Orioles 7, Rangers 5: "Mr. Excitement" becoming way too much to deal with
by Scott Christ on Apr 14, 2009 11:42 PM EDT
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PrintGary Thorne and Jim Palmer have this habit that's getting increasingly annoying: They try to sell we, the fans, on George Sherrill being "exciting."
This is a nice way of saying he stinks. Sherrill hasn't been pitching well since the All-Star break last season, and he wasn't that good prior to it, either. He was a horribly undeserving All-Star last season, and his starring in that game really means little all things considered.
With a 7-3 lead inherited going into the bottom of the 10th inning tonight, Sherrill did his all-too-familiar gimmick: 1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER. He managed to get Josh Hamilton to hit into a fielder's choice at third, which made the game 7-5. He got the next two batters (Blalock and Cruz) on long fly balls.
It's gotten to be way, way too much is all. There's a problem with our closer situation that needs to be looked at, but instead everyone laughs it off like, "Oh well! Hey, it's always fun!"
It's not fun. It's never fun when you're pins-and-needles every single time the closer comes in. We're talking about handing the closer a four-run lead and it never felt safe. That's not right, and it's going to kill the team in close games eventually. Period.
Other than Georgie, the bullpen tonight was outstanding. Alfredo Simon left after 1.1 IP with an injury, after allowing four hits, three of which were solo home runs. It was noted in the comments, and as much as I wanted to be positive about the team actually rewarding results, watching Simon pitch to major league hitters makes it clear: This guy is not a major league starter. Not close. Not even close.
Dennis Sarfate came on in emergency relief, and gave us 3.1 innings of one-hit ball. His fastball seemed to lack some bite, but he was effective. Chris Ray (1.1 IP), Jamie Walker (IP) and Jim Johnson (2 IP) held the Rangers in check for the remainder of the scheduled nine.
In the 10th, the O's went up 5-3 on an absolutel blast of a two-run homer from Adam Jones, and got two more from Luke Scott on a double. It should've been more than enough. Turns out it was pretty much just enough.
Scott also had a solo homer in the fourth. Aubrey Huff hit his first jack of the year in the second.
Other Notes:
- Gary and Jim sang a song tonight.
- Jamie Walker bought the team cowboy boots. Koji Uehara was particularly thrilled.
- It's nice to be 6-2, and this has been mostly fun to watch, but you look at how we're winning (often too close for comfort) and how we're losing (blown off the field) and it makes you realize how unlikely this all has been so far. If this kept up over a full season, it would be utterly ridiculous.
- That said, the win clinches the O's third straight series win. They took two of three from the Yankees and the same from the Rays. If we can avoid being destroyed in the third game of the series against Texas as we were against NY and TB, that'd be butter.
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Adam Jones
Is well on his way to being the MBP of the year, even though it has just been 8 games.
"I have seen the future and his name is Matt Wieters." Keith Law
by Reddrummer9187 on Apr 15, 2009 12:03 AM EDT reply actions
adam jones...
is sorta the king of rock and roll.
really…how the fuck are we gonna handle shit when wieters gets called up?
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Apr 15, 2009 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I know, right?
Just watching Nick/Adam alone is enough, but Matt? Come on…
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
yea it's going to be
one huge mess in the pants, front and back
by Timmy L. on Apr 15, 2009 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I couldn't have said it better myself
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
I don't think I've ever agreed with you so utterly and completely
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
Walker and the boots
Seeing our Japanese tourist walking around in boots and shorts…That’s fucking Birdland right there.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Apr 15, 2009 12:09 AM EDT reply actions
WoW! No votes for Aubrey,
even after that hit he put on Sarf….ate………? Oh he’s on our team?
DANG! Ray would be proud Aubrey!
at this point i want to say...
some time during last night’s game, i finally embraced the name “huff daddy”, though i think of huff as more of the dirty old uncle on the birdland family tree.
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Apr 15, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
first person...
to bring up that tired BS about closers not being able to get up for non-save situations gets stabbed. Sherrill stinks, and I expect that Ray or Baez will get more saves than him by the end of the year. Or Johnson. Or Sarfate. Except I could see Sarfate starting now that Simon is apparently gone. Even though he shouldn’t.
Other thoughts:
1. Oriole fans have a collective crush on AJ. I bet he wins MBP, like, a majority of the games this year. I hope so anyway.
2. Why is Jamie Walker pitching to Ian Kinsler? I know it was an extraordinary situation, but that should have ended badly.
3. Koji and Jamie should star in a buddy cop picture.
4. I didn’t watch on TV, just Gameday. Good to know AJ’s homer was a beast. Then agian this is Texas.
I like baseball.
3. Koji and Jamie should star in a buddy cop picture.
that would be birdland.
What up?
by snakethejake on Apr 15, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
ha!
i like the buddy picture/show idea. pitch it!
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Apr 15, 2009 7:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Totally Agree
We should have traded Sherill last year when he was hot and gotten something back, oh well. Chris Ray will get the job back soon, either through Sherill giving Trembly a heart attack or getting hurt again. I personally hope it’s the latter.
I don't get the impression
That Sherrill was ever in high demand.
Maybe the Long Island Ducks could have taken him
"In a couple of weeks or a month, I'll be excited about this team," Dawkins said. "I've got to get used to saying that -- I'm a Bronco." Then he paused. "I'll tell you one thing -- I'll always be an Eagle."
They were all just rumors
But after his good first half and great all-star performance, there were a few teams such as St. Louis and Milwaukee seriously considering Sherrill, however Andy was demanding two major league ready prospect, which was almost certainly out of the question.
My guess is that MacPhail wanted to hold onto his cheap, left-handed closer as we didn’t have any other options.
My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver
Jimmy Johnson is siiick nasty
He looked really right tonight didn’t he? Here’s hoping that shoulder doesn’t impinge him again…
Just because you know how to read, doesn't mean you'll like the book.
Adam Jones
I just want to point out my deep, passionate man crush on The Adam Jones (no relation). He and Roberts are such a great top of the line up. Sure, it’s early, and things are likely to cool off, but until that happens, I’ll remain all worked up.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
don't worry too much about the Brim Reaper
look at it this way: pen gave up 2 runs in 8 2/3 innings
plus how bout Brob and Nick with the plate discipline singles that added to lead!
How about this though
Pen gave up 0 runs in 7 2/3 innings with a tie score. Sherril gave up 2 runs in an inning with a large lead to work with.
Earth rotation stops! Orioles on ESPN!
Stung by bitter criticism from these ranks yesterday, ESPN Chief of Ignoring Non-Mega-Market Teams Wonbigge DeBague agreed to suspend the world’s standard revolution on its axis for 30 seconds this morning to allow a teeny weeny segment on last night’s victory by the division-leading Baltimore…something…Nighthawks? Yeah, I’m sure it’s something avian. Orioles?
In other news, boy is Mac looking smart for the Hwiggingggton acquisition. Hamstring injuries being among the world’s least predictable, Memlo could be enjoying a nice view of the next 20 games from the end of the pine while Cool Hwip Hwiggy— and not, y’know, Brandon Fahey or something — fills in at 3rd. Yeah, no sh*t.
Today’s Best Birdland Suggestion goes to Pipkin for the Kobie-Jamie Buddy Cop Picture. Graphics, please, from our graphics people. And today’s first penalty (uncontrolled stick-check against defenseless English) goes to the author of “They try to sell we…” — that’s 30 seconds plus loss of ball.
OK, thx again to whoever blew DeBague to get us on TeeVee and see ya tonight for El Sweepo.
Wait, I meant “whomever.”
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." Churchill,1942-- a rebuilding year.
dude...
take a look at the guy. are you going to try and tell me that back in the first grade kids didn’t call him “pigginton” to get on his case? check out the schnozz on that guy!
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Apr 15, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Fat Make Stalker
is what Aubrey Huff called him – Ty has managed to follow Huff to at least two, if not three, teams.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
oh, i know...
i’m just saying the dude looks like an anthropomorphized pig. no disrespect intended, i just calls ’em likes i sees ’em.
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Apr 15, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Ask and ye shall receive
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
by zknower on Apr 15, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
um...
SWEET!
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Apr 15, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
That is AWESOME
"I think it’s shocking that the Baltimore Orioles are off to a 6-2 start this year, considering they are managed by TJ Hooker."
yeah, I'd go see this movie.
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
nah, he looks like that all the time. ;)
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
LOL, excellent! I want a piece of the screenplay!
"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." Churchill,1942-- a rebuilding year.
and it's actually appropriate
walker is holding the gun with his left hand, koji holding the star with his right!
bonus points...
to anyone who can name the two actual stars of this movie….
… WITHOUT LOOKING IT UP ON THE WEB
honor system here, folks.
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
Danny DeVito and Steve Martin?
I’ve seriously never even heard of this movie, but Danny DeVito is short.
"I think it’s shocking that the Baltimore Orioles are off to a 6-2 start this year, considering they are managed by TJ Hooker."
0 for 2
here’s a hint:
the short guy is actually asian in the original movie. and for the record, I had never heard of this movie either.
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
you are half right
the dude on the left is Pat Morita.
The dude on the right is not known for being a movie star, but is absolutely a household name with his own TV show.
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
fun fact
I once attended an Orioles game where Pat Morita sang the national anthem. Remember that scene in Karate Kid when Mr. Miyagi gets drunk and sings? It was pretty much just like that, except the Star Spangled Banner.
"I think it’s shocking that the Baltimore Orioles are off to a 6-2 start this year, considering they are managed by TJ Hooker."
bet you loved america a little extra that day.
"Believe it or not, I read the paper." - Nick Markakis
Pat Morita AND
Jay Leno, everybody!
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by Scott Christ on Apr 16, 2009 4:59 AM EDT up reply actions
be honest, now. did you look it up? :)
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
It’s bullshit! I did not look it up! I did naaaaht. Oh hi Mark.
(Yes, I did.)
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by Scott Christ on Apr 17, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
my gchat status
is now a link to this picture.
"Believe it or not, I read the paper." - Nick Markakis
I voted for J-Dub...
because KOJI in cowboy boots is BIRDLAND. But seriously, can’t the Bullpen be MBP?
Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."
this is what i thought...
b/c doc, markakis and baseball jesus in waiting will take so many mbps in the future, it doesn’t hurt to throw a bone to the blood and guts guys every now and then.
ZAUN setting up a kangaroo court? birdland. the chad tackling a dude at home? birdland.
hell…i’m waiting for a reprise of luuuuukkke’s absurd homer trot!
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Apr 15, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate when individual awards are given to a group. It’s like, “See? It’s about the TEAM.” Yeah I know.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by Scott Christ on Apr 15, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I voted for Sarfate
Our starting pitcher did 1.1, and Sarfate was probably the biggest reason we were even in position for Jonesey to hit that Home Run.
I love Jones more than all of you guys put together but he was just not the most birdland last night.
The stock market will never recover, our armies will never again be #1, and our children will drink filthy water for the rest of their lives - HST
Just to be fair to Simon
I’m pretty sure he tore a ligament in his elbow last night, so it wasn’t exactly representative of his ability. Not saying he’s great or anything – just saying last night was probably not a good exhibition of his skill.
nah, it probably was
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by Scott Christ on Apr 15, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
How about his minor league stats over the last 4 years?
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on Apr 15, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I made no mention of his past performance at all and specifically said that he's not great.
Just pointing out that pitching with an injured elbow is almost impossible. I did it for 2 years in college and if anybody had seen me pitch then they probably would have thought I was awful (understandably), so I have a little sympathy for guys that are pitching hurt.
Simon has never had an ERA below 5.00 above Class A ball
I guess he had a good spring, but then, every blind squirrel finds a nut occasionally.
I’m sorry he hurt his arm, but he is not a major league pitcher.
+1
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by Scott Christ on Apr 15, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought it was funny
last night on the Rangers broadcast, one guy brings up that Simon pitched in OKC (AAA team for TEX) in 2007 and that it was forgettable to him. The other guy goes…well it wasn’t forgettable for me b/c I dont’ even remember him being on the team."
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
ZAUN
I didn’t read all the comments but I was a little disappointed ZAUN wasn’t at least on the list. I know Adam Jones started that relay to home and Izturis wasted no time getting it to the plate but ZAUN was money on that one hopper while blocking the plate. Looking back, that was crucial point in the game that allowed it to go extras. Plus, he threw out two guys at 2nd. That’s kinda like Izturis hitting a HR the first week of the season. He might be done. I can’t argue any of the guys should be off the list but I’m a little disappointed one wasn’t on there.
I had to watch the Rangers broadcast due to blackout restrictions on extra innings so you guys may have seen the same shot, but Murphy trampolining off that netting on the great catch he made on Markakis was damn funny. He flew a good couple of feet back from the wall before hitting the ground.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
+1 Write in vote for ZAUN. That was a fine block
MLB.TV had the Texas feed too. The Rangers announcers thought that catch was the funniest thing they’d ever seen. They replayed it for laughs a couple times per inning for the rest of the game.
"It looks like Keanu Reeves is filming another Matrix movie"
was one of their quotes….. god please, don’t talk about keanu reeves
You're right. Zaun made a great play there
But I think it was actually Roberts who made the relay throw to the plate rather than Izturis.
Bottom 3rd
Hamilton Doubles, Young out at home, Jones, Izturis, ZAUN.
The Relay on Roberts from Jones to ZAUN was Monday? Can’t remember who it was going for an indside the parker?
I actually initially thought it was Izturis, but then they kept talking about the great relay by Roberts even after seeing the replay a bunch.
I tried to find the video online and can’t find it.
You might be right.
This is silly
My point IS that ZAUN deserves to be on the board for MBP due to that play and the two guys he threw out. I voted Adam Jones but I’d retract it this once for ZAUN.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
And I watched teh
Rangers broadcast and specifically remember them saying Izturis so I very well could have just believed them and not noticed that it wasn’t him at all.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
Watch the play
It’s Roberts, as Izturis bends down in front of him to make sure he’s not hit by the throw.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
no,
it’s Izturis with Roberts bending down. i went and scrolled to it.
It’s very clear on the replay, especially as in the initial shot, you can see cesar heading out to LF and B-Rob heading over to back him up. The 3 on Izturis’ jersey as he’s throwing is also clear in the replay, although i can’t seem to isolate that frame (but you can see Roberts’ #1 in the shot above and he ain’t throwing).
The issue is closed. Good day, sir.
I SAID GOOD DAY!
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
by zknower on Apr 15, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks goodness.
Althought ZAUN has been forgotten in this whole thing now.
ZAUN for reliever! I mean, there was a Nick Swisher love fest here yesterday why can’t ZAUN close?
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
he could...
but he prefers whuppin’ little fellers trying to take his plate.
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on Apr 15, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesn't it just bring a tear to your eye
to see a real MLB shorstop out there?
Just because you know how to read, doesn't mean you'll like the book.
by arlingtonOsFan on Apr 15, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I stand corrected
or, much like Roberts, crouch corrected.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
I just looked at the video replay on MLB.TV
Had to go to the actual game archive and FF to the third inning.
It was Izturis. 100%.
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
Also, for the record,
the Texas announcers were heaping praise on Izturis, not B-Rob.
Maybe 3DG on the Baltimore feed was confused, à la “FIll me up, Roberts!”
It's 4 in the morning. Too much to drink. All the girls look hot. So, the Nationals are Jennifer Lopez to me. —Julian Tavarez
I love them but...
After watching the last two games with Gary and Jim, there’s one thing I’m still confused about. Is Arlington, like, supposed to be some kind of hitters park…or something? I’m not sure if they ever mentioned it.
I must say!
The lack of love for Luke is ludicrous.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
still can't figure out how you can vote for anyone but Adam Jones here
his WPA was something like +0.5
but
cowboy boots! I don’t know how anyone who saw that clip of Koji walking around in his cowboy boots and high fiving Dennis Sarfate could vote for anything different. That was the most Birdland thing ever.
"I think it’s shocking that the Baltimore Orioles are off to a 6-2 start this year, considering they are managed by TJ Hooker."
Sherrill
I’m hoping that Ray, who has looked damned good the last couple of times out, is going to work his way back into the closer role. We need another lefty set-up man to go along with Walker, and I think Sherrill could be effective in that role, as he is still tough on left-handed hitters. Either that, or maybe he’d be good trade bait if we could package him with somebody else. Clearly, he needs to be eased out of the closer role.
Hear, hear!!!...
…on Sherrill. Dude has sucked for too damn long now. It’s time for that mofo to get some therapy and start looking at the plate before he throws to it.
The more guys we get stepping up..
..Maybe we need to make it the LBP award?
The Portly Pitcher Invitational?
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