Saturday Bird Droppings: Where the Orioles are capable of winning on the road

Morning, Birdland!

The Orioles finally got the road monkey off of their backs on Friday night. Harrison Jozwiak has the recap of the O’s 7-4 win over the Red Sox. Alex Cobb finally registered his first victory in orange and black. Manny Machado continued to crush baseballs. And the bullpen didn’t completely fall apart.

A win for the Birds today and a loss for the Reds could move us up to the third-worst record in baseball. That’s right, folks. The old O’s are shooting up the standings. Look out!

Seriously though, there was no way this team could continue to be so bad outside of Baltimore. Even still, their 4-17 road record is the worst in the league. Much of that was “achieved” with a far from 100-percent roster. Things should get back to reality over the remainder of this road trip. Is this a good team? Probably not. But are they really the worst road team in the league? Unlikely.

Links

Thoughts on Baltimore Orioles prospect Ryan Mountcastle - Minor League Ball
There isn’t much new information here if you have been paying attention, but it’s always nice to read some positive stories about the O’s. Basically, Mountcastle’s bat continues to impress as he climbs the minor league ladder. The defense? Let’s try to stay on message.

“Friday Fireworks & Music at America’s Ballpark” kicks off June 1 with Elle Winter - MASN
There continues to be one day of the week that is way better than any other to visit Camden Yards. Friday nights already had student tickets and fireworks. The Orioles are now adding postgame mini concerts. Now, I’ve never heard of any of these musicians, but that’s OK.

O’s promote righty Michael Baumann in series of minors pitching moves - MASN
Every minor league club’s pitching staff is getting a bit of a facelift. Michael Baumann is the biggest name. The O’s 13th-ranked prospect has been dominant at Delmarva, and seems ready for the next challenge in High-A Frederick.

Leftovers for breakfast - MASN
You want quotes? Roch Kubatko has got some quotes for you!

Zach Britton steadily ramping up intensity before rehab assignment - Baltimore Sun
We are still a ways away from seeing Britton in a real, major league game, but it’s coming along. He will continue to travel with the club and rehab in simulated games on the road before going on a minor league assignment in the next couple of weeks.

Orioles birthdays and history

Is it your birthday? Happy Birthday! Sorry to say we have kind of a crappy party planned for you.

Dan Ford, who hit .249/.298/.384 for the O’s from 1982-1985 is 66 years old today. Fritzie Connally, a third baseman in 50 games for the 1985 team, is the big 6-0. Outfielder Ken Gerhart appeared in 215 games across three seasons in Baltimore, 1986-88, and he turns 57. Finally, pitcher Chris Fussell, the owner of a -1.6 career WAR, and a member of the 1998 Orioles (for three games) is 42.

Other famous birthdays: Malcolm X (1925), Kevin Garnett (1976), Andrea Pirlo (1979) and Michael Che (1983)

1911 - The world’s first national park service, Parks Canada, is established.

1959 - O’s pitcher Billy O’Dell hits a 120-foot, inside-the-park, two-run home run. It hit the foul line at Memorial Stadium, and then bounced over the right fielder’s head. The O’s beat the White Sox 2-1.

1962 - Marilyn Monroe sings “Happy Birthday” at a salute to U.S. President John F. Kennedy in Madison Square Garden.

2006 - Melvin Mora signs a three-year contract extension with the Orioles to keep him in Baltimore through 2009.