McLaren Blows Up: What Must Erik Bedard Be Thinking?

Ah, Erik Bedard, perhaps he might now regret going to Seattle and not staying with Baltimore. As for us, man, does Andy MacPhail look more like a genius each and every day.

I feel for Mariners fans, this deal has needless to say not worked out in their favor.

Now Seattle skipper John McLaren has blown a gasket, and his tirade now will perhaps inspire -- however, not likely -- they're simply not a good team.

Oh boy, what will happen next?

A New Player In the Sweepstakes For the Baltimore Orioles' Erik Bedard: The Seattle Mariners...

When the teams that lose out on the Johan Santana sweepstakes decide to move on the next target, they'll set their eyes on Erik Bedard.

Now, there's a new player in the Bedard sweepstakes -- the Seattle Mariners.

From the News Tribune (Seattle): The Mariners officially acknowledged they were out of the run for Johan Santana, and turned their attention to another coveted pitcher – Baltimore’s Erik Bedard.

Bedard isn’t nearly the marquee name Santana is, but he’s a 29-year-old left-hander with a 40-35 record and a 3.83 lifetime earned run average. Unfortuantely for Seattle, he’s hardly a secret.

Among the teams already pursuing Bedard are the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, and the team that finishes second in the Santana derby is almost certain to join this fray.

As with Santana, Bedard will come dear – Orioles general manager Andy MacPhail wants to remake his roster by moving Bedard and shortstop Miguel Tejada. That means ready-for-the-majors talent.

For the Mariners, that means the same three treasured prospects: outfielder Adam Jones, right-handed pitcher Brandon Morrow and catcher Jeff Clement.

Forget the moment that might not be enough – is Bedard worth the cost?
Last year, he made $3.4 million and is arbitration-eligible this spring. He’s never pitched 200 innings in a season, never won more than 15 games in a season.

Business is about to pickup for the Baltimore Orioles. Like I have said before, if the Orioles can trade Bedard, considering the talks with him so far, I say do it.

Jose Guillen An Oriole?

I caught wind of this in a thread on Orioles Hangout and it was mentioned later this morning on Roch's blog, but it seems the organization has some interest in acquiring Jose Guillen.

Yes, the same guy who was found to have bought HGH recently from a pharmacy, has had problems in the past, and yes, has been with over nine organizations in his career.

Of course, this is all a rumor; however, if the Orioles for some reason sign him, I'll be scratching my head.

A while ago, the Seattle Mariners turned down a $9 million extension for Guillen and bought out his contract for $500,000.

The Kansas City Star has this posted:

"The Royals are dismissing reports from the Dominican Republic that say they are close to an agreement with free-agent outfielder Jose Guillen.

General manager Dayton Moore declined to comment on the matter, but indications suggest the Baltimore Orioles and at least one other team are showing strong interest in Guillen.

The reports linking Guillen to the Royals surfaced after he said he expected to join Licey of the Dominican Winter League in the near future after completing his contract negotiations."

and this is what Roch said on his blog earlier today:

"Jose Guillen is looking for $30 million over three years. He wears steroid allegations like a uniform jersey, with the hGH links a nice accessory. He’s been a headache for more than one manager because of his anger-management issues. He has a short fuse and a shorter shelf life. And ESPN Deportes has the Orioles in the running to sign him.

They must want him in left field – the same place where this rumor came from.

Don’t be shocked if it’s a figment of someone’s imagination.

Guillen, based only on his tools, would be a tremendous upgrade over Jay Payton. The guy hits for average and power, and he has a cannon for an arm. But it would take 27 bellhops to handle all his baggage, and they’d each have to make two trips.

This doesn’t sound like Andy MacPhail’s kind of guy, but it’s worth looking into. Nothing surprises me anymore."

Honestly, Jose Guillen is a good ballplayer, but is he what the Orioles need at this point? No.

From my time seeing him as a Washington National, he is good with the bat, and can definitely be an asset in the outfield, plus can hit for average and power.

The problem is that he's 32 and if the Orioles are serious about the rebuilding, the plan should focus their energy on finding the next star or youngster who can be part of the future, rather than signing a guy to fill a hole.

Guillen's checkered past does not bother me much - he's just not a good fit for the organization at the moment.

In addition, he wants $10 million per year and it's money I'd spend if I knew as GM my team isn't going to compete.

Looking Back; The AL West - Predictions and Reflections

Throughout the off-season, I'm going to take a look at what I have said during the course of season and some predictions I made before play started in 2007.

Well, I am going to start off with the American League West.

First, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim:

What I said: "If the Angels pitching and their offense come together, then they could possibly win the AL West and find themselves in the playoffs. Southern California has two potential playoff contenders in the Angels and the Dodgers, and in the end, the Halos led by Guerrero, Lackey, Weaver, and company could make 2007 a year to remember in that part of the region."

Prediction: Dead On.

***Second, the Seattle Mariners:

What I said: "The Mariners play in a competitive American League West and it may be hard for the team to move up in 2007 in light of the additions made. The team has made a number of changes to attempt to get more competitive, but it looks like the Mariners may remain where they are unless the pitching rotation steps up and additions to the offense perform like they have in the past. Considering this is Ichiro’s walk year, it’s vital that the team make strides to move up the AL West standings.

The Mariners may be a few players away from seriously contending in 2007, but the young core that they have give the team hope for the future."

Prediction: I never expected the Mariners to do so well this season. The offense carried them and the pitching performed far better than I thought (in some instances); however, the weaknesses came through in the last quarter of the season and they wilted. In light of it all, they were a complete shock to me. They still need better pitching and Sexton needs to hit more than his weight, but fans of the team should be pleased with the effort.

***

Third, the Oakland Athletics:

What I said: In the end, the A’s should once again be counted as contenders for both the American League West and the pennant; however, but the team must avoid injuries and get better production from the offense. The pitching, even with Zito leaving for the National League should be among the league’s best and will be perhaps what gets Oakland into the playoff. The main competition for the American League West will be the Angels, but in a stacked American League, it may become a dog fight in the end for a playoff spot American League supremacy with the crowded talented AL Central and East.

Prediction: I did not expect them to be that bad this season, but with injuries to key guys and a lack of offense, they were doomed.

***

Last, But Not Least; The Texas Rangers:

"In the end, the Rangers may not have enough to win the AL West, but the team has a core of young and established veterans that could make an impact in ’07. A lot of the success that the team will have this upcoming season will depend on their pitching and if the weaker parts of the offense from ‘06 picking up the slack.

Also, the other storyline that America will be watching is Sammy Sosa, and whether he can reclaim his glory, or he if he’s done."

Prediction: Close, and almost accurate. Teixiera got traded, but the Rangers got a lot of young talent and they helped to contribute from the get go.

***

Later on this week: The AL Central

O's Lose 8-4 Last Night; Guthrie Struggles, The Rundown and O's Thoughts on Bonds...

Last night was not a good one for the Black and Orange. It was hot, sticky, miserable and Jeremy Guthrie just could not get it going last night. He got hit, and hit hard - real hard.

The O's lost 8-4 last night to the Mariners.

Guthrie allowed six runs in four innings, and allowed a devastating two-run homer to Jose Guillen.

Nick Markakis added two RBI for the Orioles, and Miguel Tejada along with Kevin Millar each drove an RBI as well.

The two teams close out the season series tonight as Horacio Ramirez takes on Daniel Cabrera.

***

The Baltimore Sun has a recap of game as does the Baltimore Examiner, Orioles MLB site and Washington Post.

Roch Kubatko of the Baltimore Sun has his thoughts of the game last night in his blog, Roch Around the Clock.

***

Tuesday was a historic night in baseball with Barry Bonds hitting number 756, and many around baseball, including the Orioles had their say about the occasion. I read some of what a few of the players had to say and I find it fairly consistent with what many of their peers have said.

In some odd way, baseball is a like a weird fraternity and no matter what Bonds did or may not have done, most players are just in awe of his talent and the record being surpassed. I figure a lot of them know how hard it is to play baseball at this level, and the numbers no doubt speak for itself --- Bonds is one of the best of this or any generation; thus, drugs or no drugs, he's in the Hall of Fame.

The Baltimore Examiner and Washington Post have other articles examining Bonds' accomplishment and what many of Orioles feel about it.

I have no idea if a lot of them have blinders on in terms of the drug debate; however, most players believe he is one of the best, if not the best to play the game of baseball.

O's Lose 10-3 to the Mariners; A Quick Rundown...

Last night, I spent much of my energy trying to stop a developing cold, and kept my focus on the whole Barry Bonds home run chase, as I had to write an article on it.

In light of the whole Bonds escapade, there was business conducted around Major League Baseball and the Orioles took on the Mariners last night.

The Mariners, whom I did not think would be much good, have surprised everyone and are within striking distance of the wild card and potentially the AL West lead.

Jeff Weaver, who has been struggling, came into Baltimore and defeated the Orioles soundly, by a score of 10-3.

Steve Trachsel was decent, going a little more than 5 innings, and his start was different than his past few where he got lit up.

The game was close until the last frames, and Jamie Walker nor the bullpen could not hold the fort for the Orioles.

I feel like crap now; thus, I'll be brief today.

Nick Markakis drove in a run for the Birds, and Ramon Hernandez drove in two.

I'd love to try to make tonight's game to see King Felix take on Jeremy Guthrie, but with how I feel, I don't know if it's a possibility.

***

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

The O, by the Way blog ponders on who may be going and coming to the O's; meanwhile, Roch Kubatko has his take on last night's game...

As mentioned earlier this week, Miguel Tejada was put on waivers; however, he was not picked up and the talk didn't seem to faze him.

Erik Bedard will be ready this weekend to face off against the Red Sox...

The Orioles are trumpeting their community service as Rick Maese of the Sun notes; alas, most fans care about the W and L's more than anything...

The Orioles MLB site has a great piece on Frank Robinson's homer in the '66 World Series.

Freddie Bynum was on the way back to the team, and then got stepped on the hand; thus, will be out even longer...

The O's Lose 6-5 to the Seattle, Dave Trembley and the Rundown...

Daniel Cabrera started on three days' rest for Baltimore in place of Erik Bedard, who was scratched with a stiff neck.

The O’s lost 6-5.

He pitched five innings, giving up eight hits and five runs. Granted, he started on three days rest, but his command and inconsistency continued.

Which Daniel Cabrera will we see from game to game?

The bullpen for the umpteenth time, the bullpen lost another game as Chad Bradford gave up the winning run by walking Adrian Beltre in the 8^th inning.

Corey Patterson has been hot as late, as he had 3 hits and a run driven in, plus Jay Payton had a solo home run. Nick Markakis, Chris Gomez and Jon Knott drove in runs for the Orioles.

The O’s face off in Oakland against the A’s this weekend, starting on Friday.

***

The Baltimore Examiner has a recap of the game last night, as does the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun & Orioles Hangout website.

Bill Ordine of the O, by the Way Blog has more details from last night. As well, he believes in another blog entry that the O’s can make life miserable for the both the Red Sox and Yankees.

There are more details on Bedard’s condition from the Washington Post, but he’s expected to start Friday against Oakland. The Baltimore Sun has more.

According to Sean Welsh of the Examiner, Andy MacPhail still plans on using July 31^st as a timetable whether or not he wants to find a new manager or not. Honestly, just let Dave Trembley finish out the year and go from there. I think he deserves a shot, and furthermore is almost senseless to yank a guy from his position when the season is almost over. The team seems to be responding to him, so let’s see how it works out long term.

I don’t know, this kind of goes against what he said at the “State of the Orioles” meeting. Stay tuned, as is what the fans are told is different than what goes on behind closed doors?

Could Miggy be back soon? He took batting practice the other day…

Former Angels’ shortstop, Gary DiSarcina recalls fondly the day Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s all-time consecutive game record.

The Baltimore Orioles are set on honoring Cal Ripken on July 24^th, the day of the bobblehead giveaway.

I work a lot with Mike Boehm of Oriole Magic, and he’s fairly upset about the plans for the 24^th of July, Cal’s send-off on part of the team and the media coverage.

The Game Last Night; O's Lose 4-2, the Rundown

Sorry everyone, but I had a day full of commitments at work and for some other outfits I do stuff for, so I have not been able to update the blog until now.

The Orioles lost 4-2 last night, and I wonder if Brian Buress will now find himself in long relief.

Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound tonight against the phenom, “King” Felix Hernandez.

***

The Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game last night, as does the Baltimore Examiner, and Washington Post.

The Orioles MLB site wonders if the loss last night could send Buress back to the bullpen.

Slugger Miguel Tejada has rejoined the Orioles and is starting rehabilitation.

Blogger Roch Kubatko has some news on prospects Nolan Reimold and Val Majewski.

The Baltimore Examiner has a little more on the “State of the Orioles”, town hall meeting on Sunday.

Chris Ray has been mixing up his pitches better, and as of result, he’s not blowing as many games of late.

Bill Ordine of the O, by the Way Blog has his thoughts from last night’s game.

The Baltimore Examiner has a piece on Danys Baez, and his trip back to becoming a viable part of the Oriole bullpen…

As mentioned yesterday, Kevin Millar insists that he wants to remain in Baltimore…

Columnist Peter Schmuck believes that now that football training camp and the season is among us, the Orioles will become irrelevant in the weeks to come as they are heading into their 10th losing season. It’s sad, but true.

As the Ironbirds are drawing well at the gate, the city of Aberdeen wants the Ripken group (who own the Ironbirds) to re-negotiate their deal with the stadium. The city is struggling to make payments on the stadium, and it is killing their budget; thus, they want Ripken to help them out.

A lot of the pitchers at the lower levels have been inconsistent, but the organization is not too worried…

As we all know (or may not know), Brian Roberts is a great advocate for sick kids and is a man who does a lot of community service, and the Baltimore Examiner takes a look what drives his charity work.

Adam Loewen visited the team the other day in Baltimore…

Quick Hits: O's Snap Losing Skid; Birds Down Mariners 9-5

Sorry for the delay everyone! Right now, I am in Washington D.C. covering the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals.

The Baltimore Orioles finally got a win and broke out a their five game losing skid yesterday afternoon on the left coast, as they beat the Seattle Mariners 9-5.

There was no bullpen implosion today, and the Orioles bats took over after the fifth inning.

The pendulum finally swung in the way of the black and orange, as Jay Gibbons broke out of a deep slump and the Orioles broke out and finally got into the win column.

Daniel Cabrera who has been mired with bouts of inconsistency as a starting pitcher, started off wild in this game, but settled down as he pitched 8 innings, and gave up 4 runs, while striking out 6 and walking 4.

He earned his 5^th win of the year.

Meanwhile, the Orioles took advantage of Jarrod Washburn, the starting pitcher for the Mariners, as the Orioles broke out with a huge five run inning, capped off by two runs driven in by Jay Payton, and runs driven in by Chris Gomez, Miguel Tejada and Aubrey Huff.

In the sixth inning, the Orioles also scored another run, as Chris Gomez grounded into a double play, and Jay Gibbons scored.

The Orioles tacked on more runs in the ninth inning, as Nick Markakis, Melvin Mora and Aubrey Huff drove in runs.

The Orioles take on the Colorado Rockies this weekend at the Yard.

**

The Baltimore Sun has a recap of yesterday’s game, as does the Orioles Main MLB site.

Bill Ordine of the O, By the Way Blog has his thoughts from last night, as well as erstwhile blogger and beat reporter, Rock Kubatko.

As the starting pitchers are not going deep into games, and the bullpen is way over-worked, the Orioles might have to bring up a reliever from the lower levels to supplant corps in the majors.

The Washington Post has more on the issues concerning the bullpen and the possibility of another reliever joining the team, and so does the Orioles MLB main site.

Scott Boras will have his name imprinted all over the draft, as his influence on many of the picks is far-reaching. Roch Kubatko of the Sun reports that the Orioles may have to do business with him, if they get one of his players. As well, Roch opines on the day before the draft in his blog.

There's more out there I'd like to add, but I am occupied at the moment, so I'll do a part two of Quick Hits later on.

Same Sh*t, Different Day: The Game Last Night, O's Lose 5-4 to the Mariners; The Bullpen Coughs Up Another One...

As we head into June, we have had many recurring themes – mainly, one run games, starting pitchers doing their job (albeit, not going deep into games), and then the bullpen coughing up a lead.

It happened on Sunday.

It happened on Monday.

It happened again last night.

The Baltimore Orioles lost another close game to the Mariners on the left coast by a score of 5-4.

The losing streak is now at five straight.

Brian Burres pitched a little more than five innings, and only gave up a run after throwing 111 pitches. He’s done and well in the spot start role, and (should not be taken out unless he falters).

The high pitch count scares me and Burres could be a lot more economical when he’s on the mound, but let’s not mess what works

Then, the fun began.

Baltimore’s favorite relief pitcher, Danys Baez (as to why he was in the game, God help us), pitched 1/3 of an inning, walked two and gave up three earned runs. I know the bullpen has been a little overused, but there’s no reason to bring in Baez in a close game.

He’s not been a reliable pitcher going on a month now!

Then, in the seventh inning, Jamie Walker came in and gave up a hit to the deadly Ichiro Suzuki, which scored Ben Broussard and made the score 5-4.

The Mariners would not relinquish the lead, and J.J. Putz got his 15th save.

For the Orioles, Millar drove in 2 runs, and so did Miguel Tejada. Corey Patterson scored off a throwing error.

I don’t know what to think anymore, I went to bed seeing the Orioles up, and when I wake up I see they lose.

The Orioles are lot better than their record indicates, but too many mistakes by the bullpen, pitchers not going into games deeper and not enough scoring will doom this team.

It’s sounding like a broken record now, but the facts are indisputable. We are being killed in one-run games, and more needs to be done.

The folks on the radio and in the press can gloss over the fact and say, “well, we are that close and whatever…”; however, the fact remains a loss is a loss, and the Orioles have lost way too many games like last night.

***

The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebeic has a recap of the action last night.

Check out Adam Kilgore’s piece yesterday on the Orioles, aptly titled (perhaps cruel, and with a lot of truth to it), “Money for Nothing”.

My buds at Oriole Magic have their recap of the game.

Kevin Millar has had a reputation of being a less than sub-par first baseman in the past; however, with the Orioles he’s looked very strong defensively.

Jeff Zrebeic of the Baltimore is pointing out the obvious – the bullpen is responsible for a lot of losses.

Rock Kubatko doesn’t seem to be at all enamored with the Orioles at all...

Bill Ordine of the O, By the Way blog says the Orioles play this season reminds him of the movie, Groundhog Day…

In light of the bad karma with the Orioles, it’s needless to say that Brian Roberts has been hot and racking up the extra-base hits…

In more good news for the Orioles, Miguel Tejada is second among AL shortstops in All-Star voting! Let’s make him the starter in the All-Star Game (ok, so there’s some guy named Jeter in New York that everyone likes…)

Jay Gibbons has been awful this year, and he took extra BP on Tuesday to rectify his issues.

If you have moment, check out Bottom Feeder Baseball, by Washington area O’s/Nats’ fan, Dave Nichols! Give it a read and show some support…

Yet Another Implosion --- Mariners down the Orioles 7-4

Sadly, the same scene throughout the Orioles season has played itself again. Well, last night in Seattle, the Orioles lost by a score of 7-4.

The designated ace of the Orioles, Erik Bedard, went six innings, struck out seven and gave up three runs, but left the game with a 4-3 lead.

Too bad the Orioles could not hold onto it.

Chad Bradford came in the 8th inning, after Jamie Walker came in and got two outs, but also gave up two singles.

Then John Parrish came in.

Pinch hitter Jose Vidro drove in the tying run on a single off Parrish, and then Inchiro Suzuki to drive in another run and then Jose Lopez added the final two runs with a double.

The O’s were able to touch young phenom Felix Hernandez for 11 hits and four runs over five innings plus, but that was all scoring they were able to muster.

Red-hot Brian Roberts had 3 hits, and Nick Markakis had two hits and drove in two runs. Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora had two hits; meanwhile Jay Payton and Ramon Hernandez drove in the other runs.

This was a game that could have been won, but the pendulum swung in favor of the Mariners after a horrible eighth inning for the Orioles.

After last night’s game, I’m sure there will be more questions about the bullpen and further questions on its effectiveness.

***

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun has a report of the events of last night in Seattle, as does the Baltimore Examiner and the Orioles MLB Site.

Roch Kubatko of the Baltimore Sun via his blog has his thoughts on last night’s game, and as well the bullpen.

Sam Perlozzo still has confidence in Chris Ray as a closer, despite the events of Sunday. There’s more on the situation from the Washington Post and the Orioles MLB site.

Jeremy Guthrie is doing quite well so far in his tenure with the Orioles, and other teams are now taking notice…

The O, By the Way Blog has his thoughts on the game last night, and also Mark Teixeira.

There might be a glimmer of hope in the minors, as Radhames Liz, a starter in Double-A Bowie, was named the Eastern League pitcher of the week for throwing a complete-game no-hitter last Friday against the Harrisburg Senators at Prince George’s Stadium.

The Orioles MLB site has their take on the upcoming 2007 First-Year Player Draft for the organization…