Orioles 12, Blue Jays 10: This Day Is Birdland
by Eat More Esskay on May 27, 2009 7:43 PM EDT
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PrintI don't mean to step on anybody's toes with this fanpost, but I was at today's game and I don't see the post-game now that I'm back at home. I'm pretty excited. So I figured I'd start writing and see what comes out.
At the start of today, the omens for an Orioles victory were simply not present. A day game, series finale, pitching against Roy Halladay, with the 7-8-9 slots of the line-up being occupied by Pie, Moeller and Andino. Moeller who had already been told he would be sent down on Friday to make way for Wieters. But it was Ollie's Bargain Day, meaning $9 "upper reserve" tickets so I decided to make the trip to Oriole Park at Camden Yards and see if, in spite of all reasons to believe to the contrary, the team could bring a little Orioles Magic to Birdland.
I think it's safe to say that a new MASN "defining moment" commercial was launched today.
The game looked like it was going to be a long one from the top of the first. Rich Hill did not look very sharp throwing, and did not help himself in committing an error that led to a run and an early 1-0 deficit. There was hope resurgent for Birdland, because Luke Scott decided he'd had enough of the disabled list and took Halladay deep in his first at-bat. Unfortunately, there was still more Rich Hill to contend with and the wheels fell apart for him in the top of the 4th with six Blue Jay runs crossing the plate in a half-inning that felt like it lasted for an entire hour. With the score 7-2 in favor of Toronto, a comeback against Halladay seemed unlikely. Indeed, by the time he left the game after pitching seven innings, the deficit was 8-3.
Even among the faithful fans who remained, there was some grousing - playing out the string, wanting to stick it out to the end, but not really expecting to make the comeback.
Then, Birdland happened.
First it was, "Gee, if Huff homers, we'll only need a grand slam to tie." Then Huff got on base. Then Mora got on base. Then Scott got on base. Suddenly it was a grand slam to be down a run. Only, Chad Moeller came up with the bases loaded and one out and everyone expected a GIDP. Instead there was an HBP. Then Robert Andino (at that point 3-for-3) came to the plate and everyone expected a GIDP. Instead, he became 4-for-4 and the deficit was lowered still. Toronto brought in another reliever but could not stem the onslaught: Roberts, Jones, and Markakis all followed with RBIs to the the score.
Too bad Juan Samuel got greedy and tried to send Jones home on Markakis' double to deep right. It looked even worse in person than it probably did on TV. Jones never had a chance. Still... 8-8 and a whole new ballgame. Birdland.
Danys Baez made a Birdland contribution at first by working two scoreless innings and coming out for the top of the 11th. He gave up a home run to Aaron Hill and that seemed to be the end of Birdland for the day. Overcoming an 8-3 deficit in a Halladay-started game and then coming back to win in extra innings was too much, right?
But Birdland was not through for the day. Former Oriole BJ Ryan allowed a single to Nick Markakis and suddenly the tying run was at the plate. Though he did retire Aubrey Huff, apparently he's only a LOOGY now and a right-hander came in to face the rest. Melmo singled. Winning run was at the plate. Scott singled and it was suddenly a one-run game with the tying run on third and one man down.
To the plate stepped Nolan Reimold, who'd pinch-hit for Pie earlier in the game. Righty against righty, with all of OPACY praying for a ball deep enough to just score the tying run and keep it going. Reimold, I think, was a bit tired of hearing about Matt Wieters. He decided to just end the game with a three-run homer.
As the fans filed out of the stadium, we were serenaded by the strains of Orioles Magic. I don't think there is any doubt: Orioles Magic is Birdland. Today we got a whole hell of a lot of both. It is a good day.
Some notes that didn't seem important enough to mention in chronological order:
* Felix Pie made a real nice throw to gun down a runner at the plate to end the top of the first. That damage could have been worse.
* Chris Ray did not look all that good in his relief appearance.
* Yours truly made it onto the Jumbotron during the 7th inning stretch. I don't actually expect any of you care, but that had never happened to me before and I was excited, so it's worth mentioning to me. Deal with it!
* Ollie's Bargain Day is an even better bargain when you pay $9 for your ticket and sit in section 82 instead of section 382. Much has been made of uptight ushers at OPACY lately, but I didn't encounter any today and I got to watch a great game from a great angle at a great price.
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Uhh
Wow, I hope I can edit this. Note to self: hitting enter posts the shit. There is more to come.
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on May 27, 2009 7:44 PM EDT reply actions
It has been edited
There’s much more when I look at my fanpost page and I saved the changes, but it doesn’t seem to be showing up when I refresh this page yet.
However, the MBP poll, which I just added with the edit, is now showing, so I feel like I’ve failed to do something right. I’ll keep investigating.
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on May 27, 2009 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, dude
Didn’t know you were editing it. Figured I was doing you a favor, and now I’ve just screwed it up. :(
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
But you can fix it all!
Just delete my poll and add your own.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
My own damn fault anyway
First time I posted a fan post, and I was in the middle of adding stuff when I was suddenly fascinated by the “teams” column. I was trying to figure out how to tag it to the Blue Jays as well… and after typing in Toronto Blue Jays I hit enter and instead of just saving that field it posted the little I’d already finished.
It’s all good now. Thanks duck for kicking me up to the front page!
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on May 27, 2009 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, no big deal
It looks like the full text is now showing up. Your poll has replaced mine but I like yours better. You have the Wieters option. :)
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on May 27, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
suffice to say...
today is a day that will live in birdlandery!
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
You are so lucky to have been there
I was stuck in my stupid office.
I’m smart, not a dummy. ~Adam Jones
I'm still pumped
I’m pretty sure that’s the first time I’ve gotten to be present for an extra-innings game and it was so awesome to win it in that fashion. Improbable comeback, not once, but twice. The guys really never gave up today and it was incredible to see it unfold before my eyes. No one in the stands actually expected to win after that 4th inning, but most everybody stuck it out anyway… and what a reward for doing so!
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on May 27, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
This game
was about as Birdland as it gets.
I take that back. It could’ve been a score of 12-0. But that may be Birdland overload. If there’s even such thing.
Turning point?
Not to overstate the importance of 1 game in a 162 game season, but look at this:
- Exit Adam Eaton
- Bergesen and Berken show up and win major-league games
- Reimold comes up and looks like the real deal
- Add that to homegrown star Nick Markakis and continuing emergence of Adam Jones into a superstar (and the excellence of the Adam Jones trade in general)
- Matt Wieters
I can’t help but feel like this is the turning point. From “bad” to “bad but with potential”. Like perhaps the Orioles have hit rock bottom, and are now on the way back up.
I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.
I love "The Adam Jones trade"
Because that’s what Seattle AND Baltimore fans will be calling it for years to come. Especially when Erik resigns here next year. :)
Hey, wishful thinking! I’d take him back in a heartbeat.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
It might become
the Chris Tillman trade. Just think, we have yet to see a VERY significant part of that trade in the majors yet! I’m thinking of getting a Bedard jersey just because he’s done so much for this team.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
Give credit where credit is due
Bill Bavasi is definitely Birdland
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on May 27, 2009 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bavasi
was part of the landmark ruling that led to the decision to not name non-Orioles individuals “Birdland”. He made my life a whole lot better though. Thanks Bill!
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
Walk offs are fun!
I’m smart, not a dummy. ~Adam Jones
by Stacey on May 27, 2009 8:20 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Beautiful
And I love that Andino was first to greet him. I leave work at 4:30, so I was sweating bullets. I followed the bottom of the ninth on my cell and then relied on phone updates from my family. Birdland as shit, this was.
"The United States is the New York Yankees of countries...powerful and respected until the year 2000." - Homer J. Simpson
I just set up my DVR to record the game at 1130
So I can see it live for myself. Watching it on stupid ESPN game cast was so stressful.
I’m smart, not a dummy. ~Adam Jones
Andino also pie'd him
Checked the MASN video and it was #12
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
I wish I could give a second place vote to Andino
because, really, 3 hits of Halladay is awful Birdland.
I gave a first place vote to Andino
Home runs are sick but the Izturis replacement with four hits deserves some sort of credit
I love how
Mora started jumping up and down at third base. Not to mention that Aubrey Huff and Cesar gave Reimold the pounding when he hit home plate. Maybe the older guys are really jacked up by this youth movement. Watch Chad Moeller as Reimold hits home plate. I feel so bad for the guy… but … not really.
Not to be cynical...
but Izzy, Huff and Mora are the 3 positions we DON’T have a young guy ready to move in. They know they won’t be shoved out this year.
But it was pretty cool to see the team react like that.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
Maybe not...
It’d be either Grant Green or a pitcher (yes I know, again)
This is the year of the pitching and I’m sure we have a couple we like
Green is a SS
by Markakis and Wieters 4 Life on May 27, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe not.
the big knock on Green is that he may not be able to handle SS at a major league level, which makes his bat much less impressive.
Eh, I really don't know enough about the draft to comment
But we do need a 3B as well
by Markakis and Wieters 4 Life on May 27, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
he'd be a decent 3B, but he has a much more average bat at 3rd.
If i ends up playing short, he’s a top 5 pick. if he cant, he’s still probably a first round pick, but much later.
A note to everyone:
I don’t mean to step on anybody’s toes with this fanpost, but I was at today’s game and I don’t see the post-game now that I’m back at home.
If anyone ever wants to write a game recap and it’s been awhile since the game ended, do it. When I’m writing recaps I almost always do it just as soon as the game ends, plus the odds are that I’ve been in the game thread commenting the entire time. I prefer not to recap games I haven’t actually seen, especially when they’re as awesome as today’s. The same generally applies to SC and the other mods, I think. This blog is a community and a group effort, so please, contribute. I would ask that if you do decide to write a post game recap, just put a comment in the game thread that you’re doing so. That way on the off chance someone else thinks about writing one at the same time, they’ll know it’s already being covered.
I’m smart, not a dummy. ~Adam Jones
have you all decided
who gets the honor of recapping WIETERS day?
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
ha!
I don’t know, I’d say that’s SC’s call, especially since I’ll be at the game.
I’m smart, not a dummy. ~Adam Jones
It probably should be divvyed up
It’s too much responsibility for one person.
Maybe a different writer for each Wieters at bat?
I'll be stuck home, watching it on TV....
so I nominate Stacey.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
So noted!
If I’m ever going to seize the initiative again I’ll make sure to post in the game thread first. I didn’t know if the admin level folks collectively prefer to do the post-games or not. Now I know!
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on May 28, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
i'm as excited as i've ever been for the orioles right now.
first off i just want to announce that i’m new here and have been visiting everyday for a while now but never got around to joining but have now!
after i got home from an easy day of school i tuned into MASN to see how the O’s were doing and saw they were down 7-2 and decided to watch cuz nothing else was on and then a few baserunners and hits later we’re heading into extra innings and then, nolan reimold happened and i don’t know anybody else but i love this kid and everything he has to offer to our team.
howdy
picked a good day to post. everyone here is in a great mood. dont think you’ll be attacked for anything! (it happens sometimes. we’re a volitile bunch).
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
So I was reading the thread at Bluebird Banter
and at first I thought it was fun and I totally was enjoying it. Especially quips like this after Nolan struck out:
nolan reimold, you are nolan reimold, you don’t get to act like that’s a walk.
See, I thought that was great as I knew that a few posts later they’d be rueing the day they defamed Reimold.
However, after reading the full 2 threads, I really felt bad for them. It kinda killed my buzz. Its just all too familiar. I mean, those are some fans at their wit’s end. They just expected their team to lose, and I mean before the game was even tied. When it was 8-4, they were already calling it. Thats rough.
So to anyone who wants to check it out, go for it, but don’t rub it in. Its sucks to be in that position as we know all too well.
Oh yea. CITO STILL SUCKS
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
wow
that quote block was a miserable failure on my part. you get the idea though.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
So you’re telling us not to be our usual arrogant Oriole fan selves?
I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.
thats what i'm saying
DEAL WITH IT!
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
They shouldn't have got their hopes up
When they got off to a hot start based on fluky performances by journeymen and nobodies.
Their team sucks, probably more than the Orioles. And there’s a lot significantly less young talent in the organization.
Deal with it.
I know. But we kinda got our hopes in ‘05, didn’t we? (I did, anyway)
I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.
Shoot
I got my hopes up while driving back to NC after seeing the O’s win opening day. What can I say, I guess I’m a hopeful person… that or crazy.
by Gorilla Bird on May 27, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
both?
I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.
It’s no fun if you don’t get your hopes up at least a little, though. I didn’t let myself get my hopes up at all in ‘06, and while I wasn’t disappointed, I really didn’t enjoy the season at all either.
I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.
that is very true
That’s why each year I allow myself to attempt a Kierkegaardian leap of faith and believe everything will go right and the O’s will win the WS.
by Gorilla Bird on May 28, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I just read their gamethreads
Both depressing and hilarious at the same time. I know how those fans feel. Once the game went into extra innings, someone posted a question, asking if anyone had any hope that the Jays would win in extra innings. One person said yes and like ten said no. That’s kind of like us…
Schadenfreunde
I’ll feel bad when they’re not playing us.
Matt Wieters broke a bat last night. Nobody knows what happened to the ball.
by CoachOfEarl on May 28, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
Particularly since the Jays are facing PHN this weekend.
"The United States is the New York Yankees of countries...powerful and respected until the year 2000." - Homer J. Simpson
Thanks EME, for the great recap
I am orange and black with envy that you got to go that game. I’m stuck up here in New England, but after today, I’m already studying the O’s schedule for possible visits.
I can proudly say I stopped watching after the fourth
wanted to watch the Champions league final without any distractions. Once the game was over and I saw the O’s scored five to tie it up, I smartly decided to not watch the rest. They tied it up without me watching, so I thought they had the best chance of winning with me not watching. Gotta say it was a smart decision.
Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words—"mank" and "ind". What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.
-Jack Handey
I was at the game too
I didn’t wear sunscreen because it was cloudy and now I’m totally regretting the decisions. I got really great seats from some dude outside of the stadium: section 40, row JJ, basically right behind home plate and maybe fifteen rows back, for $20 each.
I did leave in the top of the 11th, though, because I had to be somewhere at 7, but listened to the win on the radio. I had a good feeling throughout the game – once Luke hit the home run off of Halladay, I just felt content that the Orioles would at least put up a good fight all game. And that they did. It was great.
We're in the same boat there
I thought it would be cool and I’d be wearing a jacket the whole time so my arms would be covered. Then I got downtown and it was too warm for the jacket. Then the sun burned the hell out of me, especially starting around the 8th inning when it came out for good.
Ow. But worth it.
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on May 27, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
P.S.
Because I am never entirely done talking.
There’s a little between innings spot they do at OPACY called “Camden Heroes” and the one they played today featured Luke Scott with Star Wars main theme music in the background. All of the shots of Luke with a bat were replaced with a lightsaber, complete with sound effects. Darth Vader got James Earl Jones lines from Field of Dreams. And they added in R2-D2 and C-3P0 to the scene of the mob after Luke’s big walkoff last year. That was awesome.
Along those lines they have a really cool “This is Birdland” spot they play at OPACY that cuts in random action shots of players with Baltimore buildings. I would love to see some version of that as a TV spot.
Watching the re-air of the game on MASN because my mom called me and told me she saw me on TV. Sure enough, there I am in the background of some of the balls hit to left field. This excites me. I am a dork.
Paid attendance of 13,713 and I’d say that’s about right. I counted 16 sections entirely empty and there may have been a few more above me. Lot of schoolkids who had to leave before the big comeback.
Oh yeah, and the funniest thing of the day actually happened before the game. I was walking around the lower level near the bullpen picnic area when this guy hoofs past me, carrying a messenger bag. I turned to get a better look and it turns out it’s Rick Dempsey rushing to get to the covered studio for the pre-game show.
Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008
by Eat More Esskay on May 28, 2009 12:37 AM EDT reply actions
I've been pretty impressed with all of the between innings spots, for the most part
It makes me wonder if they buy some of the spots from a company that sells them to pro sports teams, or if they do them in-house. Specifically the one where they strung together a bunch of movie tough guys saying inspirational things with epic music slowly crescendoing in the background… do all teams have that spot?
The Luke spot is great, though. I was at a game last year where they played it and it got a huge reaction. Today they played it in a weird spot and it didn’t seem like many people were paying attention. My girlfriend told me that the spot was unrealistic because the lightsaber would chop the ball in half instead of hitting it.
I saw that at the Pittsburgh game last year
I think that was the first time they showed it, because that was THE pittsburgh game. With old Orioles there and all.
I think they’re doing the Will Ferrell Old School shot a lot less this year. Last year, I saw that after almost every home run, and this year, it seems like they mostly do that for Huff. But who knows, because at games I go to, Huff hits home runs. SOmetimes other people do. And then Huff pretty much doesn’t hit home runs when I don’t go to the game.
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
by the fix is in on May 28, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Even ESPN felt Birdland today!
Anyone else notice that the O’s made it into the intro to the late night Sportscenter, had 2 plays in the top 10 (Andino’s play in the hole and Reimold’s walk-off), and they showed Pie’s throw as a preview before commercial.
Most nights I’m just happy if they show our highlights!
They talked about it on Philadelphia comcast sportsnet, which I left on after the Phillies game so I could check out Eagles’ Organized Team Activity minutae.
The hosts are like, “Did you know who Nolan Reimold was?” “No.” “You do now.” It was kind of Birdland.
I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.
Didn't catch the game recap on SportsCenter
But I did see the 7:30 PM Web Gems on BB Tonight. Andino’s scoop and throw (though Huff deserves credit for digging it out) and Pie’s throw were #1 and #2 at that time.
"The United States is the New York Yankees of countries...powerful and respected until the year 2000." - Homer J. Simpson
Speaking of 3rd base...
Does anyone know how 3rd baseman “Billy Rowell” is doing this year?? If I’m not mistaken he’s our future for 3rd, correct?? If I’m wrong please correct me and let me know who is slotted in to takeover at 3rd?
by F4PhantomPhreak on May 28, 2009 2:25 AM EDT reply actions
.262/.318/.433
10 2b, 6 hr.
you’d like to see him do quite a bit better, i’d think. he’s repeating at frederick, i believe.
"If they pitch to you, make them pay."
--Diamond Dave to the Phenom
by j.q. higgins on May 28, 2009 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions
And it should be noted that Bill Rowell is playing in the outfield at this point. He’s got about no chance of playing 3B for the O’s.
It’s really the greatest need for the team at this point, assuming you have a level of comfort with Snyder and the pitching prospects for the future.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
by Brett Jones on May 28, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I am too drunk to read the previous comments,,,,
but what a game. I had to work so I drank a 24 pack for the replay on MASN. First, I think Lil’ Nolan has earned a starting job in left field. If Pie ends up being the biggest mistake of McPhail…oh well…I can live witjh that. Just the little taste of young pitching has gotten me drooling and the offense is awesome. Maybe its the La Fin du Monde but I am loving this team. BIRDLAND BIRDLAND BIRDLAND!!!!
"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace
"
by UMBC Oriole fan on May 28, 2009 3:08 AM EDT reply actions
As for the pitching...
remember, these guys aren’t even the really good ones. Bergesen and Berken weren’t even in our top 5 pitching prospects at the beginning of the year.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
That's what is great...
we can call up tier 2 or 3 pitchers. They basically know the haps on the craps already. They are being called up b/c the organization doesn’t think it’s a big loss if they flame out. So they should have all the motivation in the world to stick. Pitching depth in the minors is the new BIRDLAND.
Don't let the sunshine fool ya. - Townes Van Zandt
Not to be Debbie Downer
But we just played the Gnats and the BJs. Not exactly a trial by fire for the rooks. Although, probably a good way to ease them into the majors. But don’t expect the same from them in NMFYS.
Also, I don’t give a shit how hot the Canadiens were in April, we’re still putting them in the cellar this year. They start Kevin Millah and their DH is a career .767 OPS guy. They got to first by an easy schedule of ALC and ALW teams, and now they’re back in their own division and are getting owned.
Matt Wieters broke a bat last night. Nobody knows what happened to the ball.
by CoachOfEarl on May 28, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree
but I’m just saying these guys should have some extra motivation since they are really considered top talent. They should feel like they have a little omsethign to prove. Most likely, they will have to pitch better than most other guys in their position to stick.
Don't let the sunshine fool ya. - Townes Van Zandt
the one game i didn't watch
happens to be the best of the year, just my luck.. Does anyone know where you can get good highlights from the game? not that 10 second espn thing. Thanks and I think it is safe to say that Luke is Birdland!
by easternshore oriole on May 28, 2009 10:20 AM EDT reply actions
But you think we're just a friend.
you think we’re just a friend.
Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."
The Wieters effect is in full effect
The dude has more MBP votes than Luke Scott! Luke Scott, the guy who hit the HR and brought us to within 1 in extras and kept the game alive for Nolan. That Luke Scott. Can virtual buttons wear out? Cause I’m pretty sure the finish will be worn of of Matts in mere moments of his first MBP nomination.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
LUUUUUUUUUKE
- HR of Halliday RBI single in 12th
-
- 2 walks Best WPA (.490)
-
Walkoffs are birdland, but getting it done all game long is most birdland. Welcome back Luke Scott!
Matt Wieters broke a bat last night. Nobody knows what happened to the ball.
^ Ignore the autoformat strikethrough
Matt Wieters broke a bat last night. Nobody knows what happened to the ball.
by CoachOfEarl on May 28, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
It's good to be back
I left the Os. I’ll admit it. I got fed up with them after the strike. I lost all faith when PA chased off Davey.
I chose yesterday to finally start paying attention to the Os again. Oh my God.
I was a fan from birth. Born in Rosedale, raised on Robinson, Murray and Ripken. I took as much pleasure in seeing Floyd “Honey Bear” Rayford get an infield single as I did in watching the Os win the WS in 83. In high school, I attended 7 of the first 8 home games in 88. Nobody razzed Jeff Stone for letting the streak continue by misplaying a routine fly ball to left louder than I did. Or closer. I was maybe 10 feet away from him as he stood in the on deck circle and watched the final out.
But then the magic faded. Billionaires and millionaires refused to let baseball be played while they argued over who got more of my ticket money. And PA decided that just fielding a team was enough to earn the loyalty of fans who wanted to see hustle, not muscle (Sosa? Really?).
But this team reminds me of how it could be. Success despite anonymity. Scrappy kids refusing to be afraid of one of the best pitchers in the game. Veterans acting like kids after winning a game to bring the record to 21-26.
And I thought I hated the term, but boy was I wrong.
This is Birdland.
by BringBackOrsulak on May 28, 2009 11:15 AM EDT reply actions
Nolan Reimold
I just have to say how happy I am for Nolan Reimold. I was so sure that he would make an impact and take control of the LF position that had been in flux, and he’s certainly done that, and I’m thrilled. Not only is it great to see him come in and have a big impact at the plate for the big club, but he adds the final piece to an absolutely studly OF along with my brother from another mother, the good doctor, Adam Jones, and Nick Markickass.
Between the SWEEP, the great success of the pitching prospects so far this year and the forthcoming domination of one Matt Wieters, it is impossible not to be optimistic about the baby birds right now. I’m curbing my enthusiasm a bit, because I know the team has plenty of growing pains to come this year and likely next, but still, I’m so excited. When Reimold is launching walk-off bombs and ROBBIE ANDINO is tattooing ROY HALLADAY, yeah, it’s a good day to be in the heart of Birdland.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
Tatooing Halladay
That’s one reason I picked Andino. Coupled with the fact he did keep a couple rallies going and played decent in the field. The little guys should get a shot at MBP.
The little guys
are who the idea of MBP was originally built around.
Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."
What a joke
How is Jonesy not even in the top 15 outfielders in the all star voting????! The guy is having a ridiculous year!
by easternshore oriole on May 28, 2009 12:13 PM EDT reply actions
True that is a good point.
The casual baseball fan doesn’t know about him!! And the casual baseball fan is going to vote for MFY, PHN, and Josh Hamilton, just because of his amazing story and year, FROM LAST YEAR!
Get rid of this horrible fan voting. Who cares about ratings, money, etc. I want to see the best from the first half of the season, leading up to the break. That means Adam Jones and Nick Markakis in CF and RF, BROB might get short stick behind Ian Kinsler (also Peds, Aaron Hill, and Cano, let’s not lie, they are having nice season so far). But we all know who is the best, because BROB is BIRDLAND.
AL Starting lineup
C Joe Mauer
1b Morneau
2b Kinsler
SS Noone from AL deserves to play SS right now (but maybe Andrus?)
3B Longo
LF Bay
CF Doctor
RF Markakis
SP Toss up with Halladay and Greinke, although Greinke holds edge with his ridiculous ERA so far of .84
What do you guys think? This will obviously not be the starting lineup, half these people might not make the A.S. Team. But from the best at each position so far, I think this is accurate, or pretty close.
+2, lol! I'd say "if only to hear Manny explain at his victory press conference 'See, Bud is an even bigger dork than ME'."
"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.
Agree with this line up but I think Jason Bartlett should get SS
44 games .373 avg 7 HR 30 RBI 14 SB
"We're so bad right now that for us back-to-back home runs means one today and another one tomorrow." ~ Earl Weaver
by Graham71681 on May 28, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
About right
Much as I hate to say it, you have to consider Tex at 1st, although Morneau is a good choice. But Mauer, Kinsler and Bay are pretty much locks (as should be Doc & Kakes).
by fishoutawata on May 28, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Toss up between Halladay and Greinke???????
Are you serious???? Greinke has had one of the best starts in baseball history for a pitcher! Dude I don’t know what the debate would even be about.
its a popularity contest thats why manny is gonna be on the NL all star team
"We're so bad right now that for us back-to-back home runs means one today and another one tomorrow." ~ Earl Weaver
by Graham71681 on May 28, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
not that I have a problem with Manny,I don't
And I will laugh to no end when he is voted as a all star but a guy who misses 50 games before the all star break should be an all star. which is why I also agree they need to stop the fan vote
"We're so bad right now that for us back-to-back home runs means one today and another one tomorrow." ~ Earl Weaver
by Graham71681 on May 28, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think they need to stop the fan vote. I do think they need to eliminate the idiotic fan vote.
Since the voting is done online, include a screening process: a series of questions that indicate whether or not you are of the proper mental capacity to vote on who should and should not be on the All-Star team that year.
The only problem I see with this is that 95% of the Baseball Writers of America would be disqualified. Well, I guess that’s not really a downside at all.
...Behold, a pale horse. The man that sat upon it was Wieters, and hell followed with him.
"BJ on the BE" - Kierkegaard
Or just do away with the online vote.
Make it like it used to be. If you were fan enough to attend a game you could vote.
Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."
Suh-WEEPing the Blow Jays is Extremely Birdland!! Hey Cito: Ssssssss-u-u-u-u-ck us all! And I voted for Wieters, of course.
No, seriously. I did. I can’t speak for the other 17 idiots — hey maybe for them it was an alcohol-related or bad typing skills thing — but the option was cleverly inserted in the poll and I’m tired of watching other people enjoy a monopoly on perverse voting.
OK, tonight is another publicly-created Special Event Night at OPACY— it’s I Saw the Orioles Before Wieters Night, and the first 100 fans will have their pic taken next to Dave holding a giant line-up card without Wieters’ name on it, the last such card expected before 2027.
Hurling for us tonight is, um, one David Hernandez, a name that a quick Googling of makes you really, really hope this pitcher is none of those guys. If it is one of those David Hernandezes, then hurling for us tonight may well be widespread.
I’ll be searching the either for an AM broadcast that penetrates the Alleghenies all the way to my Secure Location in N. Pa. ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Do we even do an AM broadcast any more? And seriously, how does Sirius work, anyway?
Go O’s!
"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.
Yea, I think that’s him. He took part of Spring Training off, in order to audition for Simon and the rest.
Aaaarrrrggghhhhh!!! Nooooo-oooooo-oooooooooooooooo.....oh please oh please oh please don't be starting for us tonight.....
"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.
Titov
you can try http://www.freebaseballradio.com/Baltimore.html. It’s just a link to radio stations that broadcast the game and their “listen live” links. I know most (all?) of those are probably blacked out online, but you might get lucky. Or this. Maybe you’ll find a station you can actually get in up there in bumblefuck.
Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."
Big thx. I can't stream anything on this dial-up, but I may get a PA station from the AM list. Oh, and the citizens of Wysox, PA
are (predictably) offended by the reference to their cow town as “Bumblef+ck.” What with the slurred speech in these parts, it’s clear that Mumblef+ck would be a lot more appropriate.
"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.
Pitchers
Who is pitching friday and saturday for both teams?
"On my tombstone just write, 'The sorest loser that ever lived.'"
Earl Weaver
friday is guts v willis if i’m not mistaken. i havent looked into it past that, but off the top of my head I think it’s berg’s turn.
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
Bergesen on Friday vs Dtrain
Guts on Saturday
" I'm happy to announce that we've made Adam Jones our 4th and 5th starting pitcher as well as bench coach and team chaplain" - peter_angelos 8:04 AM May 14th from digsby
"Matt Wieters Adopted Mark Texiera's Parents Because He Felt They Needed A Son To Be Proud Of."
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