4/29 Rays at O's: battle for first place

[PaulFolk]

RAYS:
Iwamura 2B
Crawford LF
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Longoria 3B
Gomes DH
Navarro C
Hinske RF
Bartlett SS

Hammel P

ORIOLES:
Roberts 2B
Mora 3B
Markakis RF
Millar 1B
Huff DH
Scott LF
Jones CF
R.Hernandez C
L.Hernandez SS

Olson P

[BillySmith]

Interesting to see if Olson returns to busting the fastball on the inside corner, something he wasn't supposed to do under Mazzone. Good luck!!

[Jagwar]

Interesting to see if Olson returns to busting the fastball on the inside corner, something he wasn't supposed to do under Mazzone. Good luck!!

Just answered in the Olson thread. I just want to see improvement over last year's results

[BillySmith]

Nice. Down 3-0 and strikes him out.

[Jagwar]

The Ump is giving Olson anything close yet.

EDIT: isn't

[BillySmith]

EZ Peezy Lemon Squeezy.

[Jagwar]

How about that? 1-2-3 inning! How many pitches was that?

[HeyIt'sMe]

We'll probably make Olson look like Sandy Koufax in his prime. The Rays have a history of making borderline pitchers look like All-Stars.

[BillySmith]

Just 12 pitches so far. Nice start.

[El Gordo]

Lookin' good so far, not overstriding, keeping the ball down.

[baltosravns2110]

How about that? 1-2-3 inning! How many pitches was that?
12 pitches-7 were strikes

[Jagwar]

Lookin' good so far, not overstriding, keeping the ball down.

His fastball looks pretty lively, not let's see if he can throw his off-speed stuff for strikes

[The Rick]

Well done by MelMo to work the walk there.

Let's go Nick!

[baltosravns2110]

Come on Nick. Hit a two run bomb right now. You're due.

[blueberryale77]

Our announcers said Crawford was leading the league in steals, so I went to look how many he had. It turns out he is not leading the league, he has 8, two behind BRob and Carlos Gomez. The glaring thing about the SB list, though, was that NOBODY is getting caught stealing much. Chone Figgins is 7-for-11 and BJ Upton is 4-for-8. Everyone Else with more than 3 steals is breaking even or well above, mostly well above (only Kinkajou and Alex Rios are right at 75%).

[Jagwar]

Huff is going deep

[Jagwar]

Huff is going deep

IF he had a strike to swing at...

[Boy Howdy]

Solid contact Luke, right here, right now

[blueberryale77]

IF he had a strike to swing at...

Well he went deep in the count... at least as far as balls are concerned...

[Boy Howdy]

Dagnabbit why should Jason "Mark" Hammell have more access to the force than Luke himself?

[fdfcosta]

Ouch!!! Luke is coooooooooold!!!

[Terps23]

Do the O's ever get a big time hit with two outs? Maybe its just how it always seems, but I can't remember the last time the O's drove in some runs with a big two out base hit.

[murrayfan420]

I was hoping we could open with a 2-0 or 3-0 lead for once.. oh well.

[blueberryale77]

Ouch!!! Luke is coooooooooold!!!

That's what happens when the OH falls in love with you. It's like being on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

[randommetalguy]

Orioles are now 4-23 (.182) with the bases loaded this season. Man, our run production is going to shoot up when we get hot in that situation.

EDIT: Guess it also doesn't help that we are 17 for 90 (.191) with RISP and two outs.

[El Gordo]

Ouch!!! Luke is coooooooooold!!!

From Luuuuuke to LuKKKKKKKe:eek:

[furryburres]

Olson's not nibbling!

Nice comeback to get Pena out.

1-0 to Gomes.

[Jagwar]

Geez, what the frick is this Ump seeing?

[Palmer Esque]

So far so good, great to see him attacking.

[rooter]

He's pitching better than the ump is calling, so far. Good to see.

[furryburres]

How did Gomes end up with the starting job?

2-2 to Gomes, nice inside changeup.

[murrayfan420]

Anyone know the velocity on Olson's fastball? I know he doesn't throw that hard, like 88-92?

[furryburres]

Then Gomes makes a HORRIBLE swing to end the inning.

[blueberryale77]

Do the O's ever get a big time hit with two outs? Maybe its just how it always seems, but I can't remember the last time the O's drove in some runs with a big two out base hit.

We were getting the big two out hits earlier in the year. Right now we're in a collective funk. One thing that is really bugging me though is our approach when hitters come up against a pitcher who's been walking guys. Scott took a huge swing at a borderline pitch for strike one against a pitcher who had walked three and retired the two who made contact. He should have been thinking more about taking the RBI walk if it was given to him. When you know the other pitcher's wild, you've got to force him to throw you strikes.

[furryburres]

Anyone know the velocity on Olson's fastball? I know he doesn't throw that hard, like 88-92?

His fastball ranges from 88-93 (rare).

[BillySmith]

Olson is throwing 88 to 90 with the fastball, has not thrown a curve yet (best in the org from what I recall), and has mixed in sliders and changeups just a little.

It will be interesting to see what he does the next time through the rotation.

[blueberryale77]

How did Gomes end up with the starting job?

2-2 to Gomes, nice inside changeup.

Everybody else is injured or has a mysterious degenerative muscle disease.

[furryburres]

Adam Jones swinging first pitch.

Well, he's gotta get patient.

Base hit for Hernandez!

[baltosravns2110]

Adam Jones swinging first pitch.

Well, he's gotta get patient.

Base hit for Hernandez!
Ramon that is :)

Hey now, base hit for both hernandez's a rare feat.

[furryburres]

1-1 to L. Hernandez.

Bloop single for Hernandez!

[murrayfan420]

Olson is throwing 88 to 90 with the fastball, has not thrown a curve yet (best in the org from what I recall), and has mixed in sliders and changeups just a little.

It will be interesting to see what he does the next time through the rotation.

Thanks. As long as he's locating it and attacking the strike zone he'll be very effective.

[furryburres]

Brian Roberts laces it straight to Crawford.

Mora takes a fastball at the letters.

[BillySmith]

Melmo needs to start earning that paycheck. C'mon, Mel. We can't keep doing this.

[furryburres]

Melmo needs to start earning that paycheck. C'mon, Mel. We can't keep doing this.

Hasn't he been doing well the past few days?

Run!!!!

That's my Melmo!

[BillySmith]

Hasn't he been doing well the past few days?

Run!!!!

That's my Melmo!


He's up to 13 RBI, I didn't realize.

[furryburres]

Another run, as Pena couldn't get it!!!!!

2-0!

'Kakes!!!

[furryburres]

Millar fouls it off.

0-1 to Millar.

We finally delivered with 2 out!

Hinske makes a diving catch, saves the inning.

[rooter]

Nice catch by Hinske.

[Why Not?]

Wow, a brilliant catch from Hinske.

[jclrh]

That was an excuse me swing by Millar :)

[HeyIt'sMe]

Well, the Rays know whose spot Kazmir is taking when he comes back.

[BillySmith]

Millar's avg. is down to .216. I love the guy, but is it time to move on?

[furryburres]

That was an excuse me swing by Millar :)

Um, excuse me, but an opposite field hit? It was a once in a lifetime swing.

[furryburres]

Olson finally pitches a curveball.

0-2 to Navarro after another curveball.

[furryburres]

Strikes out Navarro. Another bad swing!

[furryburres]

Hinske, the amazing field hero, takes a pitch.

Then watches a bad curveball.

2-1.

[PaulFolk]

Wow, a brilliant catch from Hinske.
Not exactly. He almost played a flyout into a hit. He took a terrible route on the ball and had to dive to recover.

[furryburres]

Come on, Hinske, swing at a fringe pitch!

3-2 on a "homerun cut" (Gary Thorne)

[furryburres]

Not exactly. He almost played a flyout into a hit. He took a terrible route on the ball and had to dive to recover.

Still a good catch, just not a good play in all.

[furryburres]

Bad play. Bad play. Bad play.

[Keith SIO]

bad play...

[Pickles]

God I love Palmer. The annoyance in his voice is priceless.

[furryburres]

Olson cannot start nibbling now.

[Jagwar]

Someone go out to talk to Olson. He looks like he has gotten rattled

[murrayfan420]

So frustrating.. a well timed hit and run takes away a DP

[furryburres]

3-1 to Iwamura. Can't afford to walk him, because Crawford comes next.

3-2.

[Why Not?]

Don't melt down here kid.

[randommetalguy]

God I love Palmer. The annoyance in his voice is priceless.

Watching on MLB tv. I kinda missed Palmer the past 7 games. I enjoy the O's announcers over say...the Hawk in Chicago.

[itsernst]

bonehead play by LH, he should have cut that off.

[Jagwar]

Don't melt down here kid.

Get out of this with 1 run or less

[furryburres]

That's really not good.

Crawford needs to pop it up.

Yes! That's clutch!

[Keith SIO]

Olson just needs one more out! Then he has to put this inning behind him.

[Why Not?]

Not exactly. He almost played a flyout into a hit. He took a terrible route on the ball and had to dive to recover.

He was playing way off the line and the ball was slicing too. Not pretty, but when you pull the ball off the turf like that you get a star on MY scorecard.

[furryburres]

OK, get Upton out...

Upton "flails away" (Thorne)

[pappybird]

Caught a break there....nice , routine play by Melmo

[Jagwar]

Second time in the inning Olson has given up a walk on a 3-2 curveball. Someone tell Ramon he isn't commanding the deuce

[jfish]

Wow, Palmer was **issed. Who was at fault there? Markakis came up firing, but it could have been cut off. Did LH not here Mora yell Cut, or did Mora not yell Cut? Or is is different in the bigs, should the cut man know when to cut the ball and when not to? I don't know.

[furryburres]

Then a big cut. He tried to hit hide off of that.

Good breaking ball.

[Why Not?]

Watching on MLB tv. I kinda missed Palmer the past 7 games. I enjoy the O's announcers over say...the Hawk in Chicago.

I enjoy the sound of squealing truck brakes more than Hawk.

[Witchy Chick]

God I love Palmer. The annoyance in his voice is priceless.


WORD..............

[rooter]

Nice! struck him out

[furryburres]

STRIKEOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice changeup!!

[Keith SIO]

Olson bounched back pretty well with all that stress on base.

[pappybird]

CHACHIIINNNNGG!

Way to come through, big big strikeout there!

[Why Not?]

Well done young man! The 2007 version would be down three runs now.

[Webley Webster]

Phenomenal strike out of a very, very good hitter. Very encouraging.

[HeyIt'sMe]

How predictable. The Rays offense isn't scoring at all right now.

[Keith SIO]

Did you hear thorne laughing after she was cookin up that cake?

[randommetalguy]

I enjoy the sound of squealing truck brakes more than Hawk.

Which homerun call is better?

(Outfielder's name)...track...walll...see. you. later!

or

You can put it on the BOOOOOARD! YES!

[Witchy Chick]

Ya' think Olson is showing Trems a little something? :D

[Orioles Magic]

Good evening everyone. Just signing on. What's the score?

[Jagwar]

STRIKEOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice changeup!!

Pretty sure it was a fastball.

[baltosravns2110]

Which homerun call is better?

(Outfielder's name)...track...walll...see. you. later!

or

You can put it on the BOOOOOARD! YES!
Definitely, you can put it on the board

[baltosravns2110]

2-0 birds. olson pitching great

[Moose Milligan]

How are we lookin? I'm too busy playing GTA4 :D

[fdfcosta]

Mr. Jones, take some pitches please!!!!

[Jagwar]

How are we lookin? I'm too busy playing GTA4 :D

Careful Moose. Video games will poison your mind. They're from the Debbil

[Orioles Magic]

2-0 birds. olson pitching great

Sweeeet. I would love for Olson to have a terrific outing tonight. Hopefully he can stay up in Baltimore for good this time around. I enjoy watching him in Norfolk but it would be nice to see him put it all together in the Majors.

[TonySoprano]

Jonesey!

Doh!

Dare I say, Jack Cust-esque?

[Witchy Chick]

Hinske looks like Gibbons out there. :D

[tywright]

Jones fell...oh man that sucks

[Miller192]

LOL...Jonesy falls down.

If I were him, I wouldn't go anywhere near third!

[Orioles Magic]

Tough break on the stumble. At least we scored our 3rd run.

[Why Not?]

Well, glass-half-full guy over here. I'm glad Jones fell and didn't randomly stop running.

[fdfcosta]

How did it look? Jack Cust part 2?

[Jagwar]

You think once Jones becomes a star, Yahoo will update his photo?

<img src="http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/mlb/players_l/20080402/7812.jpg">

[HeyIt'sMe]

Awful outing for Hammel.

[Jagwar]

How did it look? Jack Cust part 2?

Not even close. It looked like someone invisible tripped him though.

[randommetalguy]

Ramon making a case for clean up? 2-2 tonight, 1-1 yesterday. Maybe he's finally heating up?

[TonySoprano]

A lot of fans came to the Yard tonight dressed as empty seats in the battle of the first place teams.

[srock]

Third lines everywhere have turned on Adam Jones. What did he ever do to them?

[El Gordo]

Not even close. It looked like someone invisible tripped him though.Anyone see ARod lurking in the shadows.:D

[Jagwar]

Ramon making a case for clean up? 2-2 tonight, 1-1 yesterday. Maybe he's finally heating up?

How about getting his average above his weight first.

Hammel gave up 4 runs and 6 hits in 3 IP. How the heck did the O's only get 3 runs?

[Miller192]

How about getting his average above his weight first.

Hammel gave up 4 runs and 6 hits in 3 IP. How the heck did the O's only get 3 runs?

He'll never hit .400

[Jagwar]

Anyone see ARod lurking in the shadows.:D

You know, it's actually something that I wouldn't put past ARod. He is such a chump

[randommetalguy]

Hammel gave up 4 runs and 6 hits in 3 IP. How the heck did the O's only get 3 runs?

Gotta remember would have been at least 2 more if Hinskie doesn't make a great play. Also 1 or more if Jones doesn't trip around 3rd.

[letsgoos]

It would be nice if we could bang their bullpen up a little tonight

[TonySoprano]

Take a seat Longoria. Niiice pitch.

[Rock]

Olson doing a little Bedard impression with that curveball.

[HeyIt'sMe]

I can't believe how terrible Longoria has been against lefties since being called up. He has one hit off a lefty all season.

[furryburres]

Sorry I left. How did they score?

Nice pitch by Olson to get Longoria!

3-0 to Gomes.

Great play by Hernandez!

[pappybird]

Longoria just got Bedarded....

[jfish]

To the LH haters....that was a solid (if not great) play.

[Jagwar]

For somebody who is supposed to be a slick fielder, L Hernandez sure has a weak arm

[furryburres]

Roberts swings through it.

0-1.

[Miller192]

Sorry I left. How did they score?

Nice pitch by Olson to get Longoria!

3-0 to Gomes.

Great play by Hernandez!

Triple by Ramon scoring Huff.

Should've scored Jones but he fell down rounding third and was tagged out

[Pickles]

To the LH haters....that was a solid (if not great) play.

He makes that a play a lot. For all those who thinks he isn't a good ss let me ask one question:
How many times have you seen him backhand a ball in the hole?
I havent seen it but 2-3 times all year. The reason: He's got very good range.

[furryburres]

For somebody who is supposed to be a slick fielder, L Hernandez sure has a weak arm

Tell me you're joking... :D

Roberts looks at one whiz by, then takes one up high.

[El Gordo]

For somebody who is supposed to be a slick fielder, L Hernandez sure has a weak arm
He doesn't have a weak arm, it's the strongest of all the SS on the team. He didn't have the time to set himself. Actually it was a good throw, considering.

[Jagwar]

Tell me you're joking... :D

Roberts looks at one whiz by, then takes one up high.

I wasn't joking. Maybe I haven't seen enough games yet, but I have seen him bounce a few to 1B this year.

[furryburres]

Roberts walks... Nice. Solid.

They should have bunted with Mora...

[furryburres]

I wasn't joking. Maybe I haven't seen enough games left, but I have seen him bounce a few to 1B this year.

That was a very long throw to make, and while running too.

[srock]

He makes that a play a lot. For all those who thinks he isn't a good ss let me ask one question:
How many times have you seen him backhand a ball in the hole?
I havent seen it but 2-3 times all year. The reason: He's got very good range.

Often, I use the complement to this argument when proving why Derrick Jeter is such a poor SS.

[blueberryale77]

I think all O's hitters should have a take sign until they get a strike when the pitcher has just walked the last batter! Melmo makin me mad!

[Hank Scorpio]

He makes that a play a lot. For all those who thinks he isn't a good ss let me ask one question:
How many times have you seen him backhand a ball in the hole?
I havent seen it but 2-3 times all year. The reason: He's got very good range.

Yes he does, but he also makes boneheaded decisions.

Like the one where he didn't cut the ball off on the base hit by Bartlett. Sometimes he just doesn't have good baseball sense.

[PaulFolk]

Triple by Ramon scoring Huff.

Should've scored Jones but he fell down rounding third and was tagged out
Technically it was a double. Ramon advanced to third on the throw home.

[rooter]

He makes that a play a lot. For all those who thinks he isn't a good ss let me ask one question:
How many times have you seen him backhand a ball in the hole?
I havent seen it but 2-3 times all year. The reason: He's got very good range.

I don't think anyone questions his range. It's more a question of consistency in his mechanics.

[furryburres]

Millar completely fooled by the curveball. Whatever...

2-2...

[blueberryale77]

I wasn't joking. Maybe I haven't seen enough games yet, but I have seen him bounce a few to 1B this year.

That's wildness, not weakness. Watch the throws he makes while getting taken out on 4-6-3 double plays. His arm is definitely well above average in strength. Accuracy is a slightly different story. I think that has a lot to do with the footwork issues he's been having.

[furryburres]

Yes he does, but he also makes boneheaded decisions.

Like the one where he didn't cut the ball off on the base hit by Bartlett. Sometimes he just doesn't have good baseball sense.

He's played relatively few innings in the majors. Give him time.

[Jagwar]

That was a very long throw to make, and while running too.

Wasn't that far, he was right next to Mora. It was a tough play, and he showed great range to get in front of the ball and get momentum towards 1B.

Not a LH hater, and admittedly haven't seen enough of him yet. But the few times I have seen him, he has bounced a few throws to first

[blueberryale77]

I don't think anyone questions his range. It's more a question of consistency in his mechanics.

Actually there have been some saying his range has decreased this year due to him putting on a few pounds in the off-season. It's still average at the very least though.

[Hank Scorpio]

He's played relatively few innings in the majors. Give him time.

I guess.

Some of this stuff is fundamental baseball sense. You cut that ball off at every level, period.

[furryburres]

Hopefully Olson's great start cements his spot.

1-1 to Navarro, who is an AWFUL curveball hitter.

Lucky play.

[bluedog]

I think all O's hitters should have a take sign until they get a strike when the pitcher has just walked the last batter! Melmo makin me mad!

Mora has made the worst plate decisions I've seen from a hitter this season. You have a guy on first with no outs that steals at an 80%+ clip again a catcher just back from injury and a pitcher who's deliberate to the plate and just walked the leadoff hitter. You also have an umpire who's known league wide for squeezing pitchers.

Why in the world don't you work the count? You give Roberts a shot to steal. You give the pitcher a chance to put you on base via another walk. You get a chance to get into a hitters count.

There is almost no advantage to swinging at the first pitch. And if you're going to hit & run, do it with someone at the plate who's willing to hit to the right site -- Mora has become a strict pull hitter like he's trying to become Kevin Millar Jr.

[Miller192]

Technically it was a double. Ramon advanced to third on the throw home.

Yeah my bad, you're right.

[srock]

So MLB TV has some commercials all the sudden. Problem is the vast majority are the same one. Worse, it has a talking Derek Jeter bobble head. This I don't need.

Another is marketing Griffey's up coming 600th HR and includes footage of Ruth, Mays, and Aaron. This one I do need.

[furryburres]

Mora has great athleticism. Very underrated athleticism.

1-0 to Hinske.

[TonySoprano]

Yeah my bad, you're right.He's used to it. The man is very good at the details.

[bluedog]

Does Olson look more comfortable pitching to righties? He's sure avoiding first pitch strikes to lefties.

[srock]

INFIELD FLY! Batters out!

[Hank Scorpio]

Does Olson look more comfortable pitching to righties? He's sure avoiding first pitch strikes to lefties.

He's got a bit of a cutter.

His fastball control is EONS better than it ever was last year. (So far)

Olson looks like a different pitcher right now.

[TonySoprano]

Catcher caught some real breeze from Crawford's bat.

[bluedog]

He's got a bit of a cutter.

His fastball control is EONS better than it ever was last year. (So far)

Olson looks like a different pitcher right now.

Yup - he looks like he's been pitching in the bigs forever right now. What a 2008 debut so far.

[Jagwar]

He's got a bit of a cutter.

His fastball control is EONS better than it ever was last year. (So far)

Olson looks like a different pitcher right now.

He needs more consistency with his curve, and his change elevates too much, but he is throwing strikes and getting hitters out

[TonySoprano]

And the shortstop actually makes the play.

Dogs and cats living together. Mass hysteria

[El Gordo]

I guess.

Some of this stuff is fundamental baseball sense. You cut that ball off at every level, period.
Since you are an expert on fundamental baseball, tell me something. How does a good SS manage to know when to cut that ball of from RF when the play at 3B is behind him ? It doesn't seem to me that he can watch the play and look for the ball at the same time but maybe the great ones like Jeter can.

[Orioles Magic]

Olson appears to be pitching more aggressively tonight. Thus far he seems to be not as afraid of contact as in his past stints. Hopefully he can continue pitching that way.

[HeyIt'sMe]

WTF are the Rays doing tonight? Stop swinging at the first damn pitch you see. Lord.

[rooter]

Does Olson look more comfortable pitching to righties? He's sure avoiding first pitch strikes to lefties.
I was thinking the same thing.

[El Gordo]

Mora has made the worst plate decisions I've seen from a hitter this season. You have a guy on first with no outs that steals at an 80%+ clip again a catcher just back from injury and a pitcher who's deliberate to the plate and just walked the leadoff hitter. You also have an umpire who's known league wide for squeezing pitchers.

Why in the world don't you work the count? You give Roberts a shot to steal. You give the pitcher a chance to put you on base via another walk. You get a chance to get into a hitters count.

There is almost no advantage to swinging at the first pitch. And if you're going to hit & run, do it with someone at the plate who's willing to hit to the right site -- Mora has become a strict pull hitter like he's trying to become Kevin Millar Jr.They had a hit and run play on. Ask Trembley why?

[TonySoprano]

78 pitches for Garrett through 5 IP. Barring a sudden change in fortune, he should cruise into the 7th inning.

[Hank Scorpio]

Since you are an expert on fundamental baseball, tell me something. How does a good SS manage to know when to cut that ball of from RF when the play at 3B is behind him ? It doesn't seem to me that he can watch the play and look for the ball at the same time but maybe the great ones like Jeter can.

Whatever, apologist.

There was an out right in front of his face named Jason Bartlett. Argue that.

[RShack]

Hello, campers... I just got here...can't see a thing because of the TB-blackout... things are looking good, right?

What exactly are people fussing at LH for this time? The last few games, he seems like his old self to me... I was thinking his little fielding slump (or fat-boy period, or whatever it was) was over... did he screw up something?

[srock]

Hello, campers... I just got here...can't see a thing because of the TB-blackout... things are looking good, right?

What exactly are people fussing at LH for this time? The last few games, he seems like his old self to me... I was thinking his little fielding slump (or fat-boy period, or whatever it was) was over... did he screw up something?

He actually made a very nice play in the hole. Remarks were made about how he got in front of it as opposed to a backhand. Others then railed against his throwing because he bounced it to first.

In the end it was a tough play and the out was recorded.

[Jagwar]

Since you are an expert on fundamental baseball, tell me something. How does a good SS manage to know when to cut that ball of from RF when the play at 3B is behind him ? It doesn't seem to me that he can watch the play and look for the ball at the same time but maybe the great ones like Jeter can.

Im pretty sure that Millar immediately signaled for the throw to go to 2B. Hernandez could easily tell when Hinske had passed him on the way to 3B, I wonder if anyone was yelling "Cut 2"

[Moose Milligan]

So Olson has dazzled, huh?

[bluedog]

They had a hit and run play on. Ask Trembley why?

Then Trembley should be slapped. Is he watching the same game we are?

[bluedog]

So Olson has dazzled, huh?

Ayup. BEdazzled even.

[Hank Scorpio]

Im pretty sure that Millar immediately signaled for the throw to go to 2B. Hernandez could easily tell when Hinske had passed him on the way to 3B, I wonder if anyone was yelling "Cut 2"

The point is simple.

You have a 2-0 lead and Jason Bartlett is in no man's land between 1st and 2nd base. You take the out every single time.

Fundamental baseball.

[PaulFolk]

Tonight's attendance: 11,588.

[TonySoprano]

The point is simple.

You have a 2-0 lead and Jason Bartlett is in no man's land between 1st and 2nd base. You take the out every single time.

Fundamental baseball.
There you go sounding like Jim Palmer, who said the same thing at the time. ;)

[bluedog]

You know...if Olson can carry his AAA game to the bigs and replace Loewen, then we're looking pretty solid in the starting rotation. Guts, DCab, Burres and Olson all pitching well and Trax....being Trax.

[Why Not?]

WTF are the Rays doing tonight? Stop swinging at the first damn pitch you see. Lord.

No no, keep it up.

It could be lack of familiarity with Olson.

[Hank Scorpio]

There you go sounding like Jim Palmer, who said the same thing at the time. ;)

Well, he's right, dammit!!!!

:p

[TonySoprano]

Tonight's attendance: 11,588.I say again, aren't these teams tied for first place?

[wickedwitch]

Speaking of crappy arms...

[srock]

Millar should have just gloved it. He had time. No need for a barehanded pickup there.

[El Gordo]

Whatever, apologist.

There was an out right in front of his face named Jason Bartlett. Argue that.If you can't answer the question, then it's yet another example of some one talking out of their service entrance. How would he know he couldn't get the out at 3B? That would be preferred?

[Tony-OH]

Tonight's attendance: 11,588.

That's just terrible. The weather is good and both teams are in first place. No excuses, just a poor showing.

[rooter]

Millar should have just gloved it. He had time. No need for a barehanded pickup there.

No he didn't.

[Orioles Magic]

Big spot here facing Gomes. Got to be careful here. Let's go Olson.

[Orioles Magic]

Big out. Come on lets get one more.

[Palmer Esque]

That's just terrible. The weather is good and both teams are in first place. No excuses, just a poor showing.

Outside of the Sox and Yanks, it is going to take some time to get the fans back. Not surprised at all, but still very dissapointing. I wish I lived closer than two hours away, would definately go more.

[Moose Milligan]

Sit down, EVA!

[TonySoprano]

Oh yes, caught him wandering at first base ! Sweet

[makoman]

No more complaining about Ramon's pickoffs ;)

[Orioles Magic]

Alright! Ramon picks off Longoria. Way to get out of that!

[rooter]

Nice one by Ramon.

[Hank Scorpio]

If you can't answer the question, then it's yet another example of some one talking out of their service entrance. How would he know he couldn't get the out at 3B? That would be preferred?

No, not when you have an out staring you right in the face and you're up by 2 runs.

I know what you're saying : How would he know better? My answer is simple : Hinske didn't matter. Getting the 2nd out did.

[srock]

Ramon is stepping up his game recently! Great throw behind the runner at first. Take that rook'.

[HeyIt'sMe]

The Rays leave their billionth runner on tonight against Sandy Olson.

[bluedog]

Does Olson's fastball really top out at 88 mph? Thought he had more juice than that.

He's reminding me tonight of another O's lefty - Jeff Ballard.

[srock]

No he didn't.

He definitely had time. The reply has the runner a good 5 steps from the bag when Millar first touched the ball. Close play surely, but he had time.

[BillySmith]

Nice one by Ramon.

Real, real nice. Olson up to about 80 some pitches and he threw a couple of innings a couple of days ago. It's time for Walford.

[blueberryale77]

No more complaining about Ramon's pickoffs ;)

Oh there'll be plenty of complaining after he throws the next 10 into the outfield, bolstered by the confidence he gained by finally getting one for the first time in a couple of years.

[RShack]

That's just terrible. The weather is good and both teams are in first place. No excuses, just a poor showing.
I bet the number of people who actually believe that the O's and TB are tied for first place is smaller than maybe we think...

[TonySoprano]

E-va E-va. EEEEE-Va.

[BillySmith]

Does Olson's fastball really top out at 88 mph? Thought he had more juice than that.

He's reminding me tonight of another O's lefty - Jeff Ballard.

He really did hit 90 earlier, at least according to Gameday. If he can do that, that's pretty decent.

[Jagwar]

No, not when you have an out staring you right in the face and you're up by 2 runs.

I know what you're saying : How would he know better? My answer is simple : Hinske didn't matter. Getting the 2nd out did.

It was also a hit and run, so Hinske (as slow as he is) had a big head start on the play.

[RShack]

Oh there'll be plenty of complaining after he throws the next 10 into the outfield, bolstered by the confidence he gained by finally getting one for the first time in a couple of years.
Do they keep stats about this? It's just like SB, really: it's the ratio that matters. Do we know how to tell what it is?

[El Gordo]

No, not when you have an out staring you right in the face and you're up by 2 runs.

I know what you're saying : How would he know better? My answer is simple : Hinske didn't matter. Getting the 2nd out did.You don't know what I'm saying because you don't know how that play works.

[fdfcosta]

Any word on the starter for tomorrow nigth?

[PaulFolk]

Oh there'll be plenty of complaining after he throws the next 10 into the outfield, bolstered by the confidence he gained by finally getting one for the first time in a couple of years.
How many times has Ramon thrown it into the outfield? I can only think of one (granted, it was costly). But I also remember a couple times he's actually picked off a runner doing that.

[bluedog]

The Rays leave their billionth runner on tonight against Sandy Olson.

To be fair -- Olson's given up 3 singles, two of which were infield hits and another that went right through the hole between 1st & 2nd on a hit & run.

The walks are all his, but this could very easily be a no hitter the way he's pitched...

[Moose Milligan]

Crawford muffs it! Roberts lands on 2nd!

[Hank Scorpio]

You don't know what I'm saying because you don't know how that play works.

............fine.

[Jagwar]

I bet the number of people who actually believe that the O's and TB are tied for first place is smaller than maybe we think...

Or maybe they think it is a typo

[Keith SIO]

Rays are dropping every ball.

[TonySoprano]

Time to bust this sucker wide open now. Go OOOOOO's.

[Palmer Esque]

According to Roch's blog, he is throwing around 89 basically, but did it 91 on the K against Upton. But his ball moves alot, which is just as important anyway, probably more important.

[bluedog]

Any word on the starter for tomorrow nigth?

I heard they were thinking about bringing Olson back tomorrow given how he's pitched tonight. :)

[Orioles Magic]

Crawford couldn't hold on to the B-Rob double.

[Witchy Chick]

WOW. What happened to Crawford? He looked terrible on that play......

[srock]

The Rays can't catch any clams tonight!


Note: Sting Rays generally eat shellfish :)

[Orioles Magic]

Good job Mora on the Sac Fly. 4-0 Birds. Lets go Nick.

[Jagwar]

You don't know what I'm saying because you don't know how that play works.

I think Scorpio has it right. It was a hit and run, the runner had a head start, and the play was right in front of LH.

Most of the time, that ball is cut off and thrown to 2B

[Orioles Magic]

WOW. What happened to Crawford? He looked terrible on that play......

It's called being human. :D

[bluedog]

So far Luis is responding to his ultimatum well at the plate. 2 for 3 with 2 runs and good baserunning choices both times he's been on base.

[Why Not?]

The Rays can't catch any clams tonight!


Note: Sting Rays generally eat shellfish :)

You're always in trouble when you have to explain your joke. :p

[TonySoprano]

"Thurston" Howell just got voted off the island.;)

[Hank Scorpio]

You don't know what I'm saying because you don't know how that play works.

I can't resist.

1. It was a hit and run with a relatively competent baserunner at first and the ball wasn't hit all that hard. Sam Friggin' Horn coulda made third base on that play.

2. The batter was in no man's land between 1st and 2nd base, right in front of Hernandez, who would have been accepting the throw from the right fielder.

3. There was 1 out and we were up 2-0.

So please, explain to me what I'm missing.

[RShack]

I think Scorpio has it right. It was a hit and run, the runner had a head start, and the play was right in front of LH.

Most of the time, that ball is cut off and thrown to 2B
I didn't see it, so I don't know what happened... but am I to understand that all this fussin' is about what LH did (or didn't do) about cutting off a throw? Do I have that part right? That's what the big deal is?

[Keith SIO]

Let's wreck their pen tonight.

[srock]

You're always in trouble when you have to explain your joke. :p

I grew up on the Eastern Shore. Can't resist throwing down a little aquaculture humor. ;)

[blueberryale77]

How many times has Ramon thrown it into the outfield? I can only think of one (granted, it was costly). But I also remember a couple times he's actually picked off a runner doing that.

This year? It seems to me he's thrown it into the outfield on those plays at least twice this year and this is the first time he's caught one. Maybe I'm confusing that with all the errant throws on SBs though. It was pretty brutal last year as well. I'm not sure he caught any last year, although I know he did get at least a couple in 2006. The thing is, the way his mechanics have been last year and so far this year it seems like a huge risk to take. He's having a lot of trouble throwing on steal attempts as well. Like Shack said, I'd like to see stats. If you're making errors anywhere near as often as you're getting the guy out, you shouldn't be making the throws at all. I would think you need three pickoffs for every error to make it worth it. Even then, you really have to pick and choose your spots. Ramon does it a lot more than most catchers, even ones with much stronger arms.

[TonySoprano]

I didn't see it, so I don't know what happened... but am I to understand that all this fussin' is about what LH did (or didn't do) about cutting off a throw? Do I have that part right? That's what the big deal is?He wouldn't have had a chance as Markakis was going to third the whole way.

[Jagwar]

I didn't see it, so I don't know what happened... but am I to understand that all this fussin' is about what LH did (or didn't do) about cutting off a throw? Do I have that part right? That's what the big deal is?

LH didn't cut off the throw from Markakis, and it allowed the runner to move up to 2B. The question is whether it was correct to let the ball go through or not.

You know, if I remember correctly, it looked like LH did try to decoy the cutoff, sort of like what a 1B does for a play at the plate

[HeatherC12]

I'm glad the O's are doing well tonight because the Cards are annoying the heck out of my other team right now. ARGH. Man I hate the Cardinals. :mad:

[Jagwar]

He wouldn't have had a chance as Markakis was going to third the whole way.

Not sure what you mean. It was a low throw that actually bounced right next to LH

[blueberryale77]

No complaints about that strike three call on Nick? It was baloney.

[Moose Milligan]

Millaaaaaaaaaah gettin it done.

[Keith SIO]

Finaly a solid Millar hit. I like him hitting it to the right side.

[Pickles]

Millar shouldn't be hitting fourth.

[letsgoos]

way to go with the pitch Millar

[Orioles Magic]

Nice RBI for Millar. Let's keep the runs comin fellas. :)

[TonySoprano]

O.K. Millar, you're off the hook for last inning, now.;)

[El Gordo]

I can't resist.

1. It was a hit and run with a relatively competent baserunner at first and the ball wasn't hit all that hard. Sam Friggin' Horn coulda made third base on that play.

2. The batter was in no man's land between 1st and 2nd base, right in front of Hernandez, who would have been accepting the throw from the right fielder.

3. There was 1 out and we were up 2-0.

So please, explain to me what I'm missing.Why would there be a choice if the play is so obvious. Why does Nick not just throw to 2B. Who calls the cut?

[Keith SIO]

Huff Rays Killaahhh

[Moose Milligan]

Dinger for Huff!!!

[Orioles Magic]

Huff Daddy swingin dat Magic Stick!

[TonySoprano]

Au-Breee! Au-Breee! O's up by a TD, 7-0.

[blueberryale77]

WOW. What happened to Crawford? He looked terrible on that play......

He has a lot of plays like that. He does a great job of running the ball down and then loses concentration. I think that's why he's in left and not center.

[Moose Milligan]

Why would there be a choice if the play is so obvious. Why does Nick not just throw to 2B. Who calls the cut?

And Hank is right.

[Why Not?]

I love the soft underbelly of the pitching staff.

[Palmer Esque]

Huff huff daddy...sweet vanilla ice

[Keith SIO]

Here's to ruining TB's bullpen ERA in one game :).

[BillySmith]

I would think this is one of Huff's best Aprils.

[RShack]

Dinger for Huff!!!
By now, you'd think they'd just throw at him...

[srock]

No complaints about that strike three call on Nick? It was baloney.

Agreed. Great pitch though.