O's Friday, 8/28

A very impressive win after a very tough loss on Thursday night to start the series. The O’s really showed me something, with Jones still on the bench with his back issues. I look at the team that is on the field right now and it’s obvious that there is talent, and talent that is developing right before my eyes. Wieters throws to 2nd have improved dramatically in a very short time, though I think he still needs to frame pitches better I think. His offense is coming alive too, and he’s using the entire field which, for a young hitter (Adam, are you listening?) is a wonderful sign. Reimold is just a ballplayer who never stops hustling. I love the kid and between him and Bergesen, they have been the highlights of the season.

It just feels like a different team except for the continued baserunning issues, though based on Trembley and Samuels blow-up with the team this week, I think it’s clear that they are trying to address them, and demanding that the players do so. But again, we saw a couple of bad baserunning mistakes that fortunately didn’t impact he outcome of the game. But in close games, they typically do. Why didn’t Scott go on contact when the infield was back in the 2nd? Samuel didn’t look pleased so I assume he told Luke to go on contact. Why didn’t Pie slide into 2nd base in the 4th on his double? Even Buck Martinez mentioned this (right after me). Pie’s fast and aggressive on the bases, but I just don’t think that always translates into a good, smart baserunner. In fact, I’m actually pretty certain it doesn’t.

Trembley seems to have evolved a little bit too, and it’s shown in his calling for a couple of bunts in the last week. Really since the All-Star break, we have been IN games on a daily basis. Obviously it starts with the starting pitching which has been, overall, much improved, even without Bergy. I know we are playing Cleveland, a team with a similar record, but what the O’s don’t consistently do is beat teams that they should beat. We’ve played the better teams in the AL tough at times over the years, but we haven’t been able to consistently beat the bottom dwellers. And that my friends is why we are among the bottom dwellers.

A couple of things I heard watching the game last night that concerned me:

1) Going into last night’s game, Berken was allowing 62% of lead-off hitters to reach base. This is absolutely awful, and he’s got to do much better than that. It also gives me pause to think that he could be put into the BP at some point. It doesn’t matter what your role is on the pitching staff, if you allow the lead-off man to get on as much as Berken does, you aren’t going to have a job in the majors for very long. I’m sure this is something that Kranitz is aware of and will be working on with Berken.
2) Last season, Jim Johnson did not give up a HR in 68 2/3 innings. This year, in 57+ innings, he’s given up 7 HR’s. More than anything, this seems to be a product of pitch location, b/c Johnson’s stuff is outstanding. Again, I’d assume that this is something that Kranitz will continue to work with JJ to correct.

Overall though, I like the way this team has started to come together. I really think the young guys are starting to take over and assume greater responsibility and leadership roles. Perhaps when Zaun was traded that helped Wieters, I don’t know, but he looks to be more confident than ever. It’s a pretty exciting time, and will be a much anticipated 2010 if these kids can finish the season strong (read ~ .500 – aim low, avoid disappointment). With Tillman and Matusz (against Masterson) in the next two games, it would be great to have a 3 game win streak going into next week. Go O’s!