Angels 9, Orioles 6: New day, same ending

by duck on Jul 5, 2009 9:30 PM EDT in Post-Game Comment 35 comments

More photos » by Keith Birmingham - AP

Aubrey Huff watches as two runs are walked home with the bases loaded in the seventh inning. We know, Aubrey, we know. (AP Photo/Keith Birmingham)

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I didn’t see most of last night’s Saturday's Orioles - Angels game, at least not coherently. But I watched enough at my local watering hole to see the O’s cruise out to a 4-run lead, then go back into the clubhouse and watch "Matlock." I was a bit surprised at how completely the game got away from the Orioles and Jason Berken specifically, and quite frankly, I got a little depressed about whether this team will ever have enough pitching in the rotation and the bullpen simultaneously to win on a consistent basis. Maybe it was just the vodka.

Nope, it wasn’t the vodka. Today didn’t elevate my mood at all. Again, the O’s staked a 4-run lead, and again, the starter, in this case Rich "Why the" Hill "am I still here?", faltered early, and the game was lost in the later innings as the Orioles again failed to score after the first few innings.

There were a few bright spots today. Adam Jones, son! was named to his first All-Star Game, meaning so far the Erik Bedard trade has yielded 2 All-Stars. Also in that deal was Chris Tillman, whom we may see as soon as Tuesday, given the news concerning Chris Ray’s departure after today's game back to Baltimore to have his shoulder examined. Matt Wieters had his first 3-hit day – and don’t look now, but his average is creeping up to .280 rather quickly. Brian Roberts had a home run, and an apology for Dave Trembley about his recent play. Apparently, Brian reads the blogs and knows we are not pleased.

But again, the bullpen was brutal. Matt Albers gave up 3 runs in his 0.2 of an inning, with 4 walks doing most of the damage. Yes, 1 was intentional, but 4 walks are 4 free baserunners, no matter how you explain it away. Chris Ray looked like he had no idea where his release point was, and there may be a problem with his shoulder. Mark Hendrickson came on and looked like he’s found a role in the bullpen, again quenching the flames of his predecessors with 2.0 IP of scoreless and hitless pitching with 2 strike-outs. He may have found his home in the ‘pen, and it’s not as a lefty specialists, it’s as a 2 inning pitcher. Good teams need those, too.

I’ll offer some choices for Most Birdland Player, but honestly, even with The Deity’s offensive outburst, I’m not feeling too happy about this team right now. Three lefty starters in Seattle aren’t about to improve my mood this week, I’m guessing.

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Poll

Who was the Most Birdland Player of July 5, 2009?

Brian Roberts (2-5, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R)

26 votes

Adam Jones, son! (All-Star selection, 2-5)

22 votes

Matt Wieters (3-3, HR, RBI, 2 R, 1 BB)

137 votes

No one - this was a game the Orioles should have won!

46 votes

231 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Ugh

When they loaded the bases with zero outs I turned off the tv, unable to stomach the inevitable outcome. I saw the final score but had no idea two runs were walked in. Disgusting. The bullpen has been miserable of late, which is sad considering how good they had been. That’s what happens when your starters can’t even go six innings. Who knows how effective Matt Albers would have been today if he hadn’t pitched two innings yesterday.

Averages
Jeremy Guthrie: 5.8 innings/start
Brad Bergesen: 6.5 innings/ start (love him!)
Koji Uehara: 5.5 innings/start
Rich Hill: 4.5 innings/start
Jason Berken: 5 innings/start

I will lead these Peoples to the promised land, also known as "Slightly Ahead of the Blue Jays." ~WietersRunDry

by Stacey on Jul 5, 2009 9:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

At least you didn't have to do the recap... :)

I was glad to take this bullet. Been lazy lately, figured I’d make up for it.

"We're not the other teams' farm system." - Andy MacPhail

by duck on Jul 5, 2009 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes. It IS becoming very groundhogs dayish

But in better news… The MBP page is updated.

Your latest MBP’s

Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."

by dayzd toe on Jul 5, 2009 10:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hernandez's pic won't be up until Thursday

I’m in Orlando (AGAIN) on business

Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."

by dayzd toe on Jul 5, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rich “The” Hill"s Have Eyes…"

And they don’t like what they see.

Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."

by dayzd toe on Jul 5, 2009 10:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, I liked mine better.

"We're not the other teams' farm system." - Andy MacPhail

by duck on Jul 5, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

let me try

Rich “Bobby” Hill

That boy ain’t right…

by UMterp08 on Jul 6, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about...

Rich “Boot” Hill?

by Fred Sanford on Jul 6, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I found the best way to follow the O's

Go on vacation. I’m at a family gathering, not watching the games, and periodically looking at the box scores. Looks like the same old shit from the Orioles. Different players, same team we’ve known for far too long.

The apology from Roberts and the open talk from the Orioles themselves about how unfocused (i.e. half-assed) and inconsistent they’ve been in pretty interesting. Good pitching will solve a lot of ills, but now we openly hear from the team and the the local sports writers how the team lacks leadership. That’s not surprising as it is a charge we’ve leveled at them for years. It’s still a let down.

Oh well, back to occasional box score watching and hoping these guys can man up some day.

by drj on Jul 5, 2009 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I voted for Wieters

It is no question there is no leadership on the Orioles at this point. I am sure Matt will lead this team as he should. He has a pair!

"Losing teams find ways to beat themselves" Jim Palmer

by Baysox39 on Jul 5, 2009 11:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Adam Jones becomes that leader

He’s the only one whose personality would lead him to say something and would have the stats to back it up. I think he realizes he hasn’t been there long enough yet, but with All-Star cred and a good year this year, I think he becomes that leader next year, especially if Huff doesn’t resign. This will be Adam Jones’ team sooner rather than later.

"We're not the other teams' farm system." - Andy MacPhail

by duck on Jul 5, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you're right.

Although there could be a nice core of Jones and Wieters up the middle as leaders.

by O'sFan21 on Jul 5, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They Both Will

Adam Jones is vocal, and he can back up his words with his play. I have a feeling that Wieters will be the man next season, with some experience under his belt. As long as he has more major-league experience than every pitcher but Jeremy Guthrie, then he’ll put everyone to shame with his golden cojones. He’ll take charge of the pitchers and the infield I’m sure. Nolan Reimold will probably take over some leadership as well. He seems like the kind of guy who would be quiet until he is in his comfort zone. Let’s hope that he can feel like he really belongs in the Major Leagues and that he can take some initiative to kick some veteran asses. I love seeing him hit grounders, just because he is the only one on this team who will run them out. This is a solid core, and hopefully Brad Bergesen or possibly one of this year’s call-ups (Tillman? Arrieta?) can take some leadership with the pitchers.

On the first day, Chuck Norris created God. But the day before that, Matt Wieters created Chuck Norris and the calendar.

by oriolesfan151 on Jul 6, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nolan Reimold takes issue with your belief

that only Wieters runs out balls.

I will lead these Peoples to the promised land, also known as "Slightly Ahead of the Blue Jays." ~WietersRunDry

by Stacey on Jul 6, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looking Back At That

I made a long and confusing post. But I can never really tell when Jesus is running. I was actually saying Nolan Reimold runs outs the grounders. And did anyone catch Brian Roberts running out that easy grounder last night?

On the first day, Chuck Norris created God. But the day before that, Matt Wieters created Chuck Norris and the calendar.

by oriolesfan151 on Jul 7, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I blame Mora for most of the recent losses.

He just plain sucks and I think the fact that he touches the ball last before our pitchers start an inning has his suckiness rubbing off on them. Also the pitchers are probably distracted by his suckiness while in their windup or stretch.

by O'sFan21 on Jul 5, 2009 11:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is the most solid theory I've seen yet.

I will lead these Peoples to the promised land, also known as "Slightly Ahead of the Blue Jays." ~WietersRunDry

by Stacey on Jul 5, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Can’t argue with this.

by LenaO on Jul 6, 2009 6:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Upon further thought

I concur. Adams Jones stands out as the leader with Wieters backing him up. But for now B Rob is the strong silent leader. Much like Cal was for years with the Orioles. This team sucks not because of Brian but because they are unable to win balls games they should win.

"Losing teams find ways to beat themselves" Jim Palmer

by Baysox39 on Jul 6, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty good theory

But that doesn’t explain Rich Hill, who is a lefty so he barely sees Mora.

by dkdc on Jul 5, 2009 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mora still touches the ball last before each inning though! Contamination!!

I mean Hill has enough trouble finding the plate…the last thing he needs is Mora putting his sucky cooties on the ball before he faces his first batter each inning.

by O'sFan21 on Jul 5, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Albers only walked two, and Ray did two

Maybe that’s what you meant. I quit watching in the 7th so I could waste 2 1/2 hours to wrestle with a stuck oil filter in 93 degree heat. I’m guessing it was about as enjoyable, although I at least accomplished something.

AS for Hill, I see what he’s doing, and so does everyone else. He’s got 3 speeds, but his FB isn’t fast, and his curveball is so slow it’s very hittable once you’ve seen it a time or two. I like his low 80s sliders, he should throw them more. And he should throw more low stuff, and more towards the goddamn plate.

"When is the last time Jeremy Guthrie hit somebody? Think about it." -- Jim Palmer 7/2/09

by CoachOfEarl on Jul 5, 2009 11:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think the "more towards the goddamn plate." is the most critical issue.

by O'sFan21 on Jul 5, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

He doesn’t walk a ton of batters (don’t know the stats). He needs to throw more balls away from bats.

Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."

by dayzd toe on Jul 6, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rich Hill walks a lot

His BB/9 is 6.1. He walked for in 5.1 innings on Sunday.

I will lead these Peoples to the promised land, also known as "Slightly Ahead of the Blue Jays." ~WietersRunDry

by Stacey on Jul 6, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And even when he's not walking guys he's being everybody.

by O'sFan21 on Jul 6, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I stand corrected

Jioe Flaacco, Hon!!! "He’s like a live JUGS machine."

by dayzd toe on Jul 6, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stats you say?

http://www.fangraphs.com/winss.aspx?team=Orioles&pos=all&stats=pit&qual=0&type=1&season=2009&month=0

Rich Hill BB/9: 6.07
MLB Average ~3.50

Rich Hill walks a ton of batters.

"When is the last time Jeremy Guthrie hit somebody? Think about it." -- Jim Palmer 7/2/09

by CoachOfEarl on Jul 6, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know how many people will see my comment on the other rediculous fanpost, so I'll relay it here.

For the illness people that was being spoken of, Brian said on his video blog on MASNSports.com that he had a summer bug and was feeling under the weather with stuffy nose, throat, etc.

As for this game, the Orioles should have won. Walking in two straight batters with the bases loaded is pathetic. That picture of Huff is perfect. That being said, I voted for the Future. 3-3 and a homer does it for me, wheee.

by LenaO on Jul 6, 2009 6:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Makes sense to me

I watched his video blog last week and he did apologize right off the bat for sounding congested… having a persisting cold explains (at least partially) for me why he has seemed sluggish and “bored” as some people have put it.

The fact that Roberts (and Markasis too!) apologized to Trembley is a relief to me. I don’t think Brian doesn’t care, or is tired of being on a losing team, etc to the point that he is just giving up — I just think he’s slumping a bit, feeling sickly perhaps, and we’re giving him a hard time because we expect him to not only excel but also make up for the other non-performers on the team. The way he throws his helmet and bat after he strikes out and looks super pissed shows he clearly cares, but hey he can’t do it all. Brian is gonna be just fine. Also I voted for him because leadoff homers and RBI doubles are pretty sweeeet (and I turned off the game after the first bases-loaded walk… ugh… we should have won that game).

by O Nina on Jul 6, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The O’s have been pretty painful to watch lately…but I have been particularly enjoying the Gary & Jim Show over the past few days.

I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.

by BrianS on Jul 6, 2009 1:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cam Mickolio was just called up to take Chris Ray's Roster Spot

I wish Chris well. It seems it is his shoulder this time.

"Losing teams find ways to beat themselves" Jim Palmer

by Baysox39 on Jul 6, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cool, Mickolio is suppose to be very interesting guy. His control needs a bit work but his breaking stuff is suppose to be filthy.

"Your wife told you to play in New York.
Well, my wife told me you look like a dork." Boo Teixeira guys.

by birdman on Jul 6, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is this progress?

I mean, can taking the lead and then losing in late innings be seen as a step towards winning? From the “hey, at least we were winning for some of the game” POV?

by wishEYEhadCRABS on Jul 6, 2009 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs