Not forgettin' Britton
Not forgettin' Britton
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Remember the great Brian Matusz debate last season? President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail kept insisting that Matusz wouldn't make his major league debut in 2009, that the left-hander would eventually be shut down after Double-A Bowie completed its season. You know the rest. Brad Bergesen took a Billy Butler line drive off his left shin on July 30, Orioles scouts insisted that Matusz was ready, and MacPhail finally relented. Zach Britton isn't getting the same early treatment....
O's now face tough ten-game road trip
O's now face tough ten-game road trip
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Despite last night's dismal O's performance and blowout loss, the club has won five of its last seven games. But that was against the Marlins, Nats and A's. Tonight they begin a ten-game road trip vs. Boston (47-32), Detroit (41-36) and Texas (47-31). Let's see how the O's fare vs. these winning teams. Play anything like they did last night and they will get smoked on this trip. The Orioles are 8-25 vs. the AL East this year. That includes a 5-4 record vs. tonight's opponent, the...
Tonight's lineups (w/Gonzo update)
Tonight's lineups (w/Gonzo update)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
For the Orioles: LF Corey Patterson 3B Miguel Tejada RF Nick Markakis 1B Ty Wigginton CF Adam Jones C Matt Wieters DH Josh Bell 2B Julio Lugo SS Cesar Izturis RHP Brad Bergesen For the Red Sox: SS Marco Scutaro LF Eric Patterson DH David Ortiz 1B Kevin Youkilis 3B Adrian Beltre RF J.D. Drew 2B Bill Hall CF Mike Cameron C Kevin Cash RHP Tim Wakefield Gonzo update: Left-hander Michael Gonzalez reported to Double-A Bowie and will pitch in relief tonight as part of his injury rehab...
O's Anniversary Auction ends soon
O's Anniversary Auction ends soon
Josh Land
Orioles
Following the O's 1970 World Series 40th Anniversary game, all members of the Orioles and Nationals autographed the jerseys and hats they wore during that game, with Orioles players also signing their game-used batting helmets as well. Those items were then put up for auction on Orioles.com for O's and Nats fans to bid on and take home - but the auction ends soon, at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 5. Also look for jerseys worn by the members of the 1970 World Series championship team who...
June's 'Where in the Yard?' Winner
June's 'Where in the Yard?' Winner
Josh Land
Orioles
Before we jump into Fourth of July weekend, we have to celebrate another 'Where in the Yard?' winner here in the O's Buzz. During the month of June, this O's fan identified every image correctly and collected a handful of bonus points by providing extra O's trivia facts and being the first fan to guess correctly come a Monday morning or two. Congrats to Scotty B for winning June's round of 'Where in the Yard?' here in the Orioles Buzz. Scotty's victory makes for four different...
J.J. back on the bump
J.J. back on the bump
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Reliever Jim Johnson is scheduled to throw off a mound tomorrow at the minor league complex in Sarasota. Johnson had been shut down temporarily after experiencing soreness in his right elbow. Also, second baseman Brian Roberts' light baseball activites have increased to where he's taking batting practice again. Roberts has reached this point before and suffered a variety of setbacks.
Harris Excited to Celebrate Black Heritage Night
Harris Excited to Celebrate Black Heritage Night
Josh Land
Nationals
Throughout the season, the Nationals take several opportunities to recognize the achievements of African Americans in the game of baseball. While Jackie Robinson Day is one of those important celebrations, the Nationals will also recognize the accomplishments of other important African American legends like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Andre Dawson and Ken Griffey, Jr. during "Black Heritage Night." On Friday evening, several influential African-Americans will participate in a pre-game ceremony...
Did you know...
Did you know...
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Since B.J. Ryan allowed a three-run walk-off homer to David Ortiz on June 2, 2005, the Orioles are 9-34 at Fenway Park and have lost 15 of their last 17 games on Yawkey Way. Ty Wigginton hit his 14th home run Wednesday and his first as a first baseman. According to Elias, Wigginton is the only player in the major leagues to homer while playing three different infield positions this year (11 as a second baseman and two as a third baseman). Kevin Millwood (June 19 and 24) and Jake Arrieta (June...
Bergesen battles to regain form from last season
Bergesen battles to regain form from last season
Steve Melewski
Orioles
This time last year, O's pitcher Brad Bergesen was 5-2 with an ERA of 3.53. He was a rookie pitcher on a roll. Now he is 3-4, 6.83 and struggling to find consistent mechanics and solid results. Twice this year he has been sent back to Triple-A to try to find his sinker and iron out his mechanics. Riding the Norfolk-to-Baltimore-and-back shuttle is not what he had in mind for this season. "It's been very tough," Bergesen said. "It's something that I've had to deal with for the first...
The defense rests
The defense rests
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I devoted my final entry last night to the Orioles' defense. I hope it didn't contain any errors. I recall a time when the organization stressed tightening up the defense to assist the young starting pitchers. Just using last night as an example, you've got center fielder Corey Patterson in left, rookie work-in-progress Josh Bell at third, corner infielder Scott Moore at second and third baseman Ty Wigginton at first. Most nights, shortstop Miguel Tejada starts at third. We've seen...