Post-game Notes:  Davis pitches Tampa to victory
Post-game Notes: Davis pitches Tampa to victory
Steve Melewski
Orioles
That's a Dozen - The O's suffered their 12th straight loss with Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Tampa. It's the most consecutive losses since the Birds lost 12 in a row from August 16-28 in 2004. The losing streak is the longest in the Majors this year. No beef - The O's offense was held to one run on nine hits tonight. The O's went 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position and left 8 men on base. The Birds have scored just 36 runs during the 12-game losing streak and have left 95 on base...
Selig's response to McGwire
Selig's response to McGwire
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Commissioner Bud Selig has issued a statement regarding Mark McGwire's admission today that the former slugger used steroids. The statement doesn't begin with, "It's about time." "I am pleased that Mark McGwire has confronted his use of performance-enhancing substances as a player. Being truthful is always the correct course of action, which is why I had commissioned Senator George Mitchell to conduct his investigation. This statement of contrition, I believe, will make Mark's reentry...
Trying to end a streak:  O's at Tampa
Trying to end a streak: O's at Tampa
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Game Preview Orioles (60-97) at Tampa Bay (81-76) Heading into tonight's game at Tampa, the O's need a win to end a 12-game losing streak and three wins in the next five games to avoid a 100-loss season. Tonight, in game three of a four-game series, David Hernandez (4-9, 5.20) pitches vs. Tampa's James Shields (10-12, 4.17). The O's losing streak is the longest in the Majors this year. Tampa (September 3-13) and Cleveland (September 13-24) both lost 11 in a row earlier this...
Bordick school
Bordick school
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
As the Orioles' new minor league offensive coordinator, former shortstop Mike Bordick won't be wearing a headset and implementing the shotgun. And I won't be making any Gilbert Arenas jokes. Bordick will teach the small-ball approach to some impressionable youngsters, while also being available to assist in other areas, such as defense and baserunning. His methods will meld with those belonging to roving hitting instructor Denny Walling. Bordick addressed this topic, among others, during...
Tonight's starters:  Hernandez vs. Shields
Tonight's starters: Hernandez vs. Shields
Steve Melewski
Orioles
RHP David Hernandez (4-9, 5.20) tonight makes his 19th start of this season, his 10th on the road and the 2nd of this year vs. Tampa. Even though he is winless over his last eight starts, Hernandez has pitched better in his last two starts, going 0-1, 3.75 vs. Boston and Cleveland. His last win was August 11th vs. Oakland. Hernandez has recorded eight quality starts on the season. Hernandez, 2009 season: First 10 starts: 4-4, 3.81 Last 8 starts: 0-5, 7.34 The Orioles are 5-13 when...
Rays post 5-3 win as the streak reaches 13
Rays post 5-3 win as the streak reaches 13
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles rally from a five-run deficit came up short Wednesday night as they lost 5-3 to Tampa at Tropicana Field. The O's remain winless on this road trip and their losing streak, the longest in the Majors this year, has reached 13 games. That's the O's longest since a 14-game streak in August of 1954 and the 1988 team began 0-14 on its way to an 0-21 start. Down 5-0, the O's scored three in the 8th vs. James Shields on Chad Moeller's sac fly and a pinch hit, two-run homer from Ty...
Post-game Notes:  O's come up short again
Post-game Notes: O's come up short again
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Not his night - O's starting and losing pitcher, David Hernandez, had another poor outing. Coming off his last two starts, he had pitched pretty well, with an ERA of 3.75. But tonight he gave up five runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings. Over his last nine starts, Hernandez is 0-6, 7.65. The Orioles are 5-14 when he starts, losing the last nine in a row. Hernandez has lost two starts this season vs. Tampa, pitching a combined 7 1/3 innings and giving up 16 hits and 10ER. Winning...
Bordick school - Part II
Bordick school - Part II
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Here are a few leftovers from Friday night's interview with new minor league offensive coordinator Mike Bordick: On how the Orioles look to him: "They're looking good, in my opinion. And obviously, after the season they had last year, there's really only one way to go and that's up. I know the competition in the East is tough. The other teams aren't getting any worse, but I think the talent's there, I think the pieces are in place. I think (Kevin) Millwood's a huge help. (Add) maybe a...
A few spring training tidbits
A few spring training tidbits
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles' pitchers and catchers report to their new spring training home in Sarasota on Feb. 17, with the first workout being held the following day. The first full-squad workout, including position players, takes places on Feb. 23. Four teams in the American League (Royals, Angels, Yankees, Mariners) and seven in the National League (Cubs, Reds, Rockies, Phillies, Pirates, Cardinals, Giants) have the same report dates as the Orioles. No team will arrive earlier. Individual tickets for...
This, that and the other
This, that and the other
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Carlos Delgado went 1-for-4 last night and is batting .304. He started at first base and didn't break a hip. Delgado was removed for a pinch-runner in the seventh inning, which could explain the hip thing. The Blue Jays reportedly are keeping close watch on Delgado, and it would be interesting to have him back in Toronto with new play-by-play announcer Buck Martinez, his former manager. One of the more popular questions here centers on the FanFest lineup. I addressed it three or four times...