Game 31: Orioles (17-13) @ Angels (11-18), 4:05

Maybe the Orioles watched themselves getting shut down by the likes of Joe Saunders, Aaron Harang, Joe Blanton (although they beat him), and Jason Vargas over the last several days and decided if you can't beat them, join them. How else to explain the appearance of Freddy Garcia?

There is a simpler explanation: Jake Arrieta sucked, Zach Britton sucked, and Josh Stinson sucked, and Garcia was the next in line. Also in line are Jair Jurrjens and Steve Johnson, and I won't be surprised to see them at some point. Or maybe Garcia's unique brand of junkballing will stick around for a while with decent results? I wouldn't complain, but I don't see it happening.

This is one of those games where it's hard to muster any optimism. A guy like Garcia starting is like asking for a loss. Even Josh Hamilton, who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn right now, and is slugging under .300, may find himself waking up against the crap that Garcia throws.

Did you know that Garcia came in second place in the 1999 AL Rookie of the Year voting, 9th place in Cy Young voting that same year, 3rd place in the 2001 AL Cy Young voting, and pitched seven shutout innings in game 4 of the 2005 World Series? Because the Orioles press release announcing his call-up would like you to know that. Pardon me for a second while I DO NOT GIVE ONE SINGLE FUCK.

Sorry. I had to get that out of my system.

The game is nationally televised, so it'll be great to see the Orioles put their best foot forward, though with Chris Davis almost assuredly hitting the disabled list, their best foot has been partially blown apart. Now there's Manny Machado and Nate McLouth (but only against RHP) and, uh... welp.

Alright, I shouldn't be so harsh on Adam Jones, whose .869 OPS is pretty good. But it feels like there's something wrong with him, like he's trying too hard to do everything, in the plate, in the field, on the bases, and it's really not working out very well for him. This isn't the first time we've ever seen this tendency from him, and probably won't be the last, but let's hope he gets right soon. In the meantime, after watching the Davis injury last night, we might all be a little more forgiving if Jones ever jogs up the first base line sometimes.

Starting today for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Orange County, California, United States of America is Tommy Hanson, who is known for strikeouts and isn't getting as many this year. He has given up four home runs in 23 innings, if only there was someone left on the Orioles who could hit home runs. Well, Hanson has also allowed 25 hits in those 23 innings, so maybe they could nickel and dime him to death. Y'know, the part of the order once it gets below Jones. There is the slight possibility that Nolan Reimold won't suck, but get below that and...

Good God.