Photo Gallery: Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles; June 19th, 2008

Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles; June 19th, Balto. Md

Baltimore Sweeps Houston; Now Vs. Then, A Year Later

I didn't know what to think when the season started, I figured we would be lucky to see .500 this season at any point and it would be more of the same in terms of losing.

Last night, the amazing Orioles swept the Houston Astronauts by defeating them 7-5 in a exciting game at Camden Yards. Baltimore had yet another come-from-behind win, their 22nd; however, they managed to score in the middle of the game, as opposed to in late innings and cause a cardiac arrest. Alex Cintron lead the way with three hits including a home run that sparked the offensive barrage -- alas, he nearly served as the goat as he committed an error and misplayed a ball in ninth inning that alomost sparked a Houston comeback.

A six-run fifth inning helped out the Orioles and helped Brian Burres -- who had been struggling as of later -- earn his sixth win. Although he was far from dominant, he was serviceable, as he pitched a little over five innings and earned his sixth victory -- a team high.

George Sherrill earned his 24th save.

***
At this point last year, Dave Trembley became manager of the Baltimore Orioles.

Needless to say at that juncture, although the Orioles had played well when he came to the helm, they were still a sub .500 team with little hope of getting better.

We still had Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada as our "stars", but yet they could not get us out of a fourth place finish as well the butt of a national joke.

Also, one year ago, Andy MacPhail became the Chief Operating Officer of the Baltimore Orioles -- more or less, the man in charge.

MacPhail, highly regarded as a baseball man from a family with a rich legacy in the game, fans knew they were getting someone who knew the game -- however, we were skeptical as to how things would actually come about.

As well, who knew what Dave Trembley would be like as manager of the Baltimore Orioles?

Let's fast forward one year later.

The Orioles, much to the surprise of the nation, much less their own base, are over .500, seventy-one games into the season.

Andy MacPhail, through long hours of work with his staff has perhaps done the impossible -- that is making the Baltimore Orioles into a viable franchise again.

So far, MacPhail has looked like a genius and perhaps foresaw the future by sending Bedard to Seattle (see how that worked out!) and our big ticket, Miguel Tejada to Houston where they can't buy a win and are sinking like the Titanic. The deals he made in the off season have been proven invaluable, as we now have fan favorites in Luke, Adam Jones, & George Sherill; as well, youngsters who have made quite a contribution like Matt Albers and Dennise Sarfate.

I'm sure more guys will be on their way up to the big leagues, for example the amazing Matt Wieters, with Jake Arrieta in tow along with Billy Rowell and Nolan Reimold.

Meanwhile, in Charm City and in Oriole Nation, we have a team that doesn't give up until the very last out, and although we don't have any superstars -- we have a team that's likable, personable, plus one the region can identify with.

Young guys are getting their shot and making that most of it, and they are being embraced by the fans.

You can't say enough about Adam Jones, but let's also not forget Garrett Olson, Radhames Liz, Jeremy Guthrie, but also Brian Burres -- who may be struggling, but through guts and determination is showing why he deserves a shot at this level.

But all the recent success starts at the top, and you cannot give enough credit to Dave Trembley. He's instilled a sense of professionalism and pride within this team that seemed to be missing with Perlozzo, Mazzilli, Regan, et. al.

Yes, a big component of how I feel is that we are winning; however, it looks like the team respects Trembley and is buying into his philosophy.

We as fans can't be more grateful, and some who have not been to Camden Yards are coming back for not only the promotions, but to see winning and inspired baseball. Instead of knowing the game is over the by third inning, fans know they will get their money's worth and each game can provide that magical moments which makes following the Orioles worthwhile.

The Milwaukee series may have exposed some of the Orioles' weaknesses -- young pitchers who are still learning to be consistent on this level (item: Garrett Olson and Daniel Cabrera), not being able to do much with hitters in scoring position and a bullpen that has had a lot of pressure put on them.

Needless to say, the Orioles have been playing well; however, their weaknesses may undo the success they have had so far.

I realize Baltimore may not contend for the pennant (then again, I have been wrong on just about everything this season), but we have more hope than we ever had in a decade and we should be thankful.

However, the mission is far from accomplished. More deals and time will be needed to make the Orioles into a competitive franchise again. Some moves will be lauded, and there will be a few that will be scrutinized and ripped apart; alas, you have to take some risks – not only in sports, but in all facets of life – to become successful.

The O's Comeback Again: Defeat Houston 2-1 in 10 Innings

For the second night in a row, the Orioles once again had another come-from-behind victory as they beat Houston, 2-1, in the ten innings. Kevin Millar poked a base hit up the middle off of Houston closer Jose Valverde in the 10th inning to drive in Adam Jones and send the crowed at Oriole Park at Camden Yards rocking home.

The Orioles were buoyed by Luke Scott's homer in the seventh inning that tied the game, and once again, the bullpen kept the game close when Chad Bradford pitched two scoreless innings for the win.

Once again, Jeremy Guthrie pitched his heart out -- however, once again, the de-facto ace of the staff earned the no decision. His only mistake was giving up a solo homer -- a bomb -- to one of the best hitters in the NL, Lance Berkman in the top of the seventh inning.

Guthrie's final line: 8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 8 K.

Perhaps if he was on any other team, he might have easily earned the 'W', but with the Orioles, the lack of run support for Guthrie seems to be standard operating procedure. Guthrie has a sub four ERA, and with that alone, he should have at least a .500 record, if not above it -- alas, the Orioles don't score runs for him which has now become some crazy epidemic.

Once again, Oriole Magic came alive as Baltimore was able to pull out the win, and make things exciting for fans; however, all these comebacks may set a dangerous precedent.

Is the bullpen going to always deal with added pressure to keep the game close when the the Orioles are always seemingly behind? Are the hitters going to start pressing? And finally, what happens when the luck runs out? (Disagree with me, but the law of averages may start to catch up with the Orioles).

Well, the starting pitching needs to go deeper, and the Orioles have to be a lot more effective when they have men in scoring position.

It sounds simple enough, but it's always easier said than done.

The comebacks may be great for us fans, as we are getting no doubt our money's worth; however, I think they can only keep this up for so long.

Photo Gallery: Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles; June 17th, 2008

Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles; June 17th 2008

Oriole Magic Comes Through Again; O’s Down Astros, 6-5 & Wild Bill

The spirit of 'Will" Bill Hagy stayed alive last night as the Orioles pulled yet another come-from-behind win last night as they beat the Houston Astronauts (ok, the Astros), 6-5. The nail for the coffin for Houston came in the 8th inning, as Melvin Mora came through in the clutch -- with two outs, nevertheless -- hitting a double in the gap that would bring the Orioles back from a 5-4 deficit.

Like with most games as of late, the Orioles chipped away at their opponent's lead throughout the game and they were helped greatly by home runs by Aubrey Huff and Nick Markakis. As well, the Baltimore bullpen came through again when it was needed by pitching well over four innings, and George Sherill came through with his 23rd save.

Jim Johnson -- the ever so-clutch pitcher -- got his second win of the season. Oriole starter Garrett Olson looked really off last night, as he pitched only 4 2/3 and was charged with four run -- all earned.

Of course, last night will be remembered for two reasons -- they being Miguel Tejada and "Wild" Bill Hagy.

Read More at Oriole Magic...

Quick Hits: Craig Biggio and MLB Stuffage

Stupid is as Stupid Does: I have to give credit to the Babes Who Love Baseball for heads on up this entry, but apparently, the commissioner’s office has told Craig Biggio to stop wearing a pin on his cap that bears the logo of a the Sunshine Kids, a foundation that helps children with cancer.

“Biggio, the national spokesman for the foundation, said he has worn the bright yellow, sun-shaped pin on his hat every spring for the past 20 years without a problem.

"I'm not a disrespectful person and I don't disrespect the game," Biggio said. "But I've been wearing this pin for 20 years because it puts smiles on 20,000-something cancer patients' faces."

Houston general manager Tim Purpura was sent a fax from the Commissioner's office with a picture of Biggio from Wednesday night's game, instructing the player to keep it off his cap permanently. He was told to take it off during warmups and the umpires even approached him to make sure it was gone.”

Ok, I know there’s a uniform policy in Major League Baseball and other sports, but is a pin promoting cancer awareness placed on a cap be that bad?

The only situation that is similar to this that has pissed me more was when the NFL reprimanded Jake Plummer while he was with the Arizona Cardinals as he honored the death of Pat Tillman by writing (42 – Tillman’s number) on his helmet.

Sometimes sports leagues can be so corporate that they trump image over empathy and common sense.

MLB is wrong in this case.

Stupid, Utterly stupid...

Other MLB Stuffage:

• A-Rod refuses to talk about his contract…
• Stud catcher Joe Mauer is out with a stress fracture in his leg…
• Oops, Manny’s grill violated EBay Policy – (too funny)…
• Papelbon back as the closer for the Red Sox…
• Chone Figgins sidelined with a bad finger…
• Braves Catcher Brian McCann signs a 6 year deal with the Braves…

NL Central Preview: A Capsule...

In tight division, expect to see a lot of action the National League Central and for it to be a dog fight.

Let me know what you think...

St. Louis Cardinals (88-74): St. Louis had an exhilarating end to 2006, the winter for the Cardinals has not been relatively full of fanfare. Even though the Cardinals have not signed a marquee free agent, the team took the initiative to extend ace Chris Carpenter’s contract, as well as resigned Jim Edmonds and Scott Speizio, who was nothing short of clutch in the playoffs. Meanwhile, pitchers Jeff Suppan and Jason Marquis left the team for greener pastures and join rivals within the division.

However, fans should feel confident that the National League Central is fairly weak this season, so anyone has a shot to win the division, with exception of perhaps the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Thus, the Cardinals have a good as chance to win the division.

The Cardinals have won consistently in the past decade, and there’s no reason to doubt the team can’t do it in 2007. The Cardinals do not look as strong on paper as they have in past seasons, but there’s no doubt that they will be contenders in the National League.

Carpenter, of course is the man in the starting rotation as he’ll be expected to win and put up solid numbers as usual. Mark Mulder will be counted on returning back to pre-injury form; Anthony Reyes and Adam Wainwright will need take his success from the playoff run in 2006 and translate into to big things in 2007. The bullpen in 2006 was amazingly reliable and will be counted on to do the same in ’07.

The offense, although aging, still has a lot of firepower and will be productive. The team of course, has the deadly first baseman Albert Pujols batting the middle & we know he’ll do a lot of damage and put up some amazing numbers. Third baseman Scott Rolen also carries a big stick, and although he struggled with some ailments at times in 2006, especially a sore shoulder, he’ll be a key to the offense and should keep in line with his career numbers since. Expect young Chris Duncan to do damage, and Jim Edminds, although aging, should be solid.

In the end, although the Cardinals lost a few key players that helped in their run to the World Series, Redbird fans should still count on the team to do well and contend in 2007. Although it is unknown if the Cardinals can duplicate their World Series run from 2006 in the upcoming season, but Tony LaRussa, Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter and company should keep Busch Stadium rocking. Even though the Cardinals didn’t make a huge splash this winter, expect the team to continue to win and possibly take the NL Central again.

Chicago Cubs (86-76): With a last place finish in the National League Central, Cubs GM Jim Hendry instituted a radical change in the roster. With the Cubs not having won the World Series since 1908, and not having an appearance in it since 1945, the folks in Chicago are now becoming restless and wondering if and when they’ll ever see a trophy.

As the Cubs have been criticized in the past for not spending any money on premier talent, and only looking to make a buck and fill seats; this winter the Cubs spent about $300 million in acquiring free agents and talent in hopes of winning the NL Central and getting back into the World Series. Lou Piniella takes the helm from Dusty Baker in 2007, and he’s already installing a new brand of thinking for the Cubs.

The team spent a lot of money this offseason to secure free agents like Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Mark DeRosa & Jason Marquis. The Cubs also spent big money to re-sign Aramis Ramirez, Kerry Wood and Wade Miller. The offense should be greatly improved to complement a hopefully healthy Derek Lee. The Cubs last year were killed by injuries, lack of offense and poor pitching production. Gone from the team is Juan Pierre who signed a huge deal with the Dodgers, and Greg Maddux who was traded to the Dodgers in July of '06.

As much as the Cubs spent in the offseason, the offense may score a lot of runs, but the pitching situation is still shaky as ever.

After Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs go into the unknown in terms of their rotation, and Cub Nation will need big Z to deliver. Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis were some of the ballyhooed free agents signed by the team and given contracts that many thought were a bit much for their abilities.

The other wild cards in the rotation include Mark Prior and Wade Miller, as both men are trying to recover from injuries and a poor 2006 season.

The Cubs in 2007 should have an improved team, but with the Cardinals and Astros in the National League Central, things may be tough. However, based on the results of 2006, the division may be wide open next season and with questions concerning the Cardinals and Astros, the Cubs might be back in the playoffs if all goes right and the team can stay healthy.


Milwaukee Brewers (85-77): In 2006, the Brewers were seen to be a team on the rise mainly due to its young and talented starting corps and an electric collection of youngsters; however, it was not the Brewers year. With a litany of injuries, a pitching staff that didn’t live up expectations, and an offense lackluster at times, the Brewers only limped to a disappointing 75 wins.

Although the team had a season that did not live up to expectations, they have a great, talented core and should be primed to make an impact in the National League Central.

During the winter, the team added NLCS MVP, pitcher Jeff Suppan and longtime veteran Craig Counsell via free agency, acquired Johnny Estrada, Claudio Vargas and Greg Aquino via trade; however, the Brewers lost infielder Jeff Cirillo, and pitcher Tomo Ohka to free agency, and Edward Campusano, Doug Davis, Dana Eveland along with Dave Krynzel to trades.

Much of the promise for the Brewers comes with their starting pitching, and the top of the rotation is spear-headed by Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano, along with free agent signing Jeff Suppan.

The bullpen for the Brewers on paper looks strong; however, it had it share of struggles in 2006, so it will need Francisco Cordero and Derrick Turnbow to deliver.

The everyday lineup will be fairly young, but they have some big bats easily capable of doing damage. Once again, count on Bill Hall, Prince Fielder to carry big sticks, and for Geoff Jenkins to find his stroke again. Expect good things from youngsters Ricky Weeks, J.J. Hardy and grizzled veterans Tony Graffanino & Corey Koskie to help out.

The team now has even a greater infusion of young talent and will be exciting to watch; however, don’t discount the Brewers lack of experience – they have talent, skills and a good all-around game.

However, I think they will fall short.

Cincinnati Reds (82-80): GM Wayne Krivsky instead of relying on the homer happy offense of the past several seasons in 2006, took a huge gamble to rebuild the pitching corps (mainly the bullpen) along with defense by trading away talent. The trade that sparked the most talk in baseball during in 2006 was outfielder Austin Kearns and infielder Felipe Lopez sent to the Nationals for pitchers Gary Majewski, Bill Bray and Royce Clayton.

However, the team last season strengthened their bullpen and defense for 2007 and beyond.

The Reds had a quiet offseason on the market, but they added quite a bit of new pieces for 2007, including Alex Gonzales and Mike Stanton via free agency, and the team acquired Jeff Keppinger, Kirk Saarloos, Josh Hamilton and Jeff Conine via trade.

The pitching rotation for the Reds came up big in 2006, and it should remain pretty much the same as it did last year. The top of the rotation is spear-headed by Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang. A week ago, both pitchers received lucrative contract extensions, so the team should have two strong and durable hurlers for 2007 and beyond, but the rest of the staff is a question mark with Eric Milton, Kyle Lohse and Kirk Sarloos.

The Reds in 2007 will once again have the appearance of a strong bullpen, albeit, there’s not a real closer. The bullpen in 2006 early on was a big problem, as Wayne Krivsky realized it was weak, and he spent the much of 2006 on improving thing as well as fighting for a playoff spot.

In the bullpen this year will be young guns Bill Bray, Gary Majewski, and veterans Rheal Cormier, Mike Stanton and “Everyday” Eddie Guardado (though he is coming back from injury and won’t be back until mid-season), David Weathers and Todd Coffey. The team will probably employ a bullpen-by-committee to establish a closer, but David Weathers & Mike Stanton are strong candidates to close out games this upcoming season until Guardado returns. Majewski (coming back from injury) and Bray may be in long/middle relief, as they were both incredibly solid in Washington before they were traded.

The offense has gone from some changes from 2006 into 2007, but however, the offense should still be formidable with young players and veterans in the mix. Instead on relying on the home run, the team now looks to manufacture runs with speed and small ball; however, the longball is very much a weapon with Dunn and Griffey in the middle of the lineup.

Do the Reds have enough to compete in the NL Central? Maybe not, but then again the NL Central is still fairly weak, and everyone in the division with exception of the Pittsburgh Pirates have a chance to contend for a division title. Although the pitching has improved, the Reds may be haunted by the deal with the Nationals as they traded offensive threats, Kearns and Lopez. Nevertheless, I expect the Reds to be in the middle of thing 2007 and be a contender, though they do have some weaknesses.

Houston Astros (79-83): In this weak division, the Astros may be contenders, plus they are retooled with an upgraded offense with new addition Carlos Lee, and two new veteran pitchers. However, questions still remain about the starting pitching and if key members of the offense, especially Morgan Ensburg can bounce back from a dismal 2006.

The other huge question for the team in 2007 is whether Roger Clemens will come back to Houston, or if he’ll go to the American League and possibly help out the Yankees or Red Sox.

Houston added the aforementioned Carlos Lee, infielder Mark Loretta and pitcher Woody Williams via free agency, while gaining Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio via trade during the winter; however, they lost Aubrey Huff, Andy Pettitte & Russ Springer to free agency, and Taylor Buchholz, Jason Hirsh and Willy Taveras via trade.

The Houston Astros have had some turnover in the pitching staff, as Andy Pettitte returned to New York City. As well, Brandon Backe is out maybe until the All-Star break, if not longer, so the team right now is in flux in terms of the pitching staff for 2007.

Expect another solid year from Roy Oswalt, and Jason Jennings and Woody Williams should be solid in 2007, but there is uncertainty for the rest of the pitching staff & it will need to step up if Houston has any hope of contending.

The bullpen for the Astros had some ups and downs in 2006, and the organization hopes 2007 will show a lot of improvement. The closer for now will be Brad Lidge, but his struggles in 2006 were cause for concern. Expect Dan Wheeler to step in as the closer if Lidge struggles.

The offense for the Astros served as an Achilles’ heel during the most of the season, and in turn very much hampered the team. Changes had to be made, & the checkbook was opened up for Carlos Lee, but for the most part the offense remains the same from last year and that too may remain a problem, unless key guys step up.

Again, expect a big year once again from Lance Berkman.

The Astros may once again make things interesting in the NL Central, but the team has way too many questions going to the season.

For the team to contend, a lot has to go right, including the offense and pitching performing to their potential and a key piece retuning - Roger Clemens.


Pittsburgh Pirates (74-88): The Pittsburgh Pirates have endured 14 losing seasons, but the team is blessed with young talent like Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez, but they will once again finish in the second division.

The team is still young, raw and the pitching situation has a lot of promise, but most likely cannot be consistent enough to deliver to be a contender.

The starting pitching for the Pirates in 2007 will be very young, with exception of veterans Tony Armas and Shawn Chacon. The rotation for the moment will consist of Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Paul Malholm, Tom Gorzelanny or perhaps Shawn Chacon or Tony Armas having some role in the rotation. As well, the Pirates have plenty of young arms in the organization to call up from the minors if anyone struggle.

For a young team, the Pittsburgh bullpen was very solid, and should continue to be heading into 2007. The one big difference in the bullpen is that stud closer, Mike Gonzales who recorded 24 saves was traded to Atlanta for Adam LaRoche; however, Salomon Torres saved 12 games last year when Gonzales fell to injury, and finished with a 3.28 ERA last season. Torres will probably be the closer for now.

The offense for the Pirates was devoid of power for most part, and the Pirates spent the winter looking a power bat, and eventually got one with Adam LaRoche, although they had to part with young pitcher, Mike Gonzalez.

It remains to be seen if Freddy Sanchez can follow up on a great 2006, but Bay should be good for 30 homers and 100 RBIs. The Pirates have youngsters Jose Castillo, Xavier Nady and Ronny Paulino to help out the offense. Bay, LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez may do well, but they are still short at least once more bat offensively to compete.

In the end, the Pirates certainly may not have enough to be a contender in a weak National League, but they have enough young pieces in the organization to build a franchise around or perhaps deal and trade. As well, the Pirates have a potentially deep core of young pitching, but the development of the talent is paramount and the team is not quite there yet. The offense backed by Bay, LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez may do well, but they are still short at least once more bat offensively to compete.

Despite the Pirates’ weaknesses, the Steel City should have hope for optimism with a young team, filled with talent and potential diamonds in the rough.