Photos: Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles, Apr. 7th
Photos: Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles, Apr. 7th, a set on Flickr.
Friday, April 8, 2011
The Buck Effect
Thanks to the hot start by the Baltimore Orioles, they have received a considerable amount of attention on the national stage. Of course, they will keep continuing to get it -- if they win.
That being said, most of the pundits out there are not only noticing the the Orioles' improved pitching, defense and clutch hitting, but they are giving much of the credit to one man.Buck Showalter.
It’s safe to say right now that Buck Showalter is the public and yes, marketing face for the Orioles. He been seen in commericals for MASN, his mug is all over Baltimore, whether it's outside the warehouse or on a billboard; moreover, he probably got the loudest cheers of anyone during Opening Day.
He calls out his rivals in the media and the Oriole fans love it.
We all know his track record with the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers. He made them into winners, although he never managed in a World Series with any of them. However, both New York and Arizona won a championship not too long after he left them.
Now, he's trying to do the same thing for the Orioles.
>>> Read More
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Impressive Night by Adam Jones Helps Orioles Take Series from Tigers...
Last night had to be one of the more impressive games I’ve seen from the Orioles in quite a while.
They defeated the Detroit Tigers last night to take two out of three contests during the game series, 9-5.
I went to the game last night in person and it was cold, chilly and there didn’t seem to be much of a crowd out there; however, it was a fun time by all and saw a great win by Baltimore.
The Orioles had to come back from three deficits in order to up their record to 5-1 and take sole possession of first place in the AL East.
The Orioles used a five-run seventh inning in which they batted around the lineup to come back and down the Tigers. They would jump all over the Tigers bullpen and decide the game from there.
Vladmir Guerrero – who had a homer in the second inning – drove the tying run in the seventh inning with a single (after Roberts and Markakis reached base). Moments later, Mark Reynolds had a two-run double that helped put away the game for good.
I just find Vladmir Guerrero amazing, but it irks me that he swings on the first pitch … so often. I know his ability to hit pitches that he has no business swinging at made him a legend, but still…
Cesar Izturis – who was in the game due to J.J. Hardy being scratched out of the lineup – drove in a run during the 5-run seventh.
Adam Jones finally got out of his slow start as he hit a monstrous two-run homer to left in the sixth, drove in three runs and had a critical bunt in the game.
Good thing he was in the lineup. Considering he was not going to play until Buck Showalter penciled him in, the Orioles should be happy with the decision.
The offense bailed out starting pitcher Chris Tillman, who only lasted 4 2/3 innings after his impressive showing in Tampa. He looked good at times during the game – especially in the second and third innings – however, he was not efficient at all with his pitches.
It was painful to watch him in the first inning, and I think he needed some thirty-or so pitches to get out of the frame. Tillman gave up two runs in the first inning and in the fifth.
>>> Read More
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Four Game Win Streak to Start Season Comes to an End; Meanwhile, Red Sox Nation is
All good things sometimes must come to an end.
The Orioles, who started off the season 4-0 heading into tonight, lost to the Detroit Tigers, 7-3.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards was not packed to the gills – in comparison to Monday – based on what I saw on MASN. It was a nice night out and kind of surprising not to see a larger crowd, especially after all the positivity of this week.
The crisp play that was part of the recipe for the Orioles in their first four games was not there on Wednesday.
Baltimore had to contend with Justin Verlander, who is one of the best in the business on the mound. They were able to score three times off of him, thanks to a 2-run homer by Derrek Lee in the fourth inning and an RBI single by Vladmir Guerrero in the sixth.
However, the Orioles were hoping for a decent start by Brad Bergesen.
According to the Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec, he’s not thrown in a game since March 25th.
It showed.
Really, he’s only starting because Jeremy Guthrie amazingly fell ill and was hospitalized.
This was Bergy’s chance to take the ball and deliver. The results didn’t go too well.
Bergesen went 3 2/3 innings and threw over 80 pitches in that time frame. He was charged four runs – two earned – on four hits; however, he was not helped by his defense. The bullpen was not much better either, honestly as they gave up three runs after Bergesen left the game.
>>> Read More
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Thoughts on the Home Opener...
If the baseball gods want to bless the city of Baltimore and their fans, they sure did.
Over the years, I’ve been going to Opening Day for years at Camden Yards and could never remember one in recent memory as nice as this.
It was summer in April.
As James noted yesterday – and you all know – the Orioles defeated the Detroit Tigers, 4-1.
Getting in and especially out of Downtown Baltimore, plus finding traffic was a pain yesterday; however, all things considered with the weather, plus a overwhelming crowd in orange and black – and not in Red Sox and Yankee gear – was a great thing to see.
The fact the Orioles also swept the Rays this weekend and the vibe of good feelings in the air brought a sold-out crowd en masse to Camden Yards.
Listening to the radio while drive into Baltimore from I-95, I heard a ton of clichés, hyperbole, metaphors and other stuff about the Orioles, plus Buck Showalter – especially after a three-game win streak with only 159 games to go, but I too was a happy man. I was honestly just glad to see baseball again live in and person.
For many of us, Opening Day is like a holiday or an important annual celebration, similar to an anniversary. Opening Day doesn’t quite have the same feel as the Super Bowl, or the NBA Finals, but it’s not an ordinary game in a long season.
It’s a day where hope is renewed and fans wish that their team starts off the season on a winning note.
That happened for the Orioles.
>>> Read More
Orioles Win! Start 4-0.
The Orioles won again today taking their home opener in front of a full-throated sell-out crowd at Camden Yards. Young starter Jake Arrieta looked fantastic against the Tigers today pitching six innings and scattering six hits only giving up one run. Brian Roberts remained hot hitting his second three-run homerun of the young season powering the Orioles to a seemingly easy 5-1 victory.
The game started with full emotion as Hall Of Fame manager Earl Weaver threw out the first pitch to current Orioles manager Buck Showalter. Until you have been to a game where Earl makes an appearance you simply do not understand what he means to this town. Jim Hunter strained to announce him over the din of the sell out crowd, a vast majoroty of which was in their seats for the opening festivities the hour before the start time. As Hunter began to talk the crowd noice maxxed out, I was a bit taken back by the emotion of the scene, I admit it I got a bit choked up.
I was sitting in section 381 with a full contingent of friends. We cheered ourselves hoarse. My friend Matt has developed cheers for each player to be recited at least once each game. What are those cheers, you may ask? Well that is for another post. It will take some time, just let it be known that you will hear these chants coming from section 334 all year. I danced, we sang, I'm beat sitting here at home.
The Orioles did not disappoint. The weather today was absolutely gorgeous but nothing is more beautiful than this team's start. Four wins against zero losses for the young season. The last time the Orioles started this strong was 1997 the year they won 98 games. I am not going to sit here and say that is in store for THIS Orioles team but if they keep playing like this they will start to convince me>>> Read More
Monday, April 4, 2011
Opening Day in Baltimore
The sun is shining in Baltimore this morning. The rain from the storms that rolled through last night still stains the concrete and combined with the overwhelming sounds of birds chirping it gives the city an almost tropical feel. It will be warm today, partly cloudy and baseball will return to Baltimore. Spring is a time of renewal and the Orioles seem to be taking to that trend. After three excellent games of baseball against the Rays the Orioles open Camden Yards this season with a 3-0 record for the first time since 1997 when they started 4-0. The starting pitching was great; the bullpen was solid; the offense was timely and the defense - well the defense was just stellar. Today is not the day for hardcore analysis. Today is not the day predictions and projections. Today is not the day for sabermetircs. Today is about the purity of baseball, the grandeur of the experience. it is about fathers and sons, groups of friends, freshly mowed grass and the silliness of fireworks in the daytime.This is about the unbridled hope and enthusiasm that comes with every new season that some way somehow this will be out year. The year of the Bird, "Why Not?", the year that this collection of men finally wake up and decide to send shockwaves through the American League. The year that ESPN finally has to pay attention to us, the year that make Michael Wilbon apologize for the on-air PTI tirade against us. There is no way to truly predict the future in this game, there are too many variables and the humanity of the game lends itself to a certain amount of chaos, but we do know this - the Orioles are playing today and downtown Baltimore will be packed. >>> Read More
Sunday, April 3, 2011
What a Weekend & Happy for the Home Opener...
So far, so good for the Orioles!'
James already gave his thoughts on Britton’s first major league win and what the Birds did today.
Buck-Ball has been riding high with timely hitting, pitching and defense, so let’s hope the Orioles continue this for the next six months or so.
I’ll say, I’m glad the Orioles didn’t repeat their performance during their Opening Series last year. As I see it right now, this is an improved team and certainly one that doesn’t resemble anything we’ve seen recently.
We are probably not going to see the Orioles go 162-0 or win the division; however, we all can dream, right? The team is playing so well.
As long as they don't suck again.
Although the offense can be a tad better, the Orioles are getting key hits in the clutch and men on base when needed. Wieters has been impressive and so far is looking like he is primed for a big year, plus looks even more confident than ever.
It’s only been three games, but the starting pitching has been amazing and between Jeremy Guthrie, Chris Tillman and Zach Britton, they’ve only given up a run.
Orioles Sweep Rays!
Baltimore rejoices in an opening series that is pretty much the exact opposite of last year.
Zach Britton started today and pitched six innings, striking out six and allowing only one earned one. Britton earned the win as the Orioles busted out late again taking advantage of the Rays' bullpen to win the game 5-1.
A couple thoughts:
Wieters has had an amazing opening weekend. he has caught well, called a tremendous game, played his position well and today he had a multi-hit game scoring a run and knocking in the Orioles first run on an RBI single.
Adam Jones got his first two hits today and a stolen base.
The defense continued to shine today save for a botched grounder to Reynolds in the ninth everyone was on point.
I am telling you all this right now, at the end of the year we will look back at the JJ Hardy deal and begin making plans to erect a statue of Andy MacPhail downtown. The fact we got him for so little is quite amazing to me.
Tampa without Longoria, who landed on the 15-day DL last night, the Tampa offense looks very very weak. Manny and Damon are not the threats they were last decade and there is not a single power threat on that team outside of Zobrist. Their bench was played a lot today, and it looks weak.
Zach Britton Starts Today Against Rays
In a few minutes, the Orioles will go for the series sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays before they head back north to play in their home opener on Monday.
After last year's debacle, it's quite a pleasure to see the Orioles off to a good start. Then again, it's only been two games.
Zach Britton will be starting the game on the mound for Baltimore and it will be interesting to see how he hold his own now that he's up in the majors for real.
It looked as if the Orioles were going to wait and promote him due to his Super Two status and delaying his free agent clock; however, the plans changed when Matusz wound up hurt.
Zach Britton Starts Today Against Rays
In a few minutes, the Orioles will go for the series sweep against the Tampa Bay Rays before they head back north to play in their home opener on Monday.
After last year's decable, it's quite a pleasure to see the Orioles off to a good start. Then again, it's only been two games.
Zach Britton will be starting the game on the mound for Baltimore and it will be interesting to see how he hold his own now that he's up in the majors for real.
It looked as if the Orioles were going to wait and promote him due to his Super Two status and delaying his free agent clock; however, the plans changed when Matusz wound up hurt.
Opening Night: Buzz in the City
The Orioles got the season off to a great start last night with a dominate pitching performance from on Jeremy Guthrie. Guts pitched eight, three hit no run innings. Striking out six and only walking one Guthrie allowed two baserunners only one in his game. Jim Johnson gave everyone a minor heart attack with giving up a solo homerun to Ben Zobrist to lead off the bottom of the ninth, but he quickly retired the next three batters with no drama.
I am not here to write a generic game recap though. Anthony already did a fine job. Rather I am here to make a comment on the fandom I witnessed last night. And, ladies and gentlemen, the state of the fandom is strong. Perhaps it was just one bar in one neighborhood but as the game wore on the crowd grew larger and larger. The speckling of orange and black soon became a small sea and the crowd cheered with every Tampa out and every Oriole hit.
Vlad Guerrero's first Oriole hit of 2011 was greeted with a round of cheers. Nick Markakis' first RBI bringing in JJ Hardy, after his double, brought a minor roar from the crowd. The bar exploded with cheers and elevated hand-slaps as Brian Roberts roped a triple into left center field. Cheers followed by laughter as old nemesis Johnny Damon misplayed the ball.
It was a great night.
B-Rob and Nick the Stick Help O's Defeat Rays; Tillman is Excellent in 1st Start of Season
What a game! Has the run of last season continued? Granted, it’s only been two games – but what an effort so far.
The Orioles moved to 2-0
on the season as they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 3-1. In a game that featured several heroes, Brian Roberts hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to break a shutout and Nick Markakis made an incredible catch – robbing Ben Zobrists’s drive – with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning against the right field to preserve the victory.
Defense, pitching and a homer sent Baltimore to victory.
Chris Tillman – who I am sure everyone had concerns about heading into the season – went six no-hit innings and struck out five, while walking three. He was pulled due to reaching his pitch limit – he was at 101.
Considering that Tillman had his ups and down during Spring Training, much more in his brief major league career, Saturday’s game was awesome to see.
Jeremy Accardo got the win and gave up the first of the game (to Upton, I believe).
James Shields, who started for the Rays, was pretty good, throwing seven shutout innings before being lifted. Reliever Jake McGee – who took the loss – gave up the longball to Roberts.
Felix Pie – who came into the game in relief of Luke Scott in left – made an amazing throw in the seventh to nail B.J. Upton at the plate after he stole second and tried to score off a Kelly Shoppach base-hit.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Orioles Look to Win Opening Series
Tonight the Orioles will attempt to win their first series of the year, and there is already drama surrounding this young season. Brian Matusz was supposed to make the start tonight but a strained back is keeping him out at least until the beginning of May. Chris Tillman will make the start in his place, meaning top prospect Zach Britton will be called up to make the start on Sunday.
Drama in April, gotta love it.
Tillman and the Orioles will be going up against James Shields and a Rays team who you know is disappointed after the egg that was laid last night. Guthrie and Johnson combined to hold the Rays to four hits over the game, the only run coming off Ben Zobrist's ninth inning last gasp homer. The Rays were completely dominated by Guthrie last night, David Price agrees in the St. Pete Times:
"We got beat, period," Rays starter David Price said. "Offensively, defensively, pitching. We got dominated in baseball."
Manager Joe Maddon concurred:
"When a guy pitches that well, it's really hard to do anything," Maddon said. "He was just that good."
Friday, April 1, 2011
Buck Showalter Banner on the Side of the Warehouse
This evening, while driving home from Hunt Valley, I hopped on I-83 after a late dinner and then took Howard Street to I-395 South on my way home.
On the way, I passed the Warehouse and saw quite the imposing banner of Buck Showalter posing like Uncle Sam with the question, "Are You Ready?" underneath.
Since I carry some kind of camera with me most of the time, I decided to snap a few pictures of the banner this evening.
A Great Start to the Season; Britton Makes His ML Debut on Sunday, Matusz to DL
What a night for the Orioles. They defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-1, in their season opener a little more than 900 miles away in St. Petersburg, FL.
A lot of people – fans and media alike – don’t believe that Jeremy Guthrie is an ace, much less a number one starter, but he looked every bit of it on Friday as he went eight shutout innings, struck out six and walked one. He only allowed three hits. Tampa’s only run of the game came off a Ben Zobrist homer that was given up by Baltimore reliever Jim Johnson.
If there’s anything we learned tonight, it’s this: the Orioles have no easy outs in their lineup.
The Orioles got their kicks in against one of the best pitchers in baseball, David Price and they gave him his first off of the season.
Both Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts drove in two runs each.
Markakis’ single drove in a run during the third inning and he added a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Brian Roberts hit a two-run triple (aided by a misplay by Johnny Damon at left field wall – in which he may have channeled Manny Ramirez) to give Baltimore a 4-0 lead.
It was a fairly crisp game by the Orioles; however, the Rays nearly made things very interesting in the eighth inning. B.J. Upton – who doubled in the frame – perhaps blew a golden opportunity for Tampa as he got picked off between second and third base.
However, it looked as J.J. Hardy interfered with the rundown as Upton suddenly stopped in front of him and was tagged by Wieters – who caught the game. Hardy threw down his glove in frustration, believing he allowed Upton to reach third, but the umpires called him. Both Upton a Tampa manager Joe Maddon vented, but the ruling stood.
That was a break the Orioles needed.
Before the game was even played, the Orioles got horrible news. It looks as if Brian Matusz will start the season on the DL – and it’s not a way the Orioles or fans wanted his season to begin.
According to the Baltimore Sun’s Peter Schmuck, “Matusz has inflammation in an area (the intercostal region) that is particularly troublesome for both pitchers and hitters and sometimes requires several weeks to calm down.”
He may be three weeks – if not even longer.
Chris Tillman will start Saturday against Tampa; however, Zach Britton – yes, him – will start Sunday after the team decided he would start in Triple-A Norfolk to start the season. Many of us who wanted him to start the season with the Orioles got our wish.
Opening Night, Buck-Ball, Hendrickson and Brooks Robinson
On Friday night in the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg area, the 2011 season will kick off – finally! – for the Baltimore Orioles.
Everyone is optimistic for the season to begin and for the first time in a long time, let's all hope that 2011 is the season where the Orioles become relevant again on the national scene.
The Orioles and Andy MacPhail during the winter tried their best to retool, rebuild and get a competitive roster on the field.
Did they accomplish their goals? We’ll see over the next six months.
Buck-Ball came rolling into in August and things have not been the same since. I never thought a manager would not make that much of a difference when it comes to coaching professionals.
I guess I was wrong. He’s seemingly inspired his players. He calls out his rivals and speaks his mind.
I appreciate it. It's awesome.
Right now, everyone is high on Buck Showalter and he’s gained a lot of a capital in his time while in Baltimore. Let’s hope he avoids an extended losing streak, much more a swoon.
As for the weekend coming up…
Showalter will start Jeremy Guthrie on Friday for game one, Brian Matusz for game two and Chris Tillman to close out the Series against the Rays. Jake Arrieta will take the mound on Monday at Camden Yards for the home opener. The pitching at times in Spring Training was shaky at times. Let's hope for some consistency and a few wins. Lord knows that we all don't want to a repeat of the first few weeks of the 2010 season that buried the team before Buck came to town.
The offense has a new look with Mark Reynolds, J.J. Hardy, Vladmir Guerrero and Derrek Lee; therefore, we’ll need to see if they deliver. Furthermore, will Adam, Jones, Matt Wieters and Nick Markakis take their games to another level?
The Orioles’ goal this year and beyond is simple: Win and take a team that has been a punching bag and a punchline into a formidable squad.
As we all know, the Orioles have not had a winning season since Bill Clinton was president. That's a long arse time. Think of it, there are some young adults now in the region who cannot remember a winning Oriole team!
>>> Read more
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