Tuesday Bird Droppings: Ryan Mountcastle is heating up

Happy Tuesday, Orioles fans! And it’s a happy Tuesday morning because the Orioles won last night! They avoided the sweep, stopped their losing streak at three, beat the Red Sox, and got a rare win at home. All in all a good night for Orioles baseball. If you missed the game or just want to re-live the good times, check out Alex Church’s game recap.

The Red Sox may have won three out of four in Baltimore, but I am guessing they won’t be sad to say goodbye to Ryan Mountcastle. Mountcastle spent the series beating up on Red Sox pitchers, going 7-for-16 with two home runs and a double. He went hitless in the third game of the series but had multiple hits in the other three. I kind of like the idea of Ryan Mountcastle: Red Sox killer, don’t you?

Mountcastle’s overall numbers are still underwhelming, but they’re trending upwards. After a very rough April, Mountcastle has hits in six of nine games in May games, including four multi-hit games. This is a trend I’d like to see continue! If he really wants to make me happy, Mountcastle will also start taking a few walks.

Another good thing about today is that John Means is starting! In his first start since throwing his no-hitter last week in Seattle, Means will face off against Marcus Stroman in New York as the Orioles take on the Mets. That’s a pretty good pitching matchup.

Links

Orioles pitcher John Means chosen the American League Player of the Week - WMAR
As if it could have been anyone else after his masterful performance. But how is it possible that it's the first time an O's pitcher has been named player of the week since Arthur Rhodes won in 1994? Mike Mussina never took home the honors even once?

Hyde on Akin, rotation, Means' example, Stewart and more - School of Roch
Keegan Akin is back with the team and ready to pitch in relief if needed. John Means is becoming a mentor, and he'll be starting against the Yankees this coming Sunday. This might not mean anything to you, but I'll be at the game so it's very good news indeed.

Rookie starting pitchers hold promise, even though immediate results are lacking - Baltimore Sun
So many rookie pitchers. Surely some of them will stick? Or one of them?

Examining a Freddy Galvis trade | Bronx Pinstripes
This Yankees blog thinks that a trade for Freddy Galvis could help their team. Sure, why not! Just give us something good.

Birthdays and History

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have four Orioles birthday buddies.

The late Milt Pappas was born on this day in 1939. Pappas had a fine nine-season career with the Orioles from 1957-65, appearing in 264 (232 GS) with 110 wins and an ERA of 3.24. But his lasting legacy in Baltimore is that he was the headliner in the trade package sent to the Cincinnati Reds for Frank Robinson.

It’s also the birthday of Kerry Ligtenberg (50 years old), Trent Hubbard (57), and Mark Huismann (63). All three were one-year Orioles.

On this day in 2012, the Orioles and Rays both had a record of 20-12 and were tied for first place. But then the Orioles beat the Rays 4-3 to take sole possession. 2012 was fun.

In 2018, the Orioles placed Chris Tillman on the disabled list with a strained lower back. He would not return to major league baseball. The night before Tillman had given up six runs in just 1.1 innings against the Royals. He was allowed to make a number of rehab starts in the minors before finally being released in July. It was a sad end to a once integral part of the O’s rotation. 2018 was not fun.