Monday, October 8, 2007

Quick Hits, O's Stuff; Playoff Reflections, Day Six...

Well, not much news has come out of Oriole-land as of late; however, the organizational meeting start today in Sarsaota, Fl. According to an article in today's Baltimore Examiner, Andy MacPhail will be charting the future of the organization.

A lot will be determined, and as well, it looks like each player from top to bottom within the organization will be reviewed.

However, I found this statement by Melvin Mora telling:

"Among a lengthy list of issues, the team must decide what to do with an aging left side of the infield. Both shortstop Miguel Tejada and third baseman Melvin Mora are under contract, but each underperformed this season.

“Whatever they’re going to do in the front office, that’s fine,” Mora said. “The only thing I can tell you is I’m going to be here.”

Mora, who plans to play winter ball in Venezuela, does not want to be a designated hitter, and would “talk to my agent” if asked to return to the outfield."


I find those quotes interesting. I am sure Melvin has a certain amount of autonomy with the organization; however, do you really think he'll be able to dictate things as he did in the past with MacPhail in town?

It looks like we will be learning a lot more in the next weeks about the future of the team.

***





The Yankees avoided being the 4th team to be swept in the division series, as they thumped on the Indians last night in the Bronx, 8-4. New York looked the bombers of old, as they got all over Cleveland starter, Jake Westbrook, in the 4th inning thanks to a home run by Johnny Damon and a huge error by Trot Nixon that opened up the flood gates.

Aging starter and pitching legend, Roger Clemens, tried valiantly to pitch his way through pain, but could not. He lasted a little more than two innings, in which he allowed three runs. Youngster Phil Hughes pitched four masterful innings of baseball and allowed the Yankees to come back.

Meanwhile, a bugless Joba Chamberlain and Mariano Rivera kept things in check for the Bombers. The two teams play again tonight at 7:30.

Cleveland; however, still leads the series, 2-1.




On the left coast, the Red Sox had their way with the Angels and will advance to the ALCS with a decisive win, 9-1. Ageless Curt Schilling pitched a gem, as he went seven shutout innings, and David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez each hit back-to-back home runs. He found himself in trouble in a few key spots, but always managed to find his way out of it through guts and guile. The Sox put up a 7-spot in the 8th inning, all but destroying a chance for an Angels' comeback.

The small-ball Angels had virtually no luck against the Red Sox's big boppers at all. The big bat in their lineup, Vladmir Guerrero, was shut down and Garrett Anderson sat out the game with eye problems.

Boston had some incredible pitching, so they deserve a lot of credit.

***


There will no baseball in the National League until Thursday. But I'll give you my prediction for the NLCS -- I am picking Colorado in six. They are too hot right now, and their offense seems primed to take on the Diamondbacks. However, I have been completely wrong in my picks anyway for the post season, so I am going on the assumption anything can happen.

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