April 11th Game at Tampa Bay

[weams]

I guess I can start one again since we lost.


Courtesy of


jjdman



Tonight's lineup

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RX.com

Roberts
Mora
Markakis
Millar
Huff
Scott
Payton CF
Hernandez, R
Hernandez, L

[Hank Scorpio]

And Guthrie on the hill, right?

Visiting my sister & niece in Asheville... apparently there's no MASN here.

:(

[japes121]

If baseball does not work out, I think Luke has a future in WWE...nice ankle lock on the rays mascot! haha

[orayole]

Yes, Guthrie vs Shields.

[Why Not?]

Sounds like the club got into Tampa at 4 a.m. After yesterday's doubleheader and no sleep, don't be surprised if we suck tonight.

[weams]

Yes, Guthrie vs Shields.

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[weams]

Sounds like the club got into Tampa at 4 a.m. After yesterday's doubleheader and no sleep, don't be surprised if we suck tonight.

Shame on ya. Kirk got them pumped.

Besides...I start winning streaks. ;)

[Mackus]

Nick's gonna have a huge year. His eye and understanding of the strike zone has gotten to a ridiculous level it seems. I don't think a .400 OBP is unrealistic.

[orayole]

Millar singles to right field after Kakes walks.

[Mackus]

Here comes Aubrey the Devil Ray killer.

[Mackus]

Wow, that didn't take long!

[orayole]

Throwing error Tampa's SS. Huff reaches, Kakes scores.

1-0 O's!

[orayole]

Luuuuuuuke doubles. 3-0 O's!

2 outs, Luke at 2nd. Payton up to bat.

[Mackus]

Awesome start, nice job bouncing back from a rough Thursday and a late flight.

[SrMeowMeow]

We have two Hernandezes in a row in the lineup. I predict at least 10 runs from the offense.

[orayole]

Payton K's.

[SrMeowMeow]

'K' Payton :D

[Why Not?]

Shame on ya. Kirk got them pumped.

Besides...I start winning streaks. ;)

You and the Captain are the antidote for lack of sleep.

[SrMeowMeow]

Wow, that looks like Pena didn't make much of an effort on Bartlett's throw.

[weams]

Well it does appear that Scott Moore can play second...what a great thing.

[orayole]

2 run homer for Pena.

3-2

[SrMeowMeow]

Guthrie's getting worked :(

[weams]

And to think, Guthrie flew in yesterday morning. He got lots of sleep.

[orayole]

And to think, Guthrie flew in yesterday morning. He got lots of sleep.

Maybe tooooo much?

[JTrea81]

Carlos Pena is an Oriole Killer. To think we almost signed the guy but didn't negotiate with him fast enough...

[nemO821]

Luis with the double.

[orayole]

Luis Hernandez with a double!

[SrMeowMeow]

Luis Hernandez!

[orayole]

Double for Roberts! 4-2!

[JTrea81]

Luis Hernandez loves proving all the statisticians wrong. He seems to be the catalyst of the lineup right now, almost every time he gets on, the O's score runs...

[McNulty]

Luis Hernandez with a double!

Should that of been caught? Joe Angel said that Upton "really misjudged it".

[Old#5fan]

Carlos Pena is an Oriole Killer. To think we almost signed the guy but didn't negotiate with him fast enough...

Rick Dempsey flat out stated in his "Keys to the Game" pre-game analysis that the Orioles should walk Pena (pitch around him) as the guy following him is hitting 219. Too bad DT didn't think of this! Dempsey said Pena is an Oriole killer and there is no way they should let this guy continue to clobber them. Good advice by The Dipper but too bad it wasn't heeded. It really wasn't all that bad a pitch by Guthrie, Pena can just power a ball out to all fields!

On another note, how many of you noticed that Mora once again botched the slow roller which for some reason he makes look like an impossible play, yet every other third baseman I have seen usually make those plays look routine! This time he got lucky because the runner was stupid, but I shudder everytime I see a slow roller down third.:(

[SrMeowMeow]

Luis Hernandez loves proving all the statisticians wrong...

And I love it when he does it ;)

[Old#5fan]

And I love it when he does it ;)

Me too. Not only is it good for the Orioles it makes me look like a genius!:D

[AgentOrange]

And I love it when he does it ;)

And I am sure they do too!!

At least the Oriole fans. ;)

[SrMeowMeow]

Nick Markakis 6-run home run!

[RShack]

Me too. Not only is it good for the Orioles it makes me look like a genius!:D
Um, no ...

[weams]

Um, no ...

Not even to other fake codger guys...

[orayole]

Should that of been caught? Joe Angel said that Upton "really misjudged it".

It may have been possible with the right read but I don't know. Looked like it would have been a tough catch even with a good read. He did misjudge it slightly. He started running more towards right field then switched paths towards the wall.

[justD]

Should that have been caught? Joe Angel said that Upton "really misjudged it."

My feeling was that it wasn't so much misjudged as that Upton had been playing Luis too shallow. ??

[orayole]

Ramon throws out runner trying to steal 2nd.

[JTrea81]

It's time to throw something other than the fastball, Guts...

[SrMeowMeow]

LH error!? Nooo!

[backwardsk]

Our shortstop is all hit, no glove :D

[vatech1994]

Let me be the first to say that Ramon just made an outstanding throw to second. His form, release, and the throw were outstanding. Good for him.

[JTrea81]

That error was almost costly. I'm guessing Hernandez airmailed the throw or did Millar just not have enough range to corral it?

[SrMeowMeow]

Guthrie and Shields have both thrown 44 pitches through two innings. Considering our bullpen is better and we're up 4-2, I feel pretty good so far.

[OSfanfromCT]

44 pitches through two innings. I have a feeling our bullpen is going to get exhausted tonight.

[vatech1994]

That error was costly. I'm guessing Hernandez airmailed the throw or did Millar just not have enough range to corral it?

You aren't watching?

The throw was up the line toward the plate. Millar came off to catch it and swiped at the runner but he was already past Millar's location.

LH doesn't appear to be very comfortable on this infield. He laid back on both balls this inning for some reason.

BTW, OldFan, give me a break with the Mora bashing. Nobody in the league gets the guy at first on that play. He reacted decently to the ball, but it was a freaking swinging bunt and Mora was way deep.

[wickedwitch]

44 pitches through two innings. I have a feeling our bullpen is going to get exhausted tonight.

He was at 50 through 5 last time. Maybe he'll settle down.

[JTrea81]

You aren't watching?

The throw was up the line toward the plate. Millar came off to catch it and swiped at the runner but he was already past Millar's location.

LH doesn't appear to be very comfortable on this infield. He laid back on both balls this inning for some reason.

BTW, OldFan, give me a break with the Mora bashing. Nobody in the league gets the guy at first on that play. He reacted decently to the ball, but it was a freaking swinging bunt and Mora was way deep.

I don't get MASN up here. I get the game on XM, but I'd rather listen to Oriole announcers so Gameday works for me...

[OSfanfromCT]

He was at 50 through 5 last time. Maybe he'll settle down.

I guess I'm just preparing myself for the worst. (Or the best when you think about it considering our bp has been so good)

[MurphDogg]

Hey Huff, try not to show up the umpire...

[JTrea81]

Luke apparently really liked that pitch...

[McNulty]

Um, I'm sorry, I just blinked and missed that entire half inning.

[vatech1994]

I don't get MASN up here. I get the game on XM, but I'd rather listen to Oriole announcers so Gameday works for me...

MLBtv is pretty cheap and it works well most of the time. I would look into it.

[JTrea81]

Um, I'm sorry, I just blinked and missed that entire half inning.

It's all good, the O's decided they had enough runs...

[JTrea81]

MLBtv is pretty cheap and it works well most of the time. I would look into it.

Really? I've heard a ton of complaints about it cutting in and out, locking up etc...

I might look into it.

[vatech1994]

Hey Huff, try not to show up the umpire...

Well, he didn't look mad so much as amazed. That was the 2nd time the umpire has called a change up that was inside a strike. That thing was way inside. Shields is going to shut our lefties down the rest of the night if he keeps getting that pitch.

[McNulty]

I think Carlos Pena is becoming Richie Sexson (NOT SEXTON) circa 2001.

[vatech1994]

Really? I've heard a ton of complaints about it cutting in and out, locking up etc...

I might look into it.

I was in California the last 10 days and I caught a bunch of games on MLBTV. I only had problems one night. I think it is very worthwhile. I've got MLB extra innings on DirecTV and I still do MLBTV because I travel a lot.

[JTrea81]

Well, he didn't look mad so much as amazed. That was the 2nd time the umpire has called a change up that was inside a strike. That thing was way inside. Shields is going to shut our lefties down the rest of the night if he keeps getting that pitch.

It would be nice if Guthrie could get that call as well...

[McNulty]

Um, I'm sorry, I just blinked and missed that entire half inning ;)

[JTrea81]

Much better inning - only 12 pitches for 3 outs...

[vatech1994]

I think Carlos Pena is becoming Richie Sexson (NOT SEXTON) circa 2001.

He has scary power for sure and a serious upper cust. It is fairly obvious that he has one goal in every at bat. I think playing for a team with no expectations works well for him. He just swings for the fences all the time with very little pressure. If he connects every three or four games, he looks like a stud. I think even nowhe would struggle if he played on a team trying to win, just like he did with the Sox. My 2 cents...

[JTrea81]

Payton K's, what a shocker... :rolleyes:

Seriously, Trembley benches Jones for Payton who is now 2-13 against Shields? At some point Trembley is going to have to have a little faith in Jones' ability to hit tough RHPs. Payton should be benched after that last AB...

[vatech1994]

Payton has no chance against Shields for sure. I'm not sure AJ would have any chance either though. The guy is tough for hitters susceptible to change ups and sliders.

[vatech1994]

Payton K's, what a shocker... :rolleyes:

Seriously, Trembley benches Jones for Payton who is now 2-13 against Shields?

I'm personally glad he is protecting him against a guy like this guy. IMO, there is very little to be gained by throwing AJ into the deep end against this type of pitcher at this point, especially when he just played a DH yesterday in center and got into town at 4 AM.

[JTrea81]

Payton has no chance against Shields for sure. I'm not sure AJ would have any chance either though. The guy is tough for hitters susceptible to change ups and sliders.

Right, but Jones would at least be up at the plate and see what Shields is throwing. I imagine it's a litte different watching from the bench vs. at the plate. Hopefully Trembley gives Jones a chance vs a tough RHP at some point.

[McNulty]

Man, I can't wait to get down there tomorrow. The radio guys just said that its likely the Rays will start Jeff Niemann on Sunday in his MLB debut.

[vatech1994]

Right, but Jones would at least be up at the plate and see what Shields is throwing. I imagine it's a litte different watching from the bench vs. at the plate. Hopefully Trembley gives Jones a chance vs a tough RHP at some point.

I'm not sure that helps him though. A guy like Shields could completely screw up a hitter's timing for several games. He is the type we used to call a "slump starter". That change is a MF. Wakefield is a similar type for a different reason.

[Spoonless]

Right, but Jones would at least be up at the plate and see what Shields is throwing. I imagine it's a litte different watching from the bench vs. at the plate. Hopefully Trembley gives Jones a chance vs a tough RHP at some point.

I'm sure he will. I don't think it's that unreasonable to bench him against Shields 10 games into the season.

[JTrea81]

Ugh, Gomes is working Guthrie...

Gets the K though he really had to earn it. Looks like one of those changes should have been called a strike...

[McNulty]

Back to back K's...seems like he's in a groove now

[JTrea81]

Guts is starting to dial up his fastball. It was sitting 92-93 and he's thrown two 95 MPH for the two K's...

[cborgans1]

Does anyone think that the gun is slow? I am watching the game on MASN2 and it seems that both Guthrie and Shields have had slower MPH on their pitches then usual.

[vatech1994]

Does anyone think that the gun is slow? I am watching the game on MASN2 and it seems that both Guthrie and Shields have had slower MPH on their pitches then usual.

I'm pretty sure the Rays have the gun that picks up the ball about 5 feet out of the hand. That gun is 2-3 mph slower than the Juggs gun which picks it up at release.

[McNulty]

This is our inning here with the top of the order up.

[cborgans1]

This is our inning here with the top of the order up.

Thanks-that makes sense.

[orayole]

Why does anyone slide headfirst into 1st base???

[JTrea81]

This is our inning here with the top of the order up.

I think we already had our inning back in the first. We were lucky to touch up Shields for 4. Now it's just a matter of holding on until we can get into the Tampa pen...

[JTrea81]

Nice AB Millar... :rolleyes:

[McNulty]

This is our inning here with the top of the order up.

What??? Who said that??

Such an idiot...

[vatech1994]

The ump missed one and possibly two strikes to Pena in that at bat. BS

[McNulty]

The ump missed one and possibly two strikes to Pena in that at bat. BS

Doesn't seem like the ump is making his HOF case tonight...

[vatech1994]

Nice AB Millar... :rolleyes:

He smoked the ball. One of the hardest hit balls of the night. It just went right at the 3B. It was a thigh high fastball on the inside part of the plate.

[vatech1994]

Man, this ump is bad. He is seriously squeezing Guthrie.

[SrMeowMeow]

Those balls looked like they caught a lot of the plate, at least on Gameday... :(

[JTrea81]

Ed Rapuano at your service... :mad:

[vatech1994]

High bouncer for an infield hit after Pena is given the walk by the ump. They better not score here after that BS by the ump.

[JTrea81]

C'mon Guts, get Hinske...

[vatech1994]

Hinske just misses a grounder double down the 1B line.

[vatech1994]

Guthrie has lost a couple MPH

[JTrea81]

Guthrie gets out of that jam, no thanks to Rapuano...

[McNulty]

Whhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeewww

[JTrea81]

Guthrie has lost a couple MPH

He's been sitting 92-93 all night with an occasional 95 MPH heater thrown in there...

[SrMeowMeow]

I was hoping for six innings, do you think we'll see him again? My guess is no.

[vatech1994]

He's been sitting 92-93 all night with an occasional 95 MPH heater thrown in there...

I agree. Of his last five fastballs that inning, MASN had 4 of them at 89.

[vatech1994]

Shields has also lost a few mph it seems based on the readings.

[McNulty]

Luke Scott is a beast! Nice double...

[SrMeowMeow]

The Force is strong with this one!

[vatech1994]

Scott has a great approach at the plate. That ball was letter high just off the outside corner and he just drove it to left center. This guy was a great pick up.

[FellsPointOsFan]

Luke Scott...

Could he possibly stay this hot?

[Gibby]

I'm losing it over here: Anyone have any idea what that horn sound is?

[weams]

Luke Scott is a beast! Nice double...

He is everything that we hoped that Knott and House and Cust would ever be for us. LUUUUUUUUUKE

[vatech1994]

Luke Scott...

Could he possibly stay this hot?

The league is still getting a book on him. Soon, everyone will know that he mashes medium and high fastballs on the outside part of the plate and he'll stop getting them as often.

[McNulty]

Does Ramon think he is Freddie Bynum?

[vatech1994]

Ramon Hernandez has had three straight good at bats tonight. I'm glad to see him get something for it.

BTW, for those who aren't watching. It was a smart play to try to get to second. The Rays just made a nice play.

[JTrea81]

Ramon tacks on an insurance run, let's hope we don't have to use it...

[vatech1994]

Does Ramon think he is Freddie Bynum?

There was nobody covering second. Someone had to come running full speed and catch the ball to get him. Good risk with two outs in the inning and LH coming up IMO. LH is unlikely to hit an extra base hit.

[weams]

There was nobody covering second. Someone had to come running full speed and catch the ball to get him. Good risk with two outs in the inning and LH coming up IMO. LH is unlikely to hit an extra base hit.


Again.... :)

[JTrea81]

LH is unlikely to hit an extra base hit.

Blasphemy! :D

[McNulty]

Ramon Hernandez has had three straight good at bats tonight. I'm glad to see him get something for it.

BTW, for those who aren't watching. It was a smart play to try to get to second. The Rays just made a nice play.

Ahh, thanks for that. I'm just listening on the radio. They initially made it sound like he was trying for the typical 'take second on the throw home' play.

You are right though, hopefully he is out of his slump.

[JTrea81]

Nice job making quick work of Gomes...

[weams]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20080411&content_id=2515084&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp

[McNulty]

Another quick one for Guthrie....I guess it was a good decision to let him go back out there.

[vatech1994]

Guts has pitched well tonight. One pitch or he would be throwing a shut out. He has 102 pitches. I would ask him how he feels and bring him back if he feels good, but be ready to pull him quickly.

[JTrea81]

Another good comeback outing for Guthrie. He really was in a groove this last inning.

Time to get some more runs and then turn it over to the pen...

[JTrea81]

Shields is out, time to take advantage...

[PeteCanes]

Score, fellers?

[McNulty]

5-2 boss... O's up

[vatech1994]

The improvement in the plate discipline this year is dramatic. LH is taking a ton of pitches.

[PeteCanes]

thanks, so Guts has pitched well?

[McNulty]

Yes, he has pitched very well, especially over the last three innings.

[vatech1994]

Mora is covering the plate really well this year. Nice hit there.

[McNulty]

Joe Angel is speculating that Guts will face Bartlett to lead off, then they'll bring in Walker to face the lefties. Sounds like a plan to me.

[vatech1994]

They don't even think about pitching to Markakis with first base open and two outs. Someone wake up Buck. He thinks they are setting up the DP.

[RShack]

The improvement in the plate discipline this year is dramatic. LH is taking a ton of pitches.
DT said he was get 'em to do that. People complain about Crow, but it's the manager's job to decide team strategy about things...

[vatech1994]

DT said he was get 'em to do that. People complain about Crow, but it's the manager's job to decide team strategy about things...

Well, it is very clear that the mgmt emphasis has been taken to heart by the players thus far. It is really good to see. We don't swing early unless we get a real good pitch to hit with few exceptions.

[vatech1994]

Huff going to get a chance with the bases jacked.

[McNulty]

Bases loaded for Huff....here comes the LOOGY...

[JTrea81]

Time for Huff to show why he's a Ray killer...

[vatech1994]

Would you guys pinch hit for Huff here? He kills the Rays, and has been hot (until tonight).

With who? We don't have a righty on the bench except AJ. I give Huff the shot before AJ at this point in his career.

[Miller192]

I'm telling you that Pimlico commercial is asking me if I'm gay

[JTrea81]

With who? We don't have a righty on the bench except AJ. I give Huff the shot before AJ at this point in his career.

We do have Quiroz, but I agree. Huff kills the Rays, might as well give him this AB to see if he can keep doing it...

[McNulty]

With who? We don't have a righty on the bench except AJ. I give Huff the shot before AJ at this point in his career.

I agree with you, but Angel made it seem like they were calling him back to the dugout for a pinch hitter before the break.

[vatech1994]

Huff thought he was hit on the 1-1. It just missed him. He got jammed on the 2-1 by a fastball.

[RShack]

Would you guys pinch hit for Huff here? He kills the Rays, and has been hot (until tonight).
Sure, if we had Mickey Mantle...

[JTrea81]

Ah well, two more games to get the Rays. Guess there weren't enough O's fans booing him...

[vatech1994]

I will say this. I think Trevor Miller is much tougher on lefties than righties. I would have been tempted to hit for Huff if we were losing, tied, or up by one. With us up by three, I can live with him being given the chance to hit.

[vatech1994]

Jesus, this ump is squeezing Guthrie. The 2-2 was a strike IMO.

Good call on the pitching change.

[JTrea81]

Guthrie's probably done after this guy...

Yep it's Walker time.

[McNulty]

OK, that's enough for Guthrie after Bartlett crushed that one to the warning track.

[weams]

Jamie to face three lefties in the order.

[RShack]

I can't see anything because of the TB blackout here... except for that one fat one, how did Guthrie look?

[Crazysilver03]

For those that missed, Evan Longoria will make his major league debut tomorrow.

[JTrea81]

Crap, c'mon Walker two more outs...

[McNulty]

I can't see anything because of the TB blackout here... except for that one fat one, how did Guthrie look?

They got you too? Man, I thought I had it bad living 4 hours away, but you are in a different state.

[vatech1994]

Boy, it is very clear that LH is not comfortable on this surface. Now, Crawford hits a blooper in no man's land.

[RShack]

They got you too? Man, I thought I had it bad living 4 hours away, but you are in a different state.
I could borrow a sailboat and be there in Tampa in 3 days...

[JTrea81]

A DP is much needed here...

[vatech1994]

For those who aren't watching, Iwamura hit a slow roller with a lot of sidespin and LH bobbled it. They called it a hit, but it could have been an error.

Crawford hit a blooper between Scott, Payton, and LH.

[Miller192]

Tie game....3 run jack by Pena

[vatech1994]

Walker hung a curveball really badly. I mean really badly. Terrible pitch after making him look terrible for two straight swings.

[JTrea81]

Earth to Trembley, don't pitch to Pena, even if you load the bases...

Well there goes all the momentum.

[McNulty]

Ouch....ouch

[RShack]

Walker hung a curveball really badly. I mean really badly. Terrible pitch after making him look terrible for two straight swings.
What makes a curveball hang?

[fansince71]

wow , great left hand specialist:rolleyes:

[vatech1994]

This is the sort of stuff that happened repeatedly last year. Walker gets the first two guys to hit crap but both balls turn into hits. Then the pitcher throws one bad pitch and has to pay dearly. This reminds me of the 8th inning yesterday.

[SrMeowMeow]

Oh well, new ball game. We've got a better pen so let's eat them up.

[vatech1994]

Earth to Trembley, don't pitch to Pena, even if you load the bases...

Well there goes all the momentum.

He has to pitch to him there. Pena was like 0 for 8 with 5 Ks against Walker going into that at bat. He just threw a bad pitch with two strikes.

You can't load the bases for Upton, the clean up hitter. The guy is a stud.

[SrMeowMeow]

Sarfate's fastball must look like a streak after nothing but 75-mph sliders from Walker :D

[Crazysilver03]

Chance for Sarfate to go 3-0 on the year.

[Wadesworld35]

Sarfate's fastball must look like a streak after nothing but 75-mph sliders from Walker :D

Of course Upton didn't see any of those 75-sliders. Didn't matter though... he gone.

[vatech1994]

What makes a curveball hang?

It is hard to describe, but you know it when you do it immediately. You have to feel like your fingers come down the front of the ball on the curveball when you release it. When I hung them, it felt like my hand was behind so the fingers just release over the top.

[JTrea81]

AJ had better be hitting for Payton next inning.

[QWJay]

What a way to waste a good performance by Guthrie. Walker tried his best to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

[RShack]

What makes a curveball hang?
Anybody know? (I don't.)

[SrMeowMeow]

I love Sarfate. Since I don't actually see the games, watching his 97s show up on Gameday is basically my thrill for the night :)

[Miller192]

What makes a curveball hang?

I always hung them when I didn't finish my delivery or if I didn't grip it hard enough.

[vatech1994]

wow , great left hand specialist:rolleyes:

Is this really necessary? You don't say a word the whole freaking night until you write something sarcastic about a pitcher who has done really well for us most nights. I swear that some of you like to be negative and unhappy.

[NCRaven]

AJ had better be hitting for Payton next inning.

Wouldn't you really rather have him PH for L. Hernandez?

[JTrea81]

I always hung them when I didn't finish my delivery or if I didn't grip it hard enough.

Somnething tells me Walker is tired, his age and the early arrival probably didn't help him any...

[JTrea81]

Wouldn't you really rather have him PH for L. Hernandez?

No, Hernandez is hitting better than Payton right now...

[JTrea81]

C'mon Sarfate, you're better than that. Get Gomes!

[NCRaven]

I really don't consider a warning track fly ball that goes over Uptons head because he's playing deep short stop hitting better.

[QWJay]

Why in the world did Adam Jones not start tonight? He is young and doesn't need to be rested. I wish Cabrera was given more time off though. I see Millar started again. :rolleyes:

[Wadesworld35]

What makes a curveball hang?

If the ball slips from the hand a bit and the spin isn't as tight the path of the ball flattens out and "hangs" instead of curving. Spin is the key to the movement of a pitch (or the lack thereof when it comes to knuckleballers).

[vatech1994]

There doesn't have to be some higher reason why a pitcher fails to execute a pitch. The curve is especially tough to throw consistently which is why most good players are taught to throw the slider rather than the curve these days. It just happened. These guys aren't machines. If the Rays don't get lucky on two consecutive swings, it is a solo homer and nobody cares. The two BS hits before the bad pitch were the big deal.

Sarfate is gassed tonight I think.

[QWJay]

Another passed ball by Ramon. Looks like he picked up where he left off last night.

[SrMeowMeow]

If the ball slips from the hand a bit the spin isn't as tight the path of the ball flattens out and "hangs" instead of curving.

So, I'm probably one of the few people on this board who hasn't played baseball besides with friends, but I'm really interested in pitching. If anyone feels up to giving me a few pointers on mechanics and throwing a curve, I would appreciate it more than you could know.

[vatech1994]

Why in the world did Adam Jones not start tonight? He is young and doesn't need to be rested. I wish Cabrera was given more time off though. I see Millar started again. :rolleyes:

Go away, please. You've made your point in about six different places. Add something new to the conversation (and preferably not negative).

[JTrea81]

It might have been a good time to bring in Aquino...

[Crazysilver03]

Go away, please. You've made your point in about six different places. Add something new to the conversation (and preferably not negative).

I agree. This dude is beyond annoying.

[Crazysilver03]

Sarfate hits Gomes in the leg.

[vatech1994]

Another passed ball by Ramon. Looks like he picked up where he left off last night.

Good lord, you really are a goofball. That "passed ball" was three feet outside. It would have been behind a left hand batter. It clearly slipped from his hand. It was a wild pitch. Again, go away.

Somebody hit this guy with neg rep. I'm out against him for a bit.

[McNulty]

We caught a break there with Hinske getting HBP (how often do you get to say that??)

[Miller192]

There doesn't have to be some higher reason why a pitcher fails to execute a pitch. The curve is especially tough to throw consistently which is why most good players are taught to throw the slider rather than the curve these days. It just happened. These guys aren't machines. If the Rays don't get lucky on two consecutive swings, it is a solo homer and nobody cares. The two BS hits before the bad pitch were the big deal.

Sarfate is gassed tonight I think.

True, but mine always flattened when I didn't finish. I'm 6'4 so it was a little tougher for me to really get into my curve.

My college coach used to make me do this drill where I threw curves from flat ground with no windup. I was in my landing position with my left shoulder towards the catcher and my body facing third.

[Wadesworld35]

Of course everytime an off speed pitch is hit well an announcer will invariably say it was "hung" regardless of whether or not it broke sharply.

Well, I guess thats sort of a break since its a dead ball and the runner can't advance haha.

[QWJay]

Oh by the way anyone noticed how Pena delivered with runners on base tonight? That is what our clean up hitter is supposed to do occasionally. Too bad he's only produced a few walks and ground outs.

[JTrea81]

Sarfate hits Gomes in the leg.

He's too wild, time to bring somebody in that can throw strikes. Aquino should be in there...

[RShack]

There doesn't have to be some higher reason why a pitcher fails to execute a pitch. The curve is especially tough to throw consistently which is why most good players are taught to throw the slider rather than the curve these days. It just happened.
I never said it was easy, I just asked what makes a curve hang. (Jeez, dude...)

[CrimsonTribe]

So THESE are Sarfate's control problems.

[McNulty]

Oh by the way anyone noticed how Pena delivered with runners on base tonight? That is what our clean up hitter is supposed to do occasionally. Too bad he's only produced a few walks and ground outs.

Dude, are you doing this intentionally?

[QWJay]

Good lord, you really are a goofball. That "passed ball" was three feet outside. It would have been behind a left hand batter. It clearly slipped from his hand. It was a wild pitch. Again, go away.

Somebody hit this guy with neg rep. I'm out against him for a bit.

He didn't even make a good effort to reach for it. He stayed in a crouch position expecting the ball to automatically go in his glove.

[RShack]

Oh by the way anyone noticed how Pena delivered with runners on base tonight? That is what our clean up hitter is supposed to do occasionally. Too bad he's only produced a few walks and ground outs.
Looks like you're averaging about 10 posts per year since you signed up, and they're all bad. Posters are supposed to make good posts occasionally. Howsabout if you work on your own batting average?

[JTrea81]

Sarfate just blew away Riggans there. OK time for the bats to wake up. 5 runs ain't cutting it tonight...

[vatech1994]

So, I'm probably one of the few people on this board who hasn't played baseball besides with friends, but I'm really interested in pitching. If anyone feels up to giving me a few pointers on mechanics and throwing a curve, I would appreciate it more than you could know.

I'll try but it is very hard to describe. The curve is thrown with the hand on the outside of the ball with the index and middle finger on a seam pointing at the pitcher's head. The ball seems to come out of the top back side of the hand when it is thrown correctly. The feeling a pitcher gets when he throws it right is that he is simultaneously snapping his fingers together and pulling down a lampshade. I loved throwing the curve.

Shack, I responded to you, but you may have missed it.

[Wadesworld35]

True, but mine always flattened when I didn't finish. I'm 6'4 so it was a little tougher for me to really get into my curve.

My college coach used to make me do this drill where I threw curves from flat ground with no windup. I was in my landing position with my left shoulder towards the catcher and my body facing third.

I always found that when I concentrated on finishing the pitch and following through correctly I would achieve a higher (and more ideal) release point. My slider/curve would flatten out when I would rush my motion and drop my release point.

[JTrea81]

Looks like you're averaging about 10 posts per year since you signed up, and they're all bad. Posters are supposed to make good posts occasionally...

He actually has a point there, nobody is going to pitch to Markakis when Millar is behind him hitting like he is now. Now if Scott was there, they might think twice...

[QWJay]

Dude, are you doing this intentionally?

Intentionally what? I call it as I see it.

[vatech1994]

Looks like you're averaging about 10 posts per year since you signed up, and they're all bad. Posters are supposed to make good posts occasionally. Howsabout if you work on your own batting average?

Hit him with neg rep. That guy should definitely have a red pip. His "contributions" are a joke.

[ledzepp8]

He didn't even make a good effort to reach for it. He stayed in a crouch position expecting the ball to automatically go in his glove.

You trying setting up for a pitch in a certain location and then having to react in a split second to a 95+ MPH fastball that's three feet outside. Get a life dude.

[vatech1994]

True, but mine always flattened when I didn't finish. I'm 6'4 so it was a little tougher for me to really get into my curve.

My college coach used to make me do this drill where I threw curves from flat ground with no windup. I was in my landing position with my left shoulder towards the catcher and my body facing third.

Agree. It truly is a feel pitch like the change up. Sometimes my execution was great, but my release point sucked. If I couldn't find the release point, I wouldn't trust the hand motion and then it was all downhill from there.

[JTrea81]

Reyes in just fresh from the slammer. Maybe the tazing effected his fastball? One can hope...

[vatech1994]

I never said it was easy, I just asked what makes a curve hang. (Jeez, dude...)

I was responding to Trea who wrote that he thought Walker was tired from the late arrival. And, honestly, I wasn't trying to be harsh. I was seriously explaining or trying to anyway. Sorry it came across that way.

[CrimsonTribe]

Al Reyes lives!

[ChaosLex]

Looks like you're averaging about 10 posts per year since you signed up, and they're all bad. Posters are supposed to make good posts occasionally. Howsabout if you work on your own batting average?

He's just venting. Can't say that I blame him really. I've been for the last 10 years. ;)

[QWJay]

Looks like you're averaging about 10 posts per year since you signed up, and they're all bad. Posters are supposed to make good posts occasionally. Howsabout if you work on your own batting average?

Yeah, because that affects the way Millar and Ramon are performing for the Orioles. I sure must have an impact on the soon to be 3 game losing streak for the O's. :rolleyes:

[Wadesworld35]

Reyes in just fresh from the slammer. Maybe the tazing effected his fastball? One can hope...

Haha I must've missed the news on Reyes what happened with him?

[McNulty]

Intentionally what? I call it as I see it.

Its ok to be critical of this team, but doing it all the time like you are...

Why are you here if you are so negative about everyone? Do you like this team at all? Not to mention you are bringing the rest of us down.

[vatech1994]

He didn't even make a good effort to reach for it. He stayed in a crouch position expecting the ball to automatically go in his glove.

You should stop writing things like this. You sound like a goofball. The only thing that could be done on that pitch was what he did. You turn and run to the backstop as quickly as possible. Unless Ramon could levitate like he was in the Matrix there is no way that ball was being stopped.

[JTrea81]

Wow, poor choice by DT to have Payton bat here, he's done nothing all day. Reyes isn't exactly a tough RHP.

And another out. A fabulous 0-4 performance. That should keep him on the bench awhile...

[SrMeowMeow]

I'll try but it is very hard to describe. The curve is thrown with the hand on the outside of the ball with the index and middle finger on a seam pointing at the pitcher's head. The ball seems to come out of the top back side of the hand when it is thrown correctly. The feeling a pitcher gets when he throws it right is that he is simultaneously snapping his fingers together and pulling down a lampshade. I loved throwing the curve.

Shack, I responded to you, but you may have missed it.

Awesome stuff, one question. What do you mean by pulling down a lampshade? :p

[Moose Milligan]

I guess the tazeing last night didn't have an effect on Reyes.

I hate Carlos Pena.

[HeatherC12]

I don't have much to add tonight (except for my usual GO O's that always post in game threads, LOL) but I wanted to say thanks for the pitching talk tonight. I never pitched but I love learning more about pitching from you guys. Thanks! :)

[RShack]

He's just venting. Can't say that I blame him really. I've been for the last 10 years. ;)
Well, I've disagreed with you sometimes, but you never, ever made me wonder, "Hmmm... moron or troll?"

[Moose Milligan]

I'll try but it is very hard to describe. The curve is thrown with the hand on the outside of the ball with the index and middle finger on a seam pointing at the pitcher's head. The ball seems to come out of the top back side of the hand when it is thrown correctly. The feeling a pitcher gets when he throws it right is that he is simultaneously snapping his fingers together and pulling down a lampshade. I loved throwing the curve.

Shack, I responded to you, but you may have missed it.

I likened it to throwing a karate chop, straight down.

I loved throwing it too...I miss that feeling when you knew you snapped off a good one, it got up to the plate and just took control of itself and the batter had no chance. He didn't know it, but you knew it as soon as you let it go...

[vatech1994]

I'm leaving if QWJay doesn't leave or get driven away. Guys like him are why I don't post much anymore. I was really happy that the game thread was actually discussing baseball and not whining and moaning about nonsense the whole time. Then he shows up spewing venom. And it isn't even accurate or intelligent venom. I can't imagine why someone would want to just complain all the time. This is supposed to be fun and/or enlightening. I'm begging you. Go away.

[JTrea81]

Sarfate should be gone already...

What did Aquino do to Trembley?

Sarfate's lost 4 MPH off his fastball, not good...

[QWJay]

Nice job Sarfate!

[Wadesworld35]

Jason Bartlett... today is not your day.

[McNulty]

I'm kind of shocked that Sarfate is out again for this inning.

[Miller192]

Agree. It truly is a feel pitch like the change up. Sometimes my execution was great, but my release point sucked. If I couldn't find the release point, I wouldn't trust the hand motion and then it was all downhill from there.

I couldn't locate my change to save my life. I switched to a splitter after college and it's definately my out pitch now.

[vatech1994]

I'm pretty shocked Sarfate came back out this inning for sure.

[SrMeowMeow]

I'm leaving if QWJay doesn't leave or get driven away. Guys like him are why I don't post much anymore. I was really happy that the game thread was actually discussing baseball and not whining and moaning about nonsense the whole time. Then he shows up spewing venom. And it isn't even accurate or intelligent venom. I can't imagine why someone would want to just complain all the time. This is supposed to be fun and/or enlightening. I'm begging you. Go away.

Agreed. I leave my venom for trade threads and a poster who happily doesn't seem to hit up the game threads often.

And even if he did, I'm sure we'd be fine. Rooting for the Orioles takes precedence over petty, earthly matters.

[JTrea81]

I'm kind of shocked that Sarfate is out again for this inning.

If Trembley's not careful it will be John Parrish all over again. Sarfate's velocity has dropped. I hope he gets a few days off...

[QWJay]

A steal by the Rays! I gotta give credit to Ramon for not throwing the ball away though.

[HeatherC12]

Is the score still tied up? What inning are the guys in now? Sorry to ask questions but I don't have the game on so I'm relying on a few updates here and there so I can follow things tonight. :)

[JTrea81]

C'mon Captain Kirk, go get him...

[vatech1994]

A steal by the Rays! I gotta give credit to Ramon for not throwing the ball away though.

OK, I'm outta here. Guys like this are nothing but negative energy. Life is too short to surround myself with negative energy. Enjoy being a jerk.

Have a good night everyone.

[SrMeowMeow]

Is the score still tied up? What inning are the guys in now? Sorry to ask questions but I don't have the game on so I'm relying on a few updates here and there so I can follow things tonight. :)

5-5, bottom of the eighth, one out, Rays have 1st and 2nd, Sarfate vs. Crawford.

[Moose Milligan]

I hate Carl Crawford in this situation.

He plays an excellent villain.

Agreed, Sarfate might be getting overworked. He's falling behind, this isn't good.

[McNulty]

Aquino is back up, so hopefully this is his last hitter.

[Wadesworld35]

I couldn't locate my change to save my life. I switched to a splitter after college and it's definately my out pitch now.

I completely sympathize. I've been working on the circle change for years and its still frustratingly inconsistent. One pitch will tail nicely low and away and the next will end up in the batters eyes. I've always had a ton of respect for pitchers who have a plus change up.

[SrMeowMeow]

C'mon Captain Kirk, go get him...

Sarfate is Kirk?!

[PurpleHaze]

HeatherC12

5-5 but two on for the Rays in the 8th

[JTrea81]

Sarfate is done. This is poor bullpen management shades of Sam Perlozzo...

[Moose Milligan]

Oooof. Bases loaded for Carlos Pena.

It's like a killer whale going after a baby seal.

[HeatherC12]

Thanks guys. :)

vatech-I really wish you wouldn't leave. I love reading your posts about pitching but I totally understand why you're leaving tonight. I hope to see you posting again soon. :(

[Wadesworld35]

Alright Sarfate, yes you do a great Daniel Cabrera impression... now pitch please.

[McNulty]

Pena up with the bases loaded? Oh boy...

[JTrea81]

Now he brings in Aquino. If we lose it's all on Trembley. This is his worst managed game this year.

Not PH'ing Jones for Payton. Putting Sarfate in instead of Aquino. If he wanted to win Sherrill would be in right now regardless of him being the closer...

[RShack]

I'm pretty shocked Sarfate came back out this inning for sure.
Maybe after last inning, he went up to DT and said, "Don't taze me, Bro... gimme another shot..."

[McNulty]

What in the world is going on here? Get him outta there!

[JTrea81]

Trembley's doing his best Perlozzo impersonation... :rolleyes:

[Wadesworld35]

Tampa Bay has changed its name again. They are now known as the Tampa Bay Carlos Penas.

[PurpleHaze]

Is Sarfate close to the zone? Getting squeezed? Can't see the game and trying to figure out why he is still in there.

[Moose Milligan]

Yeeeeeeeeeessssssss!!!!! He ****ing Went!

[Moose Milligan]

Pena gets walked in on a check swing.

Not a coincidence that lightening strikes outside my window almost instantly...

Pena has all 6 of Tampa's RBI.