Orioles start new Atkins diet
Mitch Atkins is scheduled to take the mound in a few hours against the Texas Rangers in the most homer-friendly ballpark in the major leagues this year -- an eventuality that probably doesn't fill you to the brim with confidence heading into the second game of the series.
Can't blame anybody for being fatalistic, but Atkins will have unfamiliarity on his side, so he might be able to sneak through that lineup once or twice. Does anybody remember when Chris Waters made his major league debut against the Angels under similar circumstances in 2008 and gave up just one hit over eight innings?
Does anybody remember -- without looking it up -- who got the only hit off him?
I realize that Atkins will not be making his major league debut. He had a few relief appearances in the National League. But that doesn't change my point, which is that an unfamiliar pitcher with poise can be dangerous.
I'm not going to make any predictions tonight, though I have a good feeling about Nolan Reimold, who is in the starting lineup for the second straight night and should match up well against hard-luck left-hander Matt Harrison.
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Comments
As mentioned on Jeff and Dan's 'Luke Scott to DL' blog, I discovered while crunching numbers on Tuesday that the next Oriole loss will be #1500 under the ownership of Peter Angelos. Entering play Tues nite, we are 1277-1489 in the regular season since 1994 and 9-10 in the post season - a combined winning percentage of .462, if all my math is correct.
Everyone already knows PA is the root of our problems, but I thought this landmark shouldn't go unnoticed.
Posted by: Flagtown '71 | July 5, 2011 7:20 PM
I predict he'll throw at least five shut out innings
Posted by: The Big E | July 5, 2011 9:46 PM
Good start by Atkins, and nice to see some hitting even if they are still having trouble manufacturing more than a few runs.
But seriously, wtf is up with Johnson? Is he capable of coming into a one-run game anymore without issuing easy walks and allowing runs, blowing hard-earned wins for starters and exploding their ERAs by allowing inherited runners to score? He needs to get his sh*t together, because this is getting old fast.
Posted by: Andrew | July 5, 2011 10:29 PM
HA! I really thought this post was about the Atkins diet - you know, food! Well, if this Mr. Atkins (whom I know nothing about) ever wants to lose weight & stay healthy, then the REAL Atkins diet is the real deal!
Jen
Posted by: Jennifer Linsdale | July 6, 2011 7:22 AM
Just a shame that when we get a good starting performance, that we get a normally reliable bullpen to melt down.
Posted by: punkflamingo | July 6, 2011 2:55 PM