Over the course of the first couple months of the season, one thing that sticks out in my mind is the number of opportunities the O's offense let slip away. I'm talking both in close games, and games when the O's are ahead. They just don't seem to have any killer instinct, becoming complacent when they are ahead, or not having the ability to win the close games b/c they don't make critical plays. I know the O's record stands at 9-8 in one run games, but having watched so many of their games this year, I just don't think that is an accurate reflection on their ability to win close games. When you make stupid base running errors, or commit errors on a routine plays, you typically don't win close games. Primarily b/c these errors, more often than not lead to the other team scoring unearned runs, or base running mistakes which translate into lost opportunities.
We need a more guys who are fighters, who truly hate to lose, in order to really turn this organization around. We need more (or ONE) Jake Arrieta's, which is why I can't wait to see him in an O's uni. This article in The Sun http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-sp.osminors22jun22,0,1396121.story speaks to the kind of player he is, and drives the point home that this isn't an attitude that many on the current O's roster possess. Perhaps it's there, but I don't hear it in interviews, and I just don't see it on the field, where it truly counts. Matt Hobgood, from everything I've read, also seems to have this make-up, and he couldn't get here soon enough.
McPhail and Trembley must insist the players and organization take on this mentality, or we are destined to repeat the last decade plus of losing.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Fundamentals? Killer Instinct?
I can accept losing, but not the way the O's have lost the last two nights. Felix Pie should be DFA's out of principle. After Wieters threw the ball into CF on Bonifacio's steal attempt in the 7th, Pie picked the ball up and I tohught I heard a fan yell "Throw it in! Get the ball in!" but apparently Felix didn't. It was little league baseball, if that. What a joke. I was watching the game on the Marlins broadcast and the silence in the booth after witnessing Bonifacio race all the way around to score was deafening. Obviously, you don't see plays like that very often, at least if you aren't watching the O's on a daily basis. This team still seems to find ways to lose, depsite my previos post and hope that they are starting to figure out how to win. It's really disheartening, though based on this quoet from the Sun today, it sounds like Trembley is losing patience (shouldn't he have LOST his patience by now, though?)
"That's not what we're all about here," Trembley said. "That's not winning baseball. You don't win baseball games by doing that. You give baseball games away by doing that. That's not what it's all about here, and that's not what the majority of guys here are all about. It happens. It's unfortunate, but it's not acceptable. It's that simple."
Pie doesn't seem to have progressed at all this season, and how many years have teams been waiting on him? I just can't see him ever panning out….Here's hoping our defense can consistently back up these young pitchers and string together some strong, major league play. Base running and playing solid defense just aren't that difficult, yet they seem to consistently be our Achilles heal. Let's avoid this sweep tonight. Go O's!
A couple other thoughts about last night in baseball. It was great to see Big Papi hit his 7th HR of the season, and maybe he really IS starting to come around. As difficult as this season has been for him so far , I think he's handled himself incredibly well, so I am glad to see he's getting it going.
Another nice win for the M's who seem to be winning with smoke and mirrors. And in the AL West, where Texas has certainly cooled down, they could actually sneak into the playoffs if their offense ever gets going (and Bedard can stay off the DL)
"That's not what we're all about here," Trembley said. "That's not winning baseball. You don't win baseball games by doing that. You give baseball games away by doing that. That's not what it's all about here, and that's not what the majority of guys here are all about. It happens. It's unfortunate, but it's not acceptable. It's that simple."
Pie doesn't seem to have progressed at all this season, and how many years have teams been waiting on him? I just can't see him ever panning out….Here's hoping our defense can consistently back up these young pitchers and string together some strong, major league play. Base running and playing solid defense just aren't that difficult, yet they seem to consistently be our Achilles heal. Let's avoid this sweep tonight. Go O's!
A couple other thoughts about last night in baseball. It was great to see Big Papi hit his 7th HR of the season, and maybe he really IS starting to come around. As difficult as this season has been for him so far , I think he's handled himself incredibly well, so I am glad to see he's getting it going.
Another nice win for the M's who seem to be winning with smoke and mirrors. And in the AL West, where Texas has certainly cooled down, they could actually sneak into the playoffs if their offense ever gets going (and Bedard can stay off the DL)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tough night but still, some positives
While I am obviously disappointed that the O's lost tonight, I have both good feelings and continued bad feelings about certain aspects of this team. First and foremost, the base running, all season, has been nothing short of atrocious. I said it a month or more ago, but this is truly the worst base running team I have ever seen. Ever. Most of the bad decisions are being made by veterans too (see Melvin Mora, who still thinks he's as fast as he was 10 years ago). I can only hope that Trembley's comments to the media are different than those he conveys to his team, b/c there is simply no excuse for them, and that's the position he needs to take with the players, young or old. Wigginton had the entire play in front of him in the 11th last night, and yet got thrown out by 20 feet at second base. What was John Shelby doing? Did Wigginton run through a stop sign on his way to 2nd base? I didn't see a replay that showed what Shelby was doing, but regardless, Wigginton has to know the situation (11th inning, Zaun on 1B and one out) and was looking straight down the right field line as the right fielder was picking up the ball. It simply makes no sense.
This would have been a truly amazing win, on top of five solid wins in a row prior, and despite another poor performance from Baez (whose trade value continues to plummet) as well as Wigginton's gaffe. As disappointing as it was though, there were definitely some positives, in particular scoring 5 runs in the last two innings to tie the game and Koji's performance through 6 innings (it was clear he was out of gas though). In my opinion, he's a middle reliever at this point in his career, and his role is likely to change later this year or next. As long as he's getting guys out I don't really care where he pitches, but more importantly, his signing made in-roads into Asia, which has to be worth $10M over 2 years, no? The other thing that is positive is that we continue to play competitive baseball while the top of the order is in a slump. At least a power slump, between Jones, Huff and Markakis, and I think that's a very positive sign. Jones needs to get back to hitting the ball to the opposite field and he will be fine, and I am not the least bit concerned about Markakis. Wieters made his opposite field bomb last night look so easy, and I can see us having much to cheer about as his year, and career, continue in an O's uniform.
A couple of other observations. Huff seems to hit into more bad luck on balls he hits hard than any other batter (Jones is a close 2nd I think), but I may remember more of Huff's hits b/c he seems like such a whiner when he gets out. These things tend to even out over a long season though, and here's hoping that's the case. And, I know I complain about Sherrill and his Don Stanhouse-like saves, but during the broadcast, the FL announcers indicated that their closer, Matt Lindstrom, has only had four 1,2,3 innings among his 1 saves this year (and a 1.90 WHIP, ouch!). Reading that, and seeing how well Sherrill has been pitching doesn't make me feel so bad. I'd feel even better if we traded him and got a solid 3B or SS prospect or a couple more arms. Overall, there's a ton to be excited about with this team, so last night was just another blip on the radar screen. Let's start another streak tonight. Go O's!
This would have been a truly amazing win, on top of five solid wins in a row prior, and despite another poor performance from Baez (whose trade value continues to plummet) as well as Wigginton's gaffe. As disappointing as it was though, there were definitely some positives, in particular scoring 5 runs in the last two innings to tie the game and Koji's performance through 6 innings (it was clear he was out of gas though). In my opinion, he's a middle reliever at this point in his career, and his role is likely to change later this year or next. As long as he's getting guys out I don't really care where he pitches, but more importantly, his signing made in-roads into Asia, which has to be worth $10M over 2 years, no? The other thing that is positive is that we continue to play competitive baseball while the top of the order is in a slump. At least a power slump, between Jones, Huff and Markakis, and I think that's a very positive sign. Jones needs to get back to hitting the ball to the opposite field and he will be fine, and I am not the least bit concerned about Markakis. Wieters made his opposite field bomb last night look so easy, and I can see us having much to cheer about as his year, and career, continue in an O's uniform.
A couple of other observations. Huff seems to hit into more bad luck on balls he hits hard than any other batter (Jones is a close 2nd I think), but I may remember more of Huff's hits b/c he seems like such a whiner when he gets out. These things tend to even out over a long season though, and here's hoping that's the case. And, I know I complain about Sherrill and his Don Stanhouse-like saves, but during the broadcast, the FL announcers indicated that their closer, Matt Lindstrom, has only had four 1,2,3 innings among his 1 saves this year (and a 1.90 WHIP, ouch!). Reading that, and seeing how well Sherrill has been pitching doesn't make me feel so bad. I'd feel even better if we traded him and got a solid 3B or SS prospect or a couple more arms. Overall, there's a ton to be excited about with this team, so last night was just another blip on the radar screen. Let's start another streak tonight. Go O's!
Monday, June 22, 2009
O's learning how to win?
Well, I didn't expect to sweep a series on the road against the defending World Series champs. While I give plenty of credit to the O's entire team, we caught the Phils at a particularly difficult time, and took advantage of it. More than the five game winning streak though, it looks like this team is starting to understand how to win, and that's encouraging, to say the least (it's been a long 11+ years). The comeback win against K-Rod seemed to get things going, and the BR 2-run homer on Saturday night helped continue a great run. But if you've been watching the games, the O's are also getting breaks, and in some cases, several of them (see phantom tag on Jimmy Rollin's infield grounder yesterday), but you have to in order to get on a roll. It remains to be seen how the young players continue to develop, but I've been very impressed with the poise and effectiveness from the young pitchers (Berken and Bergesen, in particular), and Reimold, and hope things continue to go well in Florida.
Good luck to the Phillies the rest of the way and go O's!
Earl
Good luck to the Phillies the rest of the way and go O's!
Earl
Friday, June 19, 2009
O's 6/18, random Thoughts and Phils Series
I read a headline about a "Hon Festival" in MD and I have to say, it's a festival I am sad to have missed. For all you local Baltimore folk, you can probably relate to and appreciate the use of the term "hon."" Follow the ink so you don't miss it next year, and if Jimmy's is still down in Fells Point, stop by, I assure you that someone will address you as "hon." Man do I miss that here in Seattle…...
www.honfest.net/
One other random thought from Wednesday's O's broadcast was how relaxed and animated Trembley was during his interview on MASN's "Wired Wednesday." For me, it would be great to see a lot more of this. He's incredibly stoic in the dugout, and while he's obviously focused on the game, he sometimes gives the appearance of a deer in the headlights. Maybe it's just me, although my Mom even made the comment a few weeks ago, and she doesn't watch a lot of baseball! At any rate, it was nice to see and I hope we see more of it as the season progresses
On to last night's game. Berken looked great through 5 innings and it was clear he had a plan and executed it well. He kept the Mets hitters off balance, consistently kept the ball down, and got K's both via his off speed pitches as well as his fastball. What impressed me most was how comfortable and confident he looked, and his ability to stay focused after Andino made the throwing error to lead off the 4th ( BTW, Wiggy should have been able to actually stretch for, or at least stretch and make it a short hop, not an in between hop on the throw in the dirt). For any pitcher, much less a rookie, poor defense behind you so often leads a pitcher unraveling, but Berken didn't appear to let him bother him. In the 6th inning though, he was consistently up in the zone and after giving up only 1 hit through 5, gave up 2 runs and four hits in the 6th. He finished the inning with close to, if not 90 pitches for the game, and it should have been the end of his day. The most obvious reason he should have been pulled was b/c he was getting pitches up and he was coming off of two very poor outings, so he could have left feeling pretty damn good about his outing. We can always can second guess (in particular, I can), but this seemed like a no brainer to me. It all worked out and it was nice to read in the Sun that Wiggy went over to Berken and told him that the offense would get him off the hook, and sure enough they did.
Home plate ump Mark Wegner had a very generous strike zone all night for both teams, but I really thought the O's got a break in the bottom of the 9th as K-Rod, in my opinion, was really getting squeezed. When things are going well (and I consider 3 of 4 going in to last night's game "going well" for the O's, at least) this is what happens. And, the sacrifice bunt by Roberts and K-Rod's subsequent throw to third to try to get the lead runner was another great break for the O's, and great hustle by Felix Pie to even make it close. I watched the play about 5 times in slo-mo, and I have to say that it could have gone either way, but I think the correct call was made. Surely there are Mets fans, and even Jim palmer on the broadcast, who may think otherwise, but these are the kinds of breaks teams need sometimes. We'll see if they parlay it into a couple wins off of the Phillies lefties this weekend. There's been lots of chatter coming out of Philly regarding the Phils home tonic with the O's coming to town, and Bob Ford had some bulletin board material for the O's in this article, including the excerpt below: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20090619_Bob_Ford__Manuel_is_near_boiling_point_with_listless_Phils.html
Here's the kicker:
"Life might get a little brighter tonight when the Baltimore Orioles, owners of the worst road record in the American League, drag themselves into town. If you can't have the Washington Nationals around - and the Nats are the only thing standing between the Phils and an 8-18 home record - the Orioles are the next-best option."
As any association with the Nats should outrage O's fans on many levels, I'd like to think we have a decent chance of taking 2 of 3 with the Phils myriad issues. Patience against Rich Hill tonight could spell disaster, but I'm looking forward to some good old banter with those folks from Philly. Especially that Sophocles punk! I think Reimold and Jones will have big weekends. Go O's!
www.honfest.net/
One other random thought from Wednesday's O's broadcast was how relaxed and animated Trembley was during his interview on MASN's "Wired Wednesday." For me, it would be great to see a lot more of this. He's incredibly stoic in the dugout, and while he's obviously focused on the game, he sometimes gives the appearance of a deer in the headlights. Maybe it's just me, although my Mom even made the comment a few weeks ago, and she doesn't watch a lot of baseball! At any rate, it was nice to see and I hope we see more of it as the season progresses
On to last night's game. Berken looked great through 5 innings and it was clear he had a plan and executed it well. He kept the Mets hitters off balance, consistently kept the ball down, and got K's both via his off speed pitches as well as his fastball. What impressed me most was how comfortable and confident he looked, and his ability to stay focused after Andino made the throwing error to lead off the 4th ( BTW, Wiggy should have been able to actually stretch for, or at least stretch and make it a short hop, not an in between hop on the throw in the dirt). For any pitcher, much less a rookie, poor defense behind you so often leads a pitcher unraveling, but Berken didn't appear to let him bother him. In the 6th inning though, he was consistently up in the zone and after giving up only 1 hit through 5, gave up 2 runs and four hits in the 6th. He finished the inning with close to, if not 90 pitches for the game, and it should have been the end of his day. The most obvious reason he should have been pulled was b/c he was getting pitches up and he was coming off of two very poor outings, so he could have left feeling pretty damn good about his outing. We can always can second guess (in particular, I can), but this seemed like a no brainer to me. It all worked out and it was nice to read in the Sun that Wiggy went over to Berken and told him that the offense would get him off the hook, and sure enough they did.
Home plate ump Mark Wegner had a very generous strike zone all night for both teams, but I really thought the O's got a break in the bottom of the 9th as K-Rod, in my opinion, was really getting squeezed. When things are going well (and I consider 3 of 4 going in to last night's game "going well" for the O's, at least) this is what happens. And, the sacrifice bunt by Roberts and K-Rod's subsequent throw to third to try to get the lead runner was another great break for the O's, and great hustle by Felix Pie to even make it close. I watched the play about 5 times in slo-mo, and I have to say that it could have gone either way, but I think the correct call was made. Surely there are Mets fans, and even Jim palmer on the broadcast, who may think otherwise, but these are the kinds of breaks teams need sometimes. We'll see if they parlay it into a couple wins off of the Phillies lefties this weekend. There's been lots of chatter coming out of Philly regarding the Phils home tonic with the O's coming to town, and Bob Ford had some bulletin board material for the O's in this article, including the excerpt below: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20090619_Bob_Ford__Manuel_is_near_boiling_point_with_listless_Phils.html
Here's the kicker:
"Life might get a little brighter tonight when the Baltimore Orioles, owners of the worst road record in the American League, drag themselves into town. If you can't have the Washington Nationals around - and the Nats are the only thing standing between the Phils and an 8-18 home record - the Orioles are the next-best option."
As any association with the Nats should outrage O's fans on many levels, I'd like to think we have a decent chance of taking 2 of 3 with the Phils myriad issues. Patience against Rich Hill tonight could spell disaster, but I'm looking forward to some good old banter with those folks from Philly. Especially that Sophocles punk! I think Reimold and Jones will have big weekends. Go O's!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
O's v Mets 6/15
Last night's game was so frustrating and a perfect example of why this team is 10 games below .500, AGAIN. There seems to be so little energy and enthusiasm (ENERGY is NOT rising!) and I feel like the complacency starts with the manager. I am really getting tired of these quotes from Trembley:
"The game could have snowballed totally out of hand. It didn't," Trembley said. "We made them earn it after we gave them some runs and some extra chances."
What do you mean "we made them earn it." The victory? We handed it to them on a silver platter. And the 4th inning, as it turned out, DID snowball out of hand, no? Guthrie hadn't given up a hit until AFTER Roberts error. Mental toughness, anyone? Trembley's complacence, or at least appearance of complacence is really starting tog et old. It seems like after every loss there is something that went wrong that he's able to say "It is what it is" and move on. Good teams make plays. Good teams figure out ways to win, and this team has not figured out how to do that yet, and I am not sure under Trembley's guidance they ever will. And that's sad, b/c I like the guy. There doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency, and after winning the last two against the Braves and getting the offense going, we made Mike Pelfrey (MIKE PELFREY!) look like a Cy Young candidate. This team needs to want it more…..
"The game could have snowballed totally out of hand. It didn't," Trembley said. "We made them earn it after we gave them some runs and some extra chances."
What do you mean "we made them earn it." The victory? We handed it to them on a silver platter. And the 4th inning, as it turned out, DID snowball out of hand, no? Guthrie hadn't given up a hit until AFTER Roberts error. Mental toughness, anyone? Trembley's complacence, or at least appearance of complacence is really starting tog et old. It seems like after every loss there is something that went wrong that he's able to say "It is what it is" and move on. Good teams make plays. Good teams figure out ways to win, and this team has not figured out how to do that yet, and I am not sure under Trembley's guidance they ever will. And that's sad, b/c I like the guy. There doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency, and after winning the last two against the Braves and getting the offense going, we made Mike Pelfrey (MIKE PELFREY!) look like a Cy Young candidate. This team needs to want it more…..
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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