Teixeira Now A Yankee; Pavano & Orioles Sign Koji Uehara

The big news of today in baseball was the unveiling of Mark Teixeira as a Yankee. We all know the details, and we know he didn't want to come to Baltimore; alas, seeing him in pinstripes was a little surreal after all that took place this off-season.

Mark said all the right things in his press conference, and only spoke glowingly of his new employers, but I'll be interested to see the reaction when comes back to his hometown for Opening Day.

Well, the other news that really intrigued me was that Carl Pavano found work in Cleveland. His deal is worth $1.5 million plus heavy incentives which he could earn an additional $5.3 million based on starts and innings pitched. The Indians got a pitcher on the cheap -- mostly because of his adventures in New York -- however, if he can be a .500 pitcher or better, he'll help them out greatly.

Now onto Baltimore...

The Orioles finally added another pitcher as they inked Koji Uehara to a two-year, $10 million according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. The report also notes that the deal could be worth as much as $16 million over two years if he meets performance milestones.

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Your ALCS Champions: The Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox beat the Cleveland Indians, 11-2, last night to win the American League pennant. I figured after Cleveland lost Game 5, the doors were opened for a Boston comeback. Despite being down, 3-1, in the series, the Boston bats and clutch pitching from Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling and Daisuke Matsuzaka led them to victory. It doesn't hurt that almost everyone in the lineup sans Coco Crisp came up big the last two days.

The Tribe bats just feel asleep and their 1-2 combo of Sabathia and Carmona fell flat in the ALCS. They seemed to not have been able to get anything started offensively and the struggles of Travis Hafner really hurt the team a lot.

Considering Cleveland's youth, they should have a chance to get into the playoff for many years to come; however, they were beat by a better team and one that's built to win.

Like I said Saturday, the Red Sox are a special team; alas, this is what I said:

I know the Red Sox are seen amongst many to be a warm, cuddly, fun team to watch - which I agree with. However, they are the like the Yankees: a huge financial super-power loaded with super-stars, a park which prints money, and with fanbase which will pay anything to see their team. I’ll say, I rooted for the Sox in 2004, because they had a great storyline, great and charismatic players, along with having the distinction of not having won a World Series in a number of generations.

Then they won it in 2004, and expectations along with the team itself have never been the same. The fans are more rabid than ever, and NESN has helped to transcend the Red Sox from a team to a brand; um, much like the Yankees.

I have nothing against the Red Sox, but I will not be rooting for them in ‘07.

Yes, they have bankable superstars; however, it is remarkable that a city with perhaps no more than 600,000 people has been able to become one of the biggest sports teams in all the land. They spend and sign players to contracts much like the Evil Empire. I’m not going to call Boston the Evil Empire II, but they are not the same warm and cuddly team from 2004.

I'm sticking with what I said; I'm not hating, but I'm not going to consider the Red Sox some sort of underdogs.

Playoff Reflections, Day Seventeen: Indians One Away from the World Series; An Ode to the Rockies...

Well, the Boston Red Sox are in trouble as they are now down 3-1 to the Cleveland Indians.

Indians’ right hander, Paul Byrd, once again came through in the clutch; pitching five strong innings where only allowed two runs and struck out four. Once again, Cleveland had a huge inning, this time in the fifth, as Casey Blake started the fun with a home run.

They would soon knock Tim Wakefield out of the game and that coffin was nailed shut for the Red Sox by Jhonny Peralta’s three-run homer.

Peralta’s homer was the second for him in the series.

Despite an amazing display of back-to-back-to-back home runs by Boston’s Kevin Youkilis, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, they were done in Game 4.

The Red Sox season may come to an end tonight as Josh Beckett needs to have another amazing game, and the Tribe counters with C.C. Sabathia, who has struggled in the playoffs.

***

Meanhwile, what can you say about the Rockies?

Incredible.

Right now, they are the biggest story in sports and most of America is starting to get to know the team.

I don’t know how they have won; nor do I care, It’s an awesome story and we can be on the verge of history here. It looks like they have built up the team right and has players you can root for, starting with Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, to Troy Tulowitzki all that way down to Jamey Carroll.

It seems like they cannot do anything wrong and have a new hero, each and every day.

It’s too bad that TBS and MLB decided to put their games well after 10pm on the East Coast (where I live), making it near impossible for anyone to watch. Just a shame.

I have decided to join the bandwagon and root for Colorado, just because I want some new blood & I am starting to like that team a lot.

The Red Sox are great, but they have already won a World Series and frankly are closer to the Yankees than most would admit; the Indians, good team, great stars, but I have no emotional investment in them (nothing personal to fans of the Tribe).

It’s nice to see in that part of the world that the Rockies are now relevant in October, and for now, the Broncos may have a back seat.

If you have a moment, check out the Denver Post and some of their cool pictures of the celebration, their fans and of the games itself…

Crazy stuff.

Playoff Reflections, Day Sixteen: Rockoctober Continues Out West, Indians/Red Sox

A little more than a month or so ago, the Colorado Rockies were not even an afterthought in terms of postseason play. Well, after a hot streak, they found themselves in a pennant chase and needed a 163rd game to get into the post-season.

Now, they are in the World Series.

Colorado shocked Arizona and the world with their 6-4 win last night, thanks their offense outburst in the sixth inning topped off by a three-run homer by series MVP, Matt Holliday. The Diamondbacks countered with a three-run homer by Chris Snyder in the 8th inning; however, the Rockies’ Manny Corpas kept the game in check and earned the save.

The Rockies now obviously don’t know how to lose, and have won their 21st game in 22 chances. Seemingly everything has gone right for the Rockies, and now tenured veteran, Todd Helton is seeing his first World Series after being in the league for 12 years.

With their amazing momentum, they are primed to perhaps win their first World Series in franchise history.

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***



Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Indians took a 2-1 lead in the ALCS combined with the strong outing by Jake Westbrook and the contributions of the ageless Kenny Lofton.

Westbrook pitched a little under seven innings and kept the powerful Red Sox offense at bay; Lofton homered off rookie sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka and three double plays by Boston helped them the Tribe to victory. The only scoring Boston was able to muster was off a two-run, Jason Varitek homer in the seventh inning, but Cleveland made the plays and did the little things right.

With a 2-1 lead, the Indians are in control, but there’s still plenty of baseball to still be played and Boston is very powerful.

Photo Gallery: Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox: Game Two - ALCS Fenway Park

Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox: Game Two - ALCS Fenway Park

I'll have a story on my trip later, I just got home and I am trying to get other things done here along with thoughts of the playoffs.

The Game Yesterday: Indians vs. Orioles - Quick Hits & the Rundown, Condensed Video...

It looks like the Baltimore Orioles are once again in a deep funk.

Well, the Orioles were handily beat by the Cleveland Indians late in the game by a score of 10-1.

Steve Trachsel, perhaps the most surprising pitcher in the rotation, threw six strong innings before leaving due to tightness in his arm, as he got hit by a Travis Hafner line drive in the 1^st inning.

The Orioles once again suffered from a lackluster offense, and the bullpen that has been so highly touted lost the game for Steve Trachsel and put it out of reach.

The starting pitcher, Fausto Carmona, had the Orioles’ number last weekend, and had it on Monday, as he threw seven great innings. He only allowed one run, which was unearned.

The score was tied 1-1 in the 7^th, and Chad Braford came and gave up 2 runs, and thereafter John Parrish came in and gave up another 2 runs.

In the eighth inning, Jamie Walker came in to hold the game, and he was ineffective as he gave up 3 hits, walked one; therefore, served up a grand slam home run to Travis Hafner.

In the ninth inning, Todd Williams gave up yet another home run, this time to Jhonny Peralta.

Trot Nixon has completely destroyed the Orioles the past 2 games, as he had 5 hits on Sunday, and yesterday he had 3 hits and drove in 2 runs. Grady Sizemore had 2 RBI, and Victor Martinez also added an RBI.

The only run for the Orioles came via a Jay Payton RBI in the 4^th inning.

We have Tampa Bay in town for the next three days, and then we are onto Boston.

***

Comment of the day: “"I am kind of glad we are not in New York, or otherwise there would be some serious panic going on," said the pitcher who has been the victim of anemic offensive support this season.” – Steve Trachsel on the loss yesterday via the ‘O, by the Way’ blog…

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game yesterday, Spencer Fordin of the orioles.com, as does the Baltimore Examiner.

The orioles.com has a mailbag with beat reporter Spencer Fordin.

Jay Gibbons is on the bench as a reserve player at the moment. From what I have seen from him this season, he might actually need to go to the minors to work on some things. He just looks lost and over-matched at the plate.

Adam Kilgore has more on the Jay Gibbons issue, and also reports that Orioles called up John Leicester from Class AAA Norfolk, sending down Kurt Birkins.

Peter Schmuck has an article in today’s Baltimore Sun where he opines that the Roger Clemens signing just shows that the Orioles are at a great disadvantage when it comes to the free agent market; sadly, due to economics.

This is more than an economic case; the Orioles need to be much smarter in player development, drafting and hope MASN pays great dividends.

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Quick Hits: The Game Yesterday, May 6th; Indians vs. Orioles, the Rundown, Picture Gallery & Condensed Video...

Indians vs. Orioles - Game Three

Yesteday, the Orioles lost to the Cleveland Indians by a score of 9-6. Melvin Mora was perhaps inches from tying the game in the bottom of the ninth, but the ball was caught in left field.

Brian Burres struggled in his spot start in place of the injured Adam Loewen as he only lasted a little more than 3 innings was charged with 5 runs. He started out well, but it looked like he got tired as the game went on and could not locate his pitches.

Kurt Birkins came in and struggled afterwards, giving up another 3 runs.

Ramon Hernandez started the scoring for the Orioles with a 3-run double, and drove in another run in the 9th inning.

Nick Markakis and Kevin Millar also drove in runs.

For the Indians, C.C. Sabathia won his 5th game, and Trot Nixon had 5 hits, and drove in 4 runs. Also, Jason Michaels and Casey Blake drove in 2 runs for the team as well.

Grady Sizemore had a big influence in the game, robbing the Orioles of at least 2, if not 3 hits that could have led to a run, or two, or three.

It’s a game of chances, and it looks like the Indians have had them all from the fourth inning on.

This afternoon, Fausto Carmona takes on Steve Trachsel.

***

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post has a recap of yesterday's game, and so does Mike Peters of the Baltimore Examiner.

Well, there's another pitccher with cause for concern, as Daniel Cabrera complained about a sore left ankle while pitching against Cleveland on Saturday night. Right now, the Orioles are taking a cautious approach with Daniel and are hoping for the best.

Well, the Orioles are making the best of Cal Ripken's induction into the Hall of Fame by offering quite a bit of promotions this season.

Reliever Todd Williams is happy to be back with the O's and laments on the differences between the majors and the minors...

The Baltimore Sun has a question for Danys Baez, on the amount of lefties in the bullpen...

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The Game Yesterday, May 6th; The Game Rundown, Picture Gallery, Condensed Video Recap

Indians vs. Orioles - Game Two

I’ll be at the Yard today helping out Oriole Magic!, and I don’t have time to a do a review, so here’s a roundup of articles from the various newspapers that have a full recap from the game last night.

The Orioles last night won 8-2 and the bats have awoken. Roch Kubtako of the Sun has a game recap, and the ‘man’ yesterday was Ramon Hernandez who hit a big 3-run homer and drove in 4 runs.

Big Daniel Cabrera had more than enough support as he pitched 7 great innings, and only gave up a run -- a homer to Victor Martinez.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post has a recap of the game, as does the Baltimore Examiner.

As we know by now, the Orioles’ starting rotation is tattered and hurt, but Jeremy Guthrie and Brian Burres are now slotted as starters in the rotation; Adam Kilgore has more on it. Also, because of the injuries, Todd Williams, a familiar face to fans for the past couple of seasons, has been brought back to the majors after spending the first few weeks of the season in the minors.

Todd will be counted on a to be veteran arm in a bullpen that might be overused at this point.

Due to the tragedy with Josh Hancock, the Orioles have taken alcoholic beverages out the clubhouse. Even though it has been talked about for some time within the organization, the move was taken now.

The Baltimore Sun has a question with Nick Markakis, this time about clutch situations.

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Live at the Yard: Check out Oriole Magic!

I'm at Oriole Park, blogging live, so check out the latest at Oriole Magic!

Slideshow/Photo Gallery of the Indians vs. Orioles Last Night...

Indians v. Orioles - Game One

Quick Hits: The Game Last Night, Condensed Video & Adam Loewen

Well, the Orioles for one day can feel good about themselves! Anyhow, after a prolonged losing streak, the team finally hit pay dirt as Nick Markakis singled in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning, giving the Orioles a 3-2 a dramatic comeback victory over the Indians.

The Orioles offense was once again pretty lackluster, but things came together at the right time.

The starter for the Orioles, Erik Bedard, went 6 innings, struck out 4, and had a rough 5^th inning where he gave up a two-run homer to David Dellucci.

Bedard has been a fighter all this year on the mound, but he has given up 7 home runs already which would be a cause for concern for me; however, I gather he’ll get himself together.

Paul Byrd, starter for the Indians, pitched a valiant 6 2/3 innings, but got the no-decision.

Chad Bradford and John Parrish held the game in check for the Orioles, and Chris Ray pitched 2 innings for the win.

Nick Markakis drove in 2 runs for the Orioles, including the walk-off hit, as did Jay Payton who homered off Paul Byrd in the 3^rd inning.

The crowd left happy last night as the losing streak was halted for a day…

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game, as does the Baltimore Examiner and the Washington Post.

***

In light of the win yesterday came some bad news.

Last night before the game, the Orioles held a press conference, and starting pitcher Adam Loewen has a stress fracture in his elbow, and will be out for up to 2 months.

To replace Adam on the roster, the O's called up reliever Todd Williams from AAA Norfolk.

It’s too bad for him obviously, as he is one of the team’s young guns and hope for the future.

Keep in mind, he’s young and should bounce back.

Team officials noted that surgery is a "potential option," but Loewen will be out at least eight weeks even if he doesn't choose to undergo a corrective procedure.

"This is definitely a step back for me," Loewen said. "It's frustrating to hear that when I worked so hard in the offseason. I thought I made huge strides, but it's not the end of the world. I'm 23, and I think the future's going to be bright."

Great attitude, Adam. I’m hoping you come back sooner rather than later.

The Orioles will be impacted in a major way due to his injury. It will be determined if his injury will a long lasting effect on the season, but we are heading into unknown.

With Jaret Wright, Kris Benson and Adam Loewen on the DL, 3/5 of the original slotted starting rotation is on the shelf, and could the season be lost?

Only time will tell.

Roch Kubatko of the Baltimore Sun has more on the Loewen injury, & Peter Schmuck believes that the Orioles will be severely impacted…

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post notes that Adam Loewen will miss most of the season now…

On that note, long reliever Brian Burres is expected to start Sunday in place of Adam Loewen.

Miguel Tejada may be one of the league leaders in batting average; his power has been slow to come...

Condensed Video:

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Blogging Live at Camden Yards...

I am at Camden Yards blogging live at the game -- check out MVN's Oriole Magic for more and up to the minute action...

Quick Hits: The Indians are Coming to Town and the Rundown...

We know the Baltimore Orioles are in a funk, and they need to find a way out of it. At the moment, the pitching, for the most part has done its job, but it is average at best. The bullpen, masterful in the first weeks, looks to be a little tired and perhaps might have cost the Orioles a few games.

However, the offense has been nothing short of dead and the Orioles are not getting the job in terms driving in runners when they are in scoring position.

With the exception of Miguel Tejada who is batting .345 but with only 6 extra base hits and a team that looks to be devoid of power, something needs to happen.

This weekend, the scorching Indians are in town, and as we know from last weekend, they are a tough customer.

With Travis Hafner who’s deadly on the road, Victor Martinez and Grady Sizemore here for 4 games, this series will prove what the Orioles are really made of and could perhaps set the tone for the rest of the month.

Matchups:

• Friday: Paul Byrd (2-1, 3.50) vs. Erik Bedard (3-2, 6.09)
• Saturday: Jeremy Sowers (0-1, 4.40) vs. Daniel Cabrera (1-3, 4.50)
• Sunday: C.C. Sabathia (4-0, 3.38) vs. Adam Loewen (2-0, 3.56) ok, it may most likely be Brian Burress or maybe Jeremy Guthrie
• Monday: perhaps Cliff Lee (0-0, 7.50) vs. Steve Trachsel (1-3, 4.08)

At this point, I am not so much worried about the pitching, albeit, thye have to get deeper into games, it’s the offense.

If there’s any positive out of this, it’s like not the Orioles were blown out in the majority of the losses during the streak. The majority of the games were lost by one or two runs and thing could have gone in another direction with timely hitting or the bullpen holding the game tighter.

If the Orioles don’t improve into the Tampa Bay series, things will go from ugly to nuclear real fast.

***

Although the Orioles are in May, it may or may not be a time to be concerned; however, it's not like I need to repeat a broken record -- the offense needs to pick up. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun has thoughts on this topic and input from some of the Orioles in an article.

Rick Mases of the Baltimore Sun ponders how the organization will fare due to the resignation of Joe Foss, Orioles COO. He was sort of the right hand to Angelos, and considering all the good he has done with the Orioles, the attendance has dropped big time and this could be a time of change for the team in terms of the bottom line.

Spencer Fordin of the orioles.com has a great Q&A with pitching coach Leo Mazzone.

The Baltimore bullpen is a sort in a funk right now, but they are trying their best to keep things upbeat and good in spite of the team's downturn.

Quick Hits: The Game Yesterday and Condensed Video Recap

The Orioles beat the Cleveland Indians, but not without controversy by a score of 7-4. However, more importantly, the team snapped their 5 game losing streak. Some key players had big games including, Miguel Tejada and Brian both had three hits; however, Ramon Hernandez had an incredible day as he drove in 4 runs & had 2 hits, Corey Patterson drove in 2, and Miguel Tejada drove in a run as well.

Erik Bedard threw six innings and gave up four runs, but struck out eleven (!), but didn’t get the decision. Jamie Walker got the win, and the bullpen once again held check with the contributions of Chad Bradford, Danys Baez. Chris Ray got his seventh save.

The controversial moment of the game came in sixth inning; actually, it happened in the third. Well, the O’s were up 2-1 on the Indians and Ramon Hernandez seared a line drive into centerfield that Grady Sizemore dove for and caught.

Nick ‘the Stick’ Markakis was on third and looked to score off Ramon’s rocket. Miguel Tejada was on first, and Sizemore doubled him off, but Markakis has crossed the plate before he was tagged out.

However, the plate umpire did not count the run (which should have indeed been counted!)

Well, the umpires realized their screw-up, and run got added the game in the sixth inning (the run got credited in the third inning) after they conferenced, and both Sam Perlozzo along with Tom Treblehorn, the bench coach made their case.

Eric Wedge, the Cleveland would protest the game, as the change happened much later than the actual incident.

Today, Jaret Wright comes back from injury and takes the mound against Fausto Carmona.

***

Jeff Zrebiec has a detailed recap of the game on Saturday, as does Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.

The bullpen, which has been a source of strength, has been used a lot – I mean a lot. The starting pitching must get deeper into games, or else the bullpen will be tired by May or June. Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post has a piece on the bullpen, and as well as Jay Gibbons.

Jay Gibbons is struggling and is 0 for his last 21. Well, Gibbons is not worrying about it and hopes to hit his way out of the slump.

The Baltimore Sun has a question for Sam Perlozzo and it dealt how he handled the losing streak.

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Quick Hits -- O's vs. Indians, Friday Night & Condensed Video...

photo from the baltimoresun.com

Well, the Cleveland Indians are on the upswing, as they have won their sixth straight; meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles have lost their fifth straight.

Walks by Oriole pitchers, a huge 6^th inning by the Indians, an infective bullpen and a 3-run inside-the-park by young superstar Grady Sizemore did in the boys in black & orange as they lost 5-4.

Steve Trachsel had five scoreless innings until the 6^th. He was effective, getting 2 outs before walking two and getting yanked quickly. Jeremy Guthrie was quickly inserted into the game, and based on his results Tuesday; it would be reasonable to figure he could get one out and keep the game in check.

That was not the case. He hit one batter, David DeLucci, and then gave up a hit to Josh Barfield which allowed two runs.

Then Grady Sizemore came up. He hit the ball over the head of Corey Patterson, normally an incredible outfielder, and it careened off the wall. Patterson fell out in the field, and by the time Jay Payton recovered the ball and threw it into the infield, Sizemore was well onto scoring & made the score 5-1.

Brian Roberts added on two RBI’s late the game during the 7^th inning, as did Ramon Hernandez, but it was not enough to win.

Indians starter Jake Westbrook won his first game, while closer Joe Borowski got the save.

Orioles’ starter Steve Trachsel got tagged with the loss.

However, there was some good news for the Orioles – Miguel Tejada played in his 1,103^rd consecutive game, sixth longest in history.

***

The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec has a recap of the Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game, as does the Washington Post’s Adam Kilgore and the Baltimore Examiner.

Jeff Zrebiec has more on Miguel Tejada and he moving into 6^th place on the consecutive games played list.

Baltimore Oriole Jeremy Guthrie went to Cleveland to face his old team…

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