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Photo Gallery: Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 4th, 2008
We have the free-swinging Rangers on the docket this 4th of July weekend, but first, last night started off so well and then became an unadulterated train wreck.
Garrett Olson started off well, and the Orioles pounced the Royals for seven runs ? including two long balls by Aubrey Huff ? however, in the sixth inning, Olson would wilt and the game would be turned over to the bullpen.
Adam Loewen did not look good at all, but the meltdown was not all his fault as Kevin Millar committed a critical error that opened up the flood gates, and down ? the Orioles never got back up. Chad Bradford came in and the K.C. hit parade continued.
When all was said and done, the Royals would put seven runs in the sixth inning, and their bullpen shit us down.
Baltimore just needs to shake off this loss, and start the weekend off strong. If the Orioles can go into next Monday with a .500 or better record, this season so far will have been above and beyond anyone?s expectations.
Two questions for you all. One, do we continue trotting Adam Loewen out there, considering the absence of Albers ? or should he work himself out in the minors? Two, if you?re Andy MacPhail, what changes do you make in the second half (for example: Do we keep or trade Huff and do we really need David Eckstein)?
Photo Gallery: K.C. Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 1st, 2008
We can officially say that Daniel Cabrera is an engima. He had a great April-May; however, the tall righty went winless in June, but last night -- he was masterful. Who knows if he will ever be consistent, but when he's good -- he's real good and has the goods to be a top flight starter in the game.
He went nine innings, gave up two runs on seven hits en route to his sixth victory of the season as the Orioles defeated the Royals, 5-2 last night at Camden Yards.
Despite giving up an early home run to David DeJesus and an RBI in the third to Mike Alives, Cabrera shut down the Royals thereafter, including retiring 13 batters in succession until the eighth inning. The game was played in a brisk 2:16, and Daniel had a little help from Aubrey Huff and 15th home run, as well RBI's from Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis and Ramon Hernandez (who also had three hits).
Guys, what do you think of D-Cab's performance last night and what does it bode for Baltimore?
Sherrill Saves The Day: O's Beat Royals, 7-5
Since Sunday, a lot of Oriole fans have wanted George Sherrill's head on a stick, despite he having 26 saves going into action on Tuesday.
Why? Two blown saves. One against the Washington Nationals, the other against the Kansas City Royals, two teams the Orioles should have beaten soundly. However, that's how the game of baseball works -- most of the time you save 'em, sometimes you don't.
After hearing Sherrill's name dragged through hot coal on the 'net and talk shows the past two days, last night he got his 27th save.
Praise the lord! It was yet another close one, where he was shaky, but he got the job done.
Thanks Roch and James of Oriole Magic for bringing brevity to the situation and telling fans to calm down! We still really don't have a shortstop (Cintron, who has looked better in the field is on the DL now, Bynum is back), the starting pitching is still very shaky, but we're over .500, and winning; plus, fans went home happy to the campy spiritual "Oriole Magic" last night.
In another thrilling game, Sherrill got over hump and struck out Alex Gordon on guess what -- a breaking ball to help the Orioles seal a much-needed win over the Royals, 7-5. All is well in Birdland - at least until game time.
Baltimore's offense carried the team to a 6-1 advantage in the first half of the game, but the Royals kept chipping away at the lead. Radhames Liz looked shaky in the very first inning; however, he came back, looked solid, and went 6 solid innings where he was charged with three runs.
A welcome face came back -- Adam Loewen (Jamie Walker is on the DL, as is Albers) -- as he pitched two scoreless innings in relief. Well, he came into the game in the seventh inning and nearly got himself into a perilous situation, but a crucial double play and the Royals getting the ball to an Oriole fielder helped him out tremendously.
Adam Jones had two RBI, as well as Ramon Hernandez, and finally Brian Roberts hit his sixth home run to guide Baltimore to victory.
***
Yesterday, Brooks Robinson got an All-Time Gold Glove, and the celebration was held in -- York. Not Baltimore. Honestly, do you think there is or there's not a rift between he and the Baltimore Orioles? I am going to say the former, but the classy Brooks Robinson says nothing of the sort.
From the Sun: Brooks Robinson, who played with the Orioles for 23 seasons, was presented with the Rawlings All-Time Gold Glove for third base in a pre-game ceremony before the Newark Bears played the York Revolution, the independent Atlantic League team that is partly owned by Robinson.
and...
He said that since Major League Baseball was not part of the promotion, it was his decision to be honored 50 miles north of Baltimore, in York, where a street and baseball plaza are named after him and where a life-size statue of him greets Revolution fans outside two-year-old Sovereign Bank Stadium.
Robinson said he wasn't concerned about speculation that he chose York over Baltimore because of a perceived rift between him and Orioles owner Peter Angelos.
"It didn't bother me one way or the other, because there is speculation every day in the paper," Robinson said.
"There have been four or five articles, and people talk about it on the radio all the time. So it doesn't bother me one way or the other," he said.
He said he and Angelos have had meetings but haven't come to any specific business agreements.
If the team wants to make a lot of fans happy, they need to have him take an active part within the organization in some sort of shape or form -- plain and simple.
It's exciting to see the Orioles winning again, and no matter it lasts or ends today, you can no doubt deny that the moves Andy MacPhail conducted in the off-season has paid dividends. With all the comebacks, promotions, the postivity and influence of Dave Trembley, likeable players and fans along with the town abuzz (the Roar from 34 came back for a night, but his been promimently used in Oriole videos at the park), Oriole baseball may be on it's way back.
Before I go further, the national press seems well surprised -- needless to say, by the Orioles (see Yahoo says).
However, with the Orioles at 42-40, some think that the team might want to focus for a playoff run rather and keep the team intact than continuing the rebuilding plan. In my honest opinion, that would be a bad idea. Like I said this week, Baltimore under the tutelage of MacPhail, must stay on course of rebuilding the organization.
Columnist Peter Schmuck notes that the Orioles do well best from behind, and obviously based on the results this year -- it's the case.
And yes, Andy MacPhail is looking more and more like a genius each and every day. However, Stan Charles of Pressbox wants BARRY BONDS (I really like Press Box, but the idea of Bonds coming to Baltimore may be good for the bottom line and tickets, but most fans would find the idea to be ornery); alas, also in his piece he notes that Oriole still don't have a shortstop and we should should give Cito Gaston a break for not having Mike Mussina on the mound in the '93 All Star Game.
Stunned, Part II -- Sherrill Blows It Again
After serving up a two-run walk off homer to Washington?s Ronnie Belliard in a 3-2 loss on Sunday, George Sherrill was on the mound last night against the lowly Kansas City Royals and it looked like Baltimore was on it?s way to a 5-4 win. With two outs, and two strikes on Miguel Olivo ? a guy, much like Belliard whom you probably not expect to go deep in a two out situation ? DID.
With one swing of the bat, Olivo?s ball sailed into left field, and over the fence to tie the game, 5-5, pretty much completing a comeback after being down five runs. Baltimore would eventually lose in the game in the 11th inning, as Jose Guillen?s singled the go ahead run off Chad Bradford and the Royals won, 6-5.
The Orioles were up 5-1 at one point, but the bullpen could not hold onto the lead. Brian Buress pitched well, coming off an illness, as he went five-plus innings, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out three.
The loss was Baltimore?s second in a row, and now the talk in at least some parts of the Internet are questioning whether Sherrill should be shipped out, despite his 26 saves at the halfway point and being unflappable for the whole season.
Now, everyone - we?re only a game over .500 now - we have to calm down; it?s the life of a closer.
Sherrill left two pitches up in the strike zone on two consecutive days and paid for it. He?ll be fine, and we as fans have to simmer down. Stuff like this happens all the time in baseball, and although we did lose two close games to teams we should have perhaps beaten, it?s all part of the game.
If we need to feel better, Sherrill showed quite a bit of emotion after the game:
Olivo?s blast, which denied Brian Burres his staff-leading seventh win, was the Royals? first pinch-hit homer since Sept. 24.
?I?m not going to my fastball enough,? Sherrill said. ?[Olivo] struggles with breaking balls, but not that one.?
As he walked off the mound after the ninth inning, Sherrill flung his gum into the grass. Then, he tossed his glove into the seats behind the Orioles? dugout. Finally, he tossed a bucket that was in the Orioles dugout, the gum that was in it scattering all over the grass.
?That?s just a frustrating situation, and if you?re in the arena, you know that feeling,? said Orioles first baseman Kevin Millar said. ?Georgie is very competitive and just made one bad pitch. He did a great job, two sliders in the dirt, then put one over the plate and Olivo hit the ball out. But we?ll be OK.?
I think we have had more devastating losses with Chris Ray on the mound than Sherrill.
Oh yes, and now Alex Cintron may be hurt. Do we go after Felipe Lopez or do we let Brandon Fahey man the infield for now?
The O's Really Want To Win on Sundays; Melvin Mora At The ESPN Zone on Tuesday...
In a way to rally the troops, and get fans to support the team, the Orioles are taking a unique step to break the streak of the team losing on Sundays.
The Orioles announced a new promotion today in an effort to help the club reverse its Sunday struggles, which will debut this Sunday for the team's game against the Texas Rangers at Camden Yards. If the Orioles defeat the Rangers Sunday, the "We Win, You Win" promotion will reward fans with a complimentary ticket in the same seating category to any future non-prime game.
Yesterday's 3-2 loss to the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park was the Orioles' 12th straight Sunday defeat. The team has a 1-12 record on Sundays this season and hasn't won on Sunday since beating the Seattle Mariners April 6 at Camden Yards.
"The circumstances surrounding the team's Sunday struggles are highly unusual and inexplicable," team director of communications Greg Bader said. "We believe the situation calls for added assistance from our loyal fans to help the team deliver another Sunday victory. And if the Birds win on Sunday, anyone who does help us break this hex will be rewarded with a complimentary ticket to a future game of his or her choice."
Fans can purchase tickets online at orioles.com, by calling 1-888-848-BIRD or in person at the box office. The promotion is valid for paid tickets only. If the Orioles beat the Rangers Sunday, fans will be given their choice of a comparable seat location for any of the 33 remaining non-prime dates during the regular season, subject to availability. If the Orioles win Sunday, the box office will remain open following the game for fans wishing to redeem their tickets, though fans will also be able to redeem tickets any time prior to August 31.
An awesome deal, and kudos to the Orioles for trying to spark up the region's interest in the team. I guess you have to do what needs to be done to sell tickets.
***
ESPN Zone continues its season-long Orioles Q&A series Tuesday, July 1, at noon with Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora, our third baseman and two-time All-Star. The event will run from 12-1pm.
An Orioles broadcaster will host the free event, which will include an autograph signings and tons of giveaways.
Stunned; Washington Downs Baltimore, 3-2, With A 12th Inning Walk-Off Two-Run Homer
In the game of baseball, a difference between winning and losing is determined sometimes by an inch or the judgment of an umpire.
That theory could be applied to Sunday?s rubber match against the Baltimore Orioles on a hot, sunny day at Nationals Park.
With two outs in the bottom of the twelfth inning, and Baltimore ahead 2-1, thanks to a valiant comeback in the top the frame, the Washington Nationals were seemingly on their way to a second straight loss, and dropping the Battle of the Beltway series against the Orioles.
Baltimore closer George Sherrill had to only throw a strike to end the game; however, he walked Dmitri Young on a very close pitch that could have called in their favor. A pitch that might have been called a strike, if it was only a fraction of an inch closer within the zone perhaps may have set up the dramatic moment to finish off a strong weekend.
Ronnie Belliard, the next batter, had his shot against Baltimore?s unflappable closer and was behind in the count, 0-2. The third pitch in the sequence to Belliard looked to be close in the strike zone and could have ended the game; however, he would lay off the pitch and it was called for a ball by the home plate umpire.
On the next pitch, Belliard took Sherrill?s slider that missed its spot and deposited it over the field fence at Nationals Park.
When all was said and done, he rounded the bases like a little kid; thus, upon reaching to home plate, Belliard got a hero?s welcome as he was awash in a sea of red with his teammates giving him high fives and much deserved congratulations.
His two-run homer stunned not only the Orioles, but perhaps the 39,824 in attendance ? the largest crowd in the stadium?s three month history.
Washington fans, who jockeyed with those that ventured down from Baltimore all weekend in the stands, got a well deserved and hard fought win as they beat the Orioles, 3-2.
Before the dramatic finale of Sunday?s game, Baltimore had gone ahead in the top of the twelfth inning to break a deadlocked 1-1 tie. Washington reliever Luis Ayala started off the inning, and then gave up two consecutive singles with two outs to Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff; thus, moments later, Ayala was replaced with Joel Hanrahan.
With men on both first and second, Adam Jones singled off Hanrahan and plated Markakis and took the lead, 2-1. Guillermo Quiroz would fly out to end the frame, but Baltimore had valiantly come back after being stymied by Washington all day.
After keeping the Orioles off the board for six frames, Luke Scott took Washington?s Jason Bergmann deep to right field and hit his 14th homer in seventh - a solo shot - to tie the game, 1-1.
Meanwhile, Baltimore?s Jeremy Guthrie, went seven strong innings, gave up an earned run, while striking out three and walking four. He pitched well enough to as well earn a win, but a lack of run support ? finished the day with a 3.50 ERA and only a 4-7 record to show for it.
And yes, the Orioles are shockingly only 1-12 on Sundays!!!
For Pictures from this weekend: Click here and here?
Baltimore Orioles vs. Washington Nationals; Washington D.C., June 29th, 2008
A Yawner in Washington; Staying the Course: Felipe Lopez?
After a huge series at Wrigley Field, where they took two of three from the Cubs -- the Baltimore Orioles returned home -- sort of, as they played a road game down in the Nation's Capital last night.
It rained and poured literally before the game, but after a brief delay, the Orioles and Nationals tangoed in the second round of the Battle of Beltway. Baltimore looked flat and very lethargic, and in the end they would lose the NL's worst team, Washington, 4-2, last night.
In a game full errors and miscues on the field, along with looking woeful at the plate; Daniel Cabrera was serviceable -- not good -- as he got charged for two runs in the both the first and seventh innings to fall to 5-4 on the year. Besides those two innings, he looked fine, but was hittable on the night.
In a lineup not featuring Aubrey Huff -- by in large, the team's hottest hitter and Luke Scott, the Orioles offense suffered. Nick Markakis and Brandon Fahley drove in runs for Baltimore, but they just could not get the engine going.
***
Despite the Orioles taking the Cubs series at Wrigley Field, where they caused the Cubs to lose their first series at home for the year, Baltimore to repeat again and again has been a pleasant surprise.
With the loss yesterday in Washington, they are currently 40-38, two games over .500 and 8 are games out, but most fans would be fooling themselves if they thought Baltimore was a contending team. I don't want to sound crass, rude or raining on the parade -- but the reality is that the Orioles are playing way above their heads.
Despite Huff, Roberts, and Markakis' numbers, the fact remains this team has a lot of holes -- (i.e., shortstop -- Brandon Fahey starting??), an inconsistent starting staff staffed by mostly youngsters, and a lineup stuff devoid of power.
If the Orioles are still contention by the All-Star break, Andy MacPhail should wheel and deal -- for the future -- not to contend for a pennant. As much I would love to see the team in the playoffs, the fact of the matter is, this still is probably not even halfway through their rebuilding job.
This notion might be unpopular, but if we have to deal one of our key guys (outside of Markakis and Roberts), it should be done if we can get quality in return. We need a shortstop, more pitching, a power bat, an offensive first baseman and more for the future.
Don't be swayed by the record right now, Andy MacPhail must stay the course.
The winning is nice, but we have to be realistic.
***
The other big news to come out in the past few days are the rumors of Felipe Lopez coming to Washington.
You don't want to know what I though when heard the news.
From Fox Sports: The Orioles, desperately seeking a shortstop, have engaged in substantive conversations with the Nationals about a trade for infielder Felipe Lopez, according to major league sources.
The Nationals reportedly are close to signing shortstop Cristian Guzman to a two-year contract extension for an unknown dollar amount and are unlikely to retain Lopez as a free agent after this season.
In return for Lopez, the Nationals likely would receive a marginal minor-league prospect.
The Orioles have been looking for help at shortstop ever since trading Miguel Tejada to the Astros last off-season.
Lopez is hitting .247 with 25 runs and 20 RBI.
If a deal is completed, it likely would not be announced until after the completion of the Orioles-Nationals series this weekend in Washington, sources say.
Lopez had some good numbers in Cincinnati -- perhaps because of the bandbox there -- but he's been nothing short of a bust in Washington. Besides his numbers at the plate, the infielder has been seen as nothing but a grouse by the media, and his play on the field has left nothing to be desired.
I thought he might have made a good candidate to be traded to Baltimore when the season began; however, he could be a bad seed on a Baltimore team that fosters hard play, respect, following the rules, and playing 100%.
He's not done that with the Nationals.
Simply put, he definitely needs a change of scenery and he might be re-energized in Baltimore, but in this case -- if the Orioles do trade for him (IMO, they should not) -- buyer beware!
***
Before I go, I'll have more on the awesome time I had at Wrigley Field perhaps starting on Monday. I'll say, I have nothing but respect for the Cubs fans and how the majority of them treated us from Birdland. They did a great job in making us welcome, by chatting with us, and conversing in baseball; however, they showed incredible passion for their team, and their ballpark -- just beautiful, pristine, and full of life.
In a day where ballparks have emulated rock concerts or stuff you'd see in the NBA, it was nice to see a park use minimalist bells and whistles to get the crowd going. Wrigley is simple -- you focus on eyes on the game, the crowd, and not the exploding fireworks, large LCD screen, places to go galore. I appreciated that at Wrigley, and that's why I put it in the upper echelon of ballparks I have ever visited.
I have a lot to do this weekend, and I'm doing the series in D.C. against Baltimore.
Photo Gallery: Baltimore Orioles vs. Chicago Cubs: June 26th, 2008; Wrigley Field
After a successful home stand where they won an incredible six out of seven, the Orioles are now on the road on a nine-game interleague swing.
Well, the Birds? first stop had them in part of America?s heartland ? Wisconsin ? where they kicked off a three game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. Baltimore won on Friday night; however, they got kicked around in the final two games of the series and are now in a two-game skid as they have go into Chicago to face the Cubs.
Lest we forget, the Cubs swept the AL Central leading White Sox over the weekend in the inter-city rivalry.
The Milwaukee series may have exposed some of the Orioles' weaknesses -- young pitchers who are still learning to be consistent on this level (item: Garrett Olson and Daniel Cabrera), not being able to do much with hitters in scoring position and a bullpen that has had a lot of pressure put on them.
Needless to say, the Orioles have been playing well; however, their weaknesses may undo the success they have had so far.
One of the glaring problems in their lineup has been shortshop, and this weekend the team released Freddie Bynum. Obviously, he was not doing the job (he was batting under .200), and was versatile, but being unable to hit at the major level cost him his job.
Alex Cintron will be the shortstop, as he's better at the plate than Bynum or Hernandez ever was; however, his glove is suspect along with his range. In addition, will his throwing arm, which has been a problem, hold up?
I expect MacPhail to make a move for a better, everyday shortstop in the weeks ahead. The shortstop position has been a problem offensively all season, and something needs to be done.
Photo Gallery: Texas Rangers vs. Washington Nationals; June 22nd, 2008
Good luck, Mr. Gibbons; however, I can never respect you for going into Smackdown mode with Ted Lilly and Shea Hillenbrand.
Is Fox Sports' Dayn Perry Just Incompetent & Misinformed?
Sometimes, I wonder how sportswriters come up with their material, and most of the time, I find them to be uber-fans like us, just that are blessed with a paid writing job and have the access the average fan doesn't.
Read this little piece by Fox Sports' Dayn Perry titled "Who's The Manager Is Next To Get The Axe", and wonder if he even bothered to read up on the Baltimore Orioles, or furthermore any team not named the Yankees or Red Sox in the AL East.
I guess despite the Orioles' nice run of late, it does not matter what they do -- some will never rid themselves of their thoughts about this team.
Did Dayn not bother to check the standings as of late -- the freaking Orioles are 37-34. I'm sure he and 99.5% of people, such as myself picked this team to be awful, but alas, Baltimore is winning.
Really, that deserves our manager (Trembley) to be on a short leash even though he's gotten more out of his players than anyone even expected?
Just dumb and a case of being grossly misinformed or being overly provincial.
Then again, Perry may be right on everyone else mentioned in the piece.
Sigh.
Baltimore Sweeps Houston; Now Vs. Then, A Year Later
I didn't know what to think when the season started, I figured we would be lucky to see .500 this season at any point and it would be more of the same in terms of losing.
Last night, the amazing Orioles swept the Houston Astronauts by defeating them 7-5 in a exciting game at Camden Yards. Baltimore had yet another come-from-behind win, their 22nd; however, they managed to score in the middle of the game, as opposed to in late innings and cause a cardiac arrest. Alex Cintron lead the way with three hits including a home run that sparked the offensive barrage -- alas, he nearly served as the goat as he committed an error and misplayed a ball in ninth inning that alomost sparked a Houston comeback.
A six-run fifth inning helped out the Orioles and helped Brian Burres -- who had been struggling as of later -- earn his sixth win. Although he was far from dominant, he was serviceable, as he pitched a little over five innings and earned his sixth victory -- a team high.
George Sherrill earned his 24th save.
***
At this point last year, Dave Trembley became manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
Needless to say at that juncture, although the Orioles had played well when he came to the helm, they were still a sub .500 team with little hope of getting better.
We still had Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada as our "stars", but yet they could not get us out of a fourth place finish as well the butt of a national joke.
Also, one year ago, Andy MacPhail became the Chief Operating Officer of the Baltimore Orioles -- more or less, the man in charge.
MacPhail, highly regarded as a baseball man from a family with a rich legacy in the game, fans knew they were getting someone who knew the game -- however, we were skeptical as to how things would actually come about.
As well, who knew what Dave Trembley would be like as manager of the Baltimore Orioles?
Let's fast forward one year later.
The Orioles, much to the surprise of the nation, much less their own base, are over .500, seventy-one games into the season.
Andy MacPhail, through long hours of work with his staff has perhaps done the impossible -- that is making the Baltimore Orioles into a viable franchise again.
So far, MacPhail has looked like a genius and perhaps foresaw the future by sending Bedard to Seattle (see how that worked out!) and our big ticket, Miguel Tejada to Houston where they can't buy a win and are sinking like the Titanic. The deals he made in the off season have been proven invaluable, as we now have fan favorites in Luke, Adam Jones, & George Sherill; as well, youngsters who have made quite a contribution like Matt Albers and Dennise Sarfate.
I'm sure more guys will be on their way up to the big leagues, for example the amazing Matt Wieters, with Jake Arrieta in tow along with Billy Rowell and Nolan Reimold.
Meanwhile, in Charm City and in Oriole Nation, we have a team that doesn't give up until the very last out, and although we don't have any superstars -- we have a team that's likable, personable, plus one the region can identify with.
Young guys are getting their shot and making that most of it, and they are being embraced by the fans.
You can't say enough about Adam Jones, but let's also not forget Garrett Olson, Radhames Liz, Jeremy Guthrie, but also Brian Burres -- who may be struggling, but through guts and determination is showing why he deserves a shot at this level.
But all the recent success starts at the top, and you cannot give enough credit to Dave Trembley. He's instilled a sense of professionalism and pride within this team that seemed to be missing with Perlozzo, Mazzilli, Regan, et. al.
Yes, a big component of how I feel is that we are winning; however, it looks like the team respects Trembley and is buying into his philosophy.
We as fans can't be more grateful, and some who have not been to Camden Yards are coming back for not only the promotions, but to see winning and inspired baseball. Instead of knowing the game is over the by third inning, fans know they will get their money's worth and each game can provide that magical moments which makes following the Orioles worthwhile.
The Milwaukee series may have exposed some of the Orioles' weaknesses -- young pitchers who are still learning to be consistent on this level (item: Garrett Olson and Daniel Cabrera), not being able to do much with hitters in scoring position and a bullpen that has had a lot of pressure put on them.
Needless to say, the Orioles have been playing well; however, their weaknesses may undo the success they have had so far.
I realize Baltimore may not contend for the pennant (then again, I have been wrong on just about everything this season), but we have more hope than we ever had in a decade and we should be thankful.
However, the mission is far from accomplished. More deals and time will be needed to make the Orioles into a competitive franchise again. Some moves will be lauded, and there will be a few that will be scrutinized and ripped apart; alas, you have to take some risks ? not only in sports, but in all facets of life ? to become successful.
The O's Comeback Again: Defeat Houston 2-1 in 10 Innings
For the second night in a row, the Orioles once again had another come-from-behind victory as they beat Houston, 2-1, in the ten innings. Kevin Millar poked a base hit up the middle off of Houston closer Jose Valverde in the 10th inning to drive in Adam Jones and send the crowed at Oriole Park at Camden Yards rocking home.
The Orioles were buoyed by Luke Scott's homer in the seventh inning that tied the game, and once again, the bullpen kept the game close when Chad Bradford pitched two scoreless innings for the win.
Once again, Jeremy Guthrie pitched his heart out -- however, once again, the de-facto ace of the staff earned the no decision. His only mistake was giving up a solo homer -- a bomb -- to one of the best hitters in the NL, Lance Berkman in the top of the seventh inning.
Guthrie's final line: 8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 8 K.
Perhaps if he was on any other team, he might have easily earned the 'W', but with the Orioles, the lack of run support for Guthrie seems to be standard operating procedure. Guthrie has a sub four ERA, and with that alone, he should have at least a .500 record, if not above it -- alas, the Orioles don't score runs for him which has now become some crazy epidemic.
Once again, Oriole Magic came alive as Baltimore was able to pull out the win, and make things exciting for fans; however, all these comebacks may set a dangerous precedent.
Is the bullpen going to always deal with added pressure to keep the game close when the the Orioles are always seemingly behind? Are the hitters going to start pressing? And finally, what happens when the luck runs out? (Disagree with me, but the law of averages may start to catch up with the Orioles).
Well, the starting pitching needs to go deeper, and the Orioles have to be a lot more effective when they have men in scoring position.
It sounds simple enough, but it's always easier said than done.
The comebacks may be great for us fans, as we are getting no doubt our money's worth; however, I think they can only keep this up for so long.
Photos and Report: Oriole Closer George Sherrill at the ESPN Zone; June 17th
For fans who came into the Inner Harbor on their lunch hour, or a day in the city, that ventured into the ESPN Zone on Tuesday got to see the newest Oriole, George Sherrill participate in a Q&A for about 20-25 minutes.
After the Q&A session, he signed autographs and posed for pictures in an adjacent room near general seating area of the restaurant.
In an event sponsored by ESPN Zone and the team's public relations department, Sherrill was affable, introspective and personable, joking with the fans and the event's moderator, team?s radio play-by-play man Fred Manfra.
The Baltimore closer talked about his life in independent baseball, his road to the majors and his personal experiences along with perseverance have shaped his time in the big leagues.
Sherrill never got drafted in college or high school and may have got into the majors in an unconventional way ? however, he never wavered on his dream. ?I had other jobs and hated them ? I hated going to class; some kids enjoyed it, but I hated it. I loved going to the ballpark each day, and nothing beats it.?
In the past few weeks, I gotten to see him up close on the field, and we all as fans can agree, he?s had a hot start to the 2008 campaign and is nothing but a welcome addition to the organization. He had nothing but positives when it come to his teammates as George said, ?it?s great ? you?ve guys like Millar who are gonna keep it loose, as well as Walker who keeps it loose in the ?pen; it?s a good mix of guys, old, young, outgoing??
Of course he gave the man at the helm in dugout, Dave Trembley credit by saying, ?it?s great; I love playing for him ? except he?s a Notre Dame guy.?
Sherrill adds: ?He knows the right buttons to push; he knows how to get everything out of you. He seems to the be one who spurs the late game heroics, with the pinch hits, pinch runners with like (Guthrie), but he (Trembley) seems to know how get everything going. If he?s got something negative to say, he?ll start out with a positive. All the coaches are for the most part --- positive, trying to build you up and get the most out of you.?
He also gave credit to his pitching coach, Rick Kranitz.
?Is a funny quiet guy, when he comes to the mound ? he cracks a joke; he?s always loose and his meetings have a lot of information in them. He tries to work on your strengths and hits on your weaknesses if you?re out there and need something from him.?
Although he?s over 30, and is in no shape or form still a prospect ? he knows all too well that being in the majors is a not a right ? but a privilege, and he intends to stay here.
He added, ?I don?t care about personal accolades ? they?re nice and all, but I want to win. I want a ring and hopefully bring Baltimore back a World Championship.?
He also opined of the state of the team before the season ? despite the gloom and doom of many in the media, ?we knew we were going to be good ? of course most of what we heard, we were going to win like 50 games or something.? He added, ?The guys we have in the clubhouse, I knew we would be better than that.?
We all know as fans, the season has been filled with comebacks and also strong play; thus, Sherrill gave credit to the many fans of the Baltimore Orioles and how it pumps up the team.
?The fans, with the wins from behinds, give us all confidence.?
All in all, he is extremely likable, humble, and very personable. I knew based on what I have read about him, he?s a down to earth individual, and what you see with George is what you get.
About his famous flipped cap: ?In independent ball ? I used to bend it, but you know it used to look crooked, but when I got to San Antonio, I got grief about it, so I kept it as it was.?
Sherrill quipped when his teammates started to do it after each successful save for the first, ?I could not stop laughing ? it was against Tampa, and I could not stop laughing ? but it?s all in good fun.?
?I like it.?
Photo Gallery: Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles; June 17th, 2008
Oriole Magic Comes Through Again; O?s Down Astros, 6-5 & Wild Bill
The spirit of 'Will" Bill Hagy stayed alive last night as the Orioles pulled yet another come-from-behind win last night as they beat the Houston Astronauts (ok, the Astros), 6-5. The nail for the coffin for Houston came in the 8th inning, as Melvin Mora came through in the clutch -- with two outs, nevertheless -- hitting a double in the gap that would bring the Orioles back from a 5-4 deficit.
Like with most games as of late, the Orioles chipped away at their opponent's lead throughout the game and they were helped greatly by home runs by Aubrey Huff and Nick Markakis. As well, the Baltimore bullpen came through again when it was needed by pitching well over four innings, and George Sherill came through with his 23rd save.
Jim Johnson -- the ever so-clutch pitcher -- got his second win of the season. Oriole starter Garrett Olson looked really off last night, as he pitched only 4 2/3 and was charged with four run -- all earned.
Of course, last night will be remembered for two reasons -- they being Miguel Tejada and "Wild" Bill Hagy.
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