This sums up the 2010 O’s - The Orioles dropped to 0-51 when trailing after eight innings. There’s no fight in this team, and while I understand losing day in and day out gets tough, come on? This team has not came back in ANY of 51 games after the 8th? It’s not like we haven’t been in close games, though the offense is as pathetic as any I have ever seen, on ANY Team. Hitting with RISP also has a component of luck, and perhaps we’ve been more unlucky than most, but good teams make their own good fortune, which explains a great deal. It’s just a pathetic display of professionalism, and we really need a manager who isn’t going to take any BS and who gets in players faces. This team continues to make base running mistakes and to not make plays that major leaguers must make. On a national level and on a daily basis this team is the brunt of jokes (see Jay Leno last night. Jay F’in Leno!), and deservedly so. Yes, the team has some talent, but I’ve seen nothing to convince me that we are within a decade of competing. The other thing that frustrates me beyond belief are the continued comments from Samuel and the players, like these from Izturis: "That's the game; somebody had to lose," Izturis said. "We played great games. We played to win the game. We lost all three, but we have to forget about this series and focus on Texas." - We played great games? Until the O’s convince themselves that they aren’t playing good games, that they don’t always get the bad calls, and they are in the major leagues, getting paid a fortune to play a game, this franchise will continue to “play” baseball at the historically poor level they have in 2010.
I’m just glad I’ve had the World Cup and Hawaii to distract me from the horrible weather in Seattle and the pathetic baseball being played in Baltimore, and Seattle. Beat the Yankees tonight M’s!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
How About Some Facts with that Statement, Buster Olney?
I really do get tired of the talking heads on TV and the radio siting things that have no factual basis. Buster Olney from ESPN was asked his thoughts on why there have been two perfect games this eyar and really a third, but for the blown call. Olney indicated that since MLB instituted steroid testing, which I’ve concluded from a quick search on the internet started in the Spring of 2004, power numbers are down and that’s what’s contributing to the perfect games and recent no-hitters, including Ubaldo Jimenez no-no earlier this year. So, when I hear stuff like this I start to think of what goes into a no-hitter or perfect game. First of all, it has little to do with power numbers; it’s all about hits and getting on base from the offensive perspective, and defense behind the starting pitcher. So thanks to baseball Reference.com I did a little research on my own, and determined that there has been little to no change in the number of hits/9 innings over the course of the last 15 years. Sure power numbers have fluctuated over this time period, but a hit is a hit is a hit, so who cares if a guy drives a ball 500 feet over a wall or dribbles a ball off the plate, down the 3rd base line and beats out an infield hit. Personally, I think that the increase in no hitters and perfect games recently is an aberration, and more luck than anything. Go back and do some research Buster, and then let me know what your theory is! Go O’s, heading to the top of the AL East in the next half century!
Worst Team Ever?
When you think the worst is over, think again, b/c this O's team is sinking to new lows on a daily basis. Tillman looks like a 4A starter, and the O's offense is more inept than ever. Bobby Valentine will NOT be the O's next manager, and while of course all potential managers want a "challenge", but this manager’s job is more than a challenge, it's like trying to put a man on the moon using a bottle rocket. The development of this team seems to not only have stopped, but dramatically regressed. I can't recall a season in which I became so apathetic so quickly and thank God I have the World Cup as a distraction. Good luck O's, it's going to be a very long summer!
Down With Jim Calhoun!
Jim Calhoun is, as has been expected for some time, for lack of a better term, a dirt bag. We all knew it, but at least the general public is beginning to realize it, along with the NCAA, finally! We knew he wasn’t much of a straight shooter when Rudy Gay decided to go to UCONN after a basketball game was scheduled through Gay’s AAU coach whose organization got something like $25K for playing the Huskies, Connecticut Huskies that is. It stunk then and it still stinks now, but I feel like the 8 violations that the NCAA has cited is a little vindication. As the NCAA continues to investigate Calhoun’s basketball program for recruiting violations, I found this story very interesting: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5272784
It concerns a former business advisor to NBA player Richard Hamilton, and UCONN”s compliance officer issued a memo back in 1999 saying that no contact should be made with Nochimson and that he was off limits. So, this kind of shadiness has likely been going on, at some level or another, since 1999! That’s over a decade, and man, it was a pretty successful decade for UCONN. I wouldn’t want to speculate (though I will), but my guess is that there are other players who played at UCONN who received some type of illegal benefit. How else did Calhoun put UCONN’s men’s basketball program on the map? Of course I might be way off base here, but having watched and listened to Calhoun for many years now, I suspect that this is the tip of the iceberg. UCONN has already fired their basketball operations director along with one of the assist coaches who had improper contacts with recruit Nate Miles. And, in trying to get my facts straight, I did a Google search for “UCONN basketball firing” and I found this: http://jay-mariotti.fanhouse.com/2010/05/28/calhoun-should-be-fired-amid-the-uconn-stench/
Great minds think alike I suppose, though Mariotti’s story is a bit more substantive than my rant (but I got the facts right! they weren’t both asst coaches who got fired, I mean resigned, Jay) but still went so far as saying that Calhoun should be fired. And I agree, he should. But whether the NCAA has the balls to demand it, or the University has the balls to do it, I won’t speculate (yes I will, again!), but my guess is no. Here’as another one from the local CT paper too.
http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-men/hc-jacobs-column-calhoun-ncaa-0610-20100609,0,557333,print.column
It concerns a former business advisor to NBA player Richard Hamilton, and UCONN”s compliance officer issued a memo back in 1999 saying that no contact should be made with Nochimson and that he was off limits. So, this kind of shadiness has likely been going on, at some level or another, since 1999! That’s over a decade, and man, it was a pretty successful decade for UCONN. I wouldn’t want to speculate (though I will), but my guess is that there are other players who played at UCONN who received some type of illegal benefit. How else did Calhoun put UCONN’s men’s basketball program on the map? Of course I might be way off base here, but having watched and listened to Calhoun for many years now, I suspect that this is the tip of the iceberg. UCONN has already fired their basketball operations director along with one of the assist coaches who had improper contacts with recruit Nate Miles. And, in trying to get my facts straight, I did a Google search for “UCONN basketball firing” and I found this: http://jay-mariotti.fanhouse.com/2010/05/28/calhoun-should-be-fired-amid-the-uconn-stench/
Great minds think alike I suppose, though Mariotti’s story is a bit more substantive than my rant (but I got the facts right! they weren’t both asst coaches who got fired, I mean resigned, Jay) but still went so far as saying that Calhoun should be fired. And I agree, he should. But whether the NCAA has the balls to demand it, or the University has the balls to do it, I won’t speculate (yes I will, again!), but my guess is no. Here’as another one from the local CT paper too.
http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-men/hc-jacobs-column-calhoun-ncaa-0610-20100609,0,557333,print.column
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Throwing Another Game Away, But It Happens!
When I got home from dinner I couldn’t bear to watch the O’s game, knowing full well the outcome. So I turned on Baseball Tonight to see David Price blowing Blue Jays away and the D-Rays (they’ll always be the D-Rays to me!) reeling off another impressive victory, further cementing MLB’s best record. Next up were the Yanks v. O’s highlights, and as they began to show them, the disastrous 6th inning to be exact, with an error and a failed DP (or more, I have tried to block it out), John Kruk says “Orioles baseball at its finest!”
Poor defense and not making plays has been one of many things this team has consistently done at a little league level for years now. It's an absolute disgrace! Fundamental baseball should be ALL this team talks about but it can't even get out of its own way! This quote from Wigginton, describes perfectly why the O’s are by far the worst team in MLB.
"Tillman did his job," Orioles first baseman Ty Wigginton said. "You have an inning like that, it happens. But at the same time, we have to find a way to get the job done."
Talk about a defeatist attitude. It just seems like this team simply accepts losing. “It happens”? It doesn’t just happen Wigginton, you players make it happen by seemingly not caring! There is no fight at ALL on this team, top to bottom. There is no leader. This team is disgraceful, and I still think there is a ton more talent than their record indicates, but until they prove me right, we will remain the laughingstock of MLB. Tillman pitched a pretty damn good game under the circumstances, and this is how our defense plays behind one of our young pitchers? It happens? I just want to scream! And Lugo’s error was inexcusable too. Actually, I just looked at the play by play on ESPN and it was actually ruled a hit! OMG I am going to have a coronary. Anyway, real baseball people know it was an error. He let the ball play him on Teixeira’s grounder and it hit the edge of the infield grass so Lugo didn’t make the play. THINK!!!!! Maybe that’s the problem, these players don’t have their respective heads in the game and don’t think about what they need to do if a ball is hit to them. They don’t think about what happens when they are on the base paths, and a ball is hit to RF, do I go halfway, tag up, what do I do?? This has to be one of the dumbest teams I have ever seen in my life. And, it’s as much or more the veterans than the young guys, but when young guys see veterans make these types of plays, it doesn’t help the youth movement and their professional baseball growth. I can’t write any more about this, it’s far too upsetting and downright depressing. Go Jake Arrieta (that means get out of the organization ASAP!) Go O’s!
Poor defense and not making plays has been one of many things this team has consistently done at a little league level for years now. It's an absolute disgrace! Fundamental baseball should be ALL this team talks about but it can't even get out of its own way! This quote from Wigginton, describes perfectly why the O’s are by far the worst team in MLB.
"Tillman did his job," Orioles first baseman Ty Wigginton said. "You have an inning like that, it happens. But at the same time, we have to find a way to get the job done."
Talk about a defeatist attitude. It just seems like this team simply accepts losing. “It happens”? It doesn’t just happen Wigginton, you players make it happen by seemingly not caring! There is no fight at ALL on this team, top to bottom. There is no leader. This team is disgraceful, and I still think there is a ton more talent than their record indicates, but until they prove me right, we will remain the laughingstock of MLB. Tillman pitched a pretty damn good game under the circumstances, and this is how our defense plays behind one of our young pitchers? It happens? I just want to scream! And Lugo’s error was inexcusable too. Actually, I just looked at the play by play on ESPN and it was actually ruled a hit! OMG I am going to have a coronary. Anyway, real baseball people know it was an error. He let the ball play him on Teixeira’s grounder and it hit the edge of the infield grass so Lugo didn’t make the play. THINK!!!!! Maybe that’s the problem, these players don’t have their respective heads in the game and don’t think about what they need to do if a ball is hit to them. They don’t think about what happens when they are on the base paths, and a ball is hit to RF, do I go halfway, tag up, what do I do?? This has to be one of the dumbest teams I have ever seen in my life. And, it’s as much or more the veterans than the young guys, but when young guys see veterans make these types of plays, it doesn’t help the youth movement and their professional baseball growth. I can’t write any more about this, it’s far too upsetting and downright depressing. Go Jake Arrieta (that means get out of the organization ASAP!) Go O’s!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Thanks Griffey Jr!
The news of Ken Griffey Junior's retirement has made me surprisingly sad, but not b/c it wasn’t time, more b/c it ends a brilliant career of a guy who was easily my favorite player who never wore an O’s uni. More than that though, I’m sad for him, that he never got the chance to take the ceremonial bows at each and every stadium the M’s visited this year. He deserves that, despite everything else that may have tainted one’s feelings towards him. Junior always had this infectious smile and played the game with incredible enthusiasm. He was by far the best CF I have ever seen play, and was as good an athlete as anyone who ever played the game.
Aside from saving baseball here in Seattle with the comeback from 0-2 down against the Yankees in ’95, my fondest memory of him was in 1999. I attended the last game at The Kingdome on June 27th, and after Freddy Garcia fell behind early 2-0 in the 1st, in the bottom of the inning Junior hit a 3 run HR to go ahead 3-2. Then, in the bottom of the 4th with 2 on and 2 outs, Juan Gonzalez hit a bomb to LCF that Junior caught above the wall, preserving the 3-2 lead. The M’s went on to win the finale at the Kingdome, one of the biggest dumps in all of sports, was as loud and raucous as ANY arena/stadium I have ever been to in my life! It was magical!
I also recall him making a ridiculous catch against the O’s in 1995, I think, breaking his wrist as he crashed into the wall but still holding on to the ball. He was a daily highlight reel in CF, and a joy to watch whether I was cheering for the Mariners or my O’s. I hope he has an opportunity to look back on his career and smile, b/c he brought so much happiness to Mariners fans, and baseball fans generally, and he’s still bringing joy to Mariners fans (even as the team struggles), b/c he’s the reason there is still a baseball club in Seattle. Best of Luck Junior and thanks for all the memories!
Aside from saving baseball here in Seattle with the comeback from 0-2 down against the Yankees in ’95, my fondest memory of him was in 1999. I attended the last game at The Kingdome on June 27th, and after Freddy Garcia fell behind early 2-0 in the 1st, in the bottom of the inning Junior hit a 3 run HR to go ahead 3-2. Then, in the bottom of the 4th with 2 on and 2 outs, Juan Gonzalez hit a bomb to LCF that Junior caught above the wall, preserving the 3-2 lead. The M’s went on to win the finale at the Kingdome, one of the biggest dumps in all of sports, was as loud and raucous as ANY arena/stadium I have ever been to in my life! It was magical!
I also recall him making a ridiculous catch against the O’s in 1995, I think, breaking his wrist as he crashed into the wall but still holding on to the ball. He was a daily highlight reel in CF, and a joy to watch whether I was cheering for the Mariners or my O’s. I hope he has an opportunity to look back on his career and smile, b/c he brought so much happiness to Mariners fans, and baseball fans generally, and he’s still bringing joy to Mariners fans (even as the team struggles), b/c he’s the reason there is still a baseball club in Seattle. Best of Luck Junior and thanks for all the memories!
So Long, Dave
Yesterday was another dark day for the Orioles franchise, and while it probably was time to see a new manager leading the O’s, Trembley never stood a chance to succeed and now Andy McPhail should also be on a short leash. Not having a manager in place before the O’s fired Trembley makes little sense to me, though I hope that, at a minimum, Trembley feels some sense of relief, b/c he gave it his all. I’m not saying he was a great ML manager b/c I don’t think I know enough to say that, and of course we could question moves that he made, but show me a manager whose moves you don’t question sometimes? When you make a move that works, you are a genius. When it doesn’t work, you are an idiot. It’s just a really tough business and job. There were moves that Trembley made recently that baffled me, but I’m sure he was willing to try anything as the results continued to be abysmal. The mental errors and poor base running continued this year though, and that alone was grounds to fire Trembley in my opinion. He wasn’t able to get through to the players, but he also has a coaching staff that is culpable on some level too. Juan Samuel whoI’m sure is a good baseball man could hardly coach 3B, so he isn’t the answer.
Injuries doomed this team from the start, at least offensively, when Brian Roberts discovered he had a herniated disc in his back, but I still don’t understand the lack of development and struggles of Adam Jones, Matt Wieters (though he has the toughest job of anyone), and Reimold. I begin to think they may not be as good as I think, an even more depressing thought. But, these certainly weren’t all Trembley’s fault, and the lack of depth is both a product of Andy McPhail and the curse of the O’s, Peter Angelos. The division we play in certainly steers players to other teams, both inside the division in Boston and NY, but also to other teams throughout the league. It’s just a very tough situation, but Tampa bay and Toronto are doing it, and I hope that we have enough talent in the minors so that as the next few years go by, we see the fruits of this talent in the win column at the major league level.
At this point, this season ranks as the most disappointing season I have experienced. I had high hopes, and by that I mean a team who showed improvement in fundamentals, seeing the young players develop and approaching .500 in what is easily the best division in baseball. But here are so few positives so far and I feel like we’ve regressed dramatically, which is the most depressing thing of all. It will be interesting to see how the last 100+ games play out, but I’ll confess right now, that it’s become increasingly more difficult to stomach watching this team. It’s really sad, but it’s only a game. Go O’s!
Injuries doomed this team from the start, at least offensively, when Brian Roberts discovered he had a herniated disc in his back, but I still don’t understand the lack of development and struggles of Adam Jones, Matt Wieters (though he has the toughest job of anyone), and Reimold. I begin to think they may not be as good as I think, an even more depressing thought. But, these certainly weren’t all Trembley’s fault, and the lack of depth is both a product of Andy McPhail and the curse of the O’s, Peter Angelos. The division we play in certainly steers players to other teams, both inside the division in Boston and NY, but also to other teams throughout the league. It’s just a very tough situation, but Tampa bay and Toronto are doing it, and I hope that we have enough talent in the minors so that as the next few years go by, we see the fruits of this talent in the win column at the major league level.
At this point, this season ranks as the most disappointing season I have experienced. I had high hopes, and by that I mean a team who showed improvement in fundamentals, seeing the young players develop and approaching .500 in what is easily the best division in baseball. But here are so few positives so far and I feel like we’ve regressed dramatically, which is the most depressing thing of all. It will be interesting to see how the last 100+ games play out, but I’ll confess right now, that it’s become increasingly more difficult to stomach watching this team. It’s really sad, but it’s only a game. Go O’s!
Samuel's First Game as Manager Looks Hauntingly Familiar
Got home about 2 hours after last night’s game started and couldn’t stomach much after the first inning. Some observations and random thoughts:
Tillman - no command and no impressive pitches at all; he’s got a nice curve but doesn’t command it right now which is all you need to know about his future success at the major league level
Wiggy - worst base runner ever? Why did he stop on the ball to Pedroia with 2 outs? I actually looked to see how many outs there were and thought that I may have had it wrong. If I can stay in the game, why can’t he? The base running gaffes continue, and why wouldn’t they? Juan Samuel, you are really going to enjoy managing this team!
I’m starting to think that we have a bunch of AAAA pitchers. The disappointment in player development continues, and the losses pile up at a 1962 Mets pace, or better (after checking, the Mets had a .250 winning percentage so the O‘s are Way ahead of that, streaking to a .275!). Hell, even Dave Trembley’s teams beat the Sox this year!
Tillman - no command and no impressive pitches at all; he’s got a nice curve but doesn’t command it right now which is all you need to know about his future success at the major league level
Wiggy - worst base runner ever? Why did he stop on the ball to Pedroia with 2 outs? I actually looked to see how many outs there were and thought that I may have had it wrong. If I can stay in the game, why can’t he? The base running gaffes continue, and why wouldn’t they? Juan Samuel, you are really going to enjoy managing this team!
I’m starting to think that we have a bunch of AAAA pitchers. The disappointment in player development continues, and the losses pile up at a 1962 Mets pace, or better (after checking, the Mets had a .250 winning percentage so the O‘s are Way ahead of that, streaking to a .275!). Hell, even Dave Trembley’s teams beat the Sox this year!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
O's Seeking new Lows.....
Apologies to AB for not being around here for 6 weeks! Very busy and very apathetic....
Another pathetic loss for the O’s last night as these types of games continue to pile-up. Nobody hits with RISP and we don’t make enough plays to win close games. It’s as ugly as I can ever recall, and consider this season the most disappointing I have ever witnessed. I had a great deal of optimism that this team would continue to improve; that we’d see better years from Wieters and Reimold as they began to settle in, that Jones would continue to develop as an All-Star caliber CF with power, that Tillman and Matusz would be making steps forward and showing us why we believe that this young roster had the makings of a contender, with some added parts. While Matusz has certainly pitched very well at times and I believe he will be a #2 starter for us, Tillman was sent down and it seemed like that was the beginning of the end to this season. And we are only 1/3 of the way complete. Pathetic. Here are some additional observations from last night’s game:
- We made Vasquez look like he pitched last year in the relatively weak NL, minus the World Champs
- I still find it hard to believe that this team is this bad, but they continue to do the same things they’ve done for many years running, poor base running and poor defense. And, there’s been some personnel turnover so it’s leading me to believe the coaches are evidently the problem or the players have tuned them out. Either way, McPhail better be on the horn looking for a replacement manager ASAP, b/c we’ve got to get something out of this season that is wasting away quickly, though perhaps not quick enough!
- 2B into the gap in RCF showed just how strong A-Rod is. Wow! And now Jones is holding his hand.
- Cano is just a pure hitter. Wonderful to watch
- 6th inning - 2-0 change-up Matusz threw to Thames was sick, then got him to pop-up with 2 runners on
- Matusz got out of the jam striking out Granderson looking. Wieters framed the strike perfectly, b/c I don’t think it caught any of the plate. The angle that the Yes Network showed going to commercial was a beautiful view of Wieters framing the pitch, and the pitch being outside.
- Home plate ump was calling brutally low strikes, in particular, the 2nd strike on Jones in the ?th which was across his shins! Put him in the hole and then he K’d
- Miggy’s poor throw and the lack of a defensive first baseman in Wiggy, cost the O’s a chance to win; good teams don’t make those plays in those circumstances, and the margin for error in baseball can be so small that you simply can’t get away with those kind of mistakes against good teams, like the Yankees. There’s a reason the O’s are 22 games under .500 a mere 52 games into the season: they don’t make enough plays that they should, both in the field and at the plate. I think they have a lot more talent than their record indicates, but even that I am beginning to wonder about. This franchise has created a losing atmosphere over the course of a dozen seasons, and I don’t really know how that is going to be changed at this point.
- In showing the O’s vs. Yanks highlights on Sportscenter this morning, Linda Cohen said “it’s amazing that the game was tied in the 7th against Baltimore!” It’s so depressing how bad we are, and while I don’t think we are this bad, or as bad as our record indicates, until we start winning we will continue to hear constant jabs at this inept team. And man, it makes for a very, very LONG and depressing summer!
- I’m not sure why Dave Trembley even wants to be here, and perhaps he doesn’t, but until McPhail lines up a replacement, why would you fire him? It’s all so pathetic it makes my head spin. Go O’s!
Another pathetic loss for the O’s last night as these types of games continue to pile-up. Nobody hits with RISP and we don’t make enough plays to win close games. It’s as ugly as I can ever recall, and consider this season the most disappointing I have ever witnessed. I had a great deal of optimism that this team would continue to improve; that we’d see better years from Wieters and Reimold as they began to settle in, that Jones would continue to develop as an All-Star caliber CF with power, that Tillman and Matusz would be making steps forward and showing us why we believe that this young roster had the makings of a contender, with some added parts. While Matusz has certainly pitched very well at times and I believe he will be a #2 starter for us, Tillman was sent down and it seemed like that was the beginning of the end to this season. And we are only 1/3 of the way complete. Pathetic. Here are some additional observations from last night’s game:
- We made Vasquez look like he pitched last year in the relatively weak NL, minus the World Champs
- I still find it hard to believe that this team is this bad, but they continue to do the same things they’ve done for many years running, poor base running and poor defense. And, there’s been some personnel turnover so it’s leading me to believe the coaches are evidently the problem or the players have tuned them out. Either way, McPhail better be on the horn looking for a replacement manager ASAP, b/c we’ve got to get something out of this season that is wasting away quickly, though perhaps not quick enough!
- 2B into the gap in RCF showed just how strong A-Rod is. Wow! And now Jones is holding his hand.
- Cano is just a pure hitter. Wonderful to watch
- 6th inning - 2-0 change-up Matusz threw to Thames was sick, then got him to pop-up with 2 runners on
- Matusz got out of the jam striking out Granderson looking. Wieters framed the strike perfectly, b/c I don’t think it caught any of the plate. The angle that the Yes Network showed going to commercial was a beautiful view of Wieters framing the pitch, and the pitch being outside.
- Home plate ump was calling brutally low strikes, in particular, the 2nd strike on Jones in the ?th which was across his shins! Put him in the hole and then he K’d
- Miggy’s poor throw and the lack of a defensive first baseman in Wiggy, cost the O’s a chance to win; good teams don’t make those plays in those circumstances, and the margin for error in baseball can be so small that you simply can’t get away with those kind of mistakes against good teams, like the Yankees. There’s a reason the O’s are 22 games under .500 a mere 52 games into the season: they don’t make enough plays that they should, both in the field and at the plate. I think they have a lot more talent than their record indicates, but even that I am beginning to wonder about. This franchise has created a losing atmosphere over the course of a dozen seasons, and I don’t really know how that is going to be changed at this point.
- In showing the O’s vs. Yanks highlights on Sportscenter this morning, Linda Cohen said “it’s amazing that the game was tied in the 7th against Baltimore!” It’s so depressing how bad we are, and while I don’t think we are this bad, or as bad as our record indicates, until we start winning we will continue to hear constant jabs at this inept team. And man, it makes for a very, very LONG and depressing summer!
- I’m not sure why Dave Trembley even wants to be here, and perhaps he doesn’t, but until McPhail lines up a replacement, why would you fire him? It’s all so pathetic it makes my head spin. Go O’s!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Another Train Wreck In Seattle
Well, so much for getting on a roll after the win Sunday in Oakland. The offense was pathetic again last night, and when things are going bad, errors like the one that Wigginton committed in the disastrous 3rd inning seem to happen on a daily basis, and teams have made the O’s pay dearly for giving them extra outs. It was probably only a matter of time before the M’s, as anemic as their offense typically is, scored some runs against Bergesen who had as many balls as strikes after two innings. He just doesn’t have it right now and personally, think it’s great he was sent back down to AAA to figure it out. Was last year a façade, or can he be that pitcher again? I think he’s suffering as much mentally as physically right now, and doesn’t have the confidence to get back to where he needs to be, getting over the top of the ball and making it consistently sink. The Mariners made the plays last night too, including Ichiro’s shoelace catch on a Wieters liner with 2 on in the top of the first. It’s really a train wreck right now, and looking at the schedule, there seems like no end in sight. While the M’s are high on Doug Fister, he isn’t Cy Young but we made him look like him for 6+ innings. I’d never heard of the kid until last year, but apparently he was one of the top pitching prospects in the organization. Here’s hoping he continues to pitch well the rest of the season, b/c he will be a huge boost to the M’s chances of winning the division.
Of course for me, and Shelby, the outcome of the game was very disappointing, but the off the field behavior of the M’s fans was the ultimate disappointment. Yes, the O’s aren’t a good team right now and have had 12, going on 13 losing seasons. I get it. But the M’s aren’t the most accomplished team historically, and if you want to compare them to the Blue Jays, who came in to the league in 1977 too, then there really isn’t a comparison. The ignorance being spewed in the stands last night was just that, ignorant. The shouts of “Orioles Suck” and “miss it Martinez” referring to the O’s left fielder, Lou Montanez were a pathetic display of sportsmanship. I did like, however, repeated shouts “The O’s have crabs,” b/c at least that took a little bit of knowledge about MD, and possibly the O’s players, as well as a sense of humor. At any rate, I’ve probably been to 25 or more O’s games at Safeco Field over the last 11 years (and the O’s haven’t won more than 5 of those games, at most), and attended at least 100+ games the M’s have played against other opponents, and the O’s games seem to bring out the worst in M’s fans. While there were two pretty knowledgeable fans sitting next to us, overall, this fan base leaves a lot to be desired regarding their baseball knowledge and sportsmanship. Yep, I know this sounds like sour grapes and there’s absolutely a component of that, but this behavior has been going on since I went to the inaugural game at Safeco, and that’s the disappointing thing. Cheer for your team Mariners fans, b/c Fister and the M’s deserve credit for a solid win last night. But please, keep the insults to yourselves, b/c it’s downright embarrassing and really reflects poorly on the city. I’ll be home watching tonight but will be back out at Safeco tomorrow night. Go O’s!
PS I just read that Pie is out for at least 3 months. Will the O’s ever catch a break? Ever? I say no, not until Angelos sells the team. Although perhaps the break will be for Lou Montanez who should now have a very good chance to get consistent playing team so we can see what he can do. Go get ‘em Lou!!!!
Of course for me, and Shelby, the outcome of the game was very disappointing, but the off the field behavior of the M’s fans was the ultimate disappointment. Yes, the O’s aren’t a good team right now and have had 12, going on 13 losing seasons. I get it. But the M’s aren’t the most accomplished team historically, and if you want to compare them to the Blue Jays, who came in to the league in 1977 too, then there really isn’t a comparison. The ignorance being spewed in the stands last night was just that, ignorant. The shouts of “Orioles Suck” and “miss it Martinez” referring to the O’s left fielder, Lou Montanez were a pathetic display of sportsmanship. I did like, however, repeated shouts “The O’s have crabs,” b/c at least that took a little bit of knowledge about MD, and possibly the O’s players, as well as a sense of humor. At any rate, I’ve probably been to 25 or more O’s games at Safeco Field over the last 11 years (and the O’s haven’t won more than 5 of those games, at most), and attended at least 100+ games the M’s have played against other opponents, and the O’s games seem to bring out the worst in M’s fans. While there were two pretty knowledgeable fans sitting next to us, overall, this fan base leaves a lot to be desired regarding their baseball knowledge and sportsmanship. Yep, I know this sounds like sour grapes and there’s absolutely a component of that, but this behavior has been going on since I went to the inaugural game at Safeco, and that’s the disappointing thing. Cheer for your team Mariners fans, b/c Fister and the M’s deserve credit for a solid win last night. But please, keep the insults to yourselves, b/c it’s downright embarrassing and really reflects poorly on the city. I’ll be home watching tonight but will be back out at Safeco tomorrow night. Go O’s!
PS I just read that Pie is out for at least 3 months. Will the O’s ever catch a break? Ever? I say no, not until Angelos sells the team. Although perhaps the break will be for Lou Montanez who should now have a very good chance to get consistent playing team so we can see what he can do. Go get ‘em Lou!!!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
A Disaster In Baltimore
What an entirely lost weekend in Baltimore it was. To lose three to Toronto after a tough start in Florida was not what the doctor ordered. The starters have been outstanding overall, and Hernandez threw a very nice ballgame on Saturday as Millwood did yesterday. The obviously glaring problem is our offense, and maybe that’s because Brian Roberts is hurt. I bet if we looked back at the last 5 years and looked at our offensive numbers (not wins, mind you) they would show a huge disparity in games when BR played and when he didn’t. He’s the table setter and makes the offense go. I’ll confess too that McPhail needs to be actively looking for a lead-off hitter, someone who will be around for years, b/c I just don’t have a great deal of faith that Roberts is going to be the player he has been. Call me crazy, negative, an alarmist, or whatever you’d like, but we just can’t afford to have a void at the leadoff spot. These last two games when Izturis and Lugo bat back to back is just painful. They even got a few hits I think, but what team is going to be scared to pitch to either of these guys. It’s just frustrating. And the complacency of some of our guys at the plate, including Markakis is just disheartening. I know Nick is leading the majors in walks, but he doesn’t have single RBI yet? He has to swing the bat, and he struck out looking with a man on third and nobody out yesterday in the 3rd inning. Tacking another run on there should have been a given, sending the O’s ahead 3-0 with Millwood throwing very well. I know Markakis will have his 20+ HR’s and 100 RBI’s, but at a time when nobody on the team is driving in runs and our leadoff sparkplug is going on the DL, we need him to step up. We are 9-54 w/ RISP, enough said. I’m frustrated as I know they are, but the only thing at this point that would be a bigger nightmare than the one we already have is if there were other injuries and our starting pitchers were imploding. The starters have been the bright spot, much to my surprise and delight.
In yesterday’s game, the ball Miggy was charged an error on did take a bad hop, but he let the ball play him and simply has to make the play. He’s learning and has played very well so far, so no reason to believe that he won’t continue to learn and improve. Plus, he just has a wonderful attitude. He’s really not our problem, and when things are going poorly, other teams, even teams like Toronto, make you pay. At least we have Tampa Bay tonight! They are always bringing up the rear in the AL East. Phew! Go O’s
In yesterday’s game, the ball Miggy was charged an error on did take a bad hop, but he let the ball play him and simply has to make the play. He’s learning and has played very well so far, so no reason to believe that he won’t continue to learn and improve. Plus, he just has a wonderful attitude. He’s really not our problem, and when things are going poorly, other teams, even teams like Toronto, make you pay. At least we have Tampa Bay tonight! They are always bringing up the rear in the AL East. Phew! Go O’s
Friday, April 9, 2010
First Win for O's in 2010
I didn’t see the game last night and didn’t even watch the speed version this morning. After exchanging a few texts with Wass when I was in class last night, and hearing that Matusz was struggling in the 5th, I couldn’t bear to check the scores when I got home after 12:30 last night, b/c I was afraid it was going to ruin what was a fantastic night. Yonder Mountain String Band is at the top of my list as far as live shows go. Their energy is insatiable, and I am tempted to drive to Missoula tomorrow, but I digress.
I was surprised to read Matusz walked five guys and he said that he couldn’t remember the last time he walked that many. But, the guys knows how to pitch and battled through his wildness, finishing on a very strong note, striking out Evan Longoria to end the 5th. It’s great to see Wieters get off to a strong start, and both Garrett Atkins and Reimold get some big hits. It’s really a shame F. Pie is injured.
Hopefully, after another Don “Full Pack” Stanhouse performance from Gonzalez last night, he’s got it out of his system and gets on track. This team has such little margin for error, that we simply can’t afford to blow games. Who can though, so that pretty much goes without saying, but I had to say it. Overall I am somewhat encouraged by the start. Obviously wins and losses is what counts, and I am not saying I am satisfied, but I do like some of the things that have happened so far. Bergesen needs to pitch well tonight and get this home opening series off to a good start. We’ve got to beat the Blue Jays 2 of 3 all year, period.
The M’s on the other hand have shown me little to be encouraged about. We knew they weren’t going to score many runs, but losing 3 of 4 to the A’s was not what the way you wanted to start the season. I just don’t like the M’s rotation, beyond Felix, and even when Lee gets back, 60% of the starts are coming from Fister, Rowland-Smith, Vargas and Snell, and that is frightening. If Bedard can be productive (and of course healthy) and Lee gets healthy, it could be a great top 3, and the M’s could return Vargas to the BP where he probably belongs.
I finally got on MLB Audio and the O’s have bounced back after a shaky 1st from Bergy to get it back to 3-2 on a 2 run single by Miggy. Come on Bergy, we should have the advantage in this pitching matchup Go O’s!
I was surprised to read Matusz walked five guys and he said that he couldn’t remember the last time he walked that many. But, the guys knows how to pitch and battled through his wildness, finishing on a very strong note, striking out Evan Longoria to end the 5th. It’s great to see Wieters get off to a strong start, and both Garrett Atkins and Reimold get some big hits. It’s really a shame F. Pie is injured.
Hopefully, after another Don “Full Pack” Stanhouse performance from Gonzalez last night, he’s got it out of his system and gets on track. This team has such little margin for error, that we simply can’t afford to blow games. Who can though, so that pretty much goes without saying, but I had to say it. Overall I am somewhat encouraged by the start. Obviously wins and losses is what counts, and I am not saying I am satisfied, but I do like some of the things that have happened so far. Bergesen needs to pitch well tonight and get this home opening series off to a good start. We’ve got to beat the Blue Jays 2 of 3 all year, period.
The M’s on the other hand have shown me little to be encouraged about. We knew they weren’t going to score many runs, but losing 3 of 4 to the A’s was not what the way you wanted to start the season. I just don’t like the M’s rotation, beyond Felix, and even when Lee gets back, 60% of the starts are coming from Fister, Rowland-Smith, Vargas and Snell, and that is frightening. If Bedard can be productive (and of course healthy) and Lee gets healthy, it could be a great top 3, and the M’s could return Vargas to the BP where he probably belongs.
I finally got on MLB Audio and the O’s have bounced back after a shaky 1st from Bergy to get it back to 3-2 on a 2 run single by Miggy. Come on Bergy, we should have the advantage in this pitching matchup Go O’s!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Stop the Madness!
Why does the NCAA allow schools to approach coaches about jobs before the basketball season is over? Do the players really deserve to be overshadowed or, at a minimum, distracted during what should be one of the most exciting and special times of their young lives? It’s absurd, and yet the NCAA has complete control over this, yet lets it happen at the detriment of the kids. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. Of course I know it’s a business, but there is also a human side to it that the NCAA apparently disregards. There needs to be a rule that, under no circumstances, should a school be allowed to approach any coach until after the NCAA Championship game. These educational behemoths can wait an extra couple weeks, especially if everyone is playing by the same rules, just like in recruiting :) That means you Calipari!
That’s a nice segue into Kentucky announcing that five of their players are leaving the school for the NBA, only Patrick Patterson’s Mom heard the news after receiving calls from family and friends to congratulate her and her son. Now maybe we don’t know the entire story, and perhaps Patterson did tell Calipari that he was leaving, but at the expense of these soon to be NBA players, Kentucky used this major announcement as a recruiting tool, saying “We’ve got playing time for you, you one and doners!” I mean does Calipari, who has his own set of “rules” really need to upstage these kids who brought him a ton of glory this year? Apparently the answer is YES!
And finally, to finish up my bashing of the NCAA and university head’s of administration, I read an article about how the firing of WF’s Dino Gaudio took the stellar 5 player recruiting class by surprise. As I continued to read, I was once again astounded at the ignorance of another school administrator, WF’s athletic director Ron Wellman. Here’s a link to the article and here’s the quote:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Wake-Forest-recruits-shocked-by-Dino-Gaudio-s-?urn=ncaab,232802
Wellman urged the five recruits to be "patient" while Wake Forest conducts a search to replace Gaudio.
"Don’t do something at a peak emotional that you would regret later on," Wellman said. "Let us hire the new coach, meet with the new coach and see where it might go."
First of all, I am hopeful that the quote is merely a typo b/c Wellman sounds like an idiot. Beyond that, the arrogance he has to tell these five players to be “patient” and to not do something “at a peak emotionally” is just shocking! My assumption is that these kids were thrilled to be going to WF to play for Gaudio, making the biggest decision of their young lives, and he’s telling them NOT to be emotional? What about you who fired Gaudio after the fade towards the end of the season. Was that done at “peak emotion” or did you really think about that for months? It’s just crazy to me, and ignorant. I know most of these kids don’t really want to be in school and the NBA is the ultimate goal, but it still doesn’t mean that they should be treated like a piece of meat. Yet they are, and it’s all very sad. To the WF recruiting class, there’s another ACC school up in College Park, MD that has a hall of fame coach, lots of talent, and would like to talk to you. Good luck guys, and just be patient.
That’s a nice segue into Kentucky announcing that five of their players are leaving the school for the NBA, only Patrick Patterson’s Mom heard the news after receiving calls from family and friends to congratulate her and her son. Now maybe we don’t know the entire story, and perhaps Patterson did tell Calipari that he was leaving, but at the expense of these soon to be NBA players, Kentucky used this major announcement as a recruiting tool, saying “We’ve got playing time for you, you one and doners!” I mean does Calipari, who has his own set of “rules” really need to upstage these kids who brought him a ton of glory this year? Apparently the answer is YES!
And finally, to finish up my bashing of the NCAA and university head’s of administration, I read an article about how the firing of WF’s Dino Gaudio took the stellar 5 player recruiting class by surprise. As I continued to read, I was once again astounded at the ignorance of another school administrator, WF’s athletic director Ron Wellman. Here’s a link to the article and here’s the quote:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Wake-Forest-recruits-shocked-by-Dino-Gaudio-s-?urn=ncaab,232802
Wellman urged the five recruits to be "patient" while Wake Forest conducts a search to replace Gaudio.
"Don’t do something at a peak emotional that you would regret later on," Wellman said. "Let us hire the new coach, meet with the new coach and see where it might go."
First of all, I am hopeful that the quote is merely a typo b/c Wellman sounds like an idiot. Beyond that, the arrogance he has to tell these five players to be “patient” and to not do something “at a peak emotionally” is just shocking! My assumption is that these kids were thrilled to be going to WF to play for Gaudio, making the biggest decision of their young lives, and he’s telling them NOT to be emotional? What about you who fired Gaudio after the fade towards the end of the season. Was that done at “peak emotion” or did you really think about that for months? It’s just crazy to me, and ignorant. I know most of these kids don’t really want to be in school and the NBA is the ultimate goal, but it still doesn’t mean that they should be treated like a piece of meat. Yet they are, and it’s all very sad. To the WF recruiting class, there’s another ACC school up in College Park, MD that has a hall of fame coach, lots of talent, and would like to talk to you. Good luck guys, and just be patient.
Another Tough Loss for the O's
Well, another really tough loss last night against the D Rays and it was one of those games that I never felt like the O’s would win, despite being ahead for the first 4 innings. I thought Guthrie threw very well and had great movement on his pitches, especially his slider. Very encouraging, and from the quotes I read today, it sounds like he felt very comfortable and better than at any point last year. Two 1-run losses is painful though, and one of the areas that the O’s absolutely need to improve ASAP. As I watched the game last night it struck me that the O’s are hoping that next year or in 2012 they develop into what D Rays are today. I mean, their #1 and #2 starters are both younger by several years and better than the O’s top 2, Millwood and Guthrie. Evan Longoria IS a star now, and if he stays healthy is going to put up some monster numbers for the next 10 years. Markakis may not quite be Longoria, but he’s not far, and should easily win several Gold Gloves if people would look away from Ichiro (or look more closely, b/c Markakis deserved a GG last year!) They just have a wealth of talent who also have major league experience, and several of the O’s young players who I’d expect to be in very good star range, in Wieters, Matusz, Reimold, Jones, and perhaps Tillman, will continue to get ML experience and hopefully develop this year. The Rays are clearly ahead of the O’s, which brings me back to my state of depression. It’s just a brutally tough division, but I feel like the O’s are clearly headed in the right direction. Here are a couple more thoughts from last night’s game:
- Great hustle by Markakis to run hard and score from 2nd on a routine grounder to 2B that should have ended the inning. That’s the kind of stuff we need out of this team, the little things. Everyone can always hustle, and if you don’t, you sit your ass on the bench, Period.
- Regardless of what Reimold said in the papers, he looked terrible on both balls that went over his head into the LF gaps last night. He’s not a great leftfielder anyway and seemed tentative, but he’s got to get better. Quickly. Our defense needs to tighten up and all you have to do is watch the games to know that, not the box score.
- We got some breaks on check swings last night and did capitalize. We need lots of beaks.
- Hopefully the O’s learned how important tacking on runs in the late innings is. The rays did it last night and it proved to be the game winner. The O’s didn’t on opening night and you know how things ended up.
- Guthrie and Millwood’s performances were encouraging; especially b/c of what they did in the spring. I was very pleased with Guthrie last night, and he always battles.
Now, as Roch Kubatko said this morning, Matusz needs to be the stopper. A tall task indeed, but I really like this kid’s chances this year. Maybe not tonight, mind you, but he really looks like he is going to be something special. We need him to be special tonight, as it is as important a 3rd game of the season than there has ever been for this team. With Niemann on the hill for the Rays, I am keeping my fingers crossed that our offense finally gets going. I’m not going to be able to watch tonight as we are going to see Yonder Mountain String Band after my class, but I’ll have some things to say after I watch the recorded version at high, high speed when I get home! Go O’s and come on Brian Matusz!!!
- Great hustle by Markakis to run hard and score from 2nd on a routine grounder to 2B that should have ended the inning. That’s the kind of stuff we need out of this team, the little things. Everyone can always hustle, and if you don’t, you sit your ass on the bench, Period.
- Regardless of what Reimold said in the papers, he looked terrible on both balls that went over his head into the LF gaps last night. He’s not a great leftfielder anyway and seemed tentative, but he’s got to get better. Quickly. Our defense needs to tighten up and all you have to do is watch the games to know that, not the box score.
- We got some breaks on check swings last night and did capitalize. We need lots of beaks.
- Hopefully the O’s learned how important tacking on runs in the late innings is. The rays did it last night and it proved to be the game winner. The O’s didn’t on opening night and you know how things ended up.
- Guthrie and Millwood’s performances were encouraging; especially b/c of what they did in the spring. I was very pleased with Guthrie last night, and he always battles.
Now, as Roch Kubatko said this morning, Matusz needs to be the stopper. A tall task indeed, but I really like this kid’s chances this year. Maybe not tonight, mind you, but he really looks like he is going to be something special. We need him to be special tonight, as it is as important a 3rd game of the season than there has ever been for this team. With Niemann on the hill for the Rays, I am keeping my fingers crossed that our offense finally gets going. I’m not going to be able to watch tonight as we are going to see Yonder Mountain String Band after my class, but I’ll have some things to say after I watch the recorded version at high, high speed when I get home! Go O’s and come on Brian Matusz!!!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Rough Opener for O's, Gonzalez
What a terribly disappointing loss to start the season. I don’t think there is anything that is more demoralizing than a blown save, though despite Gonzalez coughing up a 1 run lead in the B9, it should never even have gotten to that point. The O’s had many chances to extend their lead throughout the game (1 for 12 with RISP), including in the 9th, and couldn’t get the big hit. Miggy stung the ball to LF with the bases loaded but it wasn’t meant to be. And getting three solo HR’s? Are you kidding me? There are some positives from the game, but man, it’s not what we needed to start the season. Here are some additional thoughts from the game
- Wieters has such an effortless swing, and the bomb he hit to CF in the 2nd was caught by an equally effortless Upton running it down
- Has anyone hit a longer HR at Tropicana Field than Luke Scott’s?
- Great to see, Wieters, Jones and Markakis hitting the ball the opposite way. Much like most hitters, when you are swinging the bat well you use the entire field, and Markakis double off of Shields on a breaking ball on the outside part of the plate was a fantastic piece of hitting.
- Markakis gunning Navarro out to end the 3rd was a thing of beauty, but in the 5th, F. Pie made a pretty good throw to the plate that got there in plenty of time and Wieters couldn’t handle it. TB put pressure on the O’s defense, but that was a play that has to be made. No excuses at all, and I wonder if Wieters would say that he should have made the play.
- Millwood looked pretty good (though not physically, as he seems to have put on a few lbs.), especially after his spring, but he too got away with a couple bad pitches that could have been ugly, one to Longoria. You have to be lucky in this game and get some breaks to win, and bad pitches that don’t get hit drive home the point of how difficult it is to hit a baseball.
- Albers looked like he had great movement on the ball and looked comfortable. Very nice to see
- I’ll give Gonzalez the benefit of the doubt in his first game with the O’s, and with a little luck, he could have had a much more comfortable lead than 1 run heading to the bottom of the 9th. But, he’s our closer, and we simply can’t afford to lose games like this.
I’m glad the season is here and hope Guthrie is able to throw a nice game tonight. Hitting 3 HR’s off of James Shields is no small feat, but hitting with RISP is critical for long term success, and the O’s need to improve this season. Keep working the counts and running the bases well too! Good Luck tonight O’s!
- Wieters has such an effortless swing, and the bomb he hit to CF in the 2nd was caught by an equally effortless Upton running it down
- Has anyone hit a longer HR at Tropicana Field than Luke Scott’s?
- Great to see, Wieters, Jones and Markakis hitting the ball the opposite way. Much like most hitters, when you are swinging the bat well you use the entire field, and Markakis double off of Shields on a breaking ball on the outside part of the plate was a fantastic piece of hitting.
- Markakis gunning Navarro out to end the 3rd was a thing of beauty, but in the 5th, F. Pie made a pretty good throw to the plate that got there in plenty of time and Wieters couldn’t handle it. TB put pressure on the O’s defense, but that was a play that has to be made. No excuses at all, and I wonder if Wieters would say that he should have made the play.
- Millwood looked pretty good (though not physically, as he seems to have put on a few lbs.), especially after his spring, but he too got away with a couple bad pitches that could have been ugly, one to Longoria. You have to be lucky in this game and get some breaks to win, and bad pitches that don’t get hit drive home the point of how difficult it is to hit a baseball.
- Albers looked like he had great movement on the ball and looked comfortable. Very nice to see
- I’ll give Gonzalez the benefit of the doubt in his first game with the O’s, and with a little luck, he could have had a much more comfortable lead than 1 run heading to the bottom of the 9th. But, he’s our closer, and we simply can’t afford to lose games like this.
I’m glad the season is here and hope Guthrie is able to throw a nice game tonight. Hitting 3 HR’s off of James Shields is no small feat, but hitting with RISP is critical for long term success, and the O’s need to improve this season. Keep working the counts and running the bases well too! Good Luck tonight O’s!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
It's All Over, Now On To MLB!
Well, college hoops is over and it ended with such a thud that I’ll be depressed until the O’s take over 1st Place in the AL East later this summer (or tonight!). Richmond’s 1st Round disaster, MD’s loss on a last second shot by, of all people, Korie Lucious, WVU’s disappointing loss AND DaSean’s torn ACL, and Butler’s loss to that hated team from Durham that officially capped off what had been a fine college hoops season. I loved all the stories about “Why People Hate Duke” leading up to last night’s game, and if everyone is talking about it must be true, right? Did Duke get all the calls last night, again? I wouldn’t go that far, but how on earth does Brian Zoubek probably played 15 minutes in the 1st half and NOT have a foul called on him? I know he picked up four in relatively short fashion in the 2nd half, but come on!!!! And, Matt Howard was basically a non-factor b/c of a couple touch fouls that WERE called on him. Anyway, I’ll give Duke credit that they played better than everyone in this tournament, and are a deserving champion. But I still hate them, and will take what little solace there is in the fact that the Terps beat the last two national champs during the regular season. Well, it’s all I’ve got to hold my hat on. Next year should be very interesting for MD, and as long as we get solid PG play, we should be back in the Big Dance. I am hopeful that they will, b/c Gary Williams almost always gets more out the talent he has than any other head coach in college, save perhaps Tom Izzo.
It’s on to baseball and the hope of watching the O’s youngsters develop this season. If we can get through the first 25 games with our heads above water, I will be thrilled, and can’t wait to see them play in Seattle in a few weeks. Go O’s!
It’s on to baseball and the hope of watching the O’s youngsters develop this season. If we can get through the first 25 games with our heads above water, I will be thrilled, and can’t wait to see them play in Seattle in a few weeks. Go O’s!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Earl's Thoughts On O's and Other Random Things
I’ve got a lot of things to say today as we have the truly official Opening Day for baseball, though not the O’s. Last night’s Yankees vs. Sox was MLB’s way of kicking off the start of the season, and if MLB can figure out a way to start the season with the Sox and Yanks, can’t it figure out a way to get closer to bringing back a balanced schedule? I digress, b/c that’s just never going to happen. So here we go:
- Sounders lost 1-0 on Saturday night and though I missed the game b/c of the Final Four, as predicted in my post after opening night, the Sounders struggled to put the ball in the net, despite many chances. Montero needs to step up as the primary target and goal scorer, and Ljundberg needs to keep his trap shut and just play. Home losses though aren’t going to help the Sounders get back to the playoffs this year.
- What a disappointing performance by The Mountaineers on Saturday night. While I wouldn’t have bet against Duke, and maybe truck Bryant’s injury was just another reason why Duke pounded WVU, but I really expected it to at least be a game. Poor DaSean Butler too, as that was a horrible way to bed your WVU career. Good luck in the NBA and to the Mountaineers next year. There will be one more little Mountaineer fan in Catonsville, MD, so perhaps that will help!
- Congratulations to Greivis Vasquez who continues to make the University of MD proud with the Cousy award and 2nd Teal All-American. I am going to really miss you GV, and thanks for all the memories! Good luck!
- Why can’t Liverpool hold late leads in the EPL? In the last two seasons they have lost or drawn so many games in the final minutes and extra time. Is it lack of concentration, fitness, desire? Whatever it is, sitting 6th in the table leaves little margin for error, and the teams ahead of them are far better than they’ve been in the past, so it’s an uphill battle. At least Torres’ goal from last Sunday will be seen many times over for the rest of the season. Truly brilliant!
- I can’t say I am feeling real good about the O’s so far but I try not to put too much stock (or any) into spring training. I’ll confess that I haven’t seen them play yet, but the early part of the schedule is simply brutal for them and I fear a slow start will bury them. The season goals for this team, in my humble opinion, should be to continue to develop all of the youngsters, like Reimold, Jones, Pie and Wieters, and Hernandez, Bergesen, Matusz, Berken, and in a few months, Tillman. Matusz is going to be a star, I have no doubt. Tillman’s attitude after being sent to Norfolk was outstanding, and if he can continue to refine his secondary pitches, in particular his change-up and two-seamer/cutter, I feel he will be some much better suited for success in the majors, even in the gotdamn AL EAST! Bergy needs to keep the ball down and he will be fine. He knows what he is doing, and showed great success against the AL East before his untimely injury. Hopefully the O’s have re-learned how to run the bases this year, b/c I can’t and simply won’t watch another season in which I saw little league base running in a dozen games or more. It was so embarrassing and Trembley better stick to his word of no tolerance.
- Other areas of improvement must include a better record against the Sox and Yankees (7-29 combined last year), road record (25-56) and record in 1 and 2 run games (29-43). Of course the AL East is the most brutal division, by far, but it’s the division we play in and I can’t even think of a situation in which realignment would do anything other than keep is the same division. So, as I think we’ve done, we’ve really started to place a premium on the draft and scouting, and taking chances on later round guys who are coming off of injury (see what the Angels did with Nick Adenhart, RIP) or fell due to signability issues, b/c we simply don’t have an owner who is willing to go out and break the bank in the free agent market. The Belle deal, which Angelos insisted be made b/c he feared the Yankees would scoop him up is still gun-shy on big deals b/c of the potential fallout. Maybe had he let the baseball people make the decisions that baseball people make, but again, I digress. Overall though, there is a ton of great talent on this team, but whether our young pitchers actually start making an impact is obviously yet to be seen. And, are they number 1 starters, #5’s, or middle relievers. That’s what I think is most difficult to gauge at this point, and only time will tell.
- Finally, my biggest concern is Brian Roberts. As I’ve said for years now, as the O’s go so goes BR, and his back issue is a huge concern. It’s also not one that will ever likely go away. A back issue for a guy who plays second base, uses his leagues as a weapon, and leads off games is a very scary issue. There is simply no replacing him for this team, and few teams in MLB would have a replacement for such a player, so it’s critical that he plays well for 130+ games. We shall see.
- For this season to be a success, it’s good and bad that it doesn’t necessarily have to show up in the wins columns. There are a ton of variables, but I want to see improvement for many different players, and while of course it would be great if those improvements translated into wins, but I just can’t get my arms around that at this point. Trembley will be evaluated on it, and I’m hopeful we will win more games than last year, 10 more at least, but that too will take time to resolve. If Roberts stays healthy, we play solid defense and the BP shows up, I think we can.
- I’m hoping the Mariners can score enough runs and find three more starts to hang in there in the AL West. Lee obviously must get healthy too, but the M’s would do very well to sign Washburn and get him into camp ASAP. He wants to play here so stop low-balling him and ring him in. Some other team could come calling any second, so get it down Jack Z. I’m really looking forward to seeing Chone Figgins and Ichiro at the top of the order, but the pop in the middle of the order right now looks minimal. Even if Milton Bradley keeps his mouth shut, stays healthy and plays well, he’s only played more than 125 games once in his career, so someone is going to have to develop some pop in the middle of the order. Gutierrez can probably hit 25 HR’s, though perhaps not in Safeco, but overall I see his production increasing, but losing Branyan may be a bigger loss than Jack thinks. I still believe the M’s will compete, but the Angels overall rotation seems considerably stronger than the M’s. The rangers will have the same pitching issues as they always do, but that’s just a hunch.
- Kudos to the Butler Bulldogs for making it to the NCAA Hoops Championship game! What a season and what an accomplishment. How they are going to beat Duke I don't know (perhaps get a few calls?!?!?!), but there are going to be 100 million Butler fans cheering them on tonight. Go Bulldogs and Good luck!!!!
I’m glad the baseball season is finally here, and I’m looking forward to seeing my Orioles in Seattle on 4/21 – 4/23, bundled up with Shelby and drinking Red Hook’s. Here's to the start of what I hope to see a view into the O's future successes! Go O’s!
- Sounders lost 1-0 on Saturday night and though I missed the game b/c of the Final Four, as predicted in my post after opening night, the Sounders struggled to put the ball in the net, despite many chances. Montero needs to step up as the primary target and goal scorer, and Ljundberg needs to keep his trap shut and just play. Home losses though aren’t going to help the Sounders get back to the playoffs this year.
- What a disappointing performance by The Mountaineers on Saturday night. While I wouldn’t have bet against Duke, and maybe truck Bryant’s injury was just another reason why Duke pounded WVU, but I really expected it to at least be a game. Poor DaSean Butler too, as that was a horrible way to bed your WVU career. Good luck in the NBA and to the Mountaineers next year. There will be one more little Mountaineer fan in Catonsville, MD, so perhaps that will help!
- Congratulations to Greivis Vasquez who continues to make the University of MD proud with the Cousy award and 2nd Teal All-American. I am going to really miss you GV, and thanks for all the memories! Good luck!
- Why can’t Liverpool hold late leads in the EPL? In the last two seasons they have lost or drawn so many games in the final minutes and extra time. Is it lack of concentration, fitness, desire? Whatever it is, sitting 6th in the table leaves little margin for error, and the teams ahead of them are far better than they’ve been in the past, so it’s an uphill battle. At least Torres’ goal from last Sunday will be seen many times over for the rest of the season. Truly brilliant!
- I can’t say I am feeling real good about the O’s so far but I try not to put too much stock (or any) into spring training. I’ll confess that I haven’t seen them play yet, but the early part of the schedule is simply brutal for them and I fear a slow start will bury them. The season goals for this team, in my humble opinion, should be to continue to develop all of the youngsters, like Reimold, Jones, Pie and Wieters, and Hernandez, Bergesen, Matusz, Berken, and in a few months, Tillman. Matusz is going to be a star, I have no doubt. Tillman’s attitude after being sent to Norfolk was outstanding, and if he can continue to refine his secondary pitches, in particular his change-up and two-seamer/cutter, I feel he will be some much better suited for success in the majors, even in the gotdamn AL EAST! Bergy needs to keep the ball down and he will be fine. He knows what he is doing, and showed great success against the AL East before his untimely injury. Hopefully the O’s have re-learned how to run the bases this year, b/c I can’t and simply won’t watch another season in which I saw little league base running in a dozen games or more. It was so embarrassing and Trembley better stick to his word of no tolerance.
- Other areas of improvement must include a better record against the Sox and Yankees (7-29 combined last year), road record (25-56) and record in 1 and 2 run games (29-43). Of course the AL East is the most brutal division, by far, but it’s the division we play in and I can’t even think of a situation in which realignment would do anything other than keep is the same division. So, as I think we’ve done, we’ve really started to place a premium on the draft and scouting, and taking chances on later round guys who are coming off of injury (see what the Angels did with Nick Adenhart, RIP) or fell due to signability issues, b/c we simply don’t have an owner who is willing to go out and break the bank in the free agent market. The Belle deal, which Angelos insisted be made b/c he feared the Yankees would scoop him up is still gun-shy on big deals b/c of the potential fallout. Maybe had he let the baseball people make the decisions that baseball people make, but again, I digress. Overall though, there is a ton of great talent on this team, but whether our young pitchers actually start making an impact is obviously yet to be seen. And, are they number 1 starters, #5’s, or middle relievers. That’s what I think is most difficult to gauge at this point, and only time will tell.
- Finally, my biggest concern is Brian Roberts. As I’ve said for years now, as the O’s go so goes BR, and his back issue is a huge concern. It’s also not one that will ever likely go away. A back issue for a guy who plays second base, uses his leagues as a weapon, and leads off games is a very scary issue. There is simply no replacing him for this team, and few teams in MLB would have a replacement for such a player, so it’s critical that he plays well for 130+ games. We shall see.
- For this season to be a success, it’s good and bad that it doesn’t necessarily have to show up in the wins columns. There are a ton of variables, but I want to see improvement for many different players, and while of course it would be great if those improvements translated into wins, but I just can’t get my arms around that at this point. Trembley will be evaluated on it, and I’m hopeful we will win more games than last year, 10 more at least, but that too will take time to resolve. If Roberts stays healthy, we play solid defense and the BP shows up, I think we can.
- I’m hoping the Mariners can score enough runs and find three more starts to hang in there in the AL West. Lee obviously must get healthy too, but the M’s would do very well to sign Washburn and get him into camp ASAP. He wants to play here so stop low-balling him and ring him in. Some other team could come calling any second, so get it down Jack Z. I’m really looking forward to seeing Chone Figgins and Ichiro at the top of the order, but the pop in the middle of the order right now looks minimal. Even if Milton Bradley keeps his mouth shut, stays healthy and plays well, he’s only played more than 125 games once in his career, so someone is going to have to develop some pop in the middle of the order. Gutierrez can probably hit 25 HR’s, though perhaps not in Safeco, but overall I see his production increasing, but losing Branyan may be a bigger loss than Jack thinks. I still believe the M’s will compete, but the Angels overall rotation seems considerably stronger than the M’s. The rangers will have the same pitching issues as they always do, but that’s just a hunch.
- Kudos to the Butler Bulldogs for making it to the NCAA Hoops Championship game! What a season and what an accomplishment. How they are going to beat Duke I don't know (perhaps get a few calls?!?!?!), but there are going to be 100 million Butler fans cheering them on tonight. Go Bulldogs and Good luck!!!!
I’m glad the baseball season is finally here, and I’m looking forward to seeing my Orioles in Seattle on 4/21 – 4/23, bundled up with Shelby and drinking Red Hook’s. Here's to the start of what I hope to see a view into the O's future successes! Go O’s!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Opening Night for the Sounders!
After an incredibly sloppy and slow start at Qwest Field, the Sounders settled down and beat up on expansion team the Philadelphia Union. The Union’s mohawked defender mugged Fredy Montero and was given a yellow card early in the first half, and 35 minutes later Toni Stahl had received two yellows and the Union were down a man. In the interim, the Sounders began to control the game and scored on a beautiful counter attack started by Freddie Ljungberg and ended with a low shot from 8 yards by Brad Evans. Freddy Montero’s diving header in the 43rd minute made it 2-0 and the game was all but over. Despite numerous chances in the 2nd half the Sounders couldn’t score again, and this was their downfall last year: not taking advantage of great scoring opportunities and putting teams away. The comments I read in the PI today were encouraging though, with no one on the team seemingly satisfied with the game, and not just because they were playing a lowly expansion team from Philly.
The Union’s head coach Peter Nowak was very critical of Ljungberg’s whining and flopping, but perhaps he hadn’t seen him play before because that’s always been his M.O, at least with the Sounders. I agree with Novak and hate this part of Ljungberg’s game, criticizing him harshly last season on this very blog. But one comment struck me as sounding like sour grapes. Nowak indicated he wasn’t impressed with Seattle’s crowd and said it was quiet in the 2nd half. Well, it may have been quieter, but the team was up 2-0, it was pissing down rain, and the chanting continued throughout. The crowd was fantastic, loud and engaged, all 36, 241 of us, and it was a great night and start to the season. Good luck the rest of the way Sounders!
The Union’s head coach Peter Nowak was very critical of Ljungberg’s whining and flopping, but perhaps he hadn’t seen him play before because that’s always been his M.O, at least with the Sounders. I agree with Novak and hate this part of Ljungberg’s game, criticizing him harshly last season on this very blog. But one comment struck me as sounding like sour grapes. Nowak indicated he wasn’t impressed with Seattle’s crowd and said it was quiet in the 2nd half. Well, it may have been quieter, but the team was up 2-0, it was pissing down rain, and the chanting continued throughout. The crowd was fantastic, loud and engaged, all 36, 241 of us, and it was a great night and start to the season. Good luck the rest of the way Sounders!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
What a Heartbreaker in Spokane!
What an absolute heartbreaker but kudos to the Terps for their furious comeback, despite falling a bit short. It seems it was about 6 seconds of defense short, which is the ultimate shame (well that and knowing that KS and G-Town were gone from the tourney). It was the perfect end to a morning in which I started watching the game on the computer b/c the GA Tech and WVU games were on the two CBS channels, headed with Shelby to Coopers which was closed at noon (WTF!!!) then to the new “sports” bar called Scorecard, in which we sat at the bar and watched the bartender set our place settings and try, painfully slowly, to locate the Terps game, finally handing the remote over to Shelby who checked the guide only to determine it wasn’t on. After 10 minutes of sheer frustration, we went to the other local, Pinehurst Pub, where we were immediately told the game wasn’t on. So, I had some Stellas and Shelby some Bloody Mary’s, then we returned home to watch the last 8 minutes.
I thought we had it, and it was this team’s style frequently this season to fall behind by double digits only to come back and win. It’s not a good way to play though, obviously, and it finally caught up to them. Thanks to the seniors for four memorable years, and thanks, in particular to Greivis Vasquez, who is no doubt one of the greatest Terps ever. What a career! I also tip my hat to Gary Williams, for a fine job and a well-deserved ACC Coach of the Year! Take that Coach K! Next season will be very strange without GV, Hayes and Milbourne, and I fear that not having a sound PG will prove to be our downfall. Time will tell, but I will be watching and cheering from Seattle. Go Terps!
I thought we had it, and it was this team’s style frequently this season to fall behind by double digits only to come back and win. It’s not a good way to play though, obviously, and it finally caught up to them. Thanks to the seniors for four memorable years, and thanks, in particular to Greivis Vasquez, who is no doubt one of the greatest Terps ever. What a career! I also tip my hat to Gary Williams, for a fine job and a well-deserved ACC Coach of the Year! Take that Coach K! Next season will be very strange without GV, Hayes and Milbourne, and I fear that not having a sound PG will prove to be our downfall. Time will tell, but I will be watching and cheering from Seattle. Go Terps!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Down with the Blue Devils! Congratulations Seniors!
What a fantastic team effort last night in College Park and it was the signature win that the Terps just didn’t have so far this season. I’m so thrilled for the three seniors and Gary, in particular. What a way to finish your career at Maryland, and GV, as he has done for 4 years now, stepped up and wanted the ball at the most critical times of the game. The last shot he made was a thing of beauty, one that you say “No Greivis,” and then as the ball rattled around and dropped in “YES Greivis!” It was so much fun to watch with Shelby, especially after several very stressful days in trial for her. She even had her Terps shirt on which clearly the difference!
I couldn’t be more proud of how the Terps kept battling and played hard and tough for 40 minutes. Jordan Williams was incredibly tough despite getting constantly banged around by that stiff Zoubek, and he made several critical foul shots as the game wound down. Overall I think the refs did a pretty good job of letting them play, but there were a couple horrible calls that went against the Terps at critical times but they were able to overcome them all. And just b/c a guy is 7 feet tall, (as Zoubek is or 7’1” whatever he is) it doesn’t mean that you can use your strength and height to grab rebounds standing behind players who have boxed you out. He constantly gets away with murder in the paint, but looking back over the years, Duke consitently has had big guys in the middle who get away with murder. See tape of Shelden Williams four years, and I could rattle off a few more players too, but what’s the point?The screens Zoubek sets on the perimeter are typically moving picks, and I referred to him last night as a rook in chess b/c that’s about as mobile as the guy is. One foul that was called late in the first half on a shot that Singler made was an NBA continuation play and I don’t know how the refs missed it. The replays showed his left foot was on the ground when he was fouled and then he “jumped”, approximately 7 inches off the ground, making the shot and the subsequent FT for the 3 point play. But to me, the most ridiculous foul was the one when Scheyer was shooting a 3 pointer as he kicks out his feet to draw the foul. He does this all the time and gets away with it but I have no idea why. The Terps got some calls too, but they were also playing at home which helps. Despite my complaints about the officiating, the Terps did what they needed to do and persevered. That’s a team that has developed the personality of its coach, and that’s awesome!
To me, the combination of only 11 TO’s and grabbing the same number of rebounds as Duke were the two biggest factors in this game compared to the first meeting. Of course it helped that we shot 50% from the field too. Adrian Bowie made some huge shots and didn’t miss a shot all night, and Mosley played very well again. He only had 3 rebounds which was very surprising to me, but he plays great defense and plays hard ALL the time. Making 17 of 19 FT’s was so huge too, and we made them when we needed to down the stretch. I’m still wondering what’s going on with Milbourne and think he may have an injury or be sick, b/c he only logged 18 minutes and they were uninspired at best. Let’s get it going Landon, we really need you for the next 10 games Poor James Padgett too, who came in, grabbed a rebound and immediately turned the ball over. He looked lost, which at this point of the season is really disappointing. I expected a lot more from him this year and hope he can provide at least some valuable minutes down the stretch.
Saturday’s game now is for all the marbles, a tie for the ACC regular season title, and while I don’t often root for Carolina, I will be cheering for them against the Blue Devils on Saturday night. It will be senior night in Charlottesville Saturday for the Terps, so they can’t overlook this game and waste this golden opportunity to tie or win the ACC regular season. People will still say Duke is the “Class’ of the ACC, and that’s just the way it is, but we will all know better. Congratulations Terps, Greivis, Eric, Landon and Gary Williams, ACC Coach of the Year!!!!!! We are really going to miss you seniors! Fear the Turtle!!!!
I couldn’t be more proud of how the Terps kept battling and played hard and tough for 40 minutes. Jordan Williams was incredibly tough despite getting constantly banged around by that stiff Zoubek, and he made several critical foul shots as the game wound down. Overall I think the refs did a pretty good job of letting them play, but there were a couple horrible calls that went against the Terps at critical times but they were able to overcome them all. And just b/c a guy is 7 feet tall, (as Zoubek is or 7’1” whatever he is) it doesn’t mean that you can use your strength and height to grab rebounds standing behind players who have boxed you out. He constantly gets away with murder in the paint, but looking back over the years, Duke consitently has had big guys in the middle who get away with murder. See tape of Shelden Williams four years, and I could rattle off a few more players too, but what’s the point?The screens Zoubek sets on the perimeter are typically moving picks, and I referred to him last night as a rook in chess b/c that’s about as mobile as the guy is. One foul that was called late in the first half on a shot that Singler made was an NBA continuation play and I don’t know how the refs missed it. The replays showed his left foot was on the ground when he was fouled and then he “jumped”, approximately 7 inches off the ground, making the shot and the subsequent FT for the 3 point play. But to me, the most ridiculous foul was the one when Scheyer was shooting a 3 pointer as he kicks out his feet to draw the foul. He does this all the time and gets away with it but I have no idea why. The Terps got some calls too, but they were also playing at home which helps. Despite my complaints about the officiating, the Terps did what they needed to do and persevered. That’s a team that has developed the personality of its coach, and that’s awesome!
To me, the combination of only 11 TO’s and grabbing the same number of rebounds as Duke were the two biggest factors in this game compared to the first meeting. Of course it helped that we shot 50% from the field too. Adrian Bowie made some huge shots and didn’t miss a shot all night, and Mosley played very well again. He only had 3 rebounds which was very surprising to me, but he plays great defense and plays hard ALL the time. Making 17 of 19 FT’s was so huge too, and we made them when we needed to down the stretch. I’m still wondering what’s going on with Milbourne and think he may have an injury or be sick, b/c he only logged 18 minutes and they were uninspired at best. Let’s get it going Landon, we really need you for the next 10 games Poor James Padgett too, who came in, grabbed a rebound and immediately turned the ball over. He looked lost, which at this point of the season is really disappointing. I expected a lot more from him this year and hope he can provide at least some valuable minutes down the stretch.
Saturday’s game now is for all the marbles, a tie for the ACC regular season title, and while I don’t often root for Carolina, I will be cheering for them against the Blue Devils on Saturday night. It will be senior night in Charlottesville Saturday for the Terps, so they can’t overlook this game and waste this golden opportunity to tie or win the ACC regular season. People will still say Duke is the “Class’ of the ACC, and that’s just the way it is, but we will all know better. Congratulations Terps, Greivis, Eric, Landon and Gary Williams, ACC Coach of the Year!!!!!! We are really going to miss you seniors! Fear the Turtle!!!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Huge Game in College Park Wednesday Night!
What a week for the Terps, with another huge game tomorrow night in College Park. While GV has continued to lead, Mosley has really stepped up in the last two games, and Milbourne has struggled. His shot has been off and he just hasn’t played as aggressively as he has throughout most of the season. I read that he only has two rebounds total in the last two games, so we really need him to get going again down the stretch.
The character and calm that this team consistently exhibits is outstanding, and they seem to have an insatiable will to win, save the Duke game. Duke’s size advantage isn’t going to be any different on Wednesday night, but I really would be surprised if we don’t win that game on Senior Night. And this may be foolish and bulletin board fodder for Duke b/c I’m sure they are reading Earl’s take this week, I am predicting a double digit win. I read that Duke would have the tiebreaker if we do finish the regular season tied, and I think it comes down to head to head against teams behind both teams in the standing. But, we can’t worry about that right now. Here’s hoping Comcast is louder than it has ever been, and the Terps can get a huge win! Go Terps!
The character and calm that this team consistently exhibits is outstanding, and they seem to have an insatiable will to win, save the Duke game. Duke’s size advantage isn’t going to be any different on Wednesday night, but I really would be surprised if we don’t win that game on Senior Night. And this may be foolish and bulletin board fodder for Duke b/c I’m sure they are reading Earl’s take this week, I am predicting a double digit win. I read that Duke would have the tiebreaker if we do finish the regular season tied, and I think it comes down to head to head against teams behind both teams in the standing. But, we can’t worry about that right now. Here’s hoping Comcast is louder than it has ever been, and the Terps can get a huge win! Go Terps!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tucker's Miracle in College Park, 2/20
What more can I say besides “WOW!” The Terps just wouldn’t be beaten on Saturday against GA Tech, and despite getting crushed by offensive rebounds, in particular by Derrick Favors, the Terps figured out a way to win. That to me is a great sign for this team moving into March Now I know it should never have come down to this, but it did, and it happens to even the best teams in D-1 ball. Hayes made some huge shots and GV made some great passes, but aside from the game winning shot by Tucker, I thought the defining moment was when Jordan Williams had the ball stripped out of his hands on an offensive rebound with about 3 minutes left in the game (or less), then dove for the ball as it was heading towards the sideline AND the arms of a Tech player to get control of it. I think he was fouled but either way, we got the ball back and it was a pure hustle play that you don’t typically see a 6’10” 260 lb player make. He simply wanted the ball more than the Tech player, and you just can’t have enough players with that kind of mentality. The kid continues to impress me and I am starting to wonder whether he will be around for 3 or 4 years. It’s looking less and less likely as his development has been quicker than I imagined.
The bench seems to be getting more playing time for a variety of reasons, but it can’t do anything but help this team as the season continues. Guys are tired as the regular season comes to a close, so a productive bench becomes even more important now. I really like this team, and hope that we can get a win tomorrow night against Clemson and have a chance for another win down in Blacksburg on Saturday. That to me will be the toughest game left on the schedule b/c, call me crazy, but I really believe that senior night against Duke on March 3rd will be a big victory for the Terps. I’m looking forward to the final weeks of the season and then of course being in Vegas for the start of the Spiders and Terps runs to the Final Four! Go Terps! Go Spiders! Web ‘Em!!!!
The bench seems to be getting more playing time for a variety of reasons, but it can’t do anything but help this team as the season continues. Guys are tired as the regular season comes to a close, so a productive bench becomes even more important now. I really like this team, and hope that we can get a win tomorrow night against Clemson and have a chance for another win down in Blacksburg on Saturday. That to me will be the toughest game left on the schedule b/c, call me crazy, but I really believe that senior night against Duke on March 3rd will be a big victory for the Terps. I’m looking forward to the final weeks of the season and then of course being in Vegas for the start of the Spiders and Terps runs to the Final Four! Go Terps! Go Spiders! Web ‘Em!!!!
O's Starting Rotation - High Hopes!
If the list of opening day starters since 2005 below doesn’t give you hope for next year and beyond I am not sure what will. I mean the rotation that the O’s are going to throw out there this season, at a minimum, has a great deal of upside, in Matusz, Tillman and Bergesen. It’s almost impossible to believe that we have had these rotations to start each season since 2005. I feel better already, and while I know this isn’t likely to be the year we contend for the playoffs, though I will put some $$$ on my O’s next month in Vegas, I can’t wait to watch Bergy, Tillman, and Matusz develop, with the help of Guthrie and Millwood. I also have a feeling that Guthrie may benefit the most by the addition of Millwood and the young starters having some time from last year under their respective belts. I am not at all concerned about scoring runs, unless of course Brian Roberts back is an issue. Much like the Terps with Greivis, for the O’s, as Roberts go, so do they. Bring on the warm weather and first pitch! Go O’s
The starting five
Last season's statistics for the Orioles' projected starting rotation:
Pitcher Age W-L ERA
Kevin Millwood 35 13-10 3.67
Jeremy Guthrie 30 10-17 5.04
Brad Bergesen 24 7-5 3.43
Brian Matusz 23 5-2 4.63
Chris Tillman 21 2-5 5.40
Season-opening starting rotations
A year after going to spring training with three undecided spots in the rotation, the Orioles' starting staff is essentially set with veterans Kevin Millwood and Jeremy Guthrie and youngsters Brad Bergesen, Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman.
Here is a look at the Orioles' rotations to start the past five seasons:
2009: Jeremy Guthrie, Koji Uehara, Alfredo Simon, Mark Hendrickson, Adam Eaton
2008: Jeremy Guthrie, Daniel Cabrera, Steve Trachsel, Adam Loewen, Brian Burres
2007: Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera, Jaret Wright, Adam Loewen, Steve Trachsel
2006: Rodrigo Lopez, Erik Bedard, Kris Benson, Daniel Cabrera, Bruce Chen
2005: Rodrigo Lopez, Daniel Cabrera, Erik Bedard, Sidney Ponson, Bruce Chen
The starting five
Last season's statistics for the Orioles' projected starting rotation:
Pitcher Age W-L ERA
Kevin Millwood 35 13-10 3.67
Jeremy Guthrie 30 10-17 5.04
Brad Bergesen 24 7-5 3.43
Brian Matusz 23 5-2 4.63
Chris Tillman 21 2-5 5.40
Season-opening starting rotations
A year after going to spring training with three undecided spots in the rotation, the Orioles' starting staff is essentially set with veterans Kevin Millwood and Jeremy Guthrie and youngsters Brad Bergesen, Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman.
Here is a look at the Orioles' rotations to start the past five seasons:
2009: Jeremy Guthrie, Koji Uehara, Alfredo Simon, Mark Hendrickson, Adam Eaton
2008: Jeremy Guthrie, Daniel Cabrera, Steve Trachsel, Adam Loewen, Brian Burres
2007: Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera, Jaret Wright, Adam Loewen, Steve Trachsel
2006: Rodrigo Lopez, Erik Bedard, Kris Benson, Daniel Cabrera, Bruce Chen
2005: Rodrigo Lopez, Daniel Cabrera, Erik Bedard, Sidney Ponson, Bruce Chen
Friday, February 19, 2010
Terps beat NC State in Raleigh
What an absolutely fantastic win for the Terps on Wednesday night in Raleigh. I didn’t see any of the game nor any highlights, but from what I can tell it was an incredible finish to the game for the Terps. GV stepped up again and Jordan Williams had the best game of his brief career. Bowie stepped up huge too, with 2 big three pointers! Three wins on the road so far (and an OT loss to Wake) is outstanding, and we need to keep it going tomorrow at home against GA Tech. It’s going to be a tough one, but I just don’t see us losing. Assuming we win, there are still 4 tough games left and we need to keep doing what we do best: handle the ball well, pass well, rebound well, and play tough, tough defense. The FT’s need to improve and have fallen off a bit from last year, but I am confident we get the W. Go Terps!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
UVA Comes to College Park, MD, 2/15
For only a two day layoff, being cooped up in College Park for days b/c of the snow, and coming off the Duke disaster, the Terps really came out strong. Obviously it helps to hit shots early while also having your opponent miss theirs, but there was clearly a sense of urgency and a much higher intensity level. They need to keep that going tonight in Raleigh, b/c this is a road game we need to win to stay in the top 4in the ACC. I believe we belong there, so we just need to win.
It was great to see James Padgett get into the game early and I think it’s obvious to Gary, especially after the Duke bigs owned us, that Padgett needs to start seeing more time. Jordan Williams had another double-double and I just love his intensity. What can you say about GV’s first half other than it was spectacular! The Terps came out strong and I knew it was going to be a good night when ESPNU showed the Terps going into a timeout and there was a great shot of my boy Troy Wainwright. My one criticism was not of the Terps, Troy, or the refs, but of one of the announcer’s on ESPNU, Dwight Freeman (sp?). The entire game he mispronounced GV’s name, saying Vazqwez! I don’t understand why broadcasting companies don’t demand that announcers pronounce names properly. It’s either ignorant or arrogant, but either way, it’s not acceptable! Come on ESPN/ABC!
At any rate, it was a fine win for the Terps, further knocking UVA down towards the bottom of the ACC, where Roy Williams and North Carolina reside. Tonight’s game in Raleigh is going to be very difficult, and if NC State can hit some open shots, further opening up the middle for Tracy Smith, it could be a long night. I have confidence the Terps will win, but I’d be surprised, though relieved, if it’s not a close one. It doesn’t appear to be on TV outside the Balt/DC area, so I’ll only have the box score for my report tomorrow. Go Terps!
It was great to see James Padgett get into the game early and I think it’s obvious to Gary, especially after the Duke bigs owned us, that Padgett needs to start seeing more time. Jordan Williams had another double-double and I just love his intensity. What can you say about GV’s first half other than it was spectacular! The Terps came out strong and I knew it was going to be a good night when ESPNU showed the Terps going into a timeout and there was a great shot of my boy Troy Wainwright. My one criticism was not of the Terps, Troy, or the refs, but of one of the announcer’s on ESPNU, Dwight Freeman (sp?). The entire game he mispronounced GV’s name, saying Vazqwez! I don’t understand why broadcasting companies don’t demand that announcers pronounce names properly. It’s either ignorant or arrogant, but either way, it’s not acceptable! Come on ESPN/ABC!
At any rate, it was a fine win for the Terps, further knocking UVA down towards the bottom of the ACC, where Roy Williams and North Carolina reside. Tonight’s game in Raleigh is going to be very difficult, and if NC State can hit some open shots, further opening up the middle for Tracy Smith, it could be a long night. I have confidence the Terps will win, but I’d be surprised, though relieved, if it’s not a close one. It doesn’t appear to be on TV outside the Balt/DC area, so I’ll only have the box score for my report tomorrow. Go Terps!
Terps Disappointing Debacle at Cameron
Obviously there isn’t much to say about this incredibly disappointing game. The Terps were completely outhustled and outmuscled, and it was a huge letdown at a critical point in the season. Of course not many people beat Duke at Cameron, but the Terps have done so in the past (though a few years ago now I think), and I thought that Greivis would go off in his final game there. It was not to be, and Duke shut him completely down in the first half. As GV goes, so go the Terps until someone else steps up. Jordan Williams sure looked like a freshman, but I thought that Duke’s big men got away with an awful lot of banging, in particular on screens up top, over the backs, etc, but we’ve come to expect that. That isn’t why we lost though. We lost b/c we missed several open shots early bruising our confidence. Then we played scared, getting bullied by a better team. While I was hopeful that we’d at least show up, I look forward to the rematch in College Park on Senior Night! Go Terps!
Friday, February 12, 2010
An Outstanding Evening at The Tractor Tavern with the Gourds
A fun night was had by all before the show at Bad Albert’s and at the tractor. Shinyribs set was outstanding, and in particular I loved Country Cool. It was great to meet Kevin’s bass player Jeff and celebrate Keith’s b-day in fine fashion. Some of the band and an assortment of other riff raff showed up at Bad Albert’s, including the Missoula Mafia. JR, again on the down low, was in rare form and especially lubricated for the first night of this tour. It’s always great to see those guys and looking forward to another trip out to MT this spring to see those who couldn’t make it (especially Meg, we are thinking good thoughts for you this weekend!)
The Gourds played an outstanding, energized show and the band was in great form. The set list was pulled together by John Mollman, and it’s always great to see him and finally meet his wife Kimberly (I hope it’s Kimberly b/c that’s what I was calling her!). I thought it was a great crowd though I neglected to ask Dan, the owner of the Tractor, how many tickets were sold but my guess is 250 or so. Not bad for a Wednesday night, I suppose.
Set lists highlights for me included Lament, Boil My Strings, Best Of Me, High Highs (for Scratchcracker), County Orange, and a song that the boys played a ton of on their tour through the PNW in 2007 but one I hadn’t heard in quite some time, Fine Leather Truck! Now I know the bands library is just huge now, but am I ever gonna hear Blood of The Ram again? Kevin? Was my request too violent? Claude, do you really not have any clout regarding setlists? I’m really not complaining as I know there are many competing interests, I just need to hear it and Jericho again soon! It was a super fun night and I hope the rest of the trip through OR, ID and WY is safe and great for everyone. We look forward to the next time, and thanks for a great couple nights!
Now go beat Duke, GO TERPS!!!!!
2/10/10 - Keith's birthday
Gourds 2/10/2010
Halelulia shine
Boil my strings
Kicks in the sun
Out on the vine
Raining in port Arthur
Lament
Pine island bayou>
cotton eyed Joe>
pine island bayou
Gyroscopic
Luddite juice
Best of me
Burn the honeysuckle
Blanket show
High highs, low lows>
2000 man
God's house
Dark and true
Ants on the melon
Red letter day
(claude pretty things song)
Illegal oyster
County orange
Shreveport>
midnight special tease>
Shreveport
Shake the chandelier
E;
Chinese variety hour
Fine leather truck
My name is Jorge
Lower 48
-jam
The Gourds played an outstanding, energized show and the band was in great form. The set list was pulled together by John Mollman, and it’s always great to see him and finally meet his wife Kimberly (I hope it’s Kimberly b/c that’s what I was calling her!). I thought it was a great crowd though I neglected to ask Dan, the owner of the Tractor, how many tickets were sold but my guess is 250 or so. Not bad for a Wednesday night, I suppose.
Set lists highlights for me included Lament, Boil My Strings, Best Of Me, High Highs (for Scratchcracker), County Orange, and a song that the boys played a ton of on their tour through the PNW in 2007 but one I hadn’t heard in quite some time, Fine Leather Truck! Now I know the bands library is just huge now, but am I ever gonna hear Blood of The Ram again? Kevin? Was my request too violent? Claude, do you really not have any clout regarding setlists? I’m really not complaining as I know there are many competing interests, I just need to hear it and Jericho again soon! It was a super fun night and I hope the rest of the trip through OR, ID and WY is safe and great for everyone. We look forward to the next time, and thanks for a great couple nights!
Now go beat Duke, GO TERPS!!!!!
2/10/10 - Keith's birthday
Gourds 2/10/2010
Halelulia shine
Boil my strings
Kicks in the sun
Out on the vine
Raining in port Arthur
Lament
Pine island bayou>
cotton eyed Joe>
pine island bayou
Gyroscopic
Luddite juice
Best of me
Burn the honeysuckle
Blanket show
High highs, low lows>
2000 man
God's house
Dark and true
Ants on the melon
Red letter day
(claude pretty things song)
Illegal oyster
County orange
Shreveport>
midnight special tease>
Shreveport
Shake the chandelier
E;
Chinese variety hour
Fine leather truck
My name is Jorge
Lower 48
-jam
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Gourds Tonight, Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA
I am really looking forward to the Gourds show tonight and we are sticking to what has become our standard pre-show warm-up, in meeting at Bad Alberts and then heading to the Tractor. Unexpectedly though, things got started last night as Shelby got a text from Claude at about 8:45 indicating that the boys were “ready to party” and where is Stano?” So, we got dressed, gathered some assorted sundries for the boyz, picked up a case of beer and headed down to meet them at their hotel. They were all in great form after a pretty easy flight from Austin, and we had a great time hanging out, listening to tunes and shooting the sh*t with them. The only thing missing was Keith, who is driving the van up and won't arrive until today. It's always nice to see another fellow local Baltimore boy too, in soundman mark! All in all, it was a great night and I can’t wait for the shows tonight. Tomorrow I’ll pull something together about tonight’s show!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
North Carolina Continues to Sink in the ACC
Another convincing home win for the Terps, though not without a few moments of trepidation when the Tar Heels closed to within 3 pts after large Terp leads. The way this team passed the ball was a pleasure to watch, and GV was at his best. We are going to really, really miss him and Hayes at the guard spots next year, but I'm enjoying this team so much that I can't worry about that now.
I don't think there are too many big men who run the court better than Jordan Williams, and IS there even a freshman who is better? His enthusiasm is infectious and this team is having so much fun. Winning is fun, plain and simple. One player who has me a bit perplexed recently is Sean Mosley, and I am wondering if his ankle, or something else, is bothering him. He just hasn't seemed himself the last couple games and his shot has been really off, so maybe it is a leg issue (or hand, b/c you shoot with them). Whatever it is, and perhaps it's a blessing b/c Tucker and Bowie have provided solid minutes in Mosley's absence, I love Mosley's hustle and we are going to need him down the stretch.
I'd be very surprised if we lost to UVA Wednesday (now Monday b/c the game has been postponed due to snow), though of course it's possible. I wish we were playing in Charlottesville though, b/c this team is playing so well and can clearly win on the road. But, we just need to win the game. Saturday's at Cameron should be a barnburner...
Finally, why is it that Coach Williams is the head coach of North Carolina but Gary Williams is the head coach for MD? I'm so sick and tired of hearing announcers talk about Roy Williams and refer to him as “Coach Williams.” The amount of talent that Roy Williams has had on his teams in Kansas and Carolina, year in and year out, including THIS year's team, is as much or more than every other school in the country. I just wonder how good a coach he really is, and while I acknowledge that he has a team with young guards, I can't help but believe he should be getting more, far more, out of this team. Those young guards were high ranking recruits (Larry Drew II - #29 overall and #3 PG on ESPN’s Top 100 from 2008; Dexter Strickland - #27 overall and #8 SG on ESPN’s Top 100 from 2009), much like the majority of players on Carolina’s roster, but yet the talking heads are still making excuses for poor ‘ol Roy and Carolina. It's laughable really, and Gary Williams just keeps getting more out his teams, year in and year out, and we still call him Gary. Go Terps!
I don't think there are too many big men who run the court better than Jordan Williams, and IS there even a freshman who is better? His enthusiasm is infectious and this team is having so much fun. Winning is fun, plain and simple. One player who has me a bit perplexed recently is Sean Mosley, and I am wondering if his ankle, or something else, is bothering him. He just hasn't seemed himself the last couple games and his shot has been really off, so maybe it is a leg issue (or hand, b/c you shoot with them). Whatever it is, and perhaps it's a blessing b/c Tucker and Bowie have provided solid minutes in Mosley's absence, I love Mosley's hustle and we are going to need him down the stretch.
I'd be very surprised if we lost to UVA Wednesday (now Monday b/c the game has been postponed due to snow), though of course it's possible. I wish we were playing in Charlottesville though, b/c this team is playing so well and can clearly win on the road. But, we just need to win the game. Saturday's at Cameron should be a barnburner...
Finally, why is it that Coach Williams is the head coach of North Carolina but Gary Williams is the head coach for MD? I'm so sick and tired of hearing announcers talk about Roy Williams and refer to him as “Coach Williams.” The amount of talent that Roy Williams has had on his teams in Kansas and Carolina, year in and year out, including THIS year's team, is as much or more than every other school in the country. I just wonder how good a coach he really is, and while I acknowledge that he has a team with young guards, I can't help but believe he should be getting more, far more, out of this team. Those young guards were high ranking recruits (Larry Drew II - #29 overall and #3 PG on ESPN’s Top 100 from 2008; Dexter Strickland - #27 overall and #8 SG on ESPN’s Top 100 from 2009), much like the majority of players on Carolina’s roster, but yet the talking heads are still making excuses for poor ‘ol Roy and Carolina. It's laughable really, and Gary Williams just keeps getting more out his teams, year in and year out, and we still call him Gary. Go Terps!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Sweep for Terps!
What a huge win for the Terps last night and it was truly a tale of two halves. The first was sloppy and ugly and we couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. But the way they started the 2nd half, in particular Eric Hayes, propelled them to the road win and sweep of FSU this season. Jordan Williams is becoming a man right in front of our eyes, and has been so much better offensively than I could have hoped. Game to game, he’s consistently a top rebounder as well, and he plays fantastic defense. If he sticks around for 4 years he is going to really be something.
Landon Milbourne provided senior leadership (as did GV) when we needed it most, and one of his offensive rebounds within the last few minutes of the game may have sealed the deal. He literally jumped through two FSU players and willed himself to the ball, getting fouled as he caught it. We hit big free throws too, including a couple by Dino Gregory.
At times it was a brutally frustrating game, not as much b/c the Terps played poorly, but the bounces really seemed to go FSU’s way until late in the 2nd half. I can’t recall a game in which there were so many balls that were knocked out of bounds that went in favor of the opposing team. That’s not to suggest there were a bunch of bad calls either, but as a player, I think I would have been terribly frustrated because we played hard the entire game and weren’t really rewarded until the end. If I am reading the box score correctly it indicated that FSU had 9 team rebounds to the Terps 2! That’s a huge difference, but to be able to overcome that speaks volumes about this team’s character. Which is to say, Gary’s character!
Overall though, it was a huge team win and I’m impressed with how they handled a bigger team, again. Sweeping FSU will likely be huge come March as well, since they too will likely be fighting for a bid to the tourney and we pushed ourselves ahead of them in that discussion now. We still have a long way to go to solidify our place in the dance, but this really helps. Gary was noticeably excited at the end of the game, as well he should have been. Now we need to embarrass Carolina on Sunday, and I am hopeful that the snow won’t keep the 18,500 loud Terps fans from continuing Carolina’s fall and making this Roy’s Williams toughest season ever. Poor ol’ Roy! Go Terps!
Landon Milbourne provided senior leadership (as did GV) when we needed it most, and one of his offensive rebounds within the last few minutes of the game may have sealed the deal. He literally jumped through two FSU players and willed himself to the ball, getting fouled as he caught it. We hit big free throws too, including a couple by Dino Gregory.
At times it was a brutally frustrating game, not as much b/c the Terps played poorly, but the bounces really seemed to go FSU’s way until late in the 2nd half. I can’t recall a game in which there were so many balls that were knocked out of bounds that went in favor of the opposing team. That’s not to suggest there were a bunch of bad calls either, but as a player, I think I would have been terribly frustrated because we played hard the entire game and weren’t really rewarded until the end. If I am reading the box score correctly it indicated that FSU had 9 team rebounds to the Terps 2! That’s a huge difference, but to be able to overcome that speaks volumes about this team’s character. Which is to say, Gary’s character!
Overall though, it was a huge team win and I’m impressed with how they handled a bigger team, again. Sweeping FSU will likely be huge come March as well, since they too will likely be fighting for a bid to the tourney and we pushed ourselves ahead of them in that discussion now. We still have a long way to go to solidify our place in the dance, but this really helps. Gary was noticeably excited at the end of the game, as well he should have been. Now we need to embarrass Carolina on Sunday, and I am hopeful that the snow won’t keep the 18,500 loud Terps fans from continuing Carolina’s fall and making this Roy’s Williams toughest season ever. Poor ol’ Roy! Go Terps!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Been Gone Too Long
I’ve been away from this blog for what seems like an eternity, and after a great deal of talk with family and friends about resuming it, it’s almost time. My passion for baseball and the O’s, the Terps, the Mariners, the Sounders, Liverpool, curling, etc. has never wavered, but far more important things came up in August. My absence from the blog coincided with spending time with my family, both here in Seattle and back home in Baltimore. It was a terribly difficult Summer/Fall, as my Mom, Maureen Eiker, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August and passed away a mere three months later, and my wife, Shelby and I, lost our baby in early October. In between, we also lost a dear little kitty, Cassidy, who we had adopted four years earlier, so it’s been a long road so far and there is plenty of distance still to cover.
Mom knew how much I loved the blog, but I had a difficult time coming to terms with how to acknowledge the loss of her and the loss of our baby. Mom always encouraged me, much like ALL of you have, so I think the time has come to get back on the horse (there’s an OLD sheriff back in town, perhaps?). This however, is not to suggest Mom or the baby will ever be forgotten. It’s just that Mom would have wanted me to get back to this, and I want to as well. I think of her so frequently, and it’s still hard for all of us to believe she’s gone because it happened so fast. Please help advance the funding and research for pancreatic cancer and get involved, locally or nationally, at www.pancan.org
Not only did I have a Mom who was always so loving, caring and supportive, but I also have a wife with so many of those same qualities (and Mom knew this!). I could not have made it through all of this without you, Shelby, and love you so much. With the hope of a happy, healthy 2010 for all of our family and friends, the anticipation of Alan and Kate’s arrival of another wee one, and our hope of having a family of our own, I believe it is time to get going again. I can’t begin to tell you all how lucky we are to have such loving family and friends, and despite all of our loss, we know how blessed we are. Thanks for indulging me and man do we miss you Mom......
Earl
Mom knew how much I loved the blog, but I had a difficult time coming to terms with how to acknowledge the loss of her and the loss of our baby. Mom always encouraged me, much like ALL of you have, so I think the time has come to get back on the horse (there’s an OLD sheriff back in town, perhaps?). This however, is not to suggest Mom or the baby will ever be forgotten. It’s just that Mom would have wanted me to get back to this, and I want to as well. I think of her so frequently, and it’s still hard for all of us to believe she’s gone because it happened so fast. Please help advance the funding and research for pancreatic cancer and get involved, locally or nationally, at www.pancan.org
Not only did I have a Mom who was always so loving, caring and supportive, but I also have a wife with so many of those same qualities (and Mom knew this!). I could not have made it through all of this without you, Shelby, and love you so much. With the hope of a happy, healthy 2010 for all of our family and friends, the anticipation of Alan and Kate’s arrival of another wee one, and our hope of having a family of our own, I believe it is time to get going again. I can’t begin to tell you all how lucky we are to have such loving family and friends, and despite all of our loss, we know how blessed we are. Thanks for indulging me and man do we miss you Mom......
Earl
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