I hope Jones' early career isn't an indication of an "easily injured" player. I'm by no means claiming he's making things up, but he does seem to get hurt pretty often, particularly for such a young man.

Why not give Salazar the start at third? Does he have such a bad glove? He's swinging such a hot bat right now, I'd think Trembley would look to get it in the lineup, especially in a day game following a night game. I'd expect to look for Oscar pinch hitting again though. I think Trembley's trying to turn him into a modern-day Crow.

Anyone who thinks the club's going to all of a sudden cut Melvin and insert Salazar (a 31-year-old journeyman) in his place is looney. The same people want to trade Melvin for blue-chip prospects. Not the way baseball works, folks. The best way to deal with Melvin is play him, hope he heats up like last year and then maybe you could deal him for some warm bodies.

Peter, love your blog.

I read where some Boston blogger said that, well, given that Josh Beckett is pitching today, this "aberration" the Red Sox suffered last night should be "forgotten by 4:30". I hope...PRAY...that the Orioles score 30 runs off Messiah Beckett today and that Bergesen throws a no-hitter, thereby cramming this sarcastic observation where the sun doth never shine. I am REALLY tired of this "manifest destiny" attitude of Red Sox and Yankee fans that they MUST win. My response is not unlike the action of the world upon its axis: ROTATE ON IT. Go ORIOLES!!!!

Maxmorf-
While I agree with your sentiments - and I read the same blog post you did in the BaltimoreSun.com's "What others are saying" piece this morning - 12+ years of O's losing with the opposite occurring in Boston and NY will do that.

What's more continually nauseating to me is the atmosphere in Camden Yard every time the Sox or Yanks are in town. But you know what? Winning changes everything. I have a feeling 90% of the fans wouldn't be chanting "Yooooooooooouk" if the O's had been winning the last few years. It's still going to take time. The fans won't come back after a few months of winning, but still at least - for once - it seems like Andy McPhail has them on the right track.

Kenny, I agree with you 100%, as I am not sure how you sit Oscar after his amazing game last night?

My biggest complaint with the way Dave manages is that he never goes with the hot hand. Wiggy had a great game a few weeks back and didn't start the next night. Pete, what's your take? Wouldn't you like to see a role player that has a great game, start the next night?

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Pete's reply: Depends on the matchups.

Jones ran into a wall. Slightly padded, but still a wall!!!! He should be sore, and if he had a headache, he should sit till it clears up.

Pete,

Ever notice the personality types or lack of experience that owners like Daniel Snyder, Jerry Jones or Peter Angelos hire to be their field marshalls. Successful, in charge types such as Parcells, Schottenhiemer and Davey Johnson don't survive, but guys that can be pushed around or just thankful they have jobs at this level (Phillips, Zorn and Trembley) seem to get a pass just because they accept the situation!