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Orioles

Wieters fever: Will he be the savior that this franchise needs?

Nestor Aparicio

We fully expect that Camden Yards will be packed tomorrow night for the debut of Matt Wieters. It’s a Friday night, the forecast is good and this is probably the most unique evening of baseball in Baltimore since “Fan Appreciation Night” back in May 1988, when the team was greeted with unconditional love after an 0-21 start. Clearly, the Orioles marketing folks have finally put the “WNST Cap” on and used an evening to create an “event.” They were already guaranteed about 30,000 on a $6 student/fireworks night. And after a couple of years of press, accolades and hype, the can’t-miss-kid is coming to town. They could’ve made his debut tonight, but they’ve chosen a night when they were already en route to a full house. This alone, is a departure from some of their foolish decisions related to getting people interested in the team. Here’s where you can make all of the jokes about how few people still DO go to Orioles games. Yesterday, the Orioles battled back from an 8-3 deficit to win a game in dramatic, 11th-inning style with a walk-off home run by young Nolan Reimold and there weren’t 5,000 people in the stadium to witness

What does Wieters’ promotion mean to you as a Baltimore Orioles fan?

Nestor Aparicio

Needless to say, there will be a virtual overkill of speculation about Matt Wieters today at WNST.net and AM 1570. Here’s your chance to write what’s on YOUR mind about his pending promotion on Friday. Comments welcomed below. Is it good? Is it bad? Are you going to the game? Are you excited? Will Friday be a historic day in the history of the Orioles moving forward? Tell us how you feel… Even good “one liners” are welcomed…

Who’s this Matt Wieters kid?

Nestor Aparicio

I suggest checking out http://www.mattwietersfacts.com/ to get an idea of what kind of hype—and pressure—this 23-year-old kid is facing as he makes his major league debut on Friday night. While we all hope the above plaque will one day be a reality in Cooperstown, let’s just enjoy watching him grow as a big league catcher without expecting him to turn water into wine—this year anyway. When was the last time an Oriole rookie’s debut received this much attention?  You would have to go back to Jeffrey Hammonds in 1993 (fourth overall pick in the 1992 draft) or Ben McDonald in 1989 (first overall pick earlier that year).  It would be hard to top the hype for Big Ben, but Wieters is certainly in contention. The organization handled the Wieters’ situation correctly.  As much as Orioles fans wanted the instant gratification of seeing the young catcher on Opening Day, Andy MacPhail likely saved millions of dollars and an extra year before free agency by waiting to promote him. And remember, don’t feel too badly for Wieters through all of this.  Critics easily forget the Orioles gave him a straight $6 million signing bonus in August 2007—the highest up-front payment in draft

So just who the heck is Jason Berken?

Nestor Aparicio

With Memorial Day in the rear view mirror and the squad on a mini-streak of daylight (they’ve won 3 of 4), the Orioles will welcome young RHP Jason Berken to the hill tonight to take on the fading Toronto Blue Jays. Starting in Aberdeen during the summer of 2006, Berken’s trip becomes complete tonight as a big leaguer. How long will he stay? How will he pitch? Who the heck is Jason Berken? All fair questions for the novice Orioles fan who doesn’t spend late nights up studying the team’s minor-league depth chart. Berken is a former 6th-round Draft pick out of Clemson who spent most of the spring at the team’s slummy complex in Sarasota, Fla. He went 12-4 for Bowie last season and started there again this year, but he moved up to Triple-A Norfolk when Bergesen joined the big league rotation. And once he arrived in Norfolk, Berken went 2-0 with a 1.05 ERA putting himself in position to be promoted tonight. It’s also his turn in the rotation and his night to pitch. So, we’ll have to wait on Jake Arrieta, Chris Tillman and Brian Matusz not to mention David Hernandez, who could be taking Koji

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

I hope you’re having a relaxing Memorial Day weekend.  In addition to the cookouts, sports, and fun with family and friends this weekend, let’s be sure to remember the fine men and women serving our great country throughout the world. With this in mind, it was great seeing Hall of Famer Bob Feller on the Orioles-Nationals telecast this afternoon.  At 90 years old, Feller has amazingly spent over half his life as a member of the Hall of Fame (inducted in 1962).  That’s just hard to comprehend! In addition to his remarkable career with the Cleveland Indians, which included a no-hitter on Opening Day in 1940, Feller served four years in the U.S. Navy.  He put his baseball career on hold immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, enlisting on Dec. 8, 1941.  That’s the stuff of a true hero. Now, it’s time for the 5 Ws and 1 H for the week: 1.  Who have you most enjoyed watching in the NBA Playoffs this year? Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are the obvious headliners, but Orlando’s Dwight Howard has been a man among boys in the paint (averaging 16.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game), and Denver’s Carmelo Anthony

A weekend of MASN and Baltimore and Washington and “Battle of Basement”

Nestor Aparicio

Well, if they weren’t going to get the sweep at least they lost in dramatic fashion. Jamie Walker gave up a prodigious grand slam to Adam Dunn in the 7th inning and the Nats beat the O’s 8-5 to avert a sweep in D.C. Brad Bergesen pitched well enough. The Orioles battled and the game was pretty nip and tuck through the middle innings with lead changes, big hits and competitiveness. But it all unraveled in the 7th for the O’s bullpen after Bergesen hit the shower. I’ve spent all three days pretty much glued to the TV watching this series. I was just as amazed by all of the empty seats as I was the full ones. It looks like they sold a lot of tickets and many didn’t come. It was just weird looking at it for 30 innings over the last 45 hours. I’ve been wanting to write a blog all weekend but I thought I’d just do a “summary” here today about what I’m thinking as I watch all of this pretty-much lousy baseball. I’m also a little overwhelmed with MASN’s hodgepodge display of Nats and O’s as “friendly rivals” and how chummy the “Battle of

Tillman leaves the game after two innings in Norfolk

Luke Jones

Chris Tillman, one of the Orioles’ top pitching prospects, was pulled from his start tonight at Norfolk after throwing 33 pitches in two innings for the Tides. http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=g_box&gid=2009_05_23_rocaaa_noraaa_1&did=t568&sid=t568 Barring any news regarding a possible injury, the outing would be comparable to the number of pitches thrown in a side session.  Could he be the starting pitcher on Tuesday night against Toronto? Update:  MASN’s Roch Kubatko reports Tillman left the game due to tightness in his groin, ending any chance of him receiving the start on Tuesday against the Blue Jays. Norfolk’s Jason Berken would appear to be the most likely choice to get the start.

O's-Nats a far cry from potential Ravens-Redskins rivalry

Luke Jones

Despite MASN’s best efforts—and I’ll leave the jokes to you on how good its “best” actually is—to market the Battle of the Beltway between the Orioles and Nationals, the matchup is no more a rivalry than any other team the Orioles play this season. Regardless of their close proximity and the background story of Peter Angelos’ effort to keep baseball out of D.C. and his subsequent ownership of MASN, it’s tough to get excited about two of baseball’s worst teams facing off six times every year. Perhaps one day the Orioles-Nationals will bring the same flare as Yankees-Mets or Cubs-White Sox, but that idea seems to be little more than a pipedream here in 2009. This brings us to another potential geographic rivalry that has failed to take off due to the sheer lack of games they’re able to play.  The Ravens and Redskins both have rabid fan bases and would figure to form a special rivalry, if not for the fact that they play only once every four years under the current structure of the NFL. Since 1996, the Ravens have played Washington only four times, winning games in 1997, 2004, and 2008 and losing in their 2000 Super

O’s-Nats a far cry from potential Ravens-Redskins rivalry

Luke Jones

Despite MASN’s best efforts—and I’ll leave the jokes to you on how good its “best” actually is—to market the Battle of the Beltway between the Orioles and Nationals, the matchup is no more a rivalry than any other team the Orioles play this season. Regardless of their close proximity and the background story of Peter Angelos’ effort to keep baseball out of D.C. and his subsequent ownership of MASN, it’s tough to get excited about two of baseball’s worst teams facing off six times every year. Perhaps one day the Orioles-Nationals will bring the same flare as Yankees-Mets or Cubs-White Sox, but that idea seems to be little more than a pipedream here in 2009. This brings us to another potential geographic rivalry that has failed to take off due to the sheer lack of games they’re able to play.  The Ravens and Redskins both have rabid fan bases and would figure to form a special rivalry, if not for the fact that they play only once every four years under the current structure of the NFL. Since 1996, the Ravens have played Washington only four times, winning games in 1997, 2004, and 2008 and losing in their 2000 Super

Proof: Pittsburgh really does suck more than Baltimore

Nestor Aparicio

I’m doing my usual Memorial Day “chill” downtown in the world’s most beautiful city — that’s Baltimore, folks — and scanning the web and tripped across an ESPN.com piece about the Pittsburgh Pirates and their ineptitude. I intuitively knew they they haven’t played playoff baseball in the Steel City since Barry Bonds in 1992. I honestly don’t think about the Pirates too much and it’s the lone “new” ballpark that I’ve never entered. (Although I am a big fan of Primanti Sandwiches! The only saving grace — besides leaving of course — that Pittsburgh has, in my humble opinion.) The Pirates have had 17 consecutive seasons of losing. As long as Camden Yards has existed, they’ve stunk. Almost just like us, with the Angelos Orioles. But there is a considerable difference. Or a whole volume of them, really. The Orioles HAD it all — a huge market, suites, fans, corporate sponsors, the best legacy in baseball and heroes — and blew it. The Pirates were on the verge of potentially “breaking through” but the market limitations and the general dirge of Three Rivers Stadium (by FAR, the worst stadium I ever saw a baseball game in because the seats were

Adam Jones wins one: Orioles outlast Nats 4-2 in 12 innings

Nestor Aparicio

Somewhere, there’s a Bob Hope like joke here somewhere. Ya know, “What the only thing worse than watching two last place teams play for nine innings?” Of course, deadpanned: “Watching them play for 12 innings.” But that’s what I did tonight as the Orioles and Nationals pitching staffs combined to duel well into the night in a 2-2 deadlock until Adam Jones hit a two-run double, improbably scoring pitcher Danys Baez who also vultured the victory in Washington D.C. Nolan Reimold got the “Battle of The Beltway” started with a homer in the first inning off of rookie starter Jordan Zimmerman but that was all of the offense the O’s could manage before the 12th inning. O’s starter Rich Hill was decent, going 5 2/3 innings and allowing just three hits although he walked four Nats as well. Manager Dave Trembley used four members of the bullpen — Matt Albers, Jim Johnson, Baez and George Sherrill — so there will be an extra tax for the extra baseball tonight.

Orioles Black Magic – Feel It Bring You Down

Luke Jones

For baseball fans, there are few things finer in life than getting home from a long day of work, cracking open a cold beer, and turning on the ballgame to relax and have some fun.  It’s an escape…a reprieve…part of the fabric of Americana. The problem in Baltimore is this ideal experience is no more than a distant memory or a faraway dream.  The reality is watching the Orioles this year—and for the last 11 seasons—feels more like taking out the trash or doing the laundry.  It feels like an obligation to a family member that you cannot avoid.  Diehards continue to watch, looking for any glimmer of hope such as the sparkling play of young Adam Jones. However, for every bright spot like Jones, the continued improvement of Nick Markakis, and the desperate hope for the crop of minor league pitching, there is the horrendous starting pitching, foolish baserunning, and invisible late-inning offense.  Quite frankly, it’s not easy—or enjoyable—to watch. No matter how much MASN tries to brainwash its audience—and believe me, it’s propaganda at its finest—the obvious and painful truth is staring us right in the face. Orioles Magic energized the Charm City in the late 1970s and

Yankees blow out Orioles for second straight night

Nestor Aparicio

Trying to find good news about the Orioles these days is hard. Other than the fact that Adam Jones is in the lineup and the call-up of Matt Wieters is “imminent” in the minds of some, watching this team night after night is an invitation to frustration. Last night, No. 1 starter Jeremy Guthrie gave up three homers in a row in the second inning to Nick Swisher, Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera but the team battled back to within 5-3 by the fifth inning. Guthrie turned the game over to Danys Baez in the 8th inning and all hell broke loose again as the Yankees batted around after Mark Texieira made the first out of the inning on a strikeout. All told, Baez and Jamie Walker allowed six “icing” runs and the Orioles lost 11-4 to the Yankees in The Bronx. The Yankees go for the three-game sweep tonight, sending Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.76) to the mound against Adam Eaton (2-4, 7.93), who has been so bad that tonight could very well be his swan song as an Orioles starter. A few notes: * Adam Jones added two more hits last night, including a homer in the 5th inning,

Yankee Stadium trip: I now know what a $9 beer tastes like

Nestor Aparicio

The Miller Lite was ice cold. Our Gunther charter got us to The Bronx plenty early yesterday. And the “new” Yankee Stadium was big, bold and pricey as promised. We were having a blast last night amidst a sea of pinstripers right up until the time Chris Ray came into the game. And, of course, it’s hard to win when you only get three hits over nine innings. Orioles starting pitcher Brad Bergesen kept the Birds in the game for six innings, pitching some inspired baseball after allowing ARod a first-inning home run. But Ray’s seventh inning implosion and the dominance of C.C. Sabathia, who allowed just three hits in seven innings, led to a blowout 9-1 Yankees win in Gotham City. The video from the trip is coming to wnsTV and the many observations about the stadium will be discussed on “Limited Access” at 2 p.m. today. All in all, a beautiful, antiseptic environment for baseball in New York is kinda weird but the fans there certainly seem galvanized to support the club and spend the money to come to the new palace. Did I mention that a beer cost me $9? There was palpable energy in the seats

Changes coming to Monday Night Football and the World Series

Nestor Aparicio

A new addition to Monday Night Football and an overdue change to the Fall Classic should make many fans happy this fall. ESPN has announced former NFL coach Jon Gruden will replace Tony Kornheiser in the Monday Night Football booth this fall, joining play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico and analyst Ron Jaworski. Kornheiser, a longtime sportswriter, was maligned for not having a background as a player or coach, instead choosing to focus on the lighter side of the game.  It reminded too many fans of the failed Dennis Miller experiment that ABC tried at the beginning of the decade. While I enjoy Kornheiser with Michael Wilbon on ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption, he never found his place in the MNF broadcast booth.  He often seemed disinterested—if not in over his head—compared to the insightful analysis provided by Jaworski. Listening to Kornheiser provide color commentary reminded me of someone that tries to engage you in football discussion, but after a few minutes, you realize he just doesn’t know that much about the game.  While he is certainly an accomplished writer, his football insight left much to be desired. Kornheiser’s excessive discussion over Chad Johnson’s Hall of Fame jacket charade ruined the Ravens-Bengals telecast

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

It’s easy to call the 134th Preakness a failure, but it would be more prudent to give the Maryland Jockey Club another year or two to see what can be done to bring the masses back to Pimlico.  The decision to prohibit patrons from bringing their own alcohol was obviously a major change to the culture of the Preakness, but creative thinking should be able to revive attendance. However, will officials have another year or two to accomplish this?  It remains to be seen with the bankruptcy of Magna Entertainment Corp., the owner of Pimlico.  The state government is taking measures to keep the Preakness in Baltimore, but nothing is a sure thing at this point. Here are the 5 Ws and 1 H for the week: 1.  Who do you expect to be in the Orioles’ starting rotation by year’s end?  We’ve already seen two of the five Opening Day rotation members (Alredo Simon and Mark Hendrickson) replaced, and more changes are sure to come as the season continues. The next starter on the chopping block would logically be Adam Eaton (2-4, 7.93 ERA).  The most likely candidates for a promotion at this point are Chris Tillman (4-0, 2.03

An improving bullpen is a good sign for O’s

Nestor Aparicio

As an Orioles fan who hasn’t seen the franchise play a meaningful game in 12 years, living with the adage “one day at a time” has become a house rule. And for today, the bullpen and a quality start last night by Rich Hill gives a few causes for hope. Hill threw 88 pitches, left the game in the sixth inning with a one-run lead and Danys Baez, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill took care of business, allowing just one Kansas City runner on base over the remainder of the game. Of course, the Royals of 2009 won’t be confused with the 1929 Yankees, either. But a 3-2 win in Kansas City is acceptable and the Birds will send Koji Uehara to the hill today against Luke Hochevar. Be prepared for fireworks: Hochevar (6-14, 5.64 lifetime ERA) gave up eight hits and seven runs in two innings during his 2009 debut last Tuesday against Oakland. And that’s only after Sidney Ponson stunk so bad they promoted this stiff from Omaha. The Orioles go for another series win today. Only the delayed freight train of Zach Greinke could slow them down on Friday night. The new ballpark design in Kansas City

Baby steps for the O’s

Luke Jones

Injuries are never easy on a team, regardless of the fallen player’s talent level or role with the club. Adam Jones’ hamstring injury comes at a time when he is third in the American League in hitting (.370) and leads the Orioles in hitting, home runs (8) and on-base percentage (.426).  While Jones’ absence—regardless of the length—certainly hurts the team, the Orioles are in a position in which they have not found themselves very often in the past 20 years. However, an injury leads to an opportunity, and the Orioles can actually look to the minor leagues for a legitimate option to replace him in the lineup. Enter Nolan Reimold.  He’s another possible piece of the future to watch despite the forgettable start to the current season. Although the discussion dated back to spring training regarding Reimold’s status with the club, the 25-year-old rookie finally gets the opportunity to show his skills at the major league level. Though Reimold will not take Jones’ position in center field, he indirectly takes over for him as Felix Pie slides over to field his natural position.  Reimold was blistering Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .394 average, nine home runs, and 27

Orioles finally give the call to Nolan Reimold

Nestor Aparicio

Outfield prospect Nolan Reimold will finally be joining the Orioles in Kansas City today as the team will recall him and send pitcher Bob McCrory back to Norfolk after a rough outing last night against the Rays in a 8-6 loss. Reimold’s numbers at AAA have been staggering. He’s hitting .394 with 9 home runs, 11 doubles and 27 RBI in just 109 at bats and 31 games. The Orioles brass has been adament that Reimold would only be recalled when he could play every day in the big leagues. With the injuries and various ailments to Luke Scott, Felix Fie and now Adam Jones this week, this call-up isn’t as much a “reward” as it is a necessity for the organization who have played the last two games short on the bench. Here is Reimold’s year in stats…

Triple losses: First the Caps, then the Orioles, then Danny Gokey

Nestor Aparicio

Despite the fun we had in Dundalk last night with an evening of 12 semifinal auditions at Donna’s Tavern, it was an ugly night for local sports. The Capitals fell behind early and had one of the most disappointing Game 7 efforts in recent memory. The Orioles got clubbed by the Rays while Adam Jones left the game early with a hamstring pull. And, adding insult to the injury that effectively ended my hockey season, my favorite American Idol contestant Danny Gokey got bounced by the American public in a shocking turn of events. (Somehow, I think Kris Allen got through just because he looks like Brian Roberts!) The Capitals played the entire postseason from behind and last night it finally caught up with them. Simeon Varlamov’s magic ended quite early last night and Bruce Boudreau and the troops must be devastated – if not embarrassed – by that performance in a Game 7 last night. It’s always hard getting eliminated, but not showing up prepared to compete in a game like last night is unacceptable. The home-ice advantage was nullified pretty early last night in D.C. and it will be a tough offseason after losing a game in that

Hendrickson stinks but bullpen holds up, Birds beat Rays 7-5

Nestor Aparicio

Betting the “over” in last night’s game certainly looked like a sure thing over the first three innings but once starters Andy Sonnanstine and Mark Hendrickson left the game the real pitching took over and the Orioles held on to beat Tampa Bay 7-5 last night at Camden Yards. All of the scoring took place before the 4th inning and both bullpens were taxed in the interim, with Brian Bass emerging as the biggest star on the hill, working four scoreless innings after Adam Jones hit homers in the first and second innings of the game. So much for starting pitching: Sonnanstine gave up nine hits and seven earned runs in two innings and Hendrickson’s evening was just as ugly as he allowed six hits and five earned runs in two innings. Felix Pie left the game with an undisclosed stomach ailment and was actually transported to the hospital. Without Luke Scott tonight, they O’s may play with just two bench players. Could a call-up be looming? The Orioles go for yet another “mini” sweep tonight as they send Brad Bergesen (1-0, 4.98) to the hill against Tampa’s Jeff Niemann (2-3, 5.65).

Orioles upend Rays, 7-5

Luke Jones

Despite a wild start to this one, the Orioles got an outstanding effort from the bullpen and center fielder Adam Jones, as they held on to defeat the Rays, 7-5. Starter Mark Hendrickson lasted only two innings after surrendering five runs, but Brian Bass entered in the third and pitched four scoreless innings to bridge the gap to the later innings.  Danys Baez, Jim Johnson, and George Sherrill each pitched a scoreless inning to close out the victory. Adam Jones sparked the offense with two home runs and drove in four runs.  The 23-year-old center fielder continues to be among the league leaders in batting average (.363) and leads the club with eight home runs. Left fielder Felix Pie left the game in the fourth inning and was taken to the hospital with a stomach ailment.  If Pie is unable to recover for tomorrow’s game, the club will only have a two-man bench with Luke Scott unavailable until the start of the Kansas City series.  In case you were wondering, Nolan Reimold hit another home run for Triple-A Norfolk tonight. All in all, not a bad ballgame despite the sloppy start for both teams. The Orioles will go for the

What else can happen in this game?

Luke Jones

As I sat down to watch tonight’s Rays-Orioles game, I expected another dull contest with Mark Hendrickson on the hill for what might be his last start before a returning Rich Hill bumps him to the bullpen. Boy, was I wrong. Not about Hendrickson—he was gone after giving up five runs in two innings of work—but this game has seen a little bit of everything. We’ve seen 12 runs scored in four innings of baseball. Adam Jones is looking more and more like a superstar in the making. Juan Samuel can’t stop windmilling with his shoulder. Neither team appears interested in hitting a cutoff man. And the Orioles started the top of the fourth inning without a left fielder.  Apparently, Felix Pie had a bit of a stomach problem and left the game. (Insert your favorite joke here about feeling the same way when you watch him play.) This is definitely one of those head-scratching games the casual fan enjoys, but the baseball purist despises. “Arena” baseball (as Jim Palmer likes to call it) at its finest.

Sports Illustrated calls Angelos “worst owner in MLB”

Nestor Aparicio

Well, at least SOMEONE agrees with me. I’ve written tomes, if not The Illyiad, on the ownership debacle that has purged most of the fans of the Orioles from Oriole Park at Camden Yards over the last 15 years. Now, SI.com and Sports Illustrated have concurred. P.S. The article also calls Steve Bisciotti the No. 5 “best owner” in the NFL. Here is the piece from SI.com…posted earlier today.

Ryan Freel latest ex-Oriole to be “overwhelmed with joy” to be gone

Nestor Aparicio

As predicted, it didn’t take Ryan Freel long to squawk to the Chicago media about how miserable his experience was as an employee of Angelos’ Army in Baltimore. He was traded by Andy McPhail for speedy outfielder Joey Gathright on Friday afternoon. His more vitriolic quotes apparently came “off the record” but he did say that he’s “overwhelmed with joy” to no longer be an Oriole and he told the Cubs equipment manager to “burn” his Orioles equipment bag. Oh, and he said: “I don’t want any Birds around my locker.” Read the whole piece here…

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

I wanted to take a moment to wish all the moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day.  In the sports world, we tend to overlook Mom in favor of Dad taking the kids to ballgames or coaching the little league team. In my own childhood, my dad often had the glory, taking me to Orioles and Ravens games and coaching many of my teams, but my mom was right there at every game as my No. 1 fan.  I sincerely thank her for that. Now, on to the 5 Ws and 1 H for the week. 1.  Who really deserves to be the Orioles’ closer at this point?  The closer-by-committee idea sounds logical, but relievers have to be effective in order for it to work.  The struggles of George Sherrill against right-handed hitting are well-documented (right-handers are hitting .378 against him), but no one else is emerging as a viable option. Chris Ray (7.20 ERA) still doesn’t look right after returning from Tommy John surgery, Jamie Walker is really a one or two-batter pitcher at this point in his career, and Jim Johnson gave up the demoralizing three-run homer to Johnny Damon this afternoon. Danys Baez has been the

Bullpen melts down to Yanks after strong outing from Koji, Orioles lose 5-3

Nestor Aparicio

4:43 p.m. — Well, I was feeling good when Felix Pie got on base for the third time today but it wasn’t meant to be. The Orioles got a nice effort from Koji Uehara today but the Jamie Walker-Jim Johnson combo couldn’t hold the lead after the 7th and a pair of homers from Robinson Cano and Johnny Damon beat the Orioles 5-3 at Camden Yards. The Orioles are now 13-19 and are 7-17 since beginning the season 6-2. They get a rare off day tomorrow and will resume action Tuesday night at Camden Yards with Andy Sonnenstine (1-3, 5.79) and Mark Hendrickson (1-4, 5.13) going to the hill. Below is my running live blog. 4:32 p.m. — I agree with most of the comparisons of George Sherrill to Don Stanhouse, who gave us thrills in the summer of 1979. The only difference? This 2009 team stinks some 30 years later. Either way, he put a couple on and managed to silence Johnny Damon with the game in the balance. They’re already down two with Rivera en route. They need a happy ending. But they have the dreaded 7-8-9 hitters coming to the plate. Not a good scenario. I need

Orioles can make all Moms happy today with Yanks series win

Nestor Aparicio

The Orioles have the chance to make all orange Moms smile today with a potential series win over the Yankees at Camden Yards after an impressive 12-5 win last night. Once again, the middle of the lineup is sizzling and even on nights when they give up a less-than modest five runs, they can beat around mediocre pitching with the likes of Phil Hughes, Edwar Ramirez, Jonathan Albaladejo and Brett Tomko. (Makes you ask, “Where have you gone Jeff Nelson and Mike Stanton?”) Adam Jones and Nick Markakis are both batting .353 now, and have been rock stars since Opening Day. They are both now making a strong bid to be in St. Louis for the All Star Game. Aubrey Huff hit a homer last night and I’m not convinced last year was an aberration. Go back and read my blogs. He was one of my favorite “non Orioles” to watch when he was in Tampa Bay. He always put up big numbers and I think with ducks on the pond so often this year, he’ll be productive. Even if he still thinks Baltimore sucks as a place to party after dark. Hey, even my boy Gregg Zaun is batting

Orioles make it two in a row with mini-sweep of Twins

Nestor Aparicio

It wasn’t a textbook victory last night for the Orioles (12-17) but they’ll take wins anywhere they can find them. After an evening of soggy weather and a six-inning win on Wednesday night, the Birds came back to Camden Yards and finished the mini-sweep with a 5-4 win over the Twins led by Melvin Mora and unlikely Lou Montanez. Mora homered in the second and got on base in the eighth before Montanez singled to left to account for the game-winning RBI. The usual speedy work of Brad Bergesen on the hill picked up the pace of the game, but he was in trouble most of the evening and worked some Houdini magic to avoid big innings. All told, the Twins managed 14 hits off of O’s pitching — including 11 off Bergesen in just six innings — but could never plate runs in bunches. Reliever Chris Ray struggled in the 7th inning, allowing the Twins to tie the game after inheriting a one-run lead, but Jim Johnson was stellar in the 8th inning to vulture a victory and George Sherrill managed to finish a sweaty 9th to earn fifth save of the year. Afterward, manager Dave Trembley gave praise

Are you really surprised anymore?

Luke Jones

When I received the news of Manny Ramirez’s 50-game suspension, I didn’t flinch or really react at all.  No anger.  No disappointment.  Indifference.  We’ve heard this story over and over, especially in Baltimore after the Rafael Palmeiro scandal in 2005.  Of course, Ramirez received a medication from a doctor who didn’t know any better—a doctor clearly unaware of Ramirez’s status or Major League Baseball’s chronic problem with performance-enhancing drugs.  It’s understandable that one of the two highest-paid players in all of baseball could only afford to go to a doctor that didn’t know any better.  And if you believe that, you’re clearly still waiting for Palmeiro’s promise to tell his side of the story—four years later.  How ironic is it that Alex Rodriguez appears set to return to the Yankees this weekend at Oriole Park at Camden Yards this weekend?  Baseball can never get out of its own way, can it? Instead of dwelling on the indelible cloud of doubt and questioning whether anything in baseball is real, I’m reminded of a piece I wrote shortly after the revelation that Rodriguez used steroids—effectively ending any hope of Barry Bonds’ “home run record” being purified.  I’d like to share it with the

Orioles and MLB continue to insult fans with “rainball” at Camden Yards

Nestor Aparicio

While you and most everyone you know was asleep last night, the Orioles, MLB and umpire Randy Marsh were seeing to it that a regulation major league game was played last night at Camden Yards. In an embarrassing display of disregard for the fans and the players in a game that “officially” went until 12:19 a.m. this morning, Marsh spent six hours of the evening through four rain delays to get the Twins and Orioles onto the field for six innings of water-logged baseball and the Orioles stole a 4-1 win. Today, on “Limited Access” at 2 p.m., we’ll be discussing how it’s evenings like Wednesday night and the utter disregard for the paying customers and their own athletes that continue to find Oriole Park empty most nights.  Can you imagine having a full-priced ticket for last night’s game and having to endure an evening at the ballpark where it rains all night and they insist on playing the game against any common sense? As expected, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was red-faced with anger and livid that the game ever began — and anyone who looked at the forecast and/or the radar could’ve seen that the chances of playing a

Markakis the best homegrown talent since Eddie Murray?

Luke Jones

In an otherwise miserable 10-17 start to the 2009 season, Nick Markakis has been one of the few bright spots for the Orioles thus far. Now playing in his fourth season, the 25-year-old right fielder has performed in relative anonymity outside of Baltimore due to the team’s woes over the last decade.  However, his blistering start has finally forced the rest of the baseball world to take notice. Entering Wednesday, Markakis ranks in the top-10 of the American League in batting average (8th), runs (1st), on-base percentage (5th), runs batted in (4th), and walks (9th).  Though only one sixth of the way through the season, Markakis is on pace for a .356 average, 24 home runs, and 162 RBI. After years of clamoring for a homegrown middle-of-the-lineup hitter and watching failed prospects from Jeffrey Hammonds to Ryan Minor, fans have almost begun to take Markakis for granted due to his quiet nature and consistency.  He is clearly the club’s best player and arguably the best right fielder in the game. But the question remains:  how does Markakis stack up against the great Orioles of the past?  It’s difficult to compare players across different eras accurately, so I’ll compare Markakis to

Why the Orioles bullpen held a closed-door meeting

Luke Jones

From the home office in Glen Rock, Pa., I bring to you the Top 10 Reasons Why the Orioles Bullpen Held a Closed-Door Meeting on Monday Afternoon. 10.  They’re still trying to figure out just how high Radhames Liz’s ERA was in his last stint with the club. 9.  “I know we’ve asked you before, but is it pronounced ‘Danny’ or ‘Dan-eez?’” 8.  They figured since they can’t manage to close the door late in the game, they might as well try to do it in the clubhouse. 7.  With minicamp starting Friday, the relievers discussed who among them could be that big-play receiver the Ravens lack. 6.  To cool complaints about not having established roles, the front office sent over a pack of these for the bullpen to share. 5.  “George, when you’re the closer, we called it colorful.  When you’re not, the brim’s just kind of lame.” 4.  Jamie Walker shared his new seminar titled “How to Critique Umpiring Tactfully.” 3.  After watching another episode of The Office, Chris Ray shouted, “Conference room, 5 minutes!” 2.  Figuring out how to get the bullpen phone to go straight to voice mail is not a one-man job. 1.  In an

It’s time to shake things up in Birdland

Luke Jones

The first month of the season should come as no real surprise, but it doesn’t make it any easier for Orioles fans. With low expectations entering the season due to a thin starting rotation, the Orioles are fulfilling those prophecies in addition to disappointing in other areas.  The bullpen has been shaky, the defense inconsistent, and the bottom of the lineup completely anemic. Having lost 14 of their last 17 games, the Orioles are crashing to the bottom of the division.  Frustrations are mounting as Dave Trembley has been ejected twice in the last week and players are slamming bats and helmets in anger. Changes must be made. The starting pitching will continue to struggle with limited options in the minor leagues ready for an immediate promotion to Baltimore.  Lefty Rich Hill continues to rehab his sore elbow and appears to be ready to join the starting rotation by mid-May.  Chris Tillman and David Hernandez have pitched well at Norfolk but are averaging less than five innings per start.  Once these two can go deeper into games, they would be the next logical choices for a call-up. The club has cooled offensively with the bottom of the lineup contributing next

Mining everything but “The Bird”…

Nestor Aparicio

No doubt, by now you know that Mine The Bird, a 51-to-1 shot, won the Kentucky Derby in the mud with the most emotional athlete I’ve ever seen in Calvin Borel aboard. You surely know that the Caps now have a 1-0 series lead over the Penguins after yesterday’s 3-2 win in D.C. You’re keenly aware of the Orioles continued ineptitude in Toronto (which I’ve thankfully avoided with various other sports obligations) and the fact that Johns Hopkins squeaked by Loyola in lacrosse yesterday. You might’ve even stayed up with the Celtics and Bulls last night in a game that even “non-believing” NBA fans couldn’t help but catch a glimpse. We even took a busload of NASCAR fans down to Richmond last night with Rex Snider to catch the race where Kyle Busch held off Jeff Gordon. And, if you’re on the WNST Text Service, you got the note that former Dolphins (and Cam Cameron) quarterback John Beck is expected to sign with the Ravens tomorrow to compete for the No. 2 job. (So much for the Troy Smith experiment.) I went to the Caps game yesterday and had an awesome time. No press pass. Just went and sat in

Last slice of Pie?

Luke Jones

According to Roch Kubatko, Felix Pie is out of the lineup again today, as the Orioles will face Toronto’s rookie right-hander Robert Ray.  Could this mean the Pie experiment is coming to an end? Norfolk’s Nolan Reimold hit another home run last night, and Orioles scouts are reportedly watching the 25-year-old outfielder closely.  Reimold is hitting .413 with eight home runs and 24 RBI in the International League. It makes little sense to be sitting Pie again if the organization is not viewing a Reimold promotion as imminent.  Facing the Toronto rookie would logically be a good matchup for the struggling left fielder.  Pie’s 51 at bats are a small sample size, but it’s impossible to ignore the ridiculous numbers Reimold is posting at Triple A.  Reimold hit 25 home runs at Bowie last season. If and when Reimold is promoted, what do you do with Pie?  The organization would have to pass him through waivers to send him to Norfolk, an unlikely proposition.  The decision to bring up Reimold should be more about his dynamic performance at Norfolk—not because of Pie’s struggles. Pie has certainly looked lost, both at the plate and in left field, but it’s unfair to

MASN’s “marketing” efforts are unintentionally comical

Luke Jones

Perhaps the only entertaining part of watching the Orioles lately is the opportunity to see MASN’s embarrassing marketing efforts. Aside from the prudent decision to broadcast a whopping four spring training games on a cable network owned by Peter Angelos, the Orioles continue to produce compelling commercials for upcoming games.  The problem is the network’s definition of “upcoming” makes little sense.  In Friday night’s telecast, I viewed two commercials promoting games against the New York Yankees on May 19 and the Washington Nationals on May 22. Did I miss something, or is today only May 1? The Orioles have series against the Rays, Twins, Yankees, the Rays again, and the Royals before these advertised games take place.  Do the Orioles and MASN want you to forego watching these games, instead marking your calendar to watch games in late May?  I just don’t understand the strategy.  Commercials should be pushing next week’s series in Tampa Bay and then against the Yankees, not looking so far ahead. If you’re going to televise all of the games, don’t you want people watching as many as possible?  Telling viewers about games coming up in three weeks almost sounds like the network doesn’t expect or

Angelos and Orioles put the screws to Dodgertown and Vero Beach

Nestor Aparicio

Not that anything should come as a surprise when Peter Angelos and his band of “friendly” attorneys are involved, but once again — more than a thousand miles away — an honorable and hospitable town has tired of dealing with their negotiating tactics and insolence. Here’s a scathing editorial from A Florida newspaper in Palm Beach… These are not my words — and I never make this stuff up anyway. You don’t have to make this stuff up because the stories always seem to have striking similarities when the Orioles attempt to do “business” with good, honest people. This spring training fiasco — documented by the Orioles players in The Sun three weeks ago — continues into its 16th year now, or as long as Angelos has owned the team. Writer Ray McNulty calls them liars, cheaters and snakes. Oh, and he says the way the “Angelos boys” do business is “slimy.” But other than that, he’s ready to have baklava and ouzo and break plates. Apparently, the folks in Dodgertown had no idea who they were doing business with over the past few years in trying to lure the Orioles to Vero Beach. The more things change… Let’s see

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

Here are the 5 Ws and 1 H floating around in my head on Thursday night: 1. Who will be the Ravens kicker this season? Steve Hauschka performed well kicking off last season but only attempted two field goals, making a 54-yarder and missing the other from 52. Rookie free agent Graham Gano has a huge leg and had a brilliant season at Florida State, hitting 24 of 26 field goals. It was clear Matt Stover lost a great deal of range last season, but you always knew what you were going to get from him.  Anything inside 45 yards was automatic.  For a team with visions of a Super Bowl, a kicker can make or break the season.  Just ask the 2000 Tennessee Titans. The battle between Hauschka and Gano will be unlike anything we’ve seen in the 14-year history of the team, as the Ravens will search for their second starting kicker in franchise history. 2. What was the original purpose of the dirt path between the pitching mound and home plate in early-1900s ballparks?  For nostalgia, you’ll find the dirt strip at Comerica Park and Chase Field. I was watching the Yankees-Tigers game last night when the

Losing mentality still evident with the Orioles

Luke Jones

As if losing 11 of their last 14 games isn’t bad enough for the Orioles, players are now complaining about the infield at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. In an article published by The Baltimore Sun on Tuesday, Peter Schmuck revealed several infielders—including Aubrey Huff and Cesar Izturis—are suggesting the length of the grass is a major factor in the club’s erratic defense this season. Just add it to the long list of excuses accumulated over the last 12 years of losing. The premise behind a thicker infield was to help a pitching staff expected to struggle mightily, not an uncommon idea in the history of the game.  The problem is the grass hasn’t managed to stop Orioles pitchers from allowing a league-high 40 home runs. Go figure on that one. Then, of course, let’s move the fences back.  That will solve everything! Not surprisingly, the club tried it in 2001 and went 30-50 at home, as the Orioles hit only 58 home runs at Camden Yards that season.  After numerous complaints that it had altered the angle of the batter’s eye wall, the original dimensions were restored in 2002 and have been left alone since. Losing organizations will find

Who’s this Matt Wieters kid?

Nestor Aparicio

I suggest checking out http://www.mattwietersfacts.com/ to get an idea of what kind of hype—and pressure—this 23-year-old kid is facing as

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

I hope you’re having a relaxing Memorial Day weekend.  In addition to the cookouts, sports, and fun with family and

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

It’s easy to call the 134th Preakness a failure, but it would be more prudent to give the Maryland Jockey

Baby steps for the O’s

Luke Jones

Injuries are never easy on a team, regardless of the fallen player’s talent level or role with the club. Adam

Orioles upend Rays, 7-5

Luke Jones

Despite a wild start to this one, the Orioles got an outstanding effort from the bullpen and center fielder Adam

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

I wanted to take a moment to wish all the moms out there a very Happy Mother’s Day.  In the

Last slice of Pie?

Luke Jones

According to Roch Kubatko, Felix Pie is out of the lineup again today, as the Orioles will face Toronto’s rookie

5 Ws and 1 H

Luke Jones

Here are the 5 Ws and 1 H floating around in my head on Thursday night: 1. Who will be

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