored, Gathright, for all of his speed, has none.
But, John, IMO, is right when he says keeping but not using Pie does a disservice to him. He's a young player he needs to play and develop and be seen by other teams, and it doesn't appear he'll get that chance anymore. No doubt he wasn't good to start the year, but he did show some signs, then up comes Reimold, and it's see ya. It's like hoosier oriole said, when he gets it, this guy could make people forget Monty, Reimold, Gathright et al. He just needs the opportunity.
Posted by: Ken | June 19, 2009 2:39 PM
Pete, thanks for pointing out Felix' great play which resulted in the O's win the other night! It seems like no matter what Felix Pie does in Baltimore, SOME people just won't give him any credit!
Posted by: ROlson | June 19, 2009 4:37 PM
Pie's good play wouldn't have been necessary if Roberts had laid down a decent bunt
............................................................................................
Pete's reply: If Brian laid down a decent sacrifice bunt, there would have been one out with runners at second and third and KRod might have gotten out of the jam.
Posted by: Nashville Os Fan | June 19, 2009 8:20 PM
You see what I mean about many people(yourself not included) not giving Felix any credit where credit is due?
Posted by: ROlson | June 19, 2009 11:38 PM
Pie? You have got to be kidding, right? How could he possibly play over Scott or Reimold and do not forget you need to get at bats for Wigginton. Keep him on the bench where he belongs. I know the Orioles are in a tough spot and cannot send him to the minors for fine tuning, but they put themselves in this position. Pie needs time down in the minors, if he is ever going to have impact. Then again, I believe that the Oakland A's had a pinch runner years ago, that did nothing but pinch run, Pete: Do you remember who that was? Seems to me the A's let him have like two at bats for the year, but ran him all the time.
............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Herb Washington....track star.
Posted by: cb coach | June 21, 2009 7:05 AM
How can I forget Herb Washington;s name. I do not think the A's even let him go on the field. He was fast, but at least Pie is a better base runner than he was.Still was one of those interesting things that made the A's special back then, they were always doing something bizarre.
Pete: Back to Pie, I really think that all the work that Crow has put in with him, seems to not pay off. He does not get up on the plate, always exposing himself to the outside half of the plate, really if he cannot handle the outside half, he is not going to make it in the majors. Am I the only one that sees that?
Posted by: cb coach | June 22, 2009 11:18 PM