Lee has a 2.40 ERA, 13 strikeouts and zero walks against the Rangers and Rays. Based on runs scored, the Rays are one of the best offensive teams in the game and the Rangers are right in the middle of the pack.

If the game is played, here's my prediction:

Lee: 8 innings, 0 ER, 9 K, 0 BB

Speaking of predictions, I was thinking about David Hernandez's last start and I wanted to go back and see how close I was in my prediction for that one...

"@ New York: 3.2 innings, 7 ER, 4 BB, 3 HR

I sure hope I'm wrong...

Posted by: not brooks | April 27, 2010 5:43 PM"

Reality: 3.2 innings, 6 ER, 4 BB, 2 HR

SO CLOSE!!!

Hey Pete,

You think they will get the game in tonight? Stuck at work with no windows

Trembley Watch and all the other people that want him gone,
WE ALL WANT THIS IDIOT GONE BUT ANGELOS WONT FIRE A MANAGER BECAUSE HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY HIM FOR NOT WORKING AND PAY A PROMOTED MANAGER ALSO. That is this years excuse! We all know that Trembley is this years scapegoat to protect upper management but that’s the way it goes when you have an owner worse than Al Davis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pete,

Lee at any time is "sizzling" when up against the Orioles. Even if Griffey and ichiro go nap out the game hahha

GM - Lenny Dykstra

Manager- Sidney Ponson

3rd base Melvin Mora

1st base Atkins

Bench coach - Dave Trembley

This is really fun!!!

I bet even with those clowns Peter Angelos would still be in the black with his cunning ability to nickel and dime every aspect of the operation. Ws and Ls dont mean anything!! Let the good teams have those... Then they can give the Orioles more money with the revenue sharing that Angelos can just keeping pumping into his law firm and shitty college ROFL

UNIVERSITY OF BALTIMORE IS OFFERING A SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM CREATED BY PETER ANGELOS!

And here's a minor league pitching update, just for fun:

Norfolk

- Jake Arrieta is loading up on walks at Norfolk. He's got 36 strikeouts and 24 walks in 43 innings. No wonder they don't think he's ready yet.

- Chris Tillman is pitching very well. His ERA is down to 3.49 and he's got a 4.25 K/BB ratio.

- Troy Patton has been solid in his past couple of starts. He'll need to really turn it on to jump past Arrieta and Tillman.

- Brandon Erbe looks miserable. He got rocked in his most recent start, giving up six runs in 5.2 innings.

Bowie

- Steve Johnson is throwing well, but, like Arrieta, he's walking too many. In his most recent start, he only gave up two hits, but walked four.

- Zach Britton got knocked around in his last start, giving up five runs in five innings. He still looks pretty good, but (this is becoming a trend) he's walking too many hitters.

- Chorye Spoone looks awful. 19 walks in 29 innings. Enough said.

- Tim Bascom looks great. He's easily the best pitcher at Bowie right now.

- Ryohei Tanaka, another Japanese import, looks pretty good too. I don't know anything about him. Any thoughts?

Frederick

- Rick Zagone is walking too many and he's a 23-year-old in A-ball.

- The rest of the Frederick starters are 24-year-olds who probably don't have much of a future.

Delmarva

- Ryan Berry is the man here. He's dominating the competition, but doesn't have any wins to show for it. He's got a 2.40 ERA and 39 strikeouts to just 9 walks in 41 innings. I'd expect a promotion soon.

- Jesse Beal is throwing well too. His K/BB rate isn't as shiny as it was with Bluefield last year, but he's only 19 (he was a high school draftee in 2008) and seems to be progressing very well.

- Jake Cowan, our 10th round pick in 2009, looks ok, but, hey, he's walking too many.

- Matt Hobgood tossed a great start on April 21st, throwing seven scoreless innings and giving up just two hits, but he gave up four runs in five innings in his most recent start. And, look at that, he's walking too many. Still, I'd expect his results to be up and down while he figures out pro ball.

- Tony Butler, another piece of the Bedard trade, looks awful.

UNIVERSITY OF BALTIMORE
SPORTS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
SMP 100 GREED
SMP 200 EXTORTION
SMP 300 MISINFORMATION
SMP 400 FORENSIC ACCOUNTING
SMP 500 CAPSTONE SIMULATOR

Not Brooks -

I remember when we signed Tanaka it was fairly well-publicized because we were finally 'tapping the Asian market'. But all we have so far is Koji and Tanaka. We seem to have a long wys to go in terms of getting into Domincan, South America, Asia, etc.

As for the rest of the young arms, I would like to think Tillman is more polished by July 1, and we demote Hernandez. I'm still a bit surprised that Erbe has not gone down to Bowie.

Maybe we'll buy an arm one of these days versus growing it. OK, maybe we won't....

Not Brooks,

Thanks for the update. Glad to see Tillman is coming around after an awful start.

anyone else blown away by how much supreme court nominee elena kagan looks like actor/comedian kevin james? wow.

Ponzi scheme baseball teams and for profit education are American as apple pie baby!!

Pete,

I think now that the fans (however many are still around and watching) outrage has died down and they have accepted that the season is over. Everything Oriole related is anti-climatic especially when they cant do anything but see the team fail year after year.

Hopefully they are able to start the game, followed with a 1hr rain delay during 2nd inning, so Lee is done for the night and its a battle of the bullpens - The way Berken is pitching I would like the odds on that in the Birds' favor.

Great job Not Brooks...nice to see how bleak the future really will be.
Any idea how the pitcher we got for Huff is doing? Thanks.

Unfortunately, they will probably play tonight, At 2:15 PM the back end of the precipitation was moving into western Md. and is moving east at 30mph. It should end in a couple hours and be dry at gametime. I would expect the possibility of another record low crowd tonight, or close to it. No way that more than 13,000 show up.

The The Orioles rank 19th overall in attendance with an average of 24,163 but those numbers are deceiving. There have been only 12 home games so far including the large opening day crowd and half the games have been against the Yankees and Red Sox. With Seattle and Cleveland coming in and a 9 and 23 record, the bottom is going to begin to drop out on attendance numbers. By the time "FTB" gimmick is held, the 2,000 or so walking out may make up half of the crowd.

Call the Orioles and demand change at the GM position now.

Jack -

We picked up Brett Jacobson. He's relieving at Frederick, 2.70 era with 15 k's and 5 walks in 16 innings. He's still got a long way's to go before he adds anything of value.

NB,

Do you think we will see Tillman before the All Star break and which hitter other than Patterson, has the best chance to come up this season and make an impact?

Pete -

Any chance we trade Lugo and a prospect to the Cubs for Fontenot? And then, as part of rebuilding process, we trade Roberts before trade deadline? Given the thought process these days, it doesn't seem all unusual to speculate this one.....

WE NEED ADRIAN GONZALEZ IN OUR LINEUP!

WE NEED ADRIAN GONZALEZ IN OUR LINEUP!

At first I thought you made a mistake using "anticlimatic" instead of the correct "anticlimactic", but now I think its just a nice play on words (weather related). Are you and Roch in some sort of pun competition? I wouldn't blame you - this team is just plain 4A.

Anyone know if the game is looking likely to happen tonight?

Todd -

With such miserable "production" at the top of the order, I wouldn't be surprised if Patterson was with the club by the end of the week. That said, I honestly doubt he'll make any significant impact. Patterson isn't even 30 yet, but there's absolutely no way he'll ever be a productive hitter at the big league level. Especially if managers are going to continue slotting him in as a leadoff guy. Patterson's lifetime OBP is .290. TWO NINETY. That means he gets on base less than 30% of the time. Awful. And in his last full season in the bigs, he put up a .205/.238/.344 line.

Because he's fast and he plays good defense, Patterson will continue to get playing time in the majors. But his best shot to stick with any team would be as a defensive replacement/pinch runner off the bench.

As for other hitters in the minors, I guess you weren't aware that the O's have no other hitters in the minors.

Jeff Salazar's hitting a little and probably deserves a shot in left field, but it sure seems like management is content to ride it out with Reimold and Scott, regardless of how ugly it gets.

I always have been and always will be in favor of releasing Julio Lugo, giving Justin Turner a sink/swim shot at second base and DHing Wigginton. Turner's hitting just .260 at Norfolk right now, but he's a lifetime .300 hitter in 1500+ minor league at bats.

If they keep hitting, Matthew Tucker or Ryan Adams could get a shot at second by the end of the year. I wouldn't count on that though, as Turner is higher on the depth chart than both of those guys, neither Tucker nor Adams played above A-ball before this season, and Roberts might be back in September anyways.

Best post of the day.... Ron 1:49 pm.

Patterson will be here thursday

the os face 2 lefties in a row, so they'll give former macfail #3 overall pick, Montanez 2 more games to stink it up and then they'll recall another AAAA retread player in corey patteson. This is rebuilding ?

Andy will never tire of giving Corey chances, after all, macfail picked patterson #3 overall back in the day too

It would be nice if Macfail did better this yr with #3 pick, but he'll probably opt for some cheap player ala hobgood

The Orioles were 15th in spending in the draft despite having the 5th pick

Gil,

Great post...... I'm predicting less than 8,000 tonight. Oh, the paid attendance will be more, but less than 8k will show.

For a typical non Yank or Sox game Gil, I can't even give my tickets away. It's amazing (but not really) how few care about the Orioles anymore.

Maybe if it's a warm friday or saturday this season, I'll find takers when I don't go, but even those tickets are brutal to give away.

Giving away tickets used to be such a 'feel good' thing Gil. It used to be I could even give them as rewards to employee's for doing a good job... and they'd be so thrilled. Now though, people could care less.

That's the reality of Oriole baseball.

Hey Gil, Check out Mike Rizzo's resume. Before he became GM of the Nationals less than 3 years ago, he was the director of scouts for the Diamondbacks.

He knows the current game in ways that AM couldn't possibly.

No one's saying the Nats will contend this year, but you can already see someone who understands how you must blend young developing players with proven, productive veterans.

You can already see the fruits of this guys labor - and in Washington, there is 'real' hope, with a 'real' timeline.

In other words, he has a Plan that is actually showing promising signs.

Interesting - The Nationals, because they have a hungry GM who understands today's game, are EVERYTHING the O's are not.

I know..... The Nats will still never draw allot of fans. Never have, never will. But guess what folks?

They have a real Major League Baseball team.

You're right about Mike RIzzo, wayne, but the Nats sitting in second place in the NL East is nothing short of a minor miracle.

Once Livan Hernandez's 1.04 ERA normalizes and Luis Atilano realizes that he's Luis Atilano, that rotation is going to look pretty ugly.

And if they can't convince Adam Dunn to stay after this season, that offense (which is essentially Dunn, Ryan Zimmerman and a bunch of has-been's and never-will-be's) will be in trouble.

Agreed nb,

But what's interesting about Rizzo, he had a terrific record in Arizona of determining who the talented never-will-be's truly are. And to me, that's significant....

And yes, Dunn is essential, although with the Nats, I believe if he doesn't stay, they'll spend what it takes to attract other talent.

In any case, Dunn and Zimmers proves how important 'real' middle of the order guys are to the rest of the line-up. Something AM doesn't grasp.

Bottom line - I'll take Rizzo's Plan over AM's any day. He's hungry, while AM suggest 65 wins would be an improvement.

I fear every game is the one the Orioles get no-hit. It's a possibility tonight, but then again, when isn't it a possibility with this pop-gun offense?

use your voice:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112380905459183

Nestor is a complete idiot. Just read this garbage. He is no fan.

http://wnst.net/wordpress/nestoraparicio/2010/05/10/free-the-birds-is-one-week-from-tonight-where-will-you-be/

typical hernandez, pitching behind terrible hitters makes them better hitters...
then an error....whew

3 runs with 2 outs/ nobody on
thats some real bad pitching right there

Hernandez deserved better tonight but there's no excuse for walking Figgins with the bases loadeds. Hernandez has no right being in the majors at this point...he is going to be 0-11 with an ERA of around 7, yes 7, since his last win.

don't want to give short shrift to probably the worst every day lineup in the AL

there are just too many players playing badly right now to think this thing ever turns around this year

i wouldn't doubt 20 games under 500 on June 1

Wayne,

Good points about Rizzo and the Nationals. If they keep playing the way they are then I might start buying what you are saying.

But...my guess is that the nationals will come back down to earth and probably finish with a pretty bad record (like the Orioles) even though they are in a much worse division. So, my question is...and I don't know the exact dates so I am just going off of your post earlier...since Rizzo and MacPhail have been in charge of their respective clubs for roughly the same amount of time, what will your opinion be if both teams finish with similar records?

Trembley continues to prove how ill prepared he is for this job. After a 28 pitch 5th inning - caused in part by the Reimold error, Hernandez got the first two in the 6th, then walked two straight, missing badly - If it wasn't clear he was done - then at 99 pitches it should have been after the wp. Instead he leaves him one batter too long and the game is over. yes it may have been over at 1-0, but at least there was a chance of getting a run or two - not 6.

I would love to see the ERA of the O's starter prior to their last inning of work - Girardi, Francona, Larussa always seem to have a guy up and throwing before disaster strikes - not our boy Dave.

Also, I really like Reimold and I think last year was not a fluke, but he came into this season, not healthy, not ready to play and now it is clear his confidence is completely gone - for his sake he needs to go to Norfolk for a montth or two and try to regain his form.

Wayne,

I agree with you about Riggleman, but I don't get the comparison with AM? it seems like your passion against AM gives a free pass to Trembley - don't you think the O's record would be better right now if Riggleman was managing the same roster of players.

He took over for Acta, who like Trembley wa in way over his head, and immediately brought discipline and accountability to the dug out at the end of this year. Those things are clearly absent from the O's clubhouse so they play below their abilities and the Nats are playing a level or two above theirs.

I'm not even trying to get into an Andy debate with you - I just think the apples to apples comparison with Riggleman is Trembley.

I meant the end of last year for Riggleman

You know the propaganda machine is in full swing, when even Jim Palmer is talking about the O's having good at bats. Really Jim, really? What is this little league? Who cares about good at bats if they produce no hits. What's next? Adding a column in the scorecard for "quality at bats"? Give me a break!

What are Lugo and Izturis doing in the major leagues? I don't care how good their defense is. MLB needs to do away with guarantied contracts. These bums are stealing paychecks.

Thank you MacPhail. The plan is working like a well oiled machine.

On a side note. The Mariners have got to be the worst run team in baseball, neck and neck with the O's. Why do you deplete your farm system to trade for Cliff Lee when you suck so bad? He is a free agent after this year, and you know they won't be able to keep him.

Todd,
Just for your info. Wayne won't have a conversation of any sort without bashing and trashing AM...It's his thing
He can't compare Riggleman with Trembley because he couldn't trash Macphail that way.
Why he can't discuss Peanut Butter Kandy Cakes without talking about how awful AM is

Todd,
While I agree with your points about Riggleman vs Trembley Wayne was comparing AM and Rizzo the Nats GM.

That said all the Andy bashers do seem to ignore the impact a manager can have - look at the Nats play in the second half of last year with essentially the same roster - and oh btw - how are the Indians doing under Manny Acta? It really does matter who is in that dug out.

I also think they ignore the difference between the Lerners and Angelos - do you think AM has access to the same resources as Rizzo?

Wayne,

I won't be going to Camden Yards again, but you can get used to minor league crowds out there from here on in. I watched the game on TV and I'll bet there weren't 2500 people in the seats. This is what Andy Macphail has done to Baltimore Orioles baseball. He has killed enthusiasm and hope save for a handful of diehards. The Orioles claim to have 10,000 season ticket holders. Next year that number will plunge, if it is real. The local media is spinning harder than ever before under orders from Angelos but most people see that the Emperor has no clothes. Andy inherited a mess and has managed to make it worse. I don't want to hear that he needs more time. My son was in elementary school when he got here and now is a freshman in high school. That's how I measure time. It is past time for Angelos to fire Macphail and try something else. Andy needs to go if there is any chance to salvage the franchise.

Contact the Orioles and demand change at the GM position now.

Gil,

Here is why MacPhail won't get fired.

MacPhail - Peter, I want to a commissioner soon, but until then I need a job.

Angelos - I can help you with that. How much money can you save me?

MacPhail - I'll cut the payroll by 30 million

Angelos - How are you going to win?

MacPhail - Don't worry about that. We'll call it rebuilding.

Angelos - You're hired

gil

Your son could be chief justice of the supreme court and macfailure wont have the team winning

Mesotheliangelos

Palmer was talking about the quality of the bats (wood, finish etc) the oriole players are using not their actual at bats those stink.

Orioles On Base Percentage is a miserable .305.

That's the worst in the league.

Rumor has it that Andy contacted long time Cubbbie Sammy Sosa about purchasing some of Swingin Sammy's corked bats in order to fullfill his promise to "buy the abts"