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Notebook: Home runs lead Orioles past Red Sox, 12-9

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — With two pitchers returning to the starting rotation for their respective teams, it was clear Saturday night’s game had the potential to become an offensive explosion, especially with the temperature soaring to the mid-80s in downtown Baltimore. Twenty-one runs, 24 hits, and nine home runs later, the Orioles (6-18) bested the Boston Red Sox, 12-9, in a game filled with offense and short on pitching. Baltimore’s 12 runs was a season high, besting their eight-run effort against the Oakland Athletics on April 18. As he has for the entire 2010 season, Ty Wigginton led the offense with two home runs, including a solo blast in the fifth inning that ignited a six-run explosion that put the Orioles in front for good. Wigginton leads the club in nearly every run-producing category imaginable including home runs (8), runs batted in (14), average (.324), slugging percentage (.721), and on-base percentage (.413). “I’m just executing my plan,” he said. “I try to come up with the best approach [at the plate] and stick with it. I’m executing it more times than I’m not.” Manager Dave Trembley believes there’s a far simpler explanation, especially with Brian Roberts being on the disabled list for

Tejada’s clutch bat leads Orioles past Red Sox, 5-4 in 10

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — To say the Orioles have struggled in the month of April would be comparable to labeling Mount Everest as a “pretty big hill.” Their record entering Friday night made them the 12th team to start a season 4-18 or worse since 1900. Not exactly the type of history you want to make. Only the hapless 1988 club has saved the current Orioles from suffering the worst start in franchise history. The club looked to be well on its way to another disappointing loss after failing to capitalize with runners in scoring position and to protect the lead in the late innings. However, that outlook changed dramatically when Miguel Tejada stepped to the plate in the bottom of the eighth, connecting for a game-tying home run off Daniel Bard. Tejada’s heroics weren’t finished as the game moved into extra innings, and he knocked in the winning run in the 10th to give the Orioles a 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards. “I just put in my mind that I had to be able to relax,” said Tejada. “I know they had to throw me a strike, and I was lucky to get one pitch over

Orioles fall back into all-too-familiar pattern in 4-0 loss to Yankees

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — With Brian Matusz taking the hill with an opportunity to secure the club’s first series victory of the season Thursday night, the Orioles had to like their chances—at least as much as a 4-17 team possibly can when facing last season’s World Series champions. That is, until A.J. Burnett took the mound for the New York Yankees. The Monkton resident was masterful over eight innings, allowing just three hits and striking out four as the Yankees won the rubber game of the three-game set, 4-0. After providing 25 runs for Matusz in his first four starts of the season—nearly equaling the amount received by any other two starters combined—the bats fell quiet to the right arm of Burnett, who improved to 3-0 on the season. Matusz didn’t pitch poorly but struggled to keep the ball down in the strike zone, allowing three runs and nine hits over six innings to suffer his first loss of the season. The Orioles were again victimized by second baseman Robinson Cano who homered twice and scored three of the four New York runs. “That guy is swinging the bat so well,” Matusz said. “He’s a tough out. I have to make some

Orioles, Trembley turn to unlikely sources in 5-4 win over Yankees

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Over the first three weeks of the season, the Orioles couldn’t beat anybody en route to the second worst start in franchise history. So, of course, with the world champion New York Yankees coming to town, why not turn to the Norfolk Tides, the team’s Triple-A affiliate, for help? They certainly couldn’t do any worse. Alfredo Simon, Alberto Castillo, and Rhyne Hughes weren’t exactly sure bets to be in Baltimore when the season started three weeks ago, but desperate times—especially for manager Dave Trembley—call for desperate measures when you’re 3-16. With a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth, Trembley turned to Simon to close out the victory despite the right-hander being recalled just a few hours before the game on Tuesday. It was both an incredible vote of confidence for Simon and a sign of indignation for a bullpen having failed countless times over the season’s first 19 games. Some shaky defense made it interesting—to no one’s surprise at this point—but Simon earned his first big-league save and the Orioles their first home victory of the season in a 5-4 final. “I’ve got nothing to lose,” said Trembley, whose seat is as hot as it gets

Live from Owings Mills: Ravens conclude 2010 NFL Draft

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens have concluded their participation in the 2010 NFL Draft after selecting seven players, including two defensive tackles and two tight ends. The Ravens added to Friday night’s haul of linebacker Sergio Kindle, defensive tackle Terrence Cody, and tight end Ed Dickson by adding tight end Dennis Pitta, receiver David Reed, defensive tackle Art Jones, and offensive lineman Ramon Harewood in rounds 4 through 6 of the draft. After speaking to the media following their final selection of Harewood—the first player from Barbados, according to Eric DeCosta—it’s clear the Ravens brass is thrilled with the work its done over the last three days. Head to the WNST.net Audio Vault right now to hear from Ozzie Newsome, John Harbaugh, Eric DeCosta, and Joe Hortiz. Here are the highlights: Ozzie Newsome – “The initiative that Roger Goodell had of making this a three-day event has been very successful.” – On the organization’s draft preparation: “This year I think we’ve topped what we’ve done in the past.” – “This has been a very productive three days for the Baltimore Ravens.” – On the organization not drafting a corner and the possibility of future movers: “You have to

Let’s check back in on the “State of Baltimore Sports Media” with Orioles sitting at 2-14 on NFL Draft Day

Nestor Aparicio

So this media situation is exactly what I tried to warn everyone about back in February. I spent a week with my “State of Baltimore Sports Media” blogs attempting to take 27 years of my knowledge as a kid from Dundalk who loved sports and journalism and has spent a lifetime trying to build a better platform for integrity and honesty in an effort to enlighten folks about why we think WNST.net is a great way to communicate in 2010. The Orioles are 2-14. It’s almost unthinkable — unimaginable given the “enthusiasm” that was sold by the corporate suits over at CBS Radio and the MASN “partners” of a 13-year running sham known as Peter G. Angelos’ Orioles. Don’t worry, the rest of the local media that takes checks from King Peter and the crew aren’t off the hook here, either, for hiding the truth and burying the story about last week’s Ripken blowup. The Orioles are 2-14 and there’s not a negative word – not anywhere. There’s no call for the manager’s head. The owner – completely unaccountable and in hiding longer than the guy in the cave in the Middle East – never answers questions. The Ripken story

Hey Orioles fans: If you’re angry, sign up for Free The Birds 2010 now…

Nestor Aparicio

People have been asking me all week, “What’s the problem with the Orioles?” This is a recurring civic question that I’ve known the correct answer to for about a decade. It’s the only “variable” that has remained consistent in Baltimore baseball since 1993. The problem with the Orioles has been, is and will be — until he dies or sells the team – Peter G. Angelos. I didn’t need a 1-11 start and the first sniff of a simmering feud with Cal Ripken to know the gospel truth about the Orioles or any business in America in 2010. It starts at the top. If you’ve watched “Undercover Boss,” you know what I mean. I run a business. I spend all day, every day talking to fellow business owners. Peter Angelos has been very, very consistent in how he’s run not only the Orioles, but his law firm as well. He’s in charge and there’s only one name on the door. Fair enough. He owns the team. He’s allowed (and expected) to be in charge. Anyone who even implies that Andy MacPhail is “in charge” is just stupid and hasn’t been paying attention. But at some point the people who are

Cal Ripken & Ken Rosenthal vs. Peter Angelos: Who do you believe?

Nestor Aparicio

It was only a matter of time. This orange collision course of wills regarding the Orioles and Peter Angelos vs. Cal Ripken finally exploded late last night when Ken Rosenthal leaked a story on FoxSports.com that claimed via several MLB sources that Ripken and Andy MacPhail met earlier this week regarding some kind of employment/partnership within the organization. Rosenthal: “Angelos, however, nixed the idea in a separate conversation with Ripken, telling him, according to three sources, that he did not want Ripken to receive credit once the team returned to prominence.” So, what exactly transpired here this week between Ripken and the current Orioles regime? And how did Ken Rosenthal wind up back in the middle of a Baltimore baseball triangle with the owner of the team and Cal Ripken? As is always the case with Angelos, there’s a “morning after” dispute as to what happened and he has since answered with another one of his famous press releases feigning innocence and an open invitation to Ripken. Having been through the wars of Baltimore sports media since 1984, I’ve lived through the Rosenthal-Angelos wars of the 1990’s. I saw it all first hand and there was a time when I’ll

Fox&Rosenthal: Angelos turned down Ripken for job with Orioles

Nestor Aparicio

Not that this should come as a shock to anyone, but Fox Sports (and Baltimore resident) Ken Rosenthal is reporting that Cal Ripken approached Andy MacPhail and Peter Angelos about becoming involved with the Orioles organization only to be rebuffed. The plot thickens. I’ve been predicting this cauldron of a mess for a few years. It’s only a matter of time before this one boils over in some direction. The Orioles are 1-9. The natives are restless. The place is still clearly a mess as we continue to report. If you want the truth, you’ll keep coming to WNST.net.

Tonight’s Orange Crush Chat: What are your short-term fixes for the Orioles?

Luke Jones

As we do for every televised game, WNST.net will have the Orange Crush chat open tonight at 10:00 p.m. for the second of a four-game set between the Orioles (1-9) and the Athletics (7-4) out in Oakland. As the Orioles ballpark reporter for WNST.net, I was at Camden Yards for the disastrous 0-6 home stand and watched the club continue its struggles Thursday night as David Hernandez took the loss in an all-around listless 6-2 defeat. In an effort to spark some interesting debate in tonight’s chat, I’d like to offer you a hypothetical chance to play general manager and/or manger. If you could make three realistic moves (and sorry, a Luke Scott/Matt Albers/Brandon Snyder for Adrian Gonzalez deal doesn’t qualify as realistic) right now to improve the current state of the baseball team, what would they be? There’s plenty to talk about, so I hope you’ll join us in the Orange Crush at 10:00 p.m., with the first pitch scheduled for 10:05 on MASN2. Kevin Millwood (0-1, 2.13 ERA) will take the hill against the talented Dallas Braden (1-0, 2.77 ERA) in what looks to be an attractive pitching match-up. Grab your laptop—and perhaps a cold beverage or four—and

LIVE CHAT: Orioles try to avoid sweep vs Rays NOW!!!

Nestor Aparicio

All aboard Orioles fans, pessimists and optimists alike, for another adventure in Orange Crush baseball here at WNST.net. The chat room is open. I’m hosting today (almost like radio — but not quite). C’mon into our chat and say hi and don’t turn the MASN broadcast down. Instead, just turn YOUR voice, UP!

Orioles, Gonzalez again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — The good vibes of Opening Day and the first week of the season are one of the few occasions when Orioles fans are typically allowed to feel good. Spring is in the air, the Orioles are back in town, and the standings look a little better—at least for now. However, as Mike Gonzalez walked off the mound following another terrible performance and his second blown save in three chances, optimism quickly transformed into ugly frustration as Baltimore fans pounded the left-hander with a chorus of boos only reserved for former Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller in recent Baltimore sports history. It was a troubling display from the home crowd, regardless of how lousy Gonzalez has been in his first week as an Oriole. Twelve years of losing will do that to you. The Orioles and Gonzalez have to be looking at themselves with utter disbelief. A team fully expecting—or at least saying so anyway—to be improved now finds itself with a 1-3 record when it very well should be 3-1, or could be 4-0. But they’re not, and therein lies the rub with the fans at Camden Yards. Couple that with the comments made by general manager Andy MacPhail

Gonzalez quickly sculpting unnerving image in Baltimore

Luke Jones

If we can take anything from the opening series of the 2010 season, we know it’s going to be interesting in the final inning. Unnerving. Agonizing. Hold on for dear life. New closer Mike Gonzalez atoned for his Opening Night debacle by preserving the first win of the season Thursday night, but the performance was anything but routine in the Orioles’ 5-4 victory over Tampa Bay. After striking out the first two batters of the ninth and appearing poised to retire the side in order, Gonzalez loaded the bases before finally enticing Ben Zobrist to fly out to right, thankfully ending a 26-pitch, 12-strike inning as Orioles fans finally breathed a sigh of relief and somewhere Earl Weaver burned through an entire pack of cigarettes. At least that’s the rumor. Gonzalez made it very clear he was anxious to return to the mound following his blown save on Tuesday night, and to his credit, he got the job done, but it couldn’t have been any shakier. It’s quickly becoming pretty apparent why few teams were beating down Gonzalez’s door last December to sign him up as their fireman. With just 54 career saves, Gonzalez had rarely been used as a

Orioles circa 2010: We know they’ll lie, but will they lie down again?

Nestor Aparicio

I know, I’m like a freaking broken record. Every year I write about how I’ve wrongfully had my media pass revoked and every year the Orioles make up some more lies to justify all of their mean-spiritedness and lack of professionalism. It’s Opening Day, I’ve again been deemed “not a media member” but that’s just the “off the field” stuff. On the field, the word “improvement” has been thrown around all offseason in regard to the Orioles. As I’ve said many times, when you lose 98 games it’s hard NOT to improve the following season. It can’t get much worse, really. As sickening as it is that I’ve taken a myriad of phone calls, emails and correspondence wondering “if the Orioles can win 78 games” – as though this disgracefully low bar somehow passes for “improvement” – I am officially one of the optimistic orange Kool Aid drinkers circa April 5th regarding the 2010 season. It is my belief that this is the best team the Orioles have fielded this century. In 2004, the Orioles “best” performance was indeed 78 wins. Las Vegas has the 2010 Orioles over/under at 74 ½. If I were a betting man, I’d honestly take

Maryland-North Carolina Notebook: Emotional Gary Williams following the win

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – In the moments immediately following Maryland’s 92-71 thrashing of North Carolina on Sunday afternoon, an emotional Gary Williams had to stop at two different points to compose himself during a post-game interview with Johnny Holliday. The raucous crowd of dedicated Maryland fans braving the remains of a historic blizzard to get to Comcast Center coupled with the tremendous play of his three senior captains brought a perfect ending to an unforgettable weekend for the Maryland coach, who spent the entire weekend in College Park due to the weather. “When you coach, you don’t want any change with what you’re trying to do and what we went through with the snow trying to get ready for the game,” he said. “It wasn’t just us; they had to get [here early] and just sit around. You want to play well. We get proud of the guys when they make the effort in a little different situation, and I think we did that today.” Other highlights from Williams’ comments to the media: On his team’s mindset following the win: “Our team is interesting. We were just in the locker room with the players. It’s a great feeling obviously, but

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