April 13th against the Rays

[Crazysilver03]

Orioles
2B Roberts
3B Mora
RF Markakis
1B Millar
DH Huff
LF Scott
CF Jones
C Quiroz
SS Fahey

P Burres

Rays
2B Iwamura
LF Crawford
1B Pena
CF Upton
DH Gomes
3B Longoria
RF Ruggiano
C DiFelice
SS Barlett

P Niemann

[Crazysilver03]

How I hate MASN with a passion. MASN2 isnt showing up where I live.

[BAM]

No Signal here.

Comcast.

[Crazysilver03]

And of course the feed comes on just as I have to go leave for a study group.

[Crazysilver03]

Niemann misses inside, (1-0).

His 2nd pitch is right down the middle for a strike.

[Crazysilver03]

Niemann has a really funky delivery. Tropicana looks pretty packed.

[Crazysilver03]

Roberts loops a 3-2 pitch into LF.

[Crazysilver03]

2-0 for Mora. He steals 2nd base on ball #3. Niemann is pretty wild.

[Crazysilver03]

Bartlett keeps running Roberts back to the base.

[Tony-OH]

He's also slow to the plate...

[Crazysilver03]

4 pitch walk. Roberts and Mora 2nd and 1st, no outs. 11 pitches thrown today.

[Crazysilver03]

He's also slow to the plate...

Very, his hitch is really slow and is easy to pick up on.

Also, Markakis is playing with a hurt hand.

[Crazysilver03]

2-0 to Markakis. Finally a strike.

[Tony-OH]

Markakis should be looking dead red on this 3-1 pitch...

[Crazysilver03]

3-1 to Markakis.

DiFelice is trying to slow down the game.

[Tony-OH]

Yikes, Markakis just got blown away with an 85 MPH fastball.. you have to wonder if he's feeling good enough to play... He really should have been aggressive on the 3-1 fastball.

[Lt Melmo]

Anyone notice that Bucknor's umping? This is gonna be fun.

[Tony-OH]

Bad play by Bartlett there...

[Tony-OH]

Anyone notice that Bucknor's umping? This is gonna be fun.

Looks a little tight, but you wonder if this is the rookie strikezone

[ChaosLex]

Yikes, Markakis just got blown away with an 85 MPH fastball.. you have to wonder if he's feeling good enough to play... He really should have been aggressive on the 3-1 fastball.

I just hope he doesn't wind up on the DL. :eek:

[Mooreisbetter27]

Gave Millar a hit on that.

I'd have said error.

[Tony-OH]

Something is a miss with th radar gun.. It just showed a 79 MPH fastball... No way that was 79.

[CrimsonTribe]

Gave Millar a hit on that.

I'd have said error.

It was a tough play. Justifiable at least.

[Tony-OH]

Wow, now that's a bad at bat by Huff... loaded bases and one out and he pops out to the catcher.. Uggghhh.

[Tony-OH]

C'mon Scott, let's pick up the two-out hit here...

[blueberryale77]

Wow, now that's a bad at bat by Huff... loaded bases and one out and he pops out to the catcher.. Uggghhh.

He needs to get booed more. He can't function without it.

[CrimsonTribe]

Wow, now that's a bad at bat by Huff... loaded bases and one out and he pops out to the catcher.. Uggghhh.

Don't worry, Scott will park one.

[ChaosLex]

Pathetic. :(

[Mooreisbetter27]

Ugh, didn't even score.

C'mon, you can't let a kid off the hook like that.

[CrimsonTribe]

Don't worry, Scott will park one.

Dangit. So close.

[Lt Melmo]

Nice depth perception... I thought we had a slam for a second there...

[Hoiles23]

Don't worry, Scott will park one.

juuuuuuust missed it.

[Moose Milligan]

Yikes, Markakis just got blown away with an 85 MPH fastball.. you have to wonder if he's feeling good enough to play... He really should have been aggressive on the 3-1 fastball.

Listening to the radio last night it sounded like he was in a good bit of pain. I haven't watched the replay from last nights game yet but I'm surprised he's playing today.

[blueberryale77]

Pathetic. :(

The sad thing is, Millar was the one member of the middle of our order who didn't get out (although he should have).

[FarmSystem]

Does this team ever bother to teach patient situational hitting? I know they employee Crowley year after year like some welfare plan, but it'd be nice to see them demand their players hit well with RISP and less than two outs.

[backwardsk]

Listening to the radio last night it sounded like he was in a good bit of pain. I haven't watched the replay from last nights game yet but I'm surprised he's playing today.

It looked bad on TV. I don't know if it got his funny bone and he had tingling down to his fingers or not, but that's what it looked like.

[Mooreisbetter27]

Listening to the radio last night it sounded like he was in a good bit of pain. I haven't watched the replay from last nights game yet but I'm surprised he's playing today.

They mentioned it wasn't the HBP which was the problem... he jammed his finger on the SB apparently.

[CrimsonTribe]

The Rays scouting report on Brian Burres is that he's a "Touchy, Feely Lefty." [Insert joke here].

[Tony-OH]

That's a pretty frustrating first inning. Niemann making his debut gives up a single to Roberts, walks Mora on four pitches, allow a stolen base, then gets out of the inning without giving up a run thanks to terrible at bats by Markakis and Huff.

I'm still not sure what Markakis was thinking on 3-1. How does he take a strike there? At bats like this make me not surprised he's got two RBIs this late in the season. he really needs to start driving the ball and learning when to be agrressive. Right now, he's batting like a leadoff guy, not a run producer.

His at bat gave Neimann a lot more confidence and really set the tone for the rest of the inning.

[HeatherC12]

Is this going to be one of those games where the guys make the rookie pitcher look like Cy Young?! Boy I hope not because those got old last year. :eek:

[Mooreisbetter27]

Bucknor's strike zone is tiny.

[Tony-OH]

Why does MLB allow a team to use almost the exct same colors and uniform look? I keep seeing Mariners when I look at these new Rays uniforms.

[JastonThor]

That's a pretty frustrating first inning. Niemann making his debut gives up a single to Roberts, walks Mora on four pitches, allow a stolen base, then gets out of the inning without giving up a run thanks to terrible at bats by Markakis and Huff.

I'm still not sure what Markakis was thinking on 3-1. How does he take a strike there? At bats like this make me not surprised he's got two RBIs this late in the season. he really needs to start driving the ball and learning when to be agrressive. Right now, he's batting like a leadoff guy, not a run producer.

His at bat gave Neimann a lot more confidence and really set the tone for the rest of the inning.

Not sure if I agree. At three and one Nick is in the prime position looking for his pitch; the pitcher just made a great pitcher's pitch at the knees on the corner. Sure it was a fastball, but what was he going to do with it? Huff's pop up was on a fastball I'm sure he was looking for sure. I'll gladly take Nick's patience and pitch recognition to take than Huff's swing at a fastball outta the zone.

...Now that next pitch on the strikeout, whew. No excuse.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Frustrating first inning.

[Tony-OH]

Pena= Orioles killer...

This guy would go straight to the Hall of Fame if you could play against us every game.

[vatech1994]

Anyone notice that Bucknor's umping? This is gonna be fun.

This guy is terrible. He has robbed Burres three times in three hitters. Ridiculous

[ChaosLex]

Well, the good news is we won't be no-hit by the rookie. The bad news is we'll probably be two-hit. :p

[JTrea81]

Well I like the strategy of not pitching to Pena, but Upton's no slouch...

[Hoiles23]

I know the _ Rays camera is behind the SS, but where is the strikezone?

[Ori-Al]

The O's have done a lousy job this season taking advvantage of walks, errors, and bases loaded opportunities. Don't know why, but I wish they would have better at-bats in those situations. Our opponents have certainly taken advantage of free baserunners.

[Tony-OH]

Not sure if I agree. At three and one Nick is in the prime position looking for his pitch; the pitcher just made a great pitcher's pitch at the knees on the corner. Sure it was a fastball, but what was he going to do with it? Huff's pop up was on a fastball I'm sure he was looking for sure. I'll gladly take Nick's patience and pitch recognition to take than Huff's swing at a fastball outta the zone.

...Now that next pitch on the strikeout, whew. No excuse.

I agree it was a decent pitch, but Markakis can go the other way well and should have been looking fastball all the way. A good run producer doesn't take a fastball for a strike on 3-1.

I'm not down on Nick at all, but it was a very bad at bat and shows he still has some ways to before he'll be a true run producer. he just had a bad approach to that at bat..

[Lt Melmo]

This guy is terrible. He has robbed Burres three times in three hitters. Ridiculous
We're lucky to be playing away, as Bucknor loves pissing off the crowd, but he's still the worst ump in the game. There are few players that piss me off more.

[Tony-OH]

This guy is terrible. He has robbed Burres three times in three hitters. Ridiculous

This is certainly not a good umpire for Burres.

[Mooreisbetter27]

I realize all umpires do it, but I hate when they make their own strike zone. You're supposed to call strikes by the designated strike zone, not one you make up during the game.

A few of those pitches were damn near right down the middle. C'mon Bucknor, jesus.

[ChaosLex]

Nice curve!

[vatech1994]

We're lucky to be playing away, as Bucknor loves pissing off the crowd, but he's still the worst ump in the game. There are few players that piss me off more.

Well, Iwamura walked despite being thrown 5 strikes, because one of them wasn't called. Bucknor also failed to call knee high strikes to Crawford and Pena. He is terrible.

[ChaosLex]

There's my boy. :)

I know some of you disagree, but I really hope we make a push for Gomes.

[vatech1994]

Now, he calls the first pitch to Gomes a strike despite it being a bit lower than the balls he didn't call. This guy is horrible.

[vatech1994]

Anybody who doesn't think Gomes is much heavier, just ain't looking IMO

[ChaosLex]

Pena looked safe to me, but I'll take it.

[JTrea81]

Nice job by Burres getting out of that jam.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Glad Burres got out of it. Lets get some runs.

[vatech1994]

Anybody think it is a coincidence that the first inning featured three walks and a ton of pitches? I sure don't.

[vatech1994]

Pay no attention to the mph numbers on the screen. Palmer has quoted speeds three times now and they haven't agreed with the numbers on the screen at all.

[ChaosLex]

Looks like Niemann's settled down. :rolleyes:

[vatech1994]

Now Bucknor calls the first ball to Quiroz a strike despite it being shin high and not calling pitches at the knees in the first inning. Is this guy on drugs?

[vatech1994]

Quiroz has some definite pop. He was jammed a bit and almost hit that out to the opposite field.

[square634]

We have good warning track power today, it seems.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

1,2,3 hopefully Burres will follow.

[JTrea81]

Quiroz has some definite pop. He was jammed a bit and almost hit that out to the opposite field.

And Fahey for sure does not...

[vatech1994]

Quiroz has some definite pop. He was jammed a bit and almost hit that out to the opposite field.

Brandon, on the other hand, does not have pop. He caught that ball pretty good and couldn't get it to the track.

[JTrea81]

Brandon, on the other hand, does not have pop. He caught that ball pretty good and couldn't get it to the track.

I'd say Luis Hernandez has more power than Fahey...

[vatech1994]

I'm not real worried today. Once they get used to this guy's release point, I think they are going to hit him just fine. It is going to take a bit. The guy is 6'9" with a funky delivery.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

I'm not real worried today. Once they get used to this guy's release point, I think they are going to hit him just fine. It is going to take a bit. The guy is 6'9" with a funky delivery.

6'9? Wow Angel wasn't kidding.

[vatech1994]

I'd say Luis Hernandez has more power than Fahey...

In the same way that 0.5 is more than 0.3. ;)

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Sit down Eva Longoria.

[vatech1994]

Bucknor is so freaking bad. He has now called three separate high curves for strike three.

[ghogan]

Is Palmer drunk? Big strike zone?? Is he even watching the game?

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Good inning by Brian.

[longflyball]

I'm not real worried today. Once they get used to this guy's release point, I think they are going to hit him just fine. It is going to take a bit. The guy is 6'9" with a funky delivery.

Yeah, Niemann fails the eye test. I can't think of too many successful big league starters with deliveries as awkward and ugly as his.

[Moose Milligan]

Sounds like a rough game so far after not capitalizing on the first inning and Bucknor being an idiot...

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Mora with the bunt hit. Ok Nick time for redemption.

[The Wedge]

It's hard to tell how bad the ump is when the camera angle is almost at 30 degrees off center.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Mora caught stealing. Why steal on 1 and 2?

[The Rick]

Sounds like a rough game so far after not capitalizing on the first inning and Bucknor being an idiot...

Meh, Bucknor's calling it both ways. It's get away day.

We've hit a few long fly balls on the warning track and need to start capitalizing on the good pitches we've gotten to hit. I think if Scott's foot had not been bothering him, he may have had enough to hit the ball out in the 1st.

[Tony-OH]

Mora caught stealing. Why steal on 1 and 2?
I don't have a problem with it. Niemann is slow to the plate but Difelice just made a great throw to barely get Mora. the way we swing the bats, we need every extra base we can get.

[Lt Melmo]

Nice Orioles Reach commercial, starring... Erik Bedard. :p

[vatech1994]

It's hard to tell how bad the ump is when the camera angle is almost at 30 degrees off center.

There is definitely little chance to see left-right, but the up-down has been pretty darn erratic IMO.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

I don't have a problem with it. Niemann is slow to the plate but Difelice just made a great throw to barely get Mora. the way we swing the bats, we need every extra base we can get.

Guess I am only second guessing because he got tagged out. Oh well hopefully the offense will light up this coming inning.

[The Wedge]

There is definitely little chance to see left-right, but the up-down has been pretty darn erratic IMO.

Well, on those curves, its been really hard to tell where it breaks over the plate. Kinda what I meant.

[The Wedge]

LOL.

Roberts did the little cringe and dandy foot dance.

[vatech1994]

Well, on those curves, its been really hard to tell where it breaks over the plate. Kinda what I meant.

I feel ya. I just think they were high regardless of whether they were on the plate, but I'd love to have those pitches if I was Burres. ;)

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Well Buress is looking effective thus far.

[vatech1994]

Well Buress is looking effective thus far.

Yes, I agree that BURRES is really hitting his spots well. ;)

[The Rick]

Guess I am only second guessing because he got tagged out. Oh well hopefully the offense will light up this coming inning.

It's always frustrating when a base stealer gets caught stealing, but it's a no risk no reward type of situation with base running. I have enjoyed DT's approach to base stealing so far, which has led to the O's stealing 9 bases (including BRob's earlier today) in the young season. That's in the upper 1/3rd of the league and is 4 behind the league leading team, the Blue Jays.

The O's have gotten caught stealing 4 times (including Mora today), the Blue Jays 5. This is the just how the game works. I prefer taking the risks in order to advance our base runners.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

It's always frustrating when a base stealer gets caught stealing, but it's a no risk no reward type of situation with base running. I have enjoyed DT's approach to base stealing so far, which has led to the O's stealing 9 bases (including BRob's earlier today) in the young season. That's in the upper 1/3rd of the league and is 4 behind the league leading team, the Blue Jays.

The O's have gotten caught stealing 4 times (including Mora today), the Blue Jays 5. This is the just how the game works. I prefer taking the risks in order to advance our base runners.

True that and I will say the thing I really have liked about the team under Trembley is that we are aggressive on the bases.

[vatech1994]

LOL on that strike call to Scott.

[JTrea81]

How was that a strike?

[The Rick]

Shocking no call by Bucknor there on the 0-2 breaking ball. Luke has a second chance. The pitch WAS outside, but Bucknor had been calling that all day.

With said second chance, Luke pops out to Longoria at 3B for the 2nd out of the inning.

It's A-Jo time.

[vatech1994]

It must absolutely blow to try and hit with an ump like this. How do you ever let a 2 strike pitch go by and feel confident about it?

[JTrea81]

Come on Jonesy!

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Come on Adam time for your first O's homer.

[The Rick]

Jones looks absolutely awful against the breaking balls today. Tough day for the youngster.

The off speed and breaking ball stuff is definitely an area of opportunity for Jones. It'll take a couple months for him to be comfortable with it I think. Kind of like Markakis with the inside fastball his rookie year.

[vatech1994]

It should be fairly clear to everyone at this point that AJ's pitch recognition isn't up to par yet which makes him very susceptible to offspeed stuff from righties. He'll get there but he isn't there yet.

[JTrea81]

Jones looks absolutely awful against the breaking balls today. Tough day for the youngster.

He'll figure it out I'm sure. But I expect more of the same from him for the first couple months of the season. That curve was definitely out of the zone...

[ChaosLex]

Looks like Roy Firestone made the right call. Niemann is looking like the next coming of Cy Young today. :rolleyes:

[JTrea81]

Getting the dangerous Pena out is always an accomplishment, good job Burres...

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Thank god we got Pena.

[longflyball]

Palmer and Hunter are going to kill each other before All-Star break. They blamed the missing audio in the bottom of the first on technical difficulties, but I bet it was turned off because the two Jims were cussing at each other.

"Why don't you tell me how you really feel, you arrogant Pancake-eating %*#@?"

"OK, you silver-haired pipsqueak. Get out of the booth and let me call the game by myself. I forgot more about the game of baseball last night than you've known in your entire life!"

The hockey playoffs can't end soon enough.

[The Wedge]

Palmer and Hunter are going to kill each other before All-Star break. They blamed the missing audio in the bottom of the first on technical difficulties, but I bet it was turned off because the two Jims were cussing at each other.

"Why don't you tell me how you really feel, you arrogant Pancake-eating %*#@?"

"OK, you silver-haired pipsqueak. Get out of the booth and let me call the game by myself. I forgot more about the game of baseball last night than you've known in your entire life!"

The hockey playoffs can't end soon enough.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who picks up on that. Palmer had his fill of Hunter two seasons ago. He barely contains himself anymore. I'm not sure if the feeling is mutual, but I know Hunter needles Palmer sometimes and Palmer definitely wants nothing of it. It's just a matter of why he's needling Palmer.

[JTrea81]

A DP would be nice here...

[The Wedge]

Ha, Millar just tried to do the trick that caused the infield fly rule to be created in the first place.

You're quite a few years too late for that, Kev.

[The Wedge]

Way to go Quiroz!

[The Rick]

Amazing play, concentration, and throw by Quiroz to get Upton trying to advance to second on the ball that got away slightly from Quiroz in the dirt.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Quiznos! you the man

[vatech1994]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who picks up on that. Palmer had his fill of Hunter two seasons ago. He barely contains himself anymore. I'm not sure if the feeling is mutual, but I know Hunter needles Palmer sometimes and Palmer definitely wants nothing of it. It's just a matter of why he's needling Palmer.

Yeh, it is fairly clear they don't care for each other. Hunter actually does a pretty good job keeping a game going, but he knows very little about baseball. Thorne knows much more about baseball, but mis-speaks a lot.

What a retrieval and throw by Quiroz. That was super impressive.

[JTrea81]

If Burres can keep up this pace he might be able to go 7 today...

[The Wedge]

By the way, if you had -is to the end of his name, it sounds like a disease you don't want.

I'm sorry, Mr. Johnson, but you have Guillermoquirozis.

[The Rick]

Quiroz with the single up the middle to get the 5th started for the O's.

[vatech1994]

Ha, Millar just tried to do the trick that caused the infield fly rule to be created in the first place.

You're quite a few years too late for that, Kev.

Well, the infield fly rule only applies to 1st and 2nd situations. There was just a guy on first. However, it is always within the umpire's discretion to rule a drop as intentional. That may be what you meant. Good thought by Kevin, though.

[zff4]

Ha, Millar just tried to do the trick that caused the infield fly rule to be created in the first place.

You're quite a few years too late for that, Kev.
Rule 6.05l on that one, not infield fly rule which only applies on loaded bases or a force at third. I know, I know..

[The Rick]

Fahey sac bunts Quiroz to second. I can live with that given that it was Fahey.

[The Wedge]

Well, the infield fly rule only applies to 1st and 2nd situations. There was just a guy on first. However, it is always within the umpire's discretion to rule a drop as intentional. That may be what you meant. Good thought by Kevin, though.

It is? That's kinda stupid. It should be when anybody is on base.

Oh my god, did you just see Palmer roll his eyes during that pardner/partner exchange? I bet he had no idea the cameras were on them at the time.

[blueberryale77]

Brandon came fairly close to beating that out. I like how they're using the Ray's bunt-friendly infield to their advantage.

I'm also really digging Quiroz. It's so refreshing to see hustle and a strong arm behind the plate... and sometimes he even gets hits too. :D

[vatech1994]

Dammit, Brian hit that well, but it went to the wrong place.

[The Rick]

With Roberts up, this begins the 3rd time through the batting order for Niemann. Hopefully VaTech's prediction holds true here soon.

With that being said, BRob flies out to right, and Mora flies out to 1st to quickly bring the 5th to an end.

[JTrea81]

It's about time we get an XBH off this guy...

[The Wedge]

Ugh. We're gonna get to this guy. Hopefully it'll be today.

[blueberryale77]

Dammit, Brian hit that well, but it went to the wrong place.

... and after stumbling around a bit, Crawford finally went to the right place. :(

[longflyball]

Yeh, it is fairly clear they don't care for each other. Hunter actually does a pretty good job keeping a game going, but he knows very little about baseball. Thorne knows much more about baseball, but mis-speaks a lot.

What a retrieval and throw by Quiroz. That was super impressive.

Hunter knows baseball. What makes Hunter a bad broadcaster is his assumption that his audience doesn't know baseball. So he treats basic concepts as if they're startling revelations.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Agh I hate it when we struggle against nobodies.

[vatech1994]

It is? That's kinda stupid. It should be when anybody is on base.

Oh my god, did you just see Palmer roll his eyes during that pardner/partner exchange? I bet he had no idea the cameras were on them at the time.

yeh, the infield fly is designed to protect the hitting team when it would be easy to get a double or triple play. The only req'ts are less than two outs and runners on at least first and second. BTW, the infield fly rule is not automatic. If the umpire doesn't think the catch is fairly automatic, he can let it play out. I've seen that happen on mini-pops where the hitter was sawed off.

However, intentional drops are also not allowed.

[The Wedge]

Hunter knows baseball. What makes Hunter a bad broadcaster is his assumption that his audience doesn't know baseball. So he treats basic concepts as if they're startling revelations.

...and that he tries to put a living legend like Palmer on the spot for some reason.

Also...I'm not complaining, but I have to wonder why every game the MASN crew "listens in" on the radio crew for a few minutes.

[The Rick]

God I love Joe Angel, why can't he just call the game.

[The Wedge]

God I love Joe Angel, why can't he just call the game.

Because he'd be wasted on TV. We don't have anybody who can do it better than him on radio. Totally different styles.

[vatech1994]

Hunter knows baseball. What makes Hunter a bad broadcaster is his assumption that his audience doesn't know baseball. So he treats basic concepts as if they're startling revelations.

Yeh, you're probably right here. However, sometimes he asks strategy questions of the color guy that don't make much sense. Maybe he is intentionally doing it.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

God I love Joe Angel, why can't he just call the game.

Yeah Angel is the best we have as far as broadcasting goes.

[The Wedge]

There went the no-no.

Not that I thought it was happening, but still.

[JTrea81]

Not a good situation here. Got to get the next three guys and avoid facing the meat of the lineup...

Now that is officially a jam...

[The Rick]

Because he'd be wasted on TV. We don't have anybody who can do it better than him on radio. Totally different styles.

Right, I understand they are different styles, but I highly doubt the radio gets much of a listen anymore.

[The Wedge]

Oi, we'll be lucky to get out of this with them just scoring one.

[vatech1994]

I've got an idea. How about if for the 4th straight game the opposing team gets a well grouped bunch of bloopers, dribblers, and spinners so we get screwed?

[NOVA OriolesFan]

They're loaded for Bartlett.

[Moose Milligan]

Still scoreless?

Stuck at work and espn's gamecast thing sucks.

[scOtt]

God I love Joe Angel, why can't he just call the game.
Yeah, the few games I've caught, this is a nice feature, having the radio audio. I listened to a lot of games on radidio last year, (never did before...) and Angel and Hunter are really great describing the action. Angel is kind of a homer but what the hey... if you can only catch the game on radio, these two really paint a picture for you.

[The Wedge]

Still scoreless?

Stuck at work and espn's gamecast thing sucks.

For the mo. Bases jammed with no outs, though.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Still scoreless?

Stuck at work and espn's gamecast thing sucks.

Yeah Rays are threatening unfortunely though.

[vatech1994]

Burres is pitching reallllllllllllllllllllllllyyyy well. His location is outstanding with all of his pitches. I hope he doesn't get screwed here.

[The Wedge]

Yeah, the few games I've caught, this is a nice feature, having the radio audio. I listened to a lot of games on radidio last year, (never did before...) and Angel and Hunter are really great describing the action. Angel is kind of a homer but what the hey... if you can only catch the game on radio, these two really paint a picture for you.

I think you mean Manfra. Hunter couldn't paint a picture with paint-by-numbers. He was horrible when him and Manfra split the radio duties before Angel came back.

[JTrea81]

Huge K there, a DP would get us out of this...

[The Wedge]

Huge K there, a DP would get us out of this...

Popped out. Not a K.

[The Rick]

I was listening on the radio last night in the 8th and 9th innings. I just love Angel's enthusiasm. His home run call on the Ramon homer is his classic... "Hasta la vista pelota!" Good stuff.

[scOtt]

I've got an idea. How about if for the 4th straight game the opposing team gets a well grouped bunch of bloopers, dribblers, and spinners so we get screwed?
The anti-jinx. I love it!

[The Wedge]

There's the one I figured they'd get...now get the heck out of the inning, guys. No crooked numbers.

[JTrea81]

Well there's one. C'mon Burres go for the DP...

[vatech1994]

We all knew it was coming. When a team gets back-to-back BS hits with nobody out, it doesn't bode well for the pitcher.

[blueberryale77]

Damnit Brian R. you're not supposed to pat the opponent on the back when he gets to second base! :p

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Gotta get Crawford here.

[vatech1994]

And yet another blooper. Three in the inning. They have hit one ball hard all day long.

[JTrea81]

Well that sucks...

[The Wedge]

Damnit, Sallah I said no crooked numbers, that's 3 runs, can't you count?

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Why do other teams always get the bloopers and here comes Carlos F'in Pena.

[scOtt]

Relax Brian. Throw it down, get a ground ball. All is not lost.

[montydad]

...and it's 3-0, just like that. Time to get out of this inning.

[vatech1994]

Palmer is a bit off today. He just said Burres is in the middle of the plate this inning and has made bad pitches in bad counts. That is only true for Iwamura which, not coincidentally, was the only ball hit hard. The other hits Burres was ahead in the count, made pretty decent pitches, and got soft contact.

[JTrea81]

Well the good news is regardless of this game, we'll still be at least tied for first Monday morining. That's almost two weeks in first place of the AL East...

[montydad]

Steeeeeeeeeee-rike three!

[scOtt]

NICE frickin drop down curve! :eek:

[vatech1994]

I don't care what the scoreboard says. Brian Burres is pitching extremely well today.

[The Wedge]

Well the good news is regardless of this game, we'll still be at least tied for first Monday morining. That's almost two weeks in first place of the AL East...

And according to a blurb they threw up a few innings ago, we've already been above .500 longer than at any point last year.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

Bout time we get Pena in a clutch situation.

[The Wedge]

NICE frickin drop down curve! :eek:

He was saving that sucker up, you could tell.

[vatech1994]

I'm really impressed with how much better Upton's at bats are now than they were two years ago. This guy is a stud.

[longflyball]

...and that he tries to put a living legend like Palmer on the spot for some reason.

Also...I'm not complaining, but I have to wonder why every game the MASN crew "listens in" on the radio crew for a few minutes.

I think Palmer instigates it as well. Hunter will say something and Palmer will disagree, seemingly just for the sake of disagreeing.

[Moose Milligan]

Amazing, we got Pena.

He'll save his inevitable homer against us for the later innings, though.

[scOtt]

Amazing, we got Pena.

He'll save his inevitable homer against us for the later innings, though.
Hush, you! :p Walker will K him. They're both due. :D

[The Wedge]

Ford Frick: Son of a...
Mrs Ruth:...*****!

[ghogan]

And it is time to go watch the Masters.....

[scOtt]

grrrrrr





10.

[ChaosLex]

So, once the rookie finishes his shutout against us, what are the odds he'll get blown out in his 2nd start?

/only half joking
//okay, probably being more serious than joking

[Mooreisbetter27]

Wow this got out of hand in a hurry. >.<

[montydad]

Well, he got all of that one. Dang.

[vatech1994]

I'm really impressed with how much better Upton's at bats are now than they were two years ago. This guy is a stud.

Well, that was my fault. Sorry, but I could just see it coming. This guy is realllllllllllllllllllllllly good at this point.

Burres has still pitched well. This was just an inning where everything went wrong and Burres' pitch count in the inning got out of hand.

[Lucky Jim]

And that's why Burres isn't a starter...

He simply doesn't have the command to make it through multiple times through a line-up.

Could be a very effective long-reliever (or spot-starter or even specialist) I think.

[scOtt]

And it is time to go watch the Masters.....
Almost forgot about that. :p

[JTrea81]

Burres deserved better. Ah well, Tampa is a good team now and at least it wasn't Pena that beat us this game...

[The Wedge]

Well, that was my fault. Sorry, but I could just see it coming. This guy is realllllllllllllllllllllllly good at this point.

Burres has still pitched well. This was just an inning where everything went wrong and Burres' pitch count in the inning got out of hand.

Indeed. Once all the bloopers kept the inning alive, it really ran up on him quick. I think that drop down curve was the last pitch of quality he had.

[VivianDarkbloom]

Well, that was my fault. Sorry, but I could just see it coming. This guy is realllllllllllllllllllllllly good at this point.


Will they wind up as the greatest brother tandem ever?

[Lucky Jim]

Will they wind up as the greatest brother tandem ever?

Be awfully tough to top Joe and Dom DiMaggio...

[The Wedge]

And that's why Burres isn't a starter...

He simply doesn't have the command to make it through multiple times through a line-up.

Could be a very effective long-reliever (or spot-starter or even specialist) I think.

He'll get the stamina up, but that inning was kept alive and really gassed him.

[vatech1994]

And that's why Burres isn't a starter...

I wouldn't be so fast to draw that conclusion. There isn't a pitcher in baseball who isn't going to have trouble when they give up three separate bloopers in one inning. He made two bad pitches the whole inning. The single by Iwamura on 2-0 and the homer by Upton. Upton fouled off three good two strike pitches before getting the meatball.

[CrimsonTribe]

Well, that was my fault. Sorry, but I could just see it coming. This guy is realllllllllllllllllllllllly good at this point.

Burres has still pitched well. This was just an inning where everything went wrong and Burres' pitch count in the inning got out of hand.

He and his brother are ridiculous. It's like their mom drank HGH when they were in the womb.

[Moose Milligan]

He and his brother are ridiculous. It's like their mom drank HGH when they were in the womb.

Thats a good idea.

[PaulFolk]

This strike zone just makes no sense at all (as vatech has been talking about). Bierd threw a neck-high pitch that was called a strike.

[vatech1994]

Indeed. Once all the bloopers kept the inning alive, it really ran up on him quick. I think that drop down curve was the last pitch of quality he had.

He threw several good pitches to Upton, but Upton spoiled all the strikes and took all the balls. You could see Burres running out of ideas and stamina at the same time. I literally called that home run about three pitches earlier. I could just see Upton trusted his hands and knew that Burres was a bit gassed.

It is a shame because Burres pitched very well today. The only real "walk" was the lead off this inning, but that was also his biggest mistake. You can't walk the lead off guy in a 0-0 guy unless he makes you work like crazy, which he didn't.

[VivianDarkbloom]

Be awfully tough to top Joe and Dom DiMaggio...

Yea, that's the benchmark right? I'm sure Drungo could give us a nice primer on baseball genealogies. The Ripkens are obviously up there.

Justin Upton is already crushing the ball. He looks like he's heading for Pujols, Arod territory in terms of monster pre-25 stats.

[The Wedge]

Well, we can hope that this long inning has screwed Nieman up.

[vatech1994]

Will they wind up as the greatest brother tandem ever?

I haven't seen Justin play that much yet, but I hear that he is better than BJ. If that is true, it is a scary thing. BJ is going to be an All Star for years to come. He is truly super talented. Two years ago, I wasn't sure he would ever develop the plate discipline to be an elite player, but his at bats have improved dramatically.

[Moose Milligan]

Getting shut down by a rookie, who would have thought of it?

Is this Niemann guy highly ranked? Or is he just filler?

[backwardsk]

Did I hear correctly that the homeplate umpire issued an automatic ball to Bierd in the Longoria at bat?

[vatech1994]

I haven't seen Justin play that much yet, but I hear that he is better than BJ. If that is true, it is a scary thing. BJ is going to be an All Star for years to come. He is truly super talented. Two years ago, I wasn't sure he would ever develop the plate discipline to be an elite player, but his at bats have improved dramatically.

BTW, this intended as an insult to AJ as I believe AJ will be a stud, but BJ is the better talent in CF short term and long term.

[longflyball]

The Cubs just got credit for a home run on a ball that was clearly foul.

I hate bad umpring. Bring on instant play. And a computerized umpring system.

[blueberryale77]

Burres deserved better. Ah well, Tampa is a good team now and at least it wasn't Pena that beat us this game...

So they say but I'm still not buying it. They're certainly more talented than we are, but they're still pretty fundamentally unsound. That inning was a matter of luck and then one spectacularly bad pitch to Upton.

[Fairfax Bird]

Getting shut down by a rookie, who would have thought of it?

Is this Niemann guy highly ranked? Or is he just filler?

Niemman was a real high draft pick who has taken some time to develop. He is 6'9," so that has to have something to do with it.

[vatech1994]

Getting shut down by a rookie, who would have thought of it?

Is this Niemann guy highly ranked? Or is he just filler?

A bit of both. He was a first round pick out of Rice and very highly thought of. However, he doesn't throw that hard for a guy his size. He has had success in the minors and gotten promoted at a decent pace, but he started late so he is already 25. I think he is destined to be a #4-5 starter.

I would think he would be tough to hit initially due to his height, motion, and unusual release point, but I would think he would get much easier once you were used to him.

[The Wedge]

...and thus it begins...

[The Rick]

First row homer for Markakis... here it comes.

Finally, a warning track ball goes over the fence. Hopefully the start of a big inning.

[Oriolesfan4life]

NICKY! That's a start...

[Fairfax Bird]

When we trade Jamie Walker, Brian Burress will fill that role well I think. That is his future.

[CrimsonTribe]

This game is just ruining my fantasy team.

[The Rick]

It is interesting to see what kind of impact a 6-0 lead may have on a young (inexperienced) pitcher. I would think it would have to make them a lot more comfortable, but maybe too comfortable?

VaTech, maybe you can shed some light on this?

[Moose Milligan]

As far as best brother baseball tandems, the Niekro's probably deserve to be up there. So do the Perrys. As far as position players its hard to go against the DiMaggios. Don't forget Vince DiMaggio who made two all star teams.

Big Poison and Little Poision Waner from the 20's and 30's, Paul and Dizzy Dean, too. Rick Ferrell is a HoFer and his brother Wes had several 20 win seasons, too.

There's also the Delhanty brothers, but I don't know much about them. They were from the turn of the century.

Got a text, glad to see Markakis busted a homer today. So much for playing hurt, huh?

And thanks for the info on Niemann :)

[fansince71]

Naturally Nick gets a pitch to hit when were down 6.

[Fairfax Bird]

This game is just ruining my fantasy team.

I have Upton on my fantasy team, so really, I made out quite well.

[vatech1994]

It is interesting to see what kind of impact a 6-0 lead may have on a young (inexperienced) pitcher. I would think it would have to make them a lot more comfortable, but maybe too comfortable?

VaTech, maybe you can shed some light on this?

I would think it would depend on the personality, more than the experience level.

I truly believe the Orioles are going to start hitting this guy, but maybe it won't be today. It is clear that Huff isn't seeing the ball well off him at all though.

[The Rick]

Scott with a nice hustle double to left field. Did not see that being a double off the bat. Well done.

[vatech1994]

Man, Scott hits the ball really hard when he centers it. Lots of strength in those wrists.

[The Rick]

Hopefully Jones can make some adjustments. Niemann is still throwing him the breaking stuff.

Works the count 2-0, which is a good thing. Laying off the off-speed stuff.

[The Rick]

Man, Scott hits the ball really hard when he centers it. Lots of strength in those wrists.

Which is why I was so surprised that ended up being a double. That ball got out there in a hurry. He's got remarkable power.

[vatech1994]

I've already lost count of how many high fastballs Jones has had a really good swing on but just missed.

[bobmc]

Did I hear correctly that the homeplate umpire issued an automatic ball to Bierd in the Longoria at bat?

Bierd went to his mouth while on the mound.

[The Rick]

Bucknor is really a sorry excuse for an ump. He always has been. With only 120 of these jobs in the world, it is beyond me why he has a job. Unbelievable.

[vatech1994]

There is simply no way that those consecutive pitches can both be strikes. The left to right separation was more than the width of the plate. One or both of them had to be off. Bucknor is a joke.

[Fairfax Bird]

Bucknor is really a sorry excuse for an ump. He always has been. With only 120 of these jobs in the world, it is beyond me why he has a job. Unbelievable.

Agreed ... he and Laz Diaz are the two worst in baseball. Bucknor much, much worse though.

[blueberryale77]

Well Jones may be wearing the sombrero, but Erik Bedard was just scratched from another start with his hip issue.

[mdterps4life25]

BTW...Paul "Big Bat" Bako is now hitting a healthy .379 after todays triple..:eek:

[bobmc]

Nieman's done - hopefully we can get to the pen.

[Lt Melmo]

Agreed ... he and Laz Diaz are the two worst in baseball. Bucknor much, much worse though.
My method of determining how bad an ump is based on how well I remember their name. No one ever notices an accurate ump, but we all notice a bad ump. So if I know the name, they're probably pretty bad.

Except Randy Marsh. That's just funny.

[VivianDarkbloom]

Well Jones may be wearing the sombrero, but Erik Bedard was just scratched from another start with his hip issue.

3 strikeouts is a silver sombrero....what about 3 GIDP?

[Moose Milligan]

Laz Diaz is a cool name though.

"Hey baby...my names Laz..."

[bobmc]

Laz Diaz is a cool name though.

"Hey baby...my names Laz..."

So's Vivian Darkbloom! :cool:

[scOtt]

This game is just ruining my fantasy team.

I have Pena... helping me big time... :o

[CrimsonTribe]

Well Jones may be wearing the sombrero, but Erik Bedard was just scratched from another start with his hip issue.

Seriously? Again? Sheesh.

[square634]

Hmm.. Trembley lets Quiroz hit and then doesn't pinch hit for Fahey?

[CrimsonTribe]

I have Upton on my fantasy team, so really, I made out quite well.

The guy I'm playing has BJ Upton and Markakis.

[square634]

Hmm.. Trembley lets Quiroz hit and then doesn't pinch hit for Fahey?

You win this round, Trembley.

[scOtt]

Between my rare chance to watch the O's... and Masters Sunday... this is a very bad day to have to do my taxes. :(

[VivianDarkbloom]

BTW...Paul "Big Bat" Bako is now hitting a healthy .379 after todays triple..:eek:

And a 7 game hitting streak. And it's his third multi-hit game in 10 games this year. He had 5 multi-hit games in 60 games last year. :002_smad:

[blueberryale77]

Geez, when was the last time there were two automatic balls in a game (on different pitchers)?

[vatech1994]

Hmm.. Trembley lets Quiroz hit and then doesn't pinch hit for Fahey?

What did you want him to do? Pinch hit Ramon and LH leading off the 7th, down 6 to 1? Why?

[Oriolesfan4life]

Bloop single for B-Rob! Bases loaded nobody out! Pitching change, Dan Wheeler coming in.

[NOVA OriolesFan]

C'mon Melvin grand slam makes the game a new one.

[blueberryale77]

Between my rare chance to watch the O's... and Masters Sunday... this is a very bad day to have to do my taxes. :(

That'll teach you to plan ahead! On the plus side, I guess at least you haven't already spent most of your refund as I have. :(

[vatech1994]

Maybe we'll get three bloops in this inning to even the score.

[square634]

What did you want him to do? Pinch hit Ramon and LH leading off the 7th, down 6 to 1? Why?

Well, I thought he would pinch hit Ramon because he is a better hitter than Quiroz, and he can catch. Once he didn't do that, I thought he'd pinch hit Payton to try to start a rally because we are down 5 and are running out of time. Then they both got on base :D

[RShack]

Well, the infield fly rule only applies to 1st and 2nd situations. There was just a guy on first. However, it is always within the umpire's discretion to rule a drop as intentional.
Wow, I didn't know that. I remember one time when MFY 2B Bobby Richardson stepped back and let a pop-up drop at his feet, then grabbed it on the bounce and got a DP. It was 100% blatant, and it worked. Did they change the rule?

[vatech1994]

Well, I thought he would pinch hit Ramon because he is a better hitter than Quiroz, and he can catch. Once he didn't do that, I thought he'd pinch hit Payton to try to start a rally because we are down 5 and are running out of time. Then they both got on base :D

I think I'd rather save both guys for a higher leverage situation.

[Miller192]

Wow, I didn't know that. I remember one time when MFY 2B Bobby Richardson stepped back and let a pop-up drop at his feet, then grabbed it on the bounce and got a DP. It was 100% blatant, and it worked. Did they change the rule?

Huh? Neither did I...

I thought once it was called the batter was out and the runners can advance at their own risk.

I didn't know that actually letting the ball drop would change anything

[blueberryale77]

Come on MelMo! Show us what a hotshot team leader you are!

[vatech1994]

Wow, I didn't know that. I remember one time when MFY 2B Bobby Richardson stepped back and let a pop-up drop at his feet, then grabbed it on the bounce and got a DP. It was 100% blatant, and it worked. Did they change the rule?

I'm honestly not sure. I've seen it ruled before a few times. The first time was many years ago. I've never had it happen in a game where I was participating.