Rangers Take 2 Out of 3; Loewen On the Shelf

It was an ugly day at the Yard on Sunday.

Well, in perhaps one of the longest, frustrating, exciting, and heart-breaking nine-inning game that I have ever had to sit through, the Orioles valiantly came back from a four run deficit late; however, they narrowly missed defeating the Rangers, 11-10. The game started off ugly, and only got worse as Radhames Liz, who had managed to win a few game despite finding himself in trouble had his luck run out Sunday as he only pitched a little less than four innings.

The offense came together, but ten walks by Baltimore pitching allowed Texas to pile on the runs. Down by in the eighth, our usually reliable relievers, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill let the flood gates open, along with a huge Freddie Bynum error that only made things worse.

The Orioles used the long ball -- three in total, including a three-run shot by Nick Markakis in the 8th, and solo shots by Melvin Mora and Kevin Millar in 9th; however, Oriole Magic just came up a bit short.

Photo Gallery: Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 6th, 2008

Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles: July 6th, 2008

Photo Gallery: Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 4th, 2008

Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles; July 4th, 2008

Photo Gallery: Texas Rangers vs. Washington Nationals; June 22nd, 2008

Texas Rangers vs. Washington Nationals; June 22nd, 2008

Photo Gallery: Texas Rangers vs. Washington Nationals; June 20, 2008

Texas Rangers vs. Washington Nationals; June 20, 2008

Sir Sidney Excommunicated From Texas

Former Orioles pitcher Sidney Ponson was designated for assignment. Texas general manager Jon Daniels said Ponson, who was 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA, was sent away "for disrespecting teammates and club personnel."

Right-hander Sidney Ponson, who seemed to have his career back on track, was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers in a surprise move prior to Friday night's game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Texas general manager Jon Daniels was vague about the reasons for the decision, saying Ponson had been dumped "for disrespecting teammates and club personnel."

"I'm not going to get into details other than to say that we're clearly trying to put together a team here in the true sense of the word … and based on recent comments and other such things, it was pretty clear that he didn't want to be part of that," Daniels said.

"That's not something we're going to tolerate. We want guys who want to be here, guys who are going to pull for their teammates and be proud of the organization."

Texas has 10 days to trade, release or outright Ponson to the minors. Daniels said Ponson had done nothing illegal and hadn't violated any club rules.

Ponson cleared out his locker and left the stadium several hours prior to the start of the game against Tampa Bay.

The Rangers signed Ponson, 31, as a minor league free agent on March 10, and the Aruba native began the season with triple-A Oklahoma. He was called up by the Rangers on April 26, and had been one of Texas' most successful starters, compiling a 4-1 record and 3.88 ERA for a pitching staff that began Friday last in the majors with a 5.09 ERA.

"The last thing you want to do is lose a starter who's given you reasonably consistent, quality outings," Daniels said. "But some things are more important than that."

Ponson's checkered career has included stops with six big league teams, four in the last three years.

Nice. Glad to see you've overcome your problems, Sid.


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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 Get Shut Out by Millwood, 3-0: The Rundown...

Once again, the Orioles have run into a brick wall, and they are shut-out again, thank to the brilliant pitching of Kevin Millwood. He pitched seven scoreless innings as the Rangers beat Baltimore, 3-0.

Since the Clay Buchholz no-hitter, the Orioles have been shut-out three times.

Jon Leicester threw a complete game, as he eight innings and gave up three runs on seven hits. He pitched a quality start; however, the Oriole offense could not muster anything and stranding eight runners did them in.

Nelson Cruz, Gerald Laird and Marlon Byrd each drove in runs for Texas.

The Orioles return home tonight and face Kansas City at home.

***

The Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game, as does Oriole Magic, Baltimore Examiner, & Orioles MLB site...

Roch Kubatko has his pick for the most disappointing Orioles, and boy, there are several. He picked Ramon Hernandez, and I would for the most part agree with him. I still think Danys Baez's pitching has been far more detrimental to the team than Ramon has.

Bill Ordine has his thoughts of Oriole-land in his blog; O, by the Way...

It looks like Jeremy Guthrie will pitch in the final week of the season, which is a good thing, because he's probably the best arm left on the staff.

Nick the Stick Has a Career High 5 RBIs, O's Beat Rangers 11-9; The Rundown

Nick Markakis had a ground-breaking night as he had 5 RBIS and the Orioles won last night by a score of 11-9 in the deep heart of Texas.

In light of the Birds horrific season, Nick Markakis homered last night, for his 21^st of the season and leads the team with 108 RBI’s. He’s been dubbed “the Natural” by some in Baltimore media, and he’s more than proved that this season.

Baltimore spent the first half of the game down, but came back thanks to key hits from Markakis, as well Aubrey Huff, Brian Roberts and Freddie Bynum who all had 2 RBI’s each.

Ian Kinsler had a huge game for Texas with his 20^th homer and three RBIs, as well Hank Blalock also drove in 2 runs.

Michael Young, Marlon Byrd, Nelson Cruz and David Murphy each drove in a run.

Meanwhile, Radhames Liz, despite his electric stuff has struggled mightily in the majors during his short stay. He only lasted 2 2/3 innings as he gave up six earned runs, and the bullpen thereafter didn’t help the cause as Rocky Cheery gave up 2 additional runs and Chad Bradford gave up a run as well.

However, Jamie Walker came in and got his 6^th save of the season.

Jim Hoey came in and pitching and inning of scoreless relief and earned the win.

***

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

Roch Kubatko has thoughts about the team in his blog; however, the decision on team MVP is pretty much agreed – Nick Markakis deserves the nod. I would have given it to Bedard hands down, but he’s been injured since the month began.

Orioles Lose Again: Rangers Upend them, 3-2...

Can anything go right for the Baltimore Orioles?

Well, like a broken record, they lost again – this time, to the Rangers, 3-2.

The Orioles nearly came back in the ninth inning; however, the bullpen for Texas was able to keep the game in check. Baltimore helped Texas big time in end as Paul Bako struck out for the second out in the ninth inning and then Melvin Mora got caught stealing to end the game.

The play to end the game has been very indicative of the Orioles’ season.

Miguel Tejada homered to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead in the second; however Texas took the leasd, 2-1, in the bottom of the inning off a single by Jarrod Saltalamacchia that scored both Sammy Sosa and Nelson Cruz.

Cruz homered in the fourth inning to put the Rangers up, 3-1.

The Orioles added another run in the 9^th off a Scott Moore sacrifice fly, but came up short.

***

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

In light of the pathetic year the Orioles are having, Nick Markakis’s profile is being raised in baseball, because of his bat and glove.

It looks like Ramon Hernandez has been benched for two consecutive days, as Trembley thought he was tired. However, I think it may be that Ramon may not have the hustle and seems to be playing some lazy baseball. In the same report, Jeremy Guthrie threw without pain and may be back in the lineup sooner rather than later; alas, Danys Baez is contemplating surgery.

However, Ramon is back in the lineup tonight…

Roch Kubatko has his thoughts of what is going on in Oriole-land, and it’s not good.

The Orioles prospects are ready and primed for sunny Hawaii – hey, it’s not Mexico.

O's Win in Extra, 6-3: The Rundown and More...

Hey everyone, hope all is well today wherever you are. I just have been real busy with personal life and dealing with a situation, but all is well.

The Orioles left the intimidating confines of the Bronx after being swept in three straight games; however, in the deep heat of Texas they were able to pull out a win in the late innings, 6-3.

Ok, so the bullpen did make things real, real interesting late; alas, they were able to pull it out.

The Rangers held a 1-0 lead until the ninth inning and then the Orioles scored off a Miguel Tejada single.

Baltimore trashed Texas in the tenth inning thanks to Brad Wilkerson error, a Melvin Mora RBI, and a three run homer by Nick 'the Stick" Markakis. They scored five runs in the ninth inning and the bullpen gave up two runs off RBIs by Hank Blalock and Marlon Byrd, but Francisco Cabrera was able to close out the game.

With a little more than a week remaining in the season, can the Orioles reach 70 wins? We've got a continuation of the series with the Rangers, then the Royals come in for a game, then we have the Jays and Yankees.

Then, the season is over. Wow.

What a ride it has been.

Next week, I'll have my divisional series preview, along with a general review of the Orioles season.

***

The Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game from last night as well as the Orioles MLB site, Washington Post, Orioles Hangout, and Baltimore Examiner.

Jay Payton has been suspended for 2 games, thanks to his tirades in New York. As much I know that he's frustrated in Baltimore and the losing, you cannot ever stand up an umpire no matter how you feel the need to. Roch Kubatko has more about the situation in his blog, Roch Around the Clock...

Meanwhile, Corey Patterson is hurt, but there's good news -- his MRI came back negative on his ankle.

Oh boy, Nestor Aparicio is planning ANOTHER PROTEST, this time on Monday against the Kansas City Royals; however, fans will stay in park and not walk out.

***

As we know, Miguel Tejada came to the Baltimore Orioles 4 years ago to be the centerpiece of the franchise. Well, for the most part, he's kept up his end of the bargain at the plate; however, in the field, it might be a different story.

Well, obviously the off-season for the Orioles will be interesting and much of the conversation will center around Tejada and whether he stays goes. This much is certain in my opinion, Miguel either has to accept a move to first or third and perhaps work on his conditioning, but this what I see -- he's not motivated, and as a guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve, he's not happy with the team's situation.

I feel if the Orioles are going to rebuild with young talent -- trade him and get what you can. I love Miggy, his passion for the game, and his skill, but for the good of the team and organization, there's no point spending $12 million if you're going to a be second division team one player. We blew a golden chance last year with the Angels, and from the looks of it, the trade could have helped Baltimore tremendously.

If Tejada is going to part of the team - get the support around him, a power bat or two.

Personally, I'd rather go the former route, but Baltimore needs a tangible plan and goal for next season and beyond.

Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles: August 22nd, 2007 - Game Two

Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles; August 22nd - Game Two

Here are more photos from the Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles historic Wednesday, just that these are from the second game!

Hope you like them!

The Baltimore Orioles Made History For All The Wrong Reasons: O’s Lose to the Texas Rangers, 30-3

An article I wrote on the historic game on Wednesday that had the Baltimore Orioles getting whipped 30-3 by the Rangers via the DC Sports Box E-Zine...

***
I realize this is the DC Sports Box, not the Baltimore Sports Box; however, on Wednesday in the city to the north of us, history was made – for all the wrong reasons.

As we know, the Nationals are the team that reigns supreme in Washington, but only a few years ago, most baseball fans in region rooted for the Baltimore Orioles.

They had to root for them, not out of blind loyalty; alas, only because there were the only team in the mid-Atlantic to root for.

Thanks to mismanagement, Peter Angelos, nine consecutive losing seasons, the departure of Cal Ripken to retirement, a revolving door of managers, and fan apathy, the Baltimore Orioles have not had a lot to be proud of.

Now the indignity has gotten worse, at least for the time being.

On Wednesday, the Baltimore Orioles lost the first game of a doubleheader to the Texas Rangers, by a score of 30-3. According to the record books, it was the ninth time a major league team scored 30 runs, and not only did they set the American League record for the most runs given up, but the modern day record (games since 1900).

No, this score did not come from some beer league softball game and the Baltimore Ravens did not take on the Dallas Cowboys.

This was a Major League Baseball game score.

In a display of futility that has not been seen in a century, Baltimore starting pitcher Daniel Cabrera, relievers Brian Burres, Rob Bell, and Paul Shuey combined to serve up 30 runs – all earned.

For those of you who do not know, the Texas Rangers are a second division team in the American League Central, one stocked full of rookies and young players only getting their feet in the big leagues. Aside from All-Star Michael Young, Sammy Sosa, Kevin Millwood and former National Brad Wilkerson, you would not know most of the team if you saw their faces on milk boxes.

Well, we will probably never see another event like this for decades, or perhaps a lifetime, but the Rangers on Wednesday scored five runs in the fourth inning, nine runs in the sixth, ten in the eighth and six more in the ninth.

So, to top it all off, I saw every minute of the carnage in person.

I grew up as an Oriole fan, and have rooted for them all my life; thus, Wednesday was one of the most painful nights I can remember, but also one of the more fun and memorable. I made new friends with fans; we talked about the state of the Orioles, and also started rooting for the Rangers after the 24th run.

Yes, we started rooting for the other team.

Wednesday’s game was a total fluke and is a part of the ups and downs of baseball along with life in general; however, some fans believe what the Rangers were able to accomplish is symptomatic as to what is wrong with the Orioles today – bad luck, horrible management, and a storm cloud over them.

From what I have seen with some in the national media, the above statement could be true.

In all honesty, from my point of view, Wednesday was just a bad night – a very bad one.

Life will go on, and things will be ok; however, I will never forget history being made in front of my very own eyes.

***

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Photos: Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles: August 22nd - Game One, the 30-3 Loss...

Texas Rangers v. Baltimore Orioles; Aug. 22, 2007

Well, here are photos from the historic game on Wednesday, where the Orioles got whacked 30-3 by the Texas Rangers.

Hope you enjoy!

***

Proud Partner: Ticket Network:

We have top views at Orioles, games, plus a loaded NFL, schedule. Check these tix to Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.

More on The 30-3 Loss; We Made it Big Time - National Embarrassment, Joke, Whatever...

There's really no good need to do a game review right now.

We all know what happened by now, and if you are reading this blog, there's no need to regurgitate last night's beatdown.

I was talking with my best friend from college and he said, "no, you all did not get your asses beat -- you all got mugged, then robbed, then pucked in the face, stabbed and for good measure you were kicked in the balls..."

That folks, summed up last night.

The Orioles lost game two, 9-7.

We have now made the front story of ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, CNNSi.com, and whatever sporting website you can think of.

This has got to a be new, new low for the Orioles. Yes, last night may have been one of those once-in-a-lifetime-games, but it's like the team just has had bad luck for the past decade and the fans are really feeling it now.

We'll get over it, life will go on, and things will be ok; however, I will never forget Wednesday.

We can go up from here...

The good news is that I got to see is history considering I have probably no to fewer than a thousand or so games in my lfe...

***

The Orioles MLB site has the not 'so-lovely' (stealing from Joe Angel) totals from last night from the Yard. Also, our $42 million dollar bullpen sucked worse than ever on Wednesday...

The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post, and Orioles Hangout.

Roch Kubatko has his thoughts from last night, as does the O, By the Way Blog, Dan Rodricks, Camden Chat, Oriole Central, Orioles Insider, Roar from 34, & the Loss Column.

In light of the carnage of last night, Dave Trembley was officially named manager of the Baltimore Orioles and let's hope he takes us closer to the promised land. The players love him, and it's his shot at the big time after 20 years in the minors.

The Washington Post's Tom Boswell has a great piece on Trembley...

Columnist David Steele ponders about the future of the organization from this point on and Gary Lambrecht of the Examiner believes that the Orioles have a lot of work to do compete in the AL East...

Oriole legend Brooks Robinson was recently named to the Rawlings' All-Gold Glove team...

Humble Pie and an A** Whipping; The O's 30-3 Loss to the Rangers

I'm still here at the ballyard watching the second game of the doubleheader and I have decided to tough it out and go into work late in the morning.

In my mind, I am still thinking, "we lost to the Texas Rangers?"...

Well, if you are going to lose real bad, make it memorable.

Ok, so tonight's game was a total fluke. I'll say Wednesday night was one of the most fun nights of my life recently. With pretty much open seating tonight here (one of the ushers told me as I entered in the lower bowl, "sit where you want, just don't sit in the first row..."), you knew the night was going to be something else...

After we gave up the 23rd & 24th run, most fans were besides themselves and started rooting for the Rangers. No one was really upset, it mass laughter and utter disbelief concerning the situation.

You had to feel very sorry for Paul Shuey, Brian Buress and Rob Bell.

Now, we really have to wonder about Daniel. The "bad" Daniel showed op, and it was mass chaos afterwards.

Just awful, crazy, but a fun and a once in a lifetime evening.

We were wondering where Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden were. I don't think their defense gave up 30 points in a game all last season.

Two games for the price of one - awesome.

Seeing the O's Lose 30-3 and seeing history made (albeit on the wrong side) - priceless.

I don't know if I'll do a game review in the morning, the events of tonight have spoken for itself...

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Bedard Stymies the Rangers 4-0, Rundown

The last few years have been nothing but lackluster for the Orioles, but last night, ace Erik Bedard threw one of the best games by any pitcher this year.

No disrespect to Daniel Cabrera, but I think what Bedard did last night was even masterful than his one hitter against the Yankees.

In deep heart of sweltering Texas, Erik Bedard struck out 15 and gave up 2 hits as the Orioles beat the Rangers 3-0 on Saturday.

Criticized by most in the media for being standoffish, not going deep into game and at times “just packing it in”, he seemingly took his game to a new level as he stymied the Rangers and was just plain nasty.

He was so good last night, he struck out the side in the ninth inning.

I didn’t see the game live, but I caught a replay online and he looked like I guy I had never seen before – and keep in mind, he leads the league in strikeouts.

Things went so well last night that the struggling Jay Gibbons homered, and had three hits.

The Wit and Prose of Bedard: Post-Game Quotes:

• When the media was waiting for Bedard to talk (from the Baltimore Sun): In fact, the hardest part of Bedard's evening appeared to be his post-game talk with the media. Bedard delayed it as long as possible, even turning to a group of reporters behind his locker at one point and saying, "What are you guys waiting for?"
• Comments from Bedard: Asked if he could have thrown any better, Bedard said, "Uh, perfect game. No-hitter. I just battled out there. We won. That's the bottom line. If I throw a complete game, I throw a complete game. If I don't, I don't. Today we won, and that's all that counts."
• More from Bedard: Asked how he kept his pitch count so low while striking out so many, Bedard said, "I was throwing strikes with everything, so it was hard to lay off, I guess.
  

The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner, Washington Post have a recap of the game last night.

Baltimore Sun Columnist Dan Rodricks believes that the Baltimore Orioles have lost their way; however, not literally. In a well written piece, because the team is not winning, whole generations of youngsters are being deprived of a team that had a past full of glory.

Kevin Millar is picking it up at the plate as he’s now plying everyday. As well, he says he wants to stay in Baltimore…

In light of the chatter of Mark Teixiera wanting to be an Oriole in 2008, Peter Schmuck believes the Evil Empire will want to take a chance on him.

Sun beat writers, Candus Thompson and Monica Lopossay barnstormed the Mid-Atlantic region and visited all the minor-league affiliates of the Orioles.

Utility guy Freddie Bynum is on the DL now. The Washington Post has more.