Orioles observations and opinions
The worst thing about last night’s loss?: The fact that the Orioles tied the game off future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera and then weren’t able to scratch one run across over six innings against Luis Ayala, Boone Logan and Hector Noesi. Rafael Soriano is on the disabled list and Yankees manager Joe Girardi obviously wanted to stay away from his other top setup men – Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson. The Orioles let him do it and get away with it, and now Girardi still has his most important relief options available for tonight, though with CC Sabathia's track record against the Orioles, they may not be needed.
The Orioles allowed Bartolo Colon to get through the first seven innings on just 68 pitches. I know Colon’s command was good and he was getting called strikes by home plate umpire Dan Bellino on anything even close to the plate, but that number is unacceptable any way you slice it. In a couple of games this year, the Orioles have really made the opposing starter work and the results have been good. The matchups with Felix Hernandez and Carl Pavano come to mind. But the biggest criticism I'd have with their offense is they simply don't make the opposing pitching staffs, specifically the starters, work hard enough on a nightly basis.
Speaking of Bellino, I try to avoid criticizing umpires too much because it is overdone and largely pointless. But that had to be one of the worst strike zones I’ve seen all year, and that was true for both teams. Colon, whose command was stellar, was just able to exploit it better than the Oriole pitchers. There were some pitches called strikes that didn't even flirt with the plate. And while trying to be sympathetic to Chris Dickerson, who had to go to the hospital after getting hit in the head by Michael Gonzalez’s pitch in the 15th inning, I don’t agree with the decision to eject Gonzalez. It was three pitches after Robinson Cano’s go-ahead, two-run double and Gonzalez certainly doesn’t have the reputation as a head hunter. He also knows that he was the final Oriole reliever available so I doubt he’s going to intentionally hit somebody and risk being tossed. Bellino heard it from both dugouts all night and it was well deserved.
By the way, a couple of people asked me why Showalter didn’t let Bellino have it after the Gonzalez ejection even though he believed that there was no intent whatsoever. The reason was that it would have been in incredibly poor taste had he made a scene while Dickerson was on the ground getting tended to by medical personnel. Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen pulled that kind of stunt - though saying he made a scene would be an exaggeration - against the Orioles back on May 2 when Nick Markakis left the game after a Chris Sale fastball deflected off both his bat and his hand. Guillen, who apparently thought Markakis was acting, came out of the dugout to contest the call even though the White Sox were up 6-0 with two outs in the ninth inning, and Markakis has a reputation around the game for playing the game the right way. It certainly was noticed by several members in the Orioles clubhouse.
Orioles center fielder Adam Jones fumbled a ball in the 15th inning that went for his second error, but he also made a terrific play to throw out Alex Rodriguez trying to stretch a single into a double in the sixth. At this time last year, Jones’ defense and focus were nightly complaints on this blog. I don’t hear much about those things anymore and for good reason. Jones is playing center field at an extremely high level, a Gold Glove level. He also is playing his butt off, running the bases hard and picking his spots to drop down bunts. Like everyone else, I would like to see him mix in a few more walks and swing at fewer bad pitches, but to me, Jones’ continued development has been one of the Orioles’ biggest positives this season.
Jim Johnson’s stuff last night was just ridiculous. Fastball in the mid to upper 90’s. Heavy sinker. Johnson throws the ball hard and over the plate so regardless of how good his stuff is at times, he’s going to give up some hits and runs. But there are some nights where hitters don’t stand a chance against him.
Teammates and Orioles brass love a lot of things about Zach Britton, but I think the two biggest traits that they admire is his confidence and competitiveness. Hours after his outing ended and he met the media last night, Britton was still visibly ticked off that the Orioles didn’t win the game. He wasn’t angry because he again got no run support, or he didn’t get a win against the Yankees. He was angry because his team lost, saying that regardless how he pitched – and allowing one unearned run over seven innings against New York is a quality outing by any standard - it was a bad day because of the end result. This kid has front of the rotation stuff and a front of the rotation attitude.
I don’t think this means anything, but first baseman Derrek Lee was on the top step of the dugout with his batting gloves on and a bat in his hand, on at least two different occasions last night. I’m not sure if it was a decoy to try to convince Yankees manager Joe Girardi that he was available or Lee was just trying to stay in the game and be there for his teammates. Lee is dealing with a strained left oblique and said yesterday that he wasn’t planning on doing any baseball activities. So my assumption was that there wasn't even a fleeting thought of getting him in the game. But either way, I thought it was worth mentioning. Lee also made it a point to approach Brandon Snyder in the clubhouse after the game and offer some encouraging words. Snyder couldn’t get out of the way of Matt Wieters’ bouncing single in the 15th inning, resulting in an out.
This probably doesn’t fit in this space, but I didn’t want it to get lost in this morning’s notebook. Orioles top prospect Manny Machado, who hasn’t played since dislocating his left kneecap on May 5, has headed to Sarasota to begin a rehab program and baseball activities. I’d expect him to be down there for around a week before returning to Single-A Delmarva’s lineup.
Comments
Posts like this are what I enjoy most about the blog. Thanks, Jeff!
Posted by: Chris | May 19, 2011 9:24 AM
When you look at the pitch f/x data, it looks to me like Britton was getting squeezed compared to Colon. Colon had fewer balls being called on both sides of the plate than Britton did.
Posted by: Josh | May 19, 2011 9:25 AM
Luke Scott is the major culprit last night - 8 men LOB, and totally gacking the 1-out, bases loaded situation in the 11th. What a horrible at-bat.
Ever since the announcement of his injury it looks to me as if he can't swing the bat. I have to wonder how honest he is being about the seriousness of the injury and his level of discomfort.
Posted by: Chas | May 19, 2011 9:33 AM
About the strike zone last night - at home, from MASN's camera angles, it appeared most of the pitches on the LH batter's box side that were called strikes for both starters were actually strikes, with the ball just on the edge of the superimposed strike zone MASN generates.
I assume it's safe to say that wasn't the case, and the camera angles and strike zone graphic were misleading?
Posted by: Bill on da Shore | May 19, 2011 9:37 AM
Once again, I have to wake up to all my Yankee freinds' emails. I find these losses to the Yankees and Red Sox so demoralizing.
It may be time for the O's to re-evaluate Reynolds position with the club. Maybe the O's can make a deal, any deal with a NL team before the trade deadline. They won't be negotiating from a strong position, but that swing of his ain't gonna cut it in a league of off speed breaking stuff and changeups. It is waaaaaaay to long.
As far as Bellino goes, it's not just his strike zone, but every umpire seems to have his own. Some have lower strike zones, some are liberal on the outside of the plate and so on. I just wish there could be some consistancy. But no doubt, his was all over the place.
I can't imaginr Gonzalez pitching at home that anymore, at least for the near future. The booing will only get worse and become an embaressment. His contract, performance and his left handed status gives the O's little manuvering room to move him.
Posted by: Jay from Connecticut | May 19, 2011 9:53 AM
Great post- very informative.
1) Michael Gonzalez stinks. I realize he was the last reliever available last night but I would honestly rather have Wieters throw the ball to himself, or get a starter warmed up earlier in the game, than to risk another close game against the Yankees to that loser. To hell with how much we owe him on the remaining part of his contract- we've seen enough over the past 1+ seasons to conclude that he doesn't have anything for us.
2) Is it me or do our hitters make every pitcher we face look like a Cy Young winner. No earned runs in 8 innings against a 37 year-old? No runs in 6 innings against the worst relievers in the Yankees bullpen? If I was Showalter I would tear into this team after what they've been doing to Guthrie and more recently Britton. You have guys who have whined about not having a competitive team in recent years and now that our pitching staff is getting it done, our hitters are stranding baserunners, batting
Posted by: Andrew | May 19, 2011 9:59 AM
Who's ready for the fight tonight when the Yanks go headhunting in retaliation?
Posted by: Rex Thunderclap | May 19, 2011 10:30 AM
Very Simple. Buck is an idiot. Why do you keep the one guy on the bench who can win you the game. I guess Fox will never come out of the dog house.
Buck did this last week in guthries loss.
Oh well, stupid is as stupid does
Posted by: Doug | May 19, 2011 10:47 AM
I agree with Chas, that Luke Scott was a huge let down in the 11th. Bases loaded and 1 out, you at least have to put the ball in play. Or see more than the 3 pitches that it took to for Luke to strike out. I was hoping that Buck would sub in the right handed bat of Fox to pitch in that situation, because Luke has no chance against lefties now-a-days. Fox has a pronounce uppercut swing that would have at least produced a fly ball with Pie on 3B it is unlikely he would have been thrown out.
Speaking of thrown out...it is clear to every scout on every team that Nick has lost his once dominate arm. There is no way that (a injured hip) A-Rod scores on that middle depth fly ball if Nick is throwing up to his standard. The throw was off target and late. Even if he was on target the play would have been very close at the plate. When you compare his throw to the one made by Jones from near the warning track, where A-Rod just gave up because he was out by a mile, you see the clear difference in arm strength. I think the O's are keeping some arm injury to Nick under wraps. His throwing hasn't been good all year.
Last point, it is hard to win with the bottom third of the lineup going 0 for 16.
Let's go O's, we need 9 innings of shutout baseball from Bergy tonight.
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Jeff Z's reply: I don't think that the Orioles are necessarily trying to keep an "arm injury" to Markakis under wraps. I'm sure from his days as a pitcher, Markakis has plenty of wear and tear on that left arm/shoulder. He ices it all the time and when you watch him in spring training and in outfield drills, it's very clear that he saves his bullets for the real games. But I don't know that it is an injury persay.
Posted by: Warren | May 19, 2011 10:50 AM
Regarding the development of Jones as one big positive for the season, I'd like to throw Matt Weiters in there, too. Had it not been for Snyder's brain fart on the basepaths, Weiters would have had a 3 for 6 night, with 2 hits in extra innings. I think in many ways he's the engine that's making this team go.
Also, while I agree that piling on an umpire is a reprehensible thing to do, the strike call on Markakis in the 14th (?) inning was atrocious.
Posted by: Stefan | May 19, 2011 10:50 AM
It is tough to watch some of these. Our starters have to be having a tough time trudging out there with the knowledge that if they do their job chances are the work they've done will get ruined by our total lack of timely offense and god awful bullpen. Granted, the hits we do get won't always be meaningless, but it just seems like we are not capable of having a big inning. Without putting a couple decent innings on the board, every game is going to be a dog fight and when you have scum bums like "gonzo" inhabiting the bullpen, it is very difficult to gut those type of games out. All the missed opportunities on offense plus a bullpen that can't pitch its way out of a paper bag, equals a combo that won't get you a whole lot of W's. While some of these relievers are manageable, Gonazlez has done more than enough to prove that he is far more harm than good. Eat this poor excuse's contract and let him go be someone else's problem.
Posted by: Nate | May 19, 2011 10:51 AM
I DISGREE WITH THE RENOLDS observation he is a strike out or home run guy by the end of the year he will have his 35 plus homers and 180 batting average dats why we got him the line up as a whole is not producing renolds needs more protection
Posted by: ROB | May 19, 2011 10:52 AM
Wow, as far as blogs and reporting goes, in this post, Jeff, you're in the zone! A lot of really great information here.
As far as Dan Bellino, he kept calling Colon's 2-seamer to righties, that tailed back, on the outside corner. That particular call ended the inning in multiple innings. The Os bats were right to take it each time, because it was too low and away. And, in spite of being so wild, Britton wasn't really getting the same calls.
Posted by: Eddie in NYC | May 19, 2011 10:58 AM
GONZO MUST GO. Seriously, how long are we going to put up with this? It's been too long already. What do we have to lose? If he goes to some other team and wins the freaking Cy Young, I won't be mad.
Posted by: JH | May 19, 2011 10:58 AM
This is the second time already this season that an Orioles pitcher has hit a Yankees batter under suspicious circumstance, and both times, the pitcher was aiming for the batter's head. 2 different pitchers (Rupe and Gonzalez), but the same manager (Showalter). It seems obvious that Showalter ordered the pitchers to hit the Yankees batters. It seems very naiive of you to state that it didn't seem intentional. On both occasions, the HBP occured under suspicious circumstances and replays on both occasions showed that the pitch was headed straight for the batter's head as soon as it left the pitcher's hand. Showalter has demonstrated that he is not only a loser, but he is a sore loser. The Orioles hitters now have targets on their backs due to Showalter's decision to hit the Yankees batters.
-BD-
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Jeff Z's reply: Yes, because Showalter clearly wanted Michael Gonzalez to hit Dickerson - in the head no less - and get tossed from the game so he had to bring in his Opening Day starter and the scheduled starter for tonight's game last night because he had no other options. He really wanted to have to juggle his rotation so tonight, he has his fourth/or fifth starter facing Sabathia, the Yankees ace. What's naive is your grasp of the situation and the circumstances. If you watched Gonzalez for the last two seasons, you would know that there are times where he frankly has no idea where the ball is going. Girardi and the Yankees yell from the roof tops every time one of their batters gets hit. I may have missed it last night, but I didn't hear any accusations that Gonzalez intentionally hit Dickerson on purpose.
Posted by: Black Dynamite | May 19, 2011 11:00 AM
Talk about 2 discouraging games. This team continues to be an enigma. Last night was an even more frustrating result than Monday's because they had so many chances to win and wasted so many positive performances by Britton and members of the bullpen. I think a team is only allowed so many moral victories, regardless of what their expectations are. And I think the O's have used their share. It's time to finish games against NY and Boston.
Jeff, I really enjoy and look forward your detailed blog postings. I feel like a more educated Orioles fan than I have ever been. There have been a lot of big names that have come through Calvert Street on their way to bigger and better things... Rosenthal, Olney, etc. But I don't remember getting this kind of detail until now. Could just be that this is the blog age and readers have higher expectations. Regardless, thanks again for your efforts.
The schedule eases up after tonight, so I will try to hold my head high.
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Jeff Z's reply: Thanks a lot Mike. Yeah, I think the current state of journalism with the blogs and such allow you the freedom more to do these kinds of things. My first years as the beat writer, it was more just covering the news and the daily nuts and bolts of the beat. Rarely was it about giving my opinion on certain things. I left that up to our columnists. Now, I think the expectations for me - especially on the blog - are to do a little more analysis, and bigger picture stuff. I'm also still relatively new with the blog stuff and I'm trying to figure out what kind of material the readers prefer to read.
Posted by: Mike from VT | May 19, 2011 11:03 AM
Why would you not suicide bunt with bases loaded, one out, speed on third and a guy who can't seem to put the ball in play? Scott should have thrown up the white flag, taken the out and gone back to the dugout. Even if he was out at home, make the defense earn it. The end result was the same without a chance to score.
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Jeff Z's reply: Well the infield was in, so Scott would have had to drop a pretty darn good bunt to get the run in. I don't like his chances of doing that, considering I am not sure I can remember the last time he dropped down a bunt.
Posted by: Tom | May 19, 2011 11:08 AM
Jeff, can you hypothesize on why, for the last 11 years, the same problems have plagued the Orioles?
Three constants: poor plate discipline, starters racking up high pitch counts and not pounding the strike zone, and poor performances against left-handed starters.
In that span we've been through countless managers, coaches, roster turnovers and even a couple GMs. So how is it that the same problems remain year after year after year?
(And I'm sure some will chirp in about the O's bringing in poor players, but the fact is, a lot of guys were good pick ups and had their worst statistical years while wearing the Orange and Black).
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Jeff Z's reply: Christopher, it is indeed a fair and great question. I could probably write a thesis paper in attempting to answer it so real hard to answer something like that on a blog. But I think it is a combination of a lot of factors, starting with coaching/teaching in the minors leagues, not good enough players, pressure playing in the AL East, an overall malaise and losing culture that has permeated here for over a decade. I could go on and on, and I'm pretty confident that my answer wouldn't satisfy or do justice to the question.
Posted by: Christopher | May 19, 2011 11:26 AM
Solid Jeff.
You are spot on with AJ. I was one of the ones leading the criticism last year. I am a hard person to win over if I think you are loafing it in any walk of life, not just making big bucks on the ball field, but Adam as shown some serious growth this year. My respect level for him has increased to a point I really didn't consider possible after last year. He is doing a great job out there.
As for the lack of offense on this team, I know there has been much talk around here on moving the lineup around, yet it seems like the only time Buck does so is when he is forced by injury.
Did we really bring this guy in to spend a quarter of a season sitting on his hands and waiting for his players to produce? I mean, where is the fire from last year? Why doesn't anyone seem to be worried about his job security? If I'm buck, I'm dropping B-Rob and Markakis down, waaaay down, to send a message. And I know that not many other guys are hitting, but sticking Hardy and AJ at the top is worth a shot at this point.
If I wanted to watch a manager sit and wait for things to happen, I would have been a Trembley supporter.
I'm just baffled as to why this team isn't trying anything different to get something going.
Posted by: pjclark4 | May 19, 2011 11:42 AM
Jeff,
When we lost that lead in NY back on April 14th our offense went into a funk.
Losing exactly the same way on Monday in Boston made me curious how the bats would do on Tuesday.
The rainout made us wait until last night, but the EXACT same thing has happened with our offense after losing a game they knew they should have won.
Confidence, motivation, call it what you want, but this team has all this talent going to waste because something is not clicking between their ears.
Posted by: Dennis | May 19, 2011 11:53 AM
Maybe its just when they play the Yankees and I her it from so many people here where I live....BUT....need to vent...bases loaded twice....absolutely no clutch hitting....and yeah that starts with no plate discipline whatsoever....nobody digs in the back foot, they just take it as a normal at bat. I don't know what happened to the fire they showed when Buck came on board last year....they've slipped into the same old Baltimore malaise...and its not even hot and muggy yet. I'm really down on this team and I NEVER thought I would be. Reynolds is Atkins in disguise...When McPhail said he would buy the bats I guess he meant the wood kind, not the guys that use them....Hardy has been good, but Reynolds, Lee, and Vlad are disappointing...I don't think we got Vlad to be a hit for average guy. I kind of wish we had gotten Damon, he's a guy that kind of takes charge and gets gritty. If the O's are going to succeed in that division they need to do things differently to win, go against the grain....take chances...do the unexpected....do whatever it takes to win....I thought there would be that kind of attitude change with Buck and I'm very disappointed that it seems like biz as usual, and "just another game" approach from a lot of the players. I think I'm more down about this team now than I have been in a number of ears. I know we have a lot of positives but collectively last place is last place even if its only 4 or 5 games out.
Posted by: joe from jersey | May 19, 2011 12:16 PM
I don't know -- but I felt at peace with the loss last night. The loss to the Red Sox after a 6 run lead, ticked me off. I like Showalter and in fact, I am extremely annoyed with fan remarks that it's Showalter's game management.
Last years team under Showalter performed well down the stretch. In fact, this team has probably the toughest schedule of any AL team the first 2 months. Yet oddly, they are only 3 games under .500 and 5 out of first place in the division. I'm sure the Red Sox, Yankees and Toronto fans think their teams have under performed. The latter maybe over performing to one aspect.
The O's OBP is .314, with a team BA of .246 and a team ERA of 4.22. Of the 18 games played against the AL East teams, the O's are 7 and 11, 5 of the loses were to the Yanks. Compare that to the W-L total of last year against the AL East and this team had maybe 2 wins in as many games. Improved starting pitching and defense helped the team this year. D. Lee saved many bad innings from going south. 4 of the 5 Starters have less than 4.35 ERA. Of the 9 bullpen arms -- only 3 have less than 4.00 ERA. Ask yourself, is it the Manager or Coaches fault that the bullpen walks a player or gives up a double, triple or HR. You don't coach that. You coach the mental approach, positioning, situations and the mechanics
of the game. It's the players who need to execute. Blame Scott for not hitting a ball out the infield with the bases loaded and 1 out. Blame Gonzales for not being crafty enough to control his pitch placement. What's the guarantee that you brought Fox in with the bases loaded and he got a hit. There is none -- ask yourself what is logical given the situation. We are fans and have a right to be upset -- however, given the opportunity to play how well would you hit, pitch or manage when the light is on you. Showalter ran out of bullets in the bullpen and had no choice but to use Gonzalez. All of us thought Luke had a chance to end the game with a deep fly ball and the bases loaded. If that happened, Showalter would have never been questioned on his management.
Posted by: DCN8TIVE | May 19, 2011 12:43 PM
Jeff,
While Derrek Lee might have been trying to decoy the Yankees, I am pretty sure they knew he was not available as the YES broadcasting team commented on this at least twice during extra innings.
Posted by: Joshua Josephs | May 19, 2011 12:48 PM
What a great read. Excellent post!
Posted by: JackL | May 19, 2011 12:49 PM
Can someone please tell Brian Roberts to stop sliding into first base.
The reason you slide into a base is to SLOW DOWN to avoid overrunning the base (last time I checked its ok to overrun 1st base), or to avoid a tag (which rarely happens at 1st base).
In other words: you get there faster if you keep running. That's why sprinters are taught to run through the finish line - its the fastest way to get there.
Posted by: My Name Is Earl | May 19, 2011 1:03 PM
I have no great concerns with the Orioles season to date except for one thing, their play in total against The Yanks. With the rest of the league, they are one game over .500, most folks would say after 13 seasons of poor play, that is a good record. But, their inability to play with NY is exasperating. The Yankees are having real problems and yet Baltimore always seems to be the answer for any problem they have. My hope is that Buck figures something out to say to these guys to let them know these Bronx Bombers are over the hill.
Posted by: PJ Steelman | May 19, 2011 1:03 PM
NOTHING WRONG WITH LUKE THAT A TRADE TO ANOTHER TEAM WOULDN'T FIX.
Posted by: Jim Irving | May 19, 2011 1:31 PM
First of all, Gonzalez didn't throw at the batter intentionally, his control is just that poor. It's time for him to go, no matter what the cost is. Everybody makes bad investments. Consider this one and don't allow him to cause any more harm. We have to pay him either way, so, wouldn't you rather pay him to do nothing instead of paying him to lose games? Secondly, what did anybody expect from the Orioles this year? 3 games below .500, I consider that relatively successful so far. People are complaining now more than ever, which shows more people care. That is a good thing, however, 90% of people opening their mouth are naive to the past 5 years because they didn't pay attention. Get educated before people have to read the absolute garbage you decide to post. Much like Gonzalez, nobody is taking Reynolds because of the money, not to mention contractual years, that he is owed. We have to suck it up and deal with what we have. Don't get too down on the bad things that happen with this team, enjoy the good things. For the first time in years, they are making NOTICEABLE strides. Be proud to call yourself an Oriole fan and be happy when things go our way. When they don't, stand behind your team. If you aren't willing to show your face at the yard, you shouldn't have an opinion; just like the political world if you don't vote. It's easy to complain and point the finger, after all, it's the 21st century American Way.
Posted by: Jon | May 19, 2011 1:46 PM
Jeff,
Good stuff as usual - thank you.
Winning games like last night help change the culture around here. Especially after losing against Boston the way we did, last night would have been huge.
With that said, I think the same holds true for tonight. Winning against the Yankees, at home, after these last 2 losses, and staying close to .500 - it means a lot, right?
So why does Buck use Guthrie last night, knowing it means Bergesen starts tonight? Bergesen pitched his best in 2 years the last time out. I don't see him repeating that tonight, do you?
Everyone is frustrated with some of these losses and with certain players. My frustration is starting to spill over
onto Buck for some of his recent decisions. Thoughts?
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Jeff Z's reply: I'm not sure the Orioles had a whole lot of options at that point. Out of the starters, obviously Britton was out of the equation. Tillman had just thrown on Monday and he has been dealing with back stiffness so he's out. Arrieta had his side day yesterday. I think Guthrie was the most ready at that point. I think the bigger debate after the Yanks took the 4-1 lead and Gonzalez got tossed was, do you just let a position player pitch there and chalk the game up at a loss and save Guthrie for tonight. However, Showalter made it clear that he doesn't like doing that under any circumstances.
Posted by: PeteyPablo | May 19, 2011 1:57 PM
Buck managed not to lose in the 11th last night, and it cost the team. There was no good reason not to pinch-hit Fox for Scott (who struggles against lefties, and has a track record of not hitting well w/ RISP) against a lefty with the bases loaded and one out (unless Fox is injured.) It doesn't matter that Fox is the backup catcher - you play for the win there, and worry about who catches if Wieters leaves the game later if that happens.
When will someone teach this hitters to a) adjust to a pitcher living on the outside corner by hitting to the opposite field and protecting the corner with two strikes, and b) that in a tie game at home with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and beyond, A WALK WINS THE GAME? Scott had a pathetic at-bat - at 1-1, swings
at an ankle high pitch way inside, then whiffs on a ball that bounces a foot off the plate. Take until two strikes. Wieters swings on 2-0 when he doesn't have to (even hitting a fat pitch, which that wasn't, on 2-0 doesn't guarantee a hit - no reason not to take a strike or even two there.)
Until this team starts winning should-have-won games against Boston and New York, they'll remain a losing franchise.
Posted by: OriAl | May 19, 2011 1:57 PM
Time for Buck to take some heat.
Handling relievers: he pulls relievers after just one inning when they have pitched well -- why do so many relievers seem capped at one inning?? He puts in Guthrie _after_ Gonzalez --- why not put him in when the game is still on the line -- I bet Guth would love to have a chance to get a win for just pitching a few innings. Does Buck lack a good manager's intuition for playing the hot hand?
Reynolds. Come on, put him on the bench. A team can't carry that much offensive deficit and win. If Gerardi can bench Pasada, surely Buck can bench Reynolds. The multiple intentionals to get to Reynolds speak volumes.
If you're going to pinch run for Vlad (not a good idea w/ nearly empty bench), at least have Snyder steal!
Injuries. It seems like guys are playing hurt, a lot. It's common for players to hide injuries. It's the manager's job to ferret that out and address it.
Last year, Buck came in and put up the depth chart to let players know there's someone else in line behind them. It seems now it was just a bluff. Why no one gets demoted for poor playing? I'd much rather see a hungry question-mark rookie then a predictably flat over-the-hill vet.
Jeff: is Buck limited by McPhail's need to justify off-season acquisitions? Is McPhail forcing these duds on us (again) because otherwise he's starting to look like a dud himself?
As a fan since 79, I can take losing, but it's losing when it's predictable that is irksome. Would like to see Buck shake things up a bit. Andy too. You can look through the O's AAA stats and see PLENTY of positionals (Ryan Adams) and pitchers that would seem to give as good or better odds of success than some of the current roster.
Let's get a little crazy: give Machado a shot at 3B?! Come one O's, give the fans something to work with.
Posted by: JTS | May 19, 2011 2:05 PM
Why is Mark Reynolds still playing? This bum has to to be the biggest bum to ever wear an Oriole uniform. Tom Shopay was a better hitter. Take da bum out----he's killin' the team.
Posted by: rick from oregon via bmore | May 19, 2011 2:16 PM
The first strike call to Markakis (you know the one) was the game. It caused him to chase the next pitch in the dirt. To call that pitch a strike, especially against Markakis, who has such a great eye, was just criminal. That's the way it goes, though. Sometimes you eat the bear, sometimes the bear eats you.
It's important to keep a few things in perspective here- the team is only 3 games under .500 right now in a very tight division. Yes, we all expected better, but some things just haven't gone as planned- the injury to Matusz, lack of power from Lee, Vlad, and Reynolds, and the bullpen, which looked to be so good on paper. And let's tip our caps to Britton, who gives us something to look forward to for years to come, and to Jones and Weiters, who are starting to show us that they aren't the busts we all thought last year.
BTW, release Gonzo. It makes no sense to keep him when he's hurting the team just because you paid all that money for him. Would you keep an employee who keeps screwing up at a regular job just because you're in a hiring freeze?
Posted by: DCB | May 19, 2011 2:22 PM
It would be nice if home plate umpire Dan Bellino answered a couple of questions.
Faced with a clear violation of MLB rule 9.02 when Alex Rodriguez argued his called third strike in the 13th inning, Bellino elected NOT eject Rodriguez.
But faced with a judgment call on Michael Gonzalez' pitch that beaned Chris (name) in the 15th, Bellino tossed Gonzalez...determining (apparently) that the pitch was intentional.
I'd like to hear how Bellino squares those two calls.
Posted by: RE Porter | May 19, 2011 2:23 PM
This Oriole club has perhaps the worst approach to hitting I've ever seen...and I've seen some real lousy ones here in recent years.
I mean we make every pitcher look like Palmer in his prime.
These guys are now swinging at everything thrown up there early in the count, the scouting reports know this & the pitchers know this so they expand the zone & we constantly roll over weak ground balls.
In the mean time, starting pitchers against us get to go deep into the games because we've only made them throw 70 pitches in 8 innings as was the case last night.
Then, when the game is on the line & we can win it with a sacrifice fly or God forbid, a base hit...our "sluggers" take fast ball after fast ball down the middle, allow themselves to now get in the hole & then strike out swinging at garbage.The hitting approach of Scott & Reynolds in particular is beyond horrible & there is no reason either should get any playing time unless there is no other choice due to injury like we are now faced with.
How many times could/should the O's have won that game last night? The giveaway in Boston by the pen the night before. McFail's brilliant signing of Gonzalez, Lee, Gregg, Atkins...any more proof he hasn't done the job/
Beg Pat Gillick to come back for 3 years or this new Oriole way of pulling defeat out of the clutch of victory will be with us forever.
Posted by: jack | May 19, 2011 3:00 PM
Here is the Orioles problem
L. Scott batting avg. 227
N. Markakis batting avg. 248
D. Lee batting avg. 231
B. Roberts batting avg. 221
M. Reynolds batting avg. 184
If you can't hit you don't win and they are making millions. I don't blame them if you can find a GM to over pay you why not.
Posted by: Doc in Baltimore | May 19, 2011 3:02 PM
Its time to sever all times with Gonzalez. I don't know what else you need to see. If Luke Scott is injured, send him to the DL. No shame in that. You're a liability in the field becase he can't throw and his swing isn't very good right now. The team is playing hard and our starters are finally keeping us in games. If you need to blow up the bullpen, I can provide you with the matches and gasoline.
Posted by: Jeffry | May 19, 2011 3:14 PM
Jay from Connecticut.
You need new friends.
Posted by: Bobby | May 19, 2011 3:27 PM
Great post, Jeff. I see a lot of negative comments from the O's fans. I know it's frustrating for all of us to watch but hey, 19-22 and 5 games out is more exciting than last years start.
The bullpen has blown several leads that lead to losses. Guts and Britton are awesome and can't get run support. The other starters have done a decent to great job with the offense spoiling it.
I see lots of positives and I am still excited about the O's.
As soon as the offense clicks then we will stay near the top, no doubt.
Posted by: Craig | May 19, 2011 3:32 PM
I like the way Buck has handled the team and I think the Orioles are greatly improved. But the disturbing thing about last nights 15 inning loss is that I get the impression the team still has the same old mind set. Good teams try to figure out ways to win games while bad teams try to figure out ways not to lose. Trying to change that mind set is Buck's toughest job.
Posted by: Rick from CT | May 19, 2011 3:36 PM
Get rid of Gonzo..release him, send him down, trade him for a little leaguer but he needs to go. Reynolds, everyone needs to get off his back.He is a decent fielder and fromwhat I ahve seen and heard about him he is a hard worker. What are the other options at 3rd? Bell..no way, Fox no way, Andio no power.Reynolds is what he is and he is in a new league and has to adjust. Look at the record this compared to last year at this time there has been inprovement...all of who thought this was going ot a miricle year need to get your head examined, it better but has a way to go. I do agree that Scott needs to be sat down as he is proving nothing, and I have never seen what everybody sees in him. All in all while it is frustrating there are sparks of improvement.
Posted by: BC | May 19, 2011 3:47 PM
I hear everyone blaming Scott and rightly so for not having a more productive AB with bases loaded...But the play before that, I think Pie should have scored on Arod's poor throw. Texiera was on his butt, having dived away from the plate to save the throw and couldn't have thrown him out or would have had to make a great play. Pie had already rounded third maybe more so then I have ever seen any player do and not try to score. You could even tell by Pie's body lanquage of when Tex had to dive to save that throw and he was closer to home then third. They blew their chance right there. buck has been sayin that taking chances on the bases was the coaches job(commercial) and maybe after Pie has been thrown out a couple of times he was talked to and was afraid to get thrown out again...just saying!
Posted by: kenny | May 19, 2011 4:23 PM
This may sound dumb, but why not recall Josh Bell instead of Snyder and sit Reynolds until he gets his head together. Bell was hitting as well as Snyder at Norfolk and could have had a chance to provide some spark. He's decent at 3rd so no loss in the field. I still like Reynolds for the long haul and think he'll come around but a spell on the plank might start him thinking.
Posted by: woodieman | May 19, 2011 4:35 PM
Jeff,
Good analysis as always. Obviously hindsight is 20-20, but along with others on this blog, I too am wondering if Buck considered pinch hitting Fox for Scott last night in the 11th against the lefty. Do you know if anyone posed this question to Buck and/or what his response was?
Thanks.
...............................................................................................
Jeff Z"s reply: Question was not posed though I could tell you the answer. SHowalter feels a lot more comfortable with Scott at the plate in a big spot than Fox, regardless of whether there is a lefty or righty on the mound.
Posted by: MW | May 19, 2011 4:40 PM
"Adam Jones fumbled a ball in the 15th inning that went for his second error, but he also made a terrific play to throw out Alex Rodriguez trying to stretch a single into a double in the sixth."
Terrific play? That was one of the wordt base running decisions ever made.
Posted by: joefoss | May 19, 2011 4:58 PM
I totally agree with the poster about the umpire. Umpires have no one to account to. It's just totally wrong. He should have tossed A-Rod. I didn't see Gonzo screw up, but from what I read, he shouldn't have been tossed.
Again, the umps need to have accountability to someone.
Posted by: Mark | May 19, 2011 7:14 PM
It's really hard to put into words but I'll try. THE ORIOLES SUCK!! No really......except for no hitting and no bullpen, they're not that bad. And they are interesting to see how many conceivable ways a team can find to lose.
Posted by: lunatic | May 19, 2011 8:58 PM