From bad to worse
From bad to worse
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I wonder if the new reliever can get here right now. Brad Bergesen is getting the pinata treatment today. B.J. Upton just hit a three-run homer in the third inning, the second for the Rays today. Tampa Bay 6, Orioles 0. Bergesen just doesn't have it today. Upton slaughtered an 89 mph fastball, sending it 405 feet into the seats in left-center field. The Rays also collected two doubles in the inning. Four of their five hits have gone for extra-bases, with Upton and Carlos Pena touching...
But on the farm
But on the farm
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Since today's game has started so well here today, let's check the minors where two O's affiliates have day games. Delmarva has already beaten Greensboro 9-4 in a game that began at 10:35. The Shorebirds are now 5-2 and had 11 hits. They've had ten or more hits in six games. Towson University product Gary Helmick hit two homers with 5 RBI today and Tyler Kolodny added a two-run shot. Jake Cowan, last year's 10th-round pick, pitched six innings of shuout ball to go to 1 and 0. He...
Gonzalez to DL
Gonzalez to DL
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles just announced that they've placed reliever Mike Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left shoulder. The move is retroactive to April 10. A corresponding roster move will be announced "at a later time," according to the Orioles' press release. Usually, that means after the game. Kam Mickolio has allowed one run and four hits in three innings, with four walks and five strikeouts, at Triple-A Norfolk. Alberto Castillo has surrendered one run and two hits, with...
Tatum's turn
Tatum's turn
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Backup catcher Craig Tatum, making his first start today for the Orioles, assumed that Brad Bergesen hadn't faced Tampa Bay in the regular season because he couldn't find video of the game. Maybe the Orioles burned it. Bergesen took the loss last year after giving up four runs and nine hits, including a homer, in 5 2/3 innings. Tatum is looking for any advantage as he gets more acquainted with the pitching staff. He caught Bergesen twice in spring training and has set the target in...
Along came Jones
Along came Jones
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Don't expect Adam Jones to be pacing the floor today in anticipation of batting first for the Orioles. He's done it six other times in his career, and he told me earlier today that his placement in the lineup doesn't make "one bit of difference." "Where I hit never changes my approach," he said. So don't look for Jones to lay down a bunt in the first inning. "I just play my normal game," he said. "It's more at-bats and I love hitting, so it gives me an opportunity to get up...
Do the O's take enough pitches?
Do the O's take enough pitches?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
If you think the Orioles are not taking enough pitches and working the count well right now, you are probably right. As of yesterday, the Orioles as a team saw 3.63 pitches per plate appearance and that ranked next to last in the Majors. They were ahead of only San Francisco at 3.56. Dave Trembley felt the stat gets played up more because the club is losing. He said today he felt the team was doing a better job working the count earlier in games, but was more aggressive at the bat later...
Gonzalez hurt?
Gonzalez hurt?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Reliever Mike Gonzalez notified manager Dave Trembley last night that he wasn't available to pitch because he couldn't get his shoulder loose in the bullpen. A team physician will examine Gonzalez today. "He told me that he wasn't feeling comfortable getting loose last night," Trembley said. "Obviously, there were a couple situations last night where I would have loved to bring him in." Trembley is waiting to receive an update from head athletic trainer Richie Bancells, but he...
From bad to worse
From bad to worse
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Here is the problem with Orioles baseball right now. You have to play the eighth inning. The Orioles have allowed 11 runs in the 8th this year and from that inning on have been outscored 21 to 5 on the season. That's terrible, right? Who is to blame? Just about everyone. Take a few starters out of the mix, maybe Matt Wieters, but just about everyone else in the clubhouse has had a hand in a 1 and 7 start. The fans are lashing out. Some of the comments we've gotten have never been...
Jones first, Wigginton second
Jones first, Wigginton second
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Adam Jones CF Ty Wigginton 2B Nick Markakis RF Miguel Tejada 3B Nolan Reimold LF Luke Scott DH Garrett Atkins 1B Craig Tatum C Cesar Izturis SS Brad Bergesen RHP
The Matusz decision: To hope or hook
The Matusz decision: To hope or hook
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The clubhouse opens at 10:05 a.m. today, and it will provide some warmth on this cold morning. Forget chilly. I just stepped outside and the "chilly" ship has sailed. It's cold. We're getting up to 64 degrees today, according to the Fox 45 weather forecast. Or it's going to be 45 according to the Fox 64 forecast. I'm a little tired and wasn't paying close attention. Before we turn the page on last night's game, which is sure to leave a paper cut considering the way this season is...