Hi Pete,

It was a great win, a great night for Roberts, a great night for Guthrie and a great night for Ray.

But, I can't let Trembley escape. Did he really call a double steal with his clean-up hitter at the plate in a still very tight ball game? The guy doesn't try to manufacture things when he should and then tries that? Hey, I get it. There was good speed on the bases, but a double steal with your clean-up batter up? That's one that better work or you look like an id . . . Well, like I said. A great night for some of the Orioles, but definitely not all of them.

tire frembley

f1r3 tr3mb13y

Pie is 24 for 71 (.338) since June 1. DT should move him to top of order and give him the steal sign once in a while.

Melvin is overswinging like a madman, but he sure can pick it.

Brob should forget how many outs there are more often. Wow is he locked in

It's funny how well Brian Roberts has played since Aubrey Huff, who Brian really likes, departed for the Tigers. He's doing that leg lift timing thing, really turning on the ball to pull it (most of the year he had been fouling off a lot of balls to the left side batting left-handed, trying to go the other way).

Roberts will set an Oriole record for doubles and has a chance at cracking 60.

Wow.

Why would anyone complain about acquiring Pie? We gave up Garret Olson in that deal and he is beyond terrible and only occasionally in the majors because he throws lefty. I'm not sure Pie will ever be an every day player but his speed alone makes him a valuable piece.

"I don't think I've ever gone through a power streak like this since 2005,''

So he is using steroids again?

Pete, as long as we're discussing Pie, what the heck is the deal between him and Jones in the outfield? Jones took two catches away with Pie coming toward him, and after the second one, Jones looked annoyed and glared at him.

But otherwise, a great one to watch, and GREAT jobs by Brian and Guthrie.

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Pete's reply: He sure did look annoyed. I think Pie is being too aggressive because he's used to playing CF and taking everything.

It was just so nice to see them play a good game (and win!!).

I was really down on Brian early this year but I do not have it in my heart to stay that way. Man I hope he is around when this team contends, he deserves a shot.

Let's hope B-Rob is smart enough not to believe that he's some kind of power hitter now. We've seen things like this in the past were a guy has a power surge for a few weeks to a month and then spends the next two years trying to hit 40 homers, while the rest of his stats suffer.

You've got to let things come naturally in this game. (with the obvious exception of the roids!!) But once a player trys to force something it never works.

Just ask Chuck Knobloch about throwing the ball 45 feet to first base.

Nice to see Guthrie pitch well. Brian Roberts is on fire. Like the way Pie is swinging the bat with the increased playing time. Showing signs.

Not all of us, were against acquiring Felix Pie. Unfortunately for Felix, he didn't get a lot of ABs because of the emergence of Nolan Reimold, but it shows a lot of character that he worked hard and has been productive when his number has been called.

The real test for Jeremy, will be his next start. I can't remember the last time he's been able to put together two solid back to back games. I hope he can because nothing would be nicer than to see him go on a roll before the season ends.

Two things that are driving me crazy: One, is the savior aka Davey Johnson. He had two amazing years as the manger here, but let's not forget that he had talent in the rotation, BP, bench and of course, the starting lineup. He had a great run with the Mets, but if he is this genius manager, why has no other team broken his door down to hire him? His personality has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, but does anyone think if he managed the team right now, the wins would be piling up? I don't.

The second thing that is insane, is the Hobgood bashing. Pete's posters must have been amazing at 18 because I know it took me a while to adjust to college life and being out of the home, 2000 miles away, but an 18 year old high school grad, is being blasted because he's not Glavine or Smoltz? Does anyone know what a transition it must be for Mr. Hobgood? He's going from high school to pitching professionally. One poster has already said that he should be switched to 1B. I guess Joe, messed up with this guy because I thought he would be here by now plus Tillman, hasn't thrown a no hitter so he's another bust. You get 4-5 starts and if you aren't shutting out teams at 21, you don't belong here. This is a tough crowd, but I just hope your kids are all excelling at whatever they do because I wouldn't want to face the wraith of some of you guys.

Pete, I noticed Justin Turner played third base at Norfolk last night.This guy looks like a Major Leaguer, but is blocked by Roberts. Any chance they play him at third in Sept. to see about next year?

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Pete's reply: I think so.

The Pie bandwagon seems to be getting full! The notion of full emersion of the out of option outfielder actually seems to have been a terrible plan and working him as the 4th OF much more suited to his skill development! Interesting, I believe a few of us suggested this type of use as he was faltering early in the season!

Yeah, I was one who didn't see the Pie potential for half the year. Also I have been down on Crowley all year, too.

Now they band together for a 2nd half to embarassas me.

Now my only complaint is I wish they'd do it more often.

Besides...gotta love Pie's hustle and contageous smile (he's had both all year).

Roberts wouldn't be dumb enough to use roids again...but HGH? That's not detectable right?

So good to see Jeremy Guthrie do so well. He will be one of the keys to 2010 and beyond.
Brian Roberts has been amazing, and Felix Pie shows signs of a huge upside himself.

Lost in this meaningless win as far as this season goes was the not so meaningless way Chris Ray threw the ball. If and I know that is a big if he is all the way back to two years ago, then we now have three very solid right handers to go to in the bullpen--Johnson, Mickolio, and Ray. Now if we can only find a power left hander to go with them then the bullpen is almost set for next season.

Peter-
I'll feel much better moving forward, once they show an active attempt to acquire a 1b.
I am hoping they target either Fielder or Gonzalez. I know that will take a hell of a package, but, that is the glaring hole and the main cause for these scoring droughts.
We have too many streaky pull-hitters.
Markakis is really the only constant on the team. I am giving Weiters and Reimold a pass on that.
I just think it would be amazing if Markakis had that kind of protection. I really think you will see his power numbers jump dramatically (also as he gets his man strength).
I think Markakis will perenially flirt with 325 and 25--30 HR, once he is properly protected.
God, I hate Texiera. That sell-out bandwagoning toolbox.

What kind of person goes to their hometown games, and roots for the other team? Red Sox and Yankee fans. Jerkoffs.

Peter-
One more thing to all of these people that are yelling about the caught stealing.

The O's are 12th in HR. They have 4 or 5 guys capable of 20+ sb a season.
They should be running on pretty much EVERY chance they get.
I have NO problem with those 2 attempts last night.

1st of all, Floyd has allowed 12 or 14 attempts, and Peirzinsky couldn't through out Betty White, he is at a whoping 10%.

They guessed right on Reimold with the pitchout, and Izzy got one of the worst jumps I have seen.
The O's are LAST in the AL in stolen bases, and this team should be FIRST. All of the scoring droughts. They are in last place. They should be stealing multiple times EVERY night at this point. It effects the pitcher and the catcher and the umpires.
No one should have a problem with those attempts, and the O's should keep it up.

Guthrie sucks, they should just throw him in the dumpster and chalk it up as a lesson learned.

Does the sarcasm show up on a blog post?

Ray has quietly pitched much better since his return. That would be a bonus if he came back strong next year and competed for the closer job.

Maybe the Birds should have Reimhold learn to play 1st base.
His bat is lethal...
but Pie in left......
is like having Mays out there.

So Roberts gets on a hot streak a hits a few homers and all of a sudden it's the roids thing again....some of your posters need to grow up.

"is like having mays out there"??? really??? you must mean billy mays... or maybe you were using the same stuff he was when you posted that mess...

Its only two wins

Pete,
Have to say loved what I saw from Chris Ray. His stuff was nasty. Hope this is the sign of things to come. From what I have read seems the kid has worked real hard and has had a great attitude despite being optioned a couple times this year.

If the Sox can put Pedoria at cleanup and get away with it I think we should put Roberts there and give Pie leadoff just to see what happens.

Both attempted steals were outs because the throw beat the runner; but watch the replays. The foot was in before the tag was applied. Palmer commented that he didn't think Izturis was actually out.
After balls and strikes, umps are the worst at getting stealing calls correct. The third base ump was also the one who blew the call on Riemold's line drive. MLB really needs to do something about the quality of the umpires (those poor guys who have a 6-month job and get a vacation during the 6 months). But they are too afraid of the union.

If the Sox can put Pedoria at cleanup and get away with it I think we should put Roberts there and give Pie leadoff just to see what happens.

"I don't think I've ever gone through a power streak like this since 2005,''

If your a known drug user just dont come out and make comments like this especially talking about a time you were on drugs... MLB should test him today for that

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Pete's reply: Brian admitted to a steroid dalliance in 2003. They were testing in 2005. Just ask Rafael Palmeiro.

How many of the people screaming about bad fundamentals by the major leaguers are the same folks who insisted that they should be promoted from the minors prematurely because they had nothing else to learn in the minors? How often have we heard that they are learning nothing by mowing down double A hitters? We have to stop rushing players up and let them come up through all levels and learn BEFORE they come up to the majors. Much of the criticism of Tremblay has nothing to do with his decisions but the execution. To ask why pull a double steal with the clean up hitter at the plate implies that we have Pujols or ARod batting cleanup. I dont trust our cleanup hitter to drive in a runner in scoring position any more than our number 9 hitter.

Winning breeds winning.....isnt the past 48 hours way more fun then the past 2 weeks.

Couple things.....first.....the reference of Pie to Mays???? Come on now you must be kidding. Pie is an adventure in the field...and that is being kind.

Second....Potential is a difficult thing to live up to, and some people can't handle the pressure. Pie has been touted as a cant miss 5 tool player for years. Now that he has settles in as 4th outfielder he can relax and let the game come to him as opposed to trying to live up to his press clippings. The kid has talent, he just need to get his head straight. If i were him i would call Juan Pierre, the Dodgers outfielder, and make him my new best friend. They have very similar games and Pierre could really help with Pie's development.

Like Yogi Berra used to say.....this game is 90% mental and 50% physical. These players all have physical skills, maybe some more then others, but they all are gifted athletes.....they need mental coaching and development. As Confucius use to say....."if your head aint straight, your life aint great".
It is so much like everything else in life.....if in the back of your mind you really dont think you can do something, chances are really good that you will be proven correct.

Another blogger suggested that Reimhold be given a look at first base.....i think that is a really good idea. Even if he doesn't become a permanent fixture there he should know how to play the position. We also have a guy named Montanez, who is suppose to be a pretty damn good outfielder also. Knowing how to play first only makes Reimhold more valuable.

So...go birds!!!! Lets see if 3 in a row is in the cards.

Winning breeds winning.....isnt the past 48 hours way more fun then the past 2 weeks.

Couple things.....first.....the reference of Pie to Mays???? Come on now you must be kidding. Pie is an adventure in the field...and that is being kind.

Second....Potential is a difficult thing to live up to, and some people can't handle the pressure. Pie has been touted as a cant miss 5 tool player for years. Now that he has settles in as 4th outfielder he can relax and let the game come to him as opposed to trying to live up to his press clippings. The kid has talent, he just need to get his head straight. If i were him i would call Juan Pierre, the Dodgers outfielder, and make him my new best friend. They have very similar games and Pierre could really help with Pie's development.

Like Yogi Berra used to say.....this game is 90% mental and 50% physical. These players all have physical skills, maybe some more then others, but they all are gifted athletes.....they need mental coaching and development. As Confucius use to say....."if your head aint straight, your life aint great".
It is so much like everything else in life.....if in the back of your mind you really dont think you can do something, chances are really good that you will be proven correct.

Another blogger suggested that Reimhold be given a look at first base.....i think that is a really good idea. Even if he doesn't become a permanent fixture there he should know how to play the position. We also have a guy named Montanez, who is suppose to be a pretty damn good outfielder also. Knowing how to play first only makes Reimhold more valuable.

So...go birds!!!! Lets see if 3 in a row is in the cards.

Fire Tremblay

Guthrie now has eight wins. In 1988 Jeff Ballard had 8 for the entire season, which is the Os record for least victories while leading the club in victories. Here's hoping Guthrie can get to 10. It looks pretty pathetic when none of your pitchers has 10 wins for the entire season.

Pete - hope you will comment on this one although a bit dated.

Did anyone ask TM why Mora (Or Andino or Wieters or one of the Angelos sons) wasn't inserted for defense at 3B in the 9th on Thursday night?

I know Melvin has to go but after watching him make a couple of really nice plays again last night, I'm not sure I (or the young staff) can take an entire 2010 season with Wigginton butchering every other ball hit his way even if he can hit his usual .122 RISP.

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Pete's reply: Bob, I'm not there these days because of my foot, so I don't have answer on that and am not in a position to ask.

Sorry - Should have "previewed". Obviously meant DT. Not sure where TM came from - perhaps an inept teacher I had in high school.

I am happy that Pie is having success as a reserve. I have to admit I was pretty upset that they handed the guy left field without a fair competition, but this is good for Pie and the Orioles. Now he can see if he can legitimately win a job as a starter.

As far as it is concerned for the Orioles lack of 10 game winners this year. Guthrie will make it, and maybe Bergesen. But since the Orioles only have won 50 games and are going to a 6 man rotation, Guthrie and Bergesen will have one less start this year. Plus Bergesen is probably 10 days away from a Major League start. So he may get three chances. Really the Orioles used 11 starters this year, which that does not help either..

Whoa, its a Pie lovefest around here. I am happy he is doing well and contributing, but suggest tempering the enthusiasm a bit. I wonder if he is developing and maturing into a better player, or did better with less pressure being the everyday left fielder early in the season, or some combination. What would happen if he became the everyday LF again? I guess he has been doing that to some extent lately with Huff gone.

I wonder if Pie will start today with a lefty on the mound. Pie only has one hit in 13 AB this season against lefties. Thats a small data sample. For his career, he is 6 for 60 against lefties, with no extra base hits, still a small data sample, but I think has some meaning:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7704/splits?year=career&type=Batting

Scott handles lefties OK, and Wiggington does better against lefties in his career (tho not in 2009), I would look to see them in the the lineup tonight.

Ray has only allowed 1 run in 12 innings since coming back... hoping it has clicked for him

Pete--nice BRob article in Sun....i still want Robbie to bunt more. It will add 20 points to his average, agree?
Think of all those hits that will get through, with infielders cheating in.

off subject: Do the O's currently have a future clubhouse leader? Jones? Weiters? Please advise.

Pete,

While I'm beside myself over the winning streak, I have to pile on with annonymous and say DT's tenure is about to run out! The O's don't need a players manager, they need a drill seargent in the mold of Buck Showalter! This team has lacked fundamentals, inferior baserunning, poor decisions in pulling pitcher and terrible line-ups! Liking the guy or giving Melvin Mora respect in lieu of sending him on his way, we need someone that's respected not liked by his players!

I'm certain DT is a great guy and would serve as a great Director of Minor League Operations or that infamous role Mike Flannagan has been in, but get him out of the dugout!

Ahhhh! That feels better. Winning is soooo much nicer than losing all the time.
Perhaps B.Rob. is going to take a stab at being the team leader this group needs. His bat sure has come alive recently.
I know it's only two games, and the schedule is pretty brutal for the final run, but dare I hope that this team spends the last few weeks of the season playing like a genuine Major League team?
There is absolutely nothing that would give me more hope for next season than seeing these guys cowboy up and play tough down the stretch.
C'mon O's you can do it!

The best thing about Pie is that he's been taking all the extra time he can with Crowley. I didn't believe in the hype, but extra time in the cage good to see and is something I said any of the struggling hitters needed to work on.

It was funny with Luke Scott last night when he tried to bunt over Reimold in the 7th. I was listening to the game on my way home and Joe Angel joked when he swung for the fences on the 2nd pitch and said that's what he should be doing instead of bunting. Then Luke flied out.

JA - "Well, he definitely should have bunted"
Fred Manfra - "You're starting to sound like most O's fans."

It made my night.

Pete i truly think Adam Jones is starting to develop a cocky attitude. Do you realize since jume 1 he is only batting 245. Nobody seems to mention that at all and i was wondering why. I also notice that is body language hasn't been that great as well. Is there something going on with him that we don't know about. That situation with Pie would be settled if this team had a strong veteran on it that everybody respected.That is something that is really lacking on this team. You can't have all kids on it with no leadership. Roberts and Nick just don't fit that bill.

I saw another poster mentioned Turner was now playing 3rd at Norfolk. I too noticed that a couple of games ago and as I posted on another article, Doug decences was a 2nd baseman in the minors. The O's have a history of switching inf'ers as they reach the MLs if there is a need at another position. Brian Roberts was a ss. Dauer a 3rd baseman. Adair a ss. Gritch was a ss. Davey Johnson was even a ss. Switching Turner to 3rd, with Roberts set at 2nd makes some sense. Turner, while not a power hitter, has hit .300 all yr at Norfolk. I would rather see Turner given a chance than see the O's spend a ton of $$ on another over-priced FA. This keeps MacPhail's trades looking just better and better. BTW, Brandon Waring, who we got for that Tub-O-Lard, Hernandez, has hit .270 with 20+HR's at Frederick so far this yr. He doesn't have the glove to play 3rd in the ML right now, but who knows??? Maybe he'll be able to raise his game in the field, 1st base or DH in a couple of yrs. They just keep on coming. Thanks for a great job so far Andy.

Did the world finally explode and evaporate? SCHUMCK got tired of DEMANDING the trade/firing of Bryan Roberts. Guys that can run, 45 plus doubles a year and 26 or better stoen base, are truely CHUMP CHANGE per the 2 grey celled SCHMUCK. Is this possible due to the fact that he has NEVER BEEN CONSIDERED FOR a "Putlitzur Prize"? Or does the limit of grey cell capacity have an impact?