6/28 Game Thread: Game 2 vs. Yanks

[PaulFolk]

Okay. The last time I started a Game Thread, the Orioles won. Since then, I haven't started any, and they've lost every game. Coincidence?? I guess we'll find out tonight.

Let's hope the O's deliver a swift kick to the Yankees' Wang. I'll be there, cheering them on. Well, no...not cheering, but watching studiously from the press box.

Game on! ...In two hours.

[bobmc]

Did you report on Kelli yet? :confused:

[millsy25]

O's Lineup

2b Roberts
LF Bigbie
ss Tejada
1b Palmeiro
dh Gibbons
RF Sosa
CF Matos
3b Gomez
C Gil

P Ponson

Bigbie up to the 2 hole and Sosa down to the 6th spot. Lets win this one boys.

[Why Not?]

Good to see Maz shake up the lineup a little. In the end, batting order isn't really very important. But during a losing streak, it seems like you should make some changes just to rattle peoples' cages a little.

Hopefully, this will help.

[Jagwar]

Even better, Indians up 3-0 on the Sox in the second inning.

Miller doesn't have anything tonight. Sure wish we were facing him

[BrooksPalmer]

Why is Ponson allowed to pitch anymore, this guy is uncoachable garbage.

[nyco]

Wow… another game where we're down a bunch early.

[Ravens&O's]

My god sidney sucks. I hate watching him.

[SouthernBird]

Why is Ponson allowed to pitch anymore, this guy is uncoachable garbage.
Back off rook, we need him to win this one and your negativity this early could put the jinx on. Another outburst like that gets you a one game suspension!

[geschinger]

My god sidney sucks. I hate watching him.

He could use some help from his defense... Two runs and only one ball hit hard.

[OrlandoBird]

The Yankees got hit in the Wang.....sorry could not resist....I am glad he is ok

[geschinger]

Bigbie is back... Gonna make a lot of OH'ers eat crow the rest of the season.

[Flip217]

...maybe we shouldn't trade Bigbie... ;) right back in it!

[Williamsburd]

The Yankees got hit in the Wang.....sorry could not resist....I am glad he is ok

Yeah, I'm glad he's ok,too. ;)


Like I care.

[SouthernBird]

Bigbie is back... Gonna make a lot of OH'ers eat crow the rest of the season.
yup. He is one guy I would NOT trade. Give up Matos if you have to include an OFer but kepp Biggs here in B-Town.

[Mark Carver]

My god sidney sucks. I hate watching him.

Huh?

A ground ball, that Mora probably makes the out on.
A ground ball that would be a DP except for Tejada is going to 2nd base to cover Jeter running.

All except for Matsui hit had he been hit hard on.

[jeffmantoformvp]

yup. He is one guy I would NOT trade. Give up Matos if you have to include an OFer but kepp Biggs here in B-Town.

We haven't agreed on much elsewhere on this board ( :D ) but man, I'm glad you're with me on that one. Bigbie is the best and I think has re-energized a good portion of the college kid fan base.

[Why Not?]

Nice escape Sid. Let's get the lead.

I want this nasty taste from last night's game out of my mouth.

[nyco]

Not to rag on Ponson, but you have to wonder what he's thinking there.

"A man on first. Giambi up…

…Giambi's power is all but sapped. His BA is low, and his swing is stiff…

…So I'll walk him and then have two runners on for Ruben "I like to hit tree-run home run off of choo" Sierra.

[AUOriole]

This is the point in a game where good teams make the other team pay for not scoring those two baserunners.

AUOriole

[Williamsburd]

Come on, this guy is a rookie, make him work. Absolutely no plate discipline.

[SouthernBird]

Come on Sammy, dammit you owe the team a homer with a guy on in a tight game.

[geschinger]

Not to rag on Ponson, but you have to wonder what he's thinking there.

"A man on first. Giambi up…

…Giambi's power is all but sapped. His BA is low, and his swing is stiff…


Not to quibble but Giambi is swinging a very good bat in June.

[Williamsburd]

Come on Sammy, dammit you owe the team a homer with a guy on in a tight game.

Seeing a runner on first and Slim at the plate makes me angry.

[Williamsburd]

I don't have the game on tv, please tell me he's getting booed.

[geschinger]

Come on, this guy is a rookie, make him work. Absolutely no plate discipline.

Working the count... the team's overall biggest weakness and one reason that they are struggling IMO.

[SouthernBird]

Come on Sammy, dammit you owe the team a homer with a guy on in a tight game.Nice work Sammy..

[Williamsburd]

Working the count... the team's overall biggest weakness and one reason that they are struggling IMO.

While this is true, they aren't even hitting the strikes, so it's somewhat of a moot point at this point, but they all look lost at the plate these days.

[SouthernBird]

at least Foster is not behind the plate, although watch him call a balk from 3rd..he would be dead meat!

[NoVaO]

I don't have the game on tv, please tell me he's getting booed.

Good to hear you want one of our players to get booed. That shows support for the team. Booing doesn't help the situation. Personally, I feel real bad for the guy. I'm really hoping he can get through this.

[SouthernBird]

Cano homers? My God! I knew I should not have gotten that haircut. I hadn't cut it since opening day, then the day I do we go on this skid...call me Samson.

[nyco]

This inning is a microcosm of the O's recent month long struggle:

• The team winning has two runners on. They bounce into a double play and are quickly shut down.

MOMENTUM to the Orioles

• And THREE BATTERS LATER we quickly relinquish any sort of momentum by hitting into our own double play, then strike out.

MOMENTUM right back to the opponent

• And just two batters after that, the opponent scores.

[NZ543]

Again Sosa hits into a DP.

[Why Not?]

Palmer sounds convinced that Ponson is hurt but not telling anyone about it.

[SouthernBird]

with the team playing like this maybe I should cancel my trip. I came last year and got to see KC take 2 of 3..talk about a let down. That is WHY I came to see the KC series..I thought we would win it. drrrrr

[nyco]

Does anyone remember the O's having a lead, momentum, and confidence for longer than two innings in our past 20 games?… :mad:

[SouthernBird]

I do not want to read a headline tomorrow saying Ponson beaten by Wang!

[Williamsburd]

Good to hear you want one of our players to get booed. That shows support for the team. Booing doesn't help the situation. Personally, I feel real bad for the guy. I'm really hoping he can get through this.

I don't feel bad for him. He's a professional. Taking the heat is part of professional sports. We pay a lot of money and spend a lot of time expecting good things from players who make a lot of money. We are the bosses here. When I don't get my job done, I hear it from the boss, letting your players know you expect more from them in the form of some jeers is part of the game. It's also the mark of a professional to right the ship when he is not performing up to his ability. So far, Sammy has been nothing but a disappointment and I don't expect Orioles fans to give him a pass because he is Sammy Sosa. Booing Sosa doesn't mean you don't want him to succeed, it means you are disappointed and expect more from the guy. If I were to have a personal conversation w/ Sosa, I wouldn't boo him to his face, I would ask what's going on, why he's not getting the job done. Since I have yet to hear back from the warehouse about my face time with slim, the jeers will just have to suffice. Accepting his failure is a mark of complacency; it says that you are OK with 7 years of mediocre baseball. Sorry, if this guy isn't producing, he shouldn't be in the lineup. He shouldn't be a liability.

[OregonBird]

I do not want to read a headline tomorrow saying Ponson beaten by Wang!

I hope its: Ponson beats Wang

No kidding, right

[Williamsburd]

Wang is going to get out of this inning with about 30 pitches. 10 pitches per inning to a rookie with an ERA of almost 4.50. Crowley must have some good heart medication.

[Why Not?]

Orioles fans have usually been above booing their own players, unless that player was lacking in class in some way (i.e. Reggie Jackson in 1976). Obviously Sosa is struggling. I think he's well aware of that without hearing the boos.

By all accounts, Sosa is working his butt off to get back on track. What good does it do to boo the guy? I mean, if it's that important for you to vent your anger, why not kick a homeless guy on your way home from work or something. Maybe throw a rock at a kitten.

I've always been proud of Baltimore fans for being loyal to the guys wearing the home team's uniform. That always made us better than the fans in Philly and New York.

[Mark Carver]

Palmer sounds convinced that Ponson is hurt but not telling anyone about it.

Didn't Palmer say that Ponson told him his arm has been hurting?

[Why Not?]

Didn't Palmer say that Ponson told him his arm has been hurting?
I thought I heard Palmer say that, but wasn't sure. Cakes was looking at the way his breaking ball was behaving tonight and thought it might be that Ponson is fighting some elbow pain. Something that isn't letting Ponson really snap off those breaking balls.

[nyco]

So 1/3 of the way in, and what have we learned?

1.) Cano is 2 for 2. Orioles are 2 for 10.

2.) Ponson, 41 pitches through 3. Wang, 30 pitches through 3.

3.) Ponson's given up 2 walks, 6 hits. Wang, just 2 hits. No walks.

4.) Momentum: Entirely 100% on Yanks side in every inning.

I'm not calling it a night, but realistically, it would take a miracle to win this game tonight.

[Flip217]

So 1/3 of the way in, and what have we learned?

1.) Cano is 2 for 2. Orioles are 2 for 10.

2.) Ponson, 41 pitches through 3. Wang, 30 pitches through 3.

3.) Ponson's given up 2 walks, 6 hits. Wang, just 2 hits. No walks.

4.) Momentum: Entirely 100% on Yanks side in every inning.

I'm not calling it a night, but realistically, it would take a miracle to win this game tonight.


...man, that d.p. was a miracle... :)

[Williamsburd]

Orioles fans have usually been above booing their own players, unless that player was lacking in class in some way (i.e. Reggie Jackson in 1976). Obviously Sosa is struggling. I think he's well aware of that without hearing the boos.

By all accounts, Sosa is working his butt off to get back on track. What good does it do to boo the guy? I mean, if it's that important for you to vent your anger, why not kick a homeless guy on your way home from work or something. Maybe throw a rock at a kitten.

I've always been proud of Baltimore fans for being loyal to the guys wearing the home team's uniform. That always made us better than the fans in Philly and New York.

That's all fine and good, and I like classy baseball, eventhough I readily admit that I'm not exactly the classiest baseball fan, but I don't think a few jeers for a guy who a) is not a longtime Oriole, and 2) has done nothing for this team is out of line. I would never boo Cal or Brooks or Eddie or even Mussina had he stayed around, but I think situations like Sammy's and something like Kline's comments earlier in the year warrant some reaction. Is booing going to help? Probably not, but at least it gets an emotion across rather than just blindly accepting failure.

[Williamsburd]

35 pitches through 12 batters. Pathetic. Less than 3 pitches/batter. Against a rookie. Unbelievable.

[Why Not?]

but I think situations like Sammy's and something like Kline's comments earlier in the year warrant some reaction. Is booing going to help? Probably not, but at least it gets an emotion across rather than just blindly accepting failure.

"Blindly accepting failure" might be a bit strong. Sammy's been a model citizen since he got here. He's stuggling, but he's working hard.

I'll be the first to boo when a cut-off man is missed, or a pitcher doesn't cover first base. I'd never boo a guy who's in a slump, unless it seems like he just doesn't care. I don't think that's the case with Sosa.

[NoVaO]

I don't feel bad for him. He's a professional. Taking the heat is part of professional sports. We pay a lot of money and spend a lot of time expecting good things from players who make a lot of money. We are the bosses here. When I don't get my job done, I hear it from the boss, letting your players know you expect more from them in the form of some jeers is part of the game. It's also the mark of a professional to right the ship when he is not performing up to his ability. So far, Sammy has been nothing but a disappointment and I don't expect Orioles fans to give him a pass because he is Sammy Sosa. Booing Sosa doesn't mean you don't want him to succeed, it means you are disappointed and expect more from the guy. If I were to have a personal conversation w/ Sosa, I wouldn't boo him to his face, I would ask what's going on, why he's not getting the job done. Since I have yet to hear back from the warehouse about my face time with slim, the jeers will just have to suffice. Accepting his failure is a mark of complacency; it says that you are OK with 7 years of mediocre baseball. Sorry, if this guy isn't producing, he shouldn't be in the lineup. He shouldn't be a liability.

I think if people want him to do a better job, booing doesn't help the situation. Since you are not watching the game on tv, you missed the little blurb on him:

when maz told him he would be moved down in the lineup, Sosa said he would do anything to help the team win. He also has been working extremely hard everyday to get out of this slump.

Part of his problem is a lack of confidence. Booing just lowers his confidence. Sure, if you want to boo him for a lack of production, be my guest, that is your right. But it doesn't show your support for a player and it won't help Sammy get out of his slump.

[BrooksPalmer]

97 innings pitched 128 hits given up for Ponson. It would be a miracle if a guy put up those numbers and didn't do poorly.

[NewMarketSean]

I smell a sweep coming... I knew going into this series was going to be tough. Outside of Chen and Lopez I have little faith that we can win on any given night.

The Yankees got the worst part of our rotation.

[Why Not?]

I think everyone could really, REALLY use a nice eight-run inning in the sixth.

[Flip217]

But it doesn't show your support for a player and it won't help Sammy get out of his slump.

Well, here's a chance for Sosa to earn a little more support -- c'mon Sammy, knock the cover off the effing ball!

[photoman]

Orioles fans have usually been above booing their own players, unless that player was lacking in class in some way (i.e. Reggie Jackson in 1976). Obviously Sosa is struggling. I think he's well aware of that without hearing the boos.

By all accounts, Sosa is working his butt off to get back on track. What good does it do to boo the guy? I mean, if it's that important for you to vent your anger, why not kick a homeless guy on your way home from work or something.
Just dont understand working your but off to get back on track hitting the ball, swinging at first pitches everytime you come to the plate. I just dont geti it.

[Flip217]

....or not...

[photoman]

2 pitches, 2 outs :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[photoman]

I could take some first graders, and they would understand better then these knuckleheads you stand a better chance of getting a good pitch to hit if you take pitches, especially after 80 games, and every dam team in the major leagues know that every dumbazz batter that comes up is going to swing, whether the pitch is in the dirt, 3 feet outside, 4 feet over his head, or straight to his eyeballs. Thats the Orioles hitting approach.

[Mark Carver]

97 innings pitched 128 hits given up for Ponson. It would be a miracle if a guy put up those numbers and didn't do poorly.

5 runs or more allowed by Orioles starters -

Chen = 2
Ponson = 4
Cabrera = 5
Lopez = 5

[OregonBird]

Let's get Sid some runs, he's battling here.

[Why Not?]

Tribe takes 5-3 lead in the sixth, Miller is hitting the showers.

[nyco]

12 out of 15 O's outs have been put in play:

10 groundballs

2 flyballs

3 K's

Sorry guys, this is Wangs game to choke. No way in the world the O's offense do it on their own.

[Mark Carver]

Palmer and Angel really screwed up that last AB by Giambi with the wrong pitch count.

It would really be nice to see some runs this inning with the top of the lineup coming up.

[Max Power]

Part of his problem is a lack of confidence. Booing just lowers his confidence. Sure, if you want to boo him for a lack of production, be my guest, that is your right. But it doesn't show your support for a player and it won't help Sammy get out of his slump.
The only thing getting him out of this slump would be a time machine. His bat looks extremely slow and there are a ton of holes in his swing where pitchers are beating him. Ideally, he would shorten his stroke and try to make more contact but with that long of a swing I see him continuing to have problems. I think it is impossible for anyone to be this bad and he should improve some over the rest of the year but I would be shocked if we see him approach any of his numbers from his great years that started in the late '90s.

[BaltBird 24]

Way to go, Miggy.

[BaltBird 24]

Raffy shows us what a cleanup hitter is supposed to do.

[Why Not?]

Attaboy Raffy. Take that Reggie!

[photoman]

Palmeiro needs to talk with Sammy. Because hes has absolutely changes his approach.

[Flip217]

Raffy is swinging the hot bat!

[MCL1021]

You have to give credit to the Yankee pitchers...they have been jamming Tejada all series...

Ohh...YEAH!! RAFFY!! We're comin back..

[photoman]

Well its time for a Ponson/Mazzilli/Bullpen meltdown :rolleyes:

[nyco]

I'm not calling it a night, but realistically, it would take a miracle to win this game tonight.

God bless Palmeiro.

Tie's Reggie Jackson with that dinger.

[photoman]

I hear clamor in the dugout. Palmeiro is telling everybody hes going to pass Sosa in HRs.

[Flip217]

Cle 5 - Bos 4, bottom 6th...

[nyco]

This inning is a microcosm of the O's recent month long struggle:

• The team winning has two runners on. They bounce into a double play and are quickly shut down.

MOMENTUM to the Orioles

• And THREE BATTERS LATER we quickly relinquish any sort of momentum by hitting into our own double play, then strike out.

MOMENTUM right back to the opponent

• And just two batters after that, the opponent scores.

See?! I'm not just jivin'.

Palmeiro hits a 2 run homer. The first hitter Ponson sees after having obtained some momentum: base hit.

Can an Oriole fan enjoy the momentum for one whole inning?!?!?!?! :mad: :mad:

[Flip217]

...and now Cle 5 - Bos 5...

[AUOriole]

Guy on the radio says...

"Steve Kline is warming up in the bullpen. And now a balk has been called on Steve Kline... in the bullpen."

Haha

AUOriole

[MCL1021]

Double play ball...that'll help.

Striking out Pretty Boy will help too.

Let's go get some runs...

[orangedive]

LET'S GO! This is our game. I can feel it! Sosa's retribution is coming!





I hope.

[Flip217]

7th inning stretch - are you all singing "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" where you are?

[BRobinsonfan]

2 pitches, 2 outs :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Why are you happy about that?

[Why Not?]

7th inning stretch - are you all singing "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" where you are?

Yeah, people in my office are giving me pretty odd looks.

[nyco]

7th inning stretch - are you all singing "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" where you are?

People, if Sosa homers here, print our World Series tickets. ;)
-----------------
Edit:
Why do I fool myself?

[Flip217]

...Sosa with the patient at-bat...but the same results... :(

[photoman]

If you know a fools going to swing at a bad pitch, why would you be stupid to throw him a good one.

[Why Not?]

Sox take 6-5 lead in the sixth.

[MCL1021]

Nearly same spot as Palmeiro's pitch for the homerun and Sosa hits it on the ground. Sosa is lookin pretty damn bad right now.

[TowsonTerp]

Something needs to be done about Sosa, I don't know what, exactly, but he sucks. He's just killing this team right now. Nothing but strikeouts and WEAK grounders.

[photoman]

Why are you happy about that?
Thats a crazy face, not a happy face. Sometimes these guys are so stupid you got to laugh to keep from crying.

[nyco]

FYI - Satelitte radio isn't all it's cracked up to be.

I'm listening outside right now and this is what I hear:

"And here's the … by … It's … On the scoreboard the Sox … … … … … and … … … … and … … … … Mato's swi … … hole … … Cano … …… …

[photoman]

Its pretty obvious Sosas long going slump is more about his own selfishness then his concern for the overall team.

[snatch311]

i'd like to see luis get off to the races on this one...

[Why Not?]

Its pretty obvious Sosas long going slump is more about his own selfishness then his concern for the overall team.

I also can tell that Sosa is trying to hit weak grounders for his own personal benefit. :confused:

[MCL1021]

Ok Eli...just like the other night in Toronto...

Or not...

[TowsonTerp]

Another inning, another runner stranded in scoring position.

[BrooksPalmer]

Sosa refuses to take walks he'd rather hack away then wonder why he can't get anything to hit.

[Flip217]

Its pretty obvious Sosas long going slump is more about his own selfishness then his concern for the overall team.

Nah, that was just bad luck. He showed good discipline there, just didn't get good wood on it. But bad luck or no, he's gotta start doing something more if we're gonna really compete...

[Why Not?]

Sosa refuses to take walks he'd rather hack away then wonder why he can't get anything to hit.

Sosa has 22 walks this year, third on the team behind Roberts and Raffy. Despite his time on the DL, Sosa has walked more often than Tejada and Mora.

The notion that Sosa refuses to take a walk is false.

[vab]

Somebody better tell me Newhan is unavailable tonight or I've got a real problem with pinch hitting Marrero in 7th.

[MCL1021]

Despite the score, Ponson has pitched us into the 8th. That's all you can ask for, now we just need to get him some runs right NOW.

[Mark Carver]

Sosa has 22 walks this year, third on the team behind Roberts and Raffy. Despite his time on the DL, Sosa has walked more often than Tejada and Mora.

The notion that Sosa refuses to take a walk is false.

But it makes 'em feel good to join the club to rag on Sosa... ;)

[Pedro Cerrano]

Bunt here Bigbie, I don't care how hot you are.

[Why Not?]

Somebody better tell me Newhan is unavailable tonight or I've got a real problem with pinch hitting Marrero in 7th.
I wouldn't want Newhan at the plate for any reason. It would be like pinch-hitting Gil.

[Flip217]

Roberts setting the table...

[Why Not?]

Finally! We get a break.

Now lets win this MF.

[Flip217]

Excellent! We need a couple breaks to go our way for a change...

[TowsonTerp]

If we can't at least tie here, I officially give up. This is unacceptable not to tie it here.

[cindyluvsbrady]

WOW..That was great.. Ha Ha clumsy!!!!

[SouthernBird]

ok, Miggy time.....

[TowsonTerp]

YES!! Let's win this!!

[Why Not?]

Nice job MVP. We're all even, now let's break it open.

[SouthernBird]

If we can't at least tie here, I officially give up. This is unacceptable not to tie it here.
Could you lose the negativity for just one night? I assume you are either 40 years married or so grumpy no one would have you!

[MCL1021]

Yeah Boys!!!

[Pedro Cerrano]

Please give me the lead and then BJ in the 9th!!!

[Flip217]

Of course Tejada comes through for us - he's the man...

[TowsonTerp]

Could you lose the negativity for just one night? I assume you are either 40 years married or so grumpy no one would have you!

Way to completely ignore my next post.

[Mark Carver]

Could you lose the negativity for just one night? I assume you are either 40 years married or so grumpy no one would have you!

:D :D :D

[photoman]

2 on, nobody out, 3-0, and you're talking about swinging away. And you wonder why this team cant win anymore.

[Why Not?]

Please give me the lead and then BJ in the 9th!!!

There are all kinds of off-color jokes that could be made here, but I wouldn't stoop to that level.

[nyco]

At the very least Raf, hit it deep to right. Get Bigbie over with less than one down.

[SouthernBird]

Way to completely ignore my next post.so you are batting .010 now....god job rookie. :mad:

[TowsonTerp]

Raffy was up 3-0 and for some reason they let hom swing away on 3-0. Then he swings and misses at ball four, twice!! Two pitches in the dirt get Raffy out. Not even close to strikes. Now it's up to Gibbobs and, gulp, Sammy :eek:

[Why Not?]

2 on, nobody out, 3-0, and you're talking about swinging away. And you wonder why this team cant win anymore.

In Photoman's ideal world, no batter ever swings at a pitch. Every at-bat is either a strikeout or a walk.

[MCL1021]

Come on Gibby, put us ahead...

[SouthernBird]

2 on, nobody out, 3-0, and you're talking about swinging away. And you wonder why this team cant win anymore.You and TowsonTerp should finish the trilogy and make "Grumpiest Old Men".....

[photoman]

Palmeiro got 5 balls and 1 strike, and everything remains the same

[photoman]

Damit, Sosa will do it this time

[photoman]

Oriole hitting braincells are burnt up.

[jincargo]

Well....Sosa has a chance here to do something.

Any bets?

[TowsonTerp]

And Gibbons takes a cue from Raffy and strikes out on a pitch in the dirt. Up to Sammy now, lol.

[nyco]

Wow.

Could the Sosa train have stopped at a more crucial point?

[Pedro Cerrano]

Gibbons still cannot hit a curve ball, and some people are so opposed to trading him. I have never seen the infatuation I'm sorry.

[BrooksPalmer]

You always send a pinch hitter to bunt for Raf in that position.

[BaltBird 24]

Let's go Sammy.

[photoman]

You and TowsonTerp should finish the trilogy and make "Grumpiest Old Men".....
So what should it have read. I hate stupidness. And it has nothing to do with being grumpy

[BaltBird 24]

Wow, don't look for Sammy to do ANYTHING with men on base.

Just wait another week and he'll give us another two-homer game when the score is 11-0 in our favor.

[SouthernBird]

ugh.....ugh again to make it go through

[jincargo]

Nicely done Sammy...

He's the only thing that really disapoints me about this team...

[Flip217]

...well...we did tie the game...

[TowsonTerp]

Sammy, just quit man. You can't even get the ball out of the infield. Three for his last thirty-five now. What a disaster. Should have gotten more than 1 run there. Wel'' probably lose now. We just don't win close games. If we aren't up by 5 at this point, it's usually over.

[Why Not?]

You always send a pinch hitter to bunt for Raf in that position.

Yes, in the "I'm completely insane" league I believe that move is a no-brainer.

Solid play by the pretty boys on the left side of the infield. That's a hit if there's nobody on second base. Tough break.

[photoman]

You and TowsonTerp should finish the trilogy and make "Grumpiest Old Men".....
I live in Baltimore, and if you dont think I get tired of stuck on stupid after so dam long of looking at the Orioles futility with men on base, tuff $h$#

[SouthernBird]

I'm happy they tied it. Better than where we were before that inning.

[BrooksPalmer]

What happened to a coach saying "this is what IS GOING TO HAPPEN" We're in the middle of a bad streak, you play small ball to win there.

[OregonBird]

Damn it Sosa! MF'in Sosa!! ARggggh!

There is a slowpitch softball league in Catonsville Sammy, join it!

[TowsonTerp]

Solid play by the pretty boys on the left side of the infield. That's a hit if there's nobody on second base. Tough break.

Maybe, but another 15 hopper to the left side of the infield is hardly inspiring.

[Why Not?]

Maybe, but another 15 hopper to the left side of the infield is hardly inspiring.
Don't care about inspiring, just care about winning.

[Mark Carver]

You always send a pinch hitter to bunt for Raf in that position.

Yeah, send in your last player on the bench...

[SouthernBird]

What happened to a coach saying "this is what IS GOING TO HAPPEN" We're in the middle of a bad streak, you play small ball to win there.Couldn't agree more there. No one out men on 1st and 2nd Even little league coaches know what to do there tied late in the game. Another blow against Mazz the MFY

[Hank Scorpio]

We DESPERATELY need this win.

I know that sounds obvious, but it's even more important than most people
think it is.

[SouthernBird]

Nice inning by BJ. Now let's get a run in...scratch and claw you r way to victory guys!

[Hank Scorpio]

Palmeiro blew that at bat. I know he brought us within one in the 6th and all, but he blew that at bat. He went 3-0 and then swung at at least 2 balls. That is the definition of trying to do too much.

[WEAVERMAN]

We DESPERATELY need this win.

I know that sounds obvious, but it's even more important than most people
think it is.

You have that right.

[Flip217]

Who wants to be the hero tonight? I say Luis sends us home happy... ;)

[ledzepp8]

Couldn't agree more there. No one out men on 1st and 2nd Even little league coaches know what to do there tied late in the game. Another blow against Mazz the MFY
Are you seriously going to ask Raffy to bunt there? You saw how badly Bigbie looked trying to bunt...unless you're name is Brian Roberts or Melvin Mora, you really don't practice bunting too much. And who would you have sent up there to bunt for Raffy? I'd rather take my chances that Raffy smokes another one into the centerfield stands, than him putting a sac bunt down.

[Why Not?]

What happened to a coach saying "this is what IS GOING TO HAPPEN" We're in the middle of a bad streak, you play small ball to win there.
So you take the bat away from a lefty (who homered in his last at-bat) vs. a RHP to bunt and put the game in the hands of Sosa?

[SouthernBird]

work the count Matos..work it.

[ledzepp8]

Palmeiro blew that at bat. I know he brought us within one in the 6th and all, but he blew that at bat. He went 3-0 and then swung at at least 2 balls. That is the definition of trying to do too much.
Some of you obviously have no concept of pitching. Sure after the ball is caught we can sit here and say, "that was a ball"...but if you think that is how it's look to the batter then you are crazy. There's a reason guys like Tom Gordon get paid millions to throw sliders in major league baseball. :rolleyes:

[Hank Scorpio]

I hate this feeling.

[TowsonTerp]

BJ Ryan needs to pitch the rest of this game. I don't care if it goes 18 innings.

Man, Matos has looked BAD lately.

[photoman]

I believe the Orioles as a team have collectively swung at so many first pitches, that the team collectively dont even know where the strike zone is anymore.

[Hank Scorpio]

Some of you obviously have no concept of pitching. Sure after the ball is caught we can sit here and say, "that was a ball"...but if you think that is how it's look to the batter then you are crazy. There's a reason guys like Tom Gordon get paid millions to throw sliders in major league baseball. :rolleyes:

Sorry Swami, but Rafael Palmeiro has been a major league hitter for almost 20 years. He should be able to recognize that pitch, especially when it's thrown to him twice.

[TowsonTerp]

Man, you know you're in trouble when we have to send up Matos, Gomez and Fasano in tie game in the ninth. The bottom of the order is just hopeless.

[bronzechamp]

how about a Fasano walkoff plz pretty plz!

[Pedro Cerrano]

The bottom of our lineup stinks so bad I can smell it all the way in Ellicott City.

[Hank Scorpio]

Why anyone would ever throw Fasano a fastball is beyond me.

[TowsonTerp]

Why would a pitcher ever throw anything other than a slider to Fasano? He seriously misses every breaking pitch by 6 innings. Looks like a little leaguer.

[photoman]

Palmeiro blew that at bat. I know he brought us within one in the 6th and all, but he blew that at bat. He went 3-0 and then swung at at least 2 balls. That is the definition of trying to do too much.
You are exactly right. The only concept in the eigth inning is getting in position to win the freakin game. 2 on, nobody out, 3-0 count, tie game, I dont care if you're Godzilla, we dont need you to neccesarily hit the GD ball. Just do what you have to do, even if it means working a walk. GD

[ledzepp8]

Sorry Swami, but Rafael Palmeiro has been a major league hitter for almost 20 years. He should be able to recognize that pitch, especially when it's thrown to him twice.
Unless he's just guessing that's it going to be a slider...how does he recognize it? When thrown correctly it looks just like a fastball.

[Flip217]

...meanwhile, the Tribe is back within 1 of Boston, middle 8th...


we could really, really, really use a win tonight (if you'll all allow me to state the perfectly obvious)

[ledzepp8]

Man, you know you're in trouble when we have to send up Matos, Gomez and Fasano in tie game in the ninth. The bottom of the order is just hopeless.
You're right, you are in trouble when you have two starters and your best bench player injured. Anything else you want to point out Captain Obvious?

[photoman]

Im making a prediction, if the Orioles havent won by the time Sosa comes to bat again, they will lose this game.

[ledzepp8]

Why would a pitcher ever throw anything other than a slider to Fasano? He seriously misses every breaking pitch by 6 innings. Looks like a little leaguer.
Are you sure? I always thought he missed it by 7 innings. :rolleyes:

[TowsonTerp]

You're right, you are in trouble when you have two starters and your best bench player injured. Anything else you want to point out Captain Obvious?

Well, it shows how little depth exists throughout this organization, does it not? Look at what the Braves did to us with all their injuries.

[photoman]

Unless he's just guessing that's it going to be a slider...how does he recognize it? When thrown correctly it looks just like a fastball.
How about this, Gordon got the signal from the dugout, that Palmeiro was not taking a walk, so he knew to keep the ball 5 inches off the ground.

[Hank Scorpio]

YEAH BJ!!!!!!! You are the man.

[Hank Scorpio]

You're right, you are in trouble when you have two starters and your best bench player injured. Anything else you want to point out Captain Obvious?

Who peed in your soup, dude?

[TowsonTerp]

Are you sure? I always thought he missed it by 7 innings. :rolleyes:
LOL, it might as well be innings. Whatever 7 innings equates to in physical distance, that's how much he usually misses a breaking pitch by.

[BrooksPalmer]

Top of the order needs to buckle down and be selective.

[cindyluvsbrady]

WOW BJ RYAN :)
Come in the chat!!!

[Hank Scorpio]

All Star 2nd Baseman!!!!

This Is Absolutely Huge!!!

[SouthernBird]

How fitting! B-Rob the Yankee killer!

[ledzepp8]

Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jincargo]

BROB!!!

Yeah!

[nyco]

Roberts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love you, I love the O's…

…I love the Hangout…

I LOVE EVERYBODY!!!!! :D :D :D :D

[Why Not?]

I'm sweating, I'm happy, Kill MFY. Screw this losing streak, good riddence.

....in the WIN column!

[SouthernBird]

[SIZE=5][COLOR=DarkOrange]HUGE WIN!!!!

[photoman]

BRob is a special player

[Flip217]

that...was....AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

[TowsonTerp]

Brian Roberts Have My Baby!!!

[Flip217]

Let's go Cleveland!!

[Why Not?]

BRob is a special player

But, but, he swung at the first pitch. Swinging at the first pitch is always bad, remember?

[photoman]

Package up Palmeiro, Sosa, Newhan, Kline, and Reed for one more BRob.

[BrooksPalmer]

2nd time in two seasons he hits a walkoff to end a losing streak. Take that 200 million dollars.

ITS A NICE NIGHT FOR A MEETING IN TAMPA

[joecap]

Great win
Brob you that man and BJ great relief job.

[NoVaO]

Hey Photoman - FIRST PITCH FASTBALL :D

[Mark Carver]

Package up Palmeiro, Sosa, Newhan, Kline, and Reed for one more BRob.

That's FIRST PITCH BRob to you! ;)

[bobmc]

Halle freakin' lujah! :D

[photoman]

But, but, he swung at the first pitch. Swinging at the first pitch is always bad, remember?
Who the hell said swinging at first pitches was bad. Dont put words in my mouth. This team has a problem collectively swinging at first pitches. Thats what I said, and thats what I mean for future reference to you. In the meantime, Brian is the man.

[birdsncrabs]

I believe the Orioles as a team have collectively swung at so many first pitches, that the team collectively dont even know where the strike zone is anymore.Ironic that the walk-off homerun was on the first pitch of the 10th inning.

And good job Paul. Keep up the good work.

[MikeAD]

Hey Photoman - FIRST PITCH FASTBALL :D

yeah when will they ever learn


holy crap that was awesome

[ledzepp8]

How about this, Gordon got the signal from the dugout, that Palmeiro was not taking a walk, so he knew to keep the ball 5 inches off the ground.
Some of the stuff that comes out of your mouth(or I guess keyboard)is just amazing. Palmeiro is second on the team in walks, but you're right he definitely has a problem taking walks. You guys can be upset at him for missing an opportunity, but to have the audacity to imply that he was just swinging at balls is completely ignorant.

[photoman]

That's FIRST PITCH BRob to you! ;)

Come on now, dont make a mockery out of one game. You guys are above that.

[photoman]

Some of the stuff that comes out of your mouth(or I guess keyboard)is just amazing. Palmeiro is second on the team in walks, but you're right he definitely has a problem taking walks. You guys can be upset at him for missing an opportunity, but to have the audacity to imply that he was just swinging at balls is completely ignorant.
Wait a minute, you mean they were strikes, or you just want to call me ignorant. If so then I definately need to get of the umps back.

[MikeAD]

The O's just won in extra innings...why is there argument? We just won...for one night no trifles. Tommorow we can start arguing over how to get rid of Sosa, Kline etc. and how to get Burnett, Dunn etc...

but we just won.

[Why Not?]

Who the hell said swinging at first pitches was bad. Dont put words in my mouth. This team has a problem collectively swinging at first pitches. Thats what I said, and thats what I mean for future reference to you. In the meantime, Brian is the man.

Are you serious? Nearly every post you make in every thread complains about players swinging at the first pitch. You can't have it both ways.

[photoman]

Ironic that the walk-off homerun was on the first pitch of the 10th inning.

And good job Paul. Keep up the good work.
Yeah ironic is an understatement. You keep waiting for those first pitch walkoffs, much less first pitch anything. But if there was anybody that probably got the eye for first pitches its definately Roberts.

[Mark Carver]

Come on now, dont make a mockery out of one game. You guys are above that.

Roberts when he connects on 0-0 count 393/404/643/1.047, but of course it doesn't include the HR from tonight, so his numbers will go up more...

[MikeAD]

Actually, I can't see why anyone would swing at all when Gordon was in there. The game should have been over in the 9th, it didnt look like he could throw a strike. The hitters helped him out a lot.

[Why Not?]

Tribe hit a grand slam in the ninth, Cleveland 12, Boston 8.

This night keeps getting better. I'm buying lottery tickets on the way home.

[jeffmantoformvp]

Indians have come back against the Sox in the ninth with two outs. Coco Crisp scored on a single, and then following two walks, Travis Hafner just hit a grand slam. Looks like we gain a game tonight!

[NittanyOsFan]

Hafner just hit a grand slam for Cleveland in the top of the 9th its now 12-8 Cleveland.

[Mark Carver]

Indians have come back against the Sox in the ninth with two outs. Coco Crisp scored on a single, and then following two walks, Travis Hafner just hit a grand slam. Looks like we gain a game tonight!

I like Coco Crisp-eys!

[ledzepp8]

Wait a minute, you mean they were strikes, or you just want to call me ignorant. If so then I definately need to get of the umps back.
Of course they weren't strikes. Pitchers don't tend to try and throw sliders that end up in the strike zone. Do you even understand the concept of a slider? When thrown correctly it looks like a fastball...if it wasn't an effective pitch, then pitchers wouldn't throw it.

[nyco]

Hafner just hit a grand slam for Cleveland in the top of the 9th its now 12-8 Cleveland.

Take that Dan Shaughnessy—you…

piece…

of…

…

[photoman]

Are you serious? Nearly every post you make in every thread complains about players swinging at the first pitch. You can't have it both ways.
Why cant I. If you think the Orioles will continue to have success winning with the team collectively swinging at first pitches, I feel for you. I do have a problem with this team not working pitchers. I dont have a problem with a batter expecting the pitcher to try and get ahead with a strike.

You seem to be intelligent. The Orioles are a notorious first pitchswinging team. Do you honestly think the league is that stupid to know this and continue to accommodate a team thats hellbent on making a mockery out of scouting reports. I would love to know the statistic of how many opposing pitchers actually throw first pitch hittable strikes over the plate against the Orioles. Hey lets enjoy this game.

[PurpleRulz]

They need to move "BRob" into the cleanup hole. Good win for the O's. They needed it.

[Why Not?]

Why cant I. If you think the Orioles will continue to have success winning with the team collectively swinging at first pitches, I feel for you. I do have a problem with this team not working pitchers. I dont have a problem with a batter expecting the pitcher to try and get ahead with a strike.

You seem to be intelligent. The Orioles are a notorious first pitchswinging team. Do you honestly think the league is that stupid to know this and continue to accommodate a team thats hellbent on making a mockery out of scouting reports. I would love to know the statistic of how many opposing pitchers actually throw first pitch hittable strikes over the plate against the Orioles. Hey lets enjoy this game.
Oh, believe me, I'm enjoying it.

I understand your point, I think you're overstating it. Really, REALLY overstating it. The Orioles are aggressive at the plate, but every player doesn't swing at the first pitch every at-bat. The Orioles aren't too far out of line with league averages in pitches per at-bat.

[NeedToFindAWay]

Final in Boston. 12-8 Indians win. O's gain a game on Boston and move a game away from New York. Thats a good nights work. ;)

[Hank Scorpio]

I hope Bedard hobbles his @ss up onto a mound sometime soon. We need him.

[BRobinsonfan]

Who the hell said swinging at first pitches was bad. Dont put words in my mouth. This team has a problem collectively swinging at first pitches. Thats what I said, and thats what I mean for future reference to you. In the meantime, Brian is the man.

So it's o.k. to swing at the first pitch if you hit a home run?

How can a team "collectively swing at a first pitch?" I mean - how could they fit around the plate?

[BRobinsonfan]

Yeah ironic is an understatement. You keep waiting for those first pitch walkoffs, much less first pitch anything. But if there was anybody that probably got the eye for first pitches its definately Roberts.

Are you kidding me? You were complaining about Roberts swinging at first pitches and not being patient enough just a couple of games ago? Get real.

[cindyluvsbrady]

How can anyone be anything but delirously happy about last nights win? :D
My Kids and I were jumping and screaming!!! :)

[PaulFolk]

Okay. The last time I started a Game Thread, the Orioles won. Since then, I haven't started any, and they've lost every game. Coincidence?? I guess we'll find out tonight.
Success! I got 'em back in the win column. How about some dap??

Okay, I'm pretty sure it was a coincidence...but just to be sure, I'm going to start the next game thread, too. :D

[BRobinsonfan]

Who the hell said swinging at first pitches was bad.

You did.. check out the game thread on 6/17.


If I see one Oriole swinging at a first pitch I will leave this country tonight.

Does that refresh your memory a little?

[photoman]

You did.. check out the game thread on 6/17.



Does that refresh your memory a little?
Harris has left the building :(