Sunday 5/4 Baltimore in Anaheim

[Crazysilver03]

2B Roberts
RF Markakis
3B Mora
DH Huff
1B Millar
C Hernandez
CF Jones
LF Payton
SS Hernandez

P Trachsel

DH Matthews
SS Aybar
RF Guerrero
1B Kotchman
CF Hunter
LF Anderson
3B Quinlan
C Mathis
2B Rodriguez

P Saunders

[McNulty]

I wish Trembley would say the hell with breaking up the lefty/righty thing and just put Millar in the 2 hole, then Markakis, Huff, then Scott.

[glenn__davis]

Well at least we can't walk Figgins to lead off this one.

[blueberryale77]

I wish Trembley would say the hell with breaking up the lefty/righty thing and just put Millar in the 2 hole, then Markakis, Huff, then Scott.

Especially since Roberts is effectively a lefty so the current order allows a team to kill the two best hitting birds with one LOOGY. Of course, the Angels only have one lefty in the bullpen - Darren Oliver - so that's not too scary. Both Brian and Nick seem to have less trouble with the "tough" hard-throwing lefties than the soft tossers so he could be quite effective against us.

Speaking of lefties, I was really thinking Brian would/should get the start of the day off today against Saunders since he's 0 for his last two games and has been looking a little tired. Instead he'll probably get one in the next few days off a righty he rakes just as his bat is starting to heat up again. And Mora... I wouldn't sit him today because he's hit Saunders well and his bat has just been starting to show signs of life for pretty much the first time all year but my lord the poor old man needs a break at some point!

BTW is anyone else slightly amused that 40ish year old Garret Anderson keeps playing left field while younger, faster OFs with pretty solid gloves DH? It just seems silly to me. Veteran respect I guess.

[Palmer Esque]

Just based on the pitching matchup, this could not be pretty, but thats why they play the games!!! Go O's

[mdterps4life25]

Dempsey sure does have some interesting things to say, he thinks Payton should be playing way more than he is, and in his next breath he goes on to say that when Jay plays all the time his weaknesses are exposed. So which one is it Rick?

[Orioles Magic]

Hopefully we can get a win on a Sunday for a change.

[scOtt]

Dempsey sure does have some interesting things to say, he thinks Payton should be playing way more than he is, and in his next breath he goes on to say that when Jay plays all the time his weaknesses are exposed. So which one is it Rick?

Dempsey with Adam Jones was tremendous. That boy has a head on his shoulders. And played with Ichiro. :D


Did y'all see Jones blow the bubble during him running down the ball to the wall?! :eek:

[OttoNoveDieci]

Dempsey sure does have some interesting things to say, he thinks Payton should be playing way more than he is, and in his next breath he goes on to say that when Jay plays all the time his weaknesses are exposed. So which one is it Rick?

Maybe Dempsey wants to see Payton's weaknesses exposed:D

[scOtt]

Maybe Dempsey wants to see Payton's weaknesses exposed:D
As long as it's not a weakness to tanning beds, we're golden.

[blueberryale77]

Dempsey sure does have some interesting things to say, he thinks Payton should be playing way more than he is, and in his next breath he goes on to say that when Jay plays all the time his weaknesses are exposed. So which one is it Rick?

"Way more than he is" isn't necessarily every day. It could mean four days a week, once each in place of Scott, Millar, Mora and either Huff or Jones (obviously with Huff moving around a bit and Scott doing some DHing). I've heard a lot of people up in my neck of the woods say the same two things simultaneously about Endy Chavez. They want to see him regularly, but not every day. It's a delicate balance, figuring out how much is too much to use your fourth (or fifth) outfielder.

[OttoNoveDieci]

"Way more than he is" isn't necessarily every day. It could mean four days a week, once each in place of Scott, Millar, Mora and either Huff or Jones (obviously with Huff moving around a bit and Scott doing some DHing). I've heard a lot of people up in my neck of the woods say the same two things simultaneously about Endy Chavez. They want to see him regularly, but not every day. It's a delicate balance, figuring out how much is too much to use your fourth (or fifth) outfielder.

In some ways, the fourth and fifth outfielder is like the backup QB in football....everyone's clamoring for him until he gets out there and shows why he is the backup!!

[mdterps4life25]

Dempsey with Adam Jones was tremendous. That boy has a head on his shoulders. And played with Ichiro. :D


Did y'all see Jones blow the bubble during him running down the ball to the wall?! :eek:



Who is Ichiro? I mean I've heard of the legendary Isshhiro. But who is Ichiro?

[blueberryale77]

I'm not optimistic for BRob here. Never had a hit off Saunders, never had a hit this series. :002_ssad:

[scOtt]

I'm not optimistic for BRob here. Never had a hit off Saunders, never had a hit this series. :002_ssad:

Saunders looks nasty. :(

[mikezpen]

Millar should bat 11th.

[scOtt]

Good ab by brob. worked the count after going 0-2. Then bangs one off the wall.

[scOtt]

Roberts is big time stealing right here. Wants to get to third.

[blueberryale77]

I'm not optimistic for BRob here. Never had a hit off Saunders, never had a hit this series. :002_ssad:

I love when my reverse psychology works! :D

(Guess I should have posted something about how I wasn't expecting Nick to be patient or hit situationally there, huh? ;) )

[scOtt]

oops. Great throw.

[Palmer Esque]

Single still scores him, dont agree with trying to steal there. But at least he is trying to make something happen.

[birdsfan4ever]

What a waste of a double...

[blueberryale77]

And another bad call. That one was close but he was definitely on the bag before that tag. :mad:

[Terps23]

Single still scores him, dont agree with trying to steal there. But at least he is trying to make something happen.

And how reliable are the Orioles at stringing together hits, let alone counting on a single to drive in someone from second?

Stealing was a good thing to do at the moment considering we can't hit our way out of a paper bag. A sac fly would have been nice.

[blueberryale77]

Single still scores him, dont agree with trying to steal there. But at least he is trying to make something happen.

With one out you can still score on a sac fly if you steal third. You don't do it with no outs because you hope the next hitter will advance you with a grounder to the right side or a long fly if he doesn't get a hit.

[PaulFolk]

And another bad call. That one was close but he was definitely on the bag before that tag. :mad:
No, the tag was down first. It was close, but they got him.

[blueberryale77]

No, the tag was down first. It was close, but they got him.

You watching on MASN? It sure didn't look that way on the replay angle on FSN. They had it head on where he was coming toward the camera in slow motion and his hand hit the bag and started to come up around it before the glove touched his arm.

[birdsfan4ever]

Yay Millar!

[Palmer Esque]

With one out you can still score on a sac fly if you steal third. You don't do it with no outs because you hope the next hitter will advance you with a grounder to the right side or a long fly if he doesn't get a hit.

I understand why you would not try it and why you would, just the way we have been scuffling, I did not think it was worth the possibilty of giving up an out. Yeah Milllllah !!!

[JimDH]

barely 3 hits all game yesterday

[Joe'sO's]

Roberts shouldn't even have been in a position to steal if Nick would have hit one of his usual grounders to the right side. The O's have 4 hits so far this inning and one run.

[Wadesworld35]

Hernandez has been hitting into some hard luck lately, maybe he'll find a hole today. Lets go Ramon!

[Terps23]

And how reliable are the Orioles at stringing together hits, let alone counting on a single to drive in someone from second?

Stealing was a good thing to do at the moment considering we can't hit our way out of a paper bag. A sac fly would have been nice.


Naturally they put together a couple hits and drive in a run.

Regardless, I'm not against stealing there given the track record.

[scOtt]

OH! well, Ramon at least got another run in. GOOD two out rally!

[Palmer Esque]

Nice shot by Ramon, but man come on, horrible baserunning inexcuseable, thought it was gone, come on you are better than that. Trembley should rip him a new one.

[birdsfan4ever]

Ahh, good hit Ramon but that inning couldve been much better, we gave them 2 outs. Ramon needs to keep his head in the game and why didn't the first base coach tell him to run.

[blueberryale77]

RAMON!!!!! :mad::mad::mad:

[The Wedge]

Ahh, good hit Ramon but that inning couldve been much better, we gave them 2 outs. Ramon needs to keep his head in the game and why didn't the first base coach tell him to run.

Because both of them thought it was a homer for some reason. Did you see the replay? T-Bone gave him the hand and and ass slap as he rounded first. Halfway to second he realized it didn't make it out and tried to beat the throw to second.

It was a huge blunder, but it was a blunder of assumption.

[blueberryale77]

This team gets more runners thrown out on the bases than I do in freaking Playstation baseball!

[mdterps4life25]

I think an average offensive team would have put up 4, or maybe 5 runs in that situation.

[Wadesworld35]

I'm watching on gameday... was Ramon lolly-gagging around first or something?

[Palmer Esque]

He even shook hands with Shelby, he was not paying attention either, bad coaching and bad baserunning, you have got to pay attention!!!

[The Wedge]

I'm watching on gameday... was Ramon lolly-gagging around first or something?

In a sense, yes. He thought he had a homer.

[baltosravns2110]

Should have been second and third for jones. If he would have ran at all. At least 1st and third because of the mistake. Come on, it is just unbelievable the things that happens to us baserunning constantly. You can't make this stuff up! :mad:

[Palmer Esque]

I'm watching on gameday... was Ramon lolly-gagging around first or something?

Shelby and Ramon both thought it was gone

[square634]

Ugh, Ramon should be benched for that. That being said, that ball didn't carry at all, and for some reason the way that wall is built, I initially thought it was gone and bounced back onto the field.

[JimDH]

O's batting .833 so far this game and slugging a thousand

[obannon35]

Anybody think this game is make or break for Trachsel?:confused:

[Wadesworld35]

How did Millar not score on the play?

[OsStormers]

Ugh, Ramon should be benched for that. That being said, that ball didn't carry at all, and for some reason the way that wall is built, I initially thought it was gone and bounced back onto the field.

Yeah it looked like the ball went out, but apparently it didn't. Still Roman needs to know better, and whats up with Millar? He should've been home from 1st as well. I mean there were 2 outs so he didn't have to wait for the ball to fall. Stupid mistakes that lose games.

[blueberryale77]

I'm watching on gameday... was Ramon lolly-gagging around first or something?

He was in full home run trot mode until he got halfway between first and second and realized it was still in play. That's why you run at least 3/4 speed when you hit what you think is a homer until the ball actually clears the fence. This isn't the first time Ramon has been burned on this.

[DK745]

Ramon Hernandez needs to learn how to run the bases. This is getting ridiculous.

[The Wedge]

Ugh, Ramon should be benched for that. That being said, that ball didn't carry at all, and for some reason the way that wall is built, I initially thought it was gone and bounced back onto the field.

Gonna fine T-Bone while you're at it?

[Palmer Esque]

Trachsel is just throwing BP up there.

[The Wedge]

Yeah it looked like the ball went out, but apparently it didn't. Still Roman needs to know better, and whats up with Millar? He should've been home from 1st as well. I mean there were 2 outs so he didn't have to wait for the ball to fall. Stupid mistakes that lose games.


Probably just because he's slow as hell. He didn't make it home before they got Ramon.

[Wadesworld35]

In a sense, yes. He thought he had a homer.

Ah, well, these things will happen. Unfortunately the O's don't have enough talent to afford too many mental errors like this. At least we got some runs

[PaulFolk]

What a first inning for Joe Saunders. He faces six batters and gives up five hits. Yet he's out of the inning with only two runs scoring.

[cindyluvsbrady]

Hi All:)
Go Os!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why did Ramon have to get out?:002_ssad:

[blueberryale77]

And a brilliant start for Trachsel too! :cool:

[OttoNoveDieci]

MLB Gameday has Trachsel's Fastball at 86mph with his Changeup at 85mph.....For some reason, that made me chuckle out loud!!

I'm guessing that what Gameday is calling a changeup is really a fastball...

[obannon35]

Trachsel is just throwing BP up there.

Yeah this is painful to watch I hope he doesn't get too many more starts.

[baltosravns2110]

How did Millar not score on the play?
He thought it was gone just like everyone else on the freakin team. Just a bad baserunning and thought process. That makes me mad. Should have been 3-0. 2 out and a man on second for jones. Saunders was on the ropes, who knows what would have happened

OMG Matthews. We finally get rid of figgins leading off and Matthews jacks one. GRRRRR!

[OsStormers]

Probably just because he's slow as hell. He didn't make it home before they got Ramon.

I know Millar isn't fast at all, but seriously that ball was in the air a long time. Any player in MLB should be able to make it home on that. He probably thought it was gone as well.

[The Wedge]

Ah, well, these things will happen. Unfortunately the O's don't have enough talent to afford too many mental errors like this. At least we got some runs

Indeed. Not absolving him of the blunder, but at least it wasn't just because he was lazy, like his usual base running gripes.

Hell, I thought the ball was out of there, too, it must have just barely not cleared that line.

[blueberryale77]

Thank you Aybar!

Why would you bunt against Trachsel? Your chances of an XBH off his weak stuff are almost as good as your chances of being safe at first with a bunt.

[square634]

Gonna fine T-Bone while you're at it?

Absolutely. Send him a message. As a first base coach, you don't have that much responsibility, the least you can do is keep your head in the game.

[Wadesworld35]

Haha the Oriole boxscores always seem to look like this. Some variation of the O's with 12 hits and 2 runs and the other team with 4 hits and 6 runs.

[fansince71]

Vlad only batting .487 against trax

[Palmer Esque]

What a first inning for Joe Saunders. He faces six batters and gives up five hits. Yet he's out of the inning with only two runs scoring.

It would be interesting to see how many times this has happened in the past few years in baseball, seeing two outs on the base paths combined with giving up hits five out of the six batters faced cannot happen too often. Where would I look for this kind of info?

[blueberryale77]

I know Millar isn't fast at all, but seriously that ball was in the air a long time. Any player in MLB should be able to make it home on that. He probably thought it was gone as well.

Definitely. They all did. That doesn't excuse running as slowly as they were though. You have to allow for the possibility that the wind is going to knock a ball down.

[The Wedge]

Absolutely. Send him a message. As a first base coach, you don't have that much responsibility, the least you can do is keep your head in the game.

As long as your equal about it, I've got no problem with it. Shelby was as lax as Ramon there.

[Wadesworld35]

Oh Steve, you're not too good at pitching these days.

[Joe'sO's]

MLB Gameday has Trachsel's Fastball at 86mph with his Changeup at 85mph.....For some reason, that made me chuckle out loud!!

I'm guessing that what Gameday is calling a changeup is really a fastball...

Too bad Traschel doesn't fool the hitters like he does the Juggs gun.The last thing we need is to get Vlad out of his slump before we leave town.

[Palmer Esque]

I am all for the veteran prescence, but it is clear Trachsel is beyond a doubt our weakest link on our staff. Olson and Albers are much better, and are young and need the experience.

[birdsfan4ever]

This is just sad, Trachsel is terrible and the rest of the team just seems to not even be paying attention to the game.

[The Wedge]

Trachsel isn't so good with the whole pitching thing anymore. Somebody else should get his rotation spot.

[cindyluvsbrady]

Do I need to fly to CA and start pitching?:eek::rolleyes:

[obannon35]

I am all for the veteran prescence, but it is clear Trachsel is beyond a doubt our weakest link on our staff. Olson and Albers are much better, and are young and need the experience.

Yeah I like the guy but I think it's time to call it quits on him. We have young arms who need the experience and he's just done.

[The Wedge]

Jesus Christ, if they don't get him out soon, this game will be over in the first.

[Wadesworld35]

Well, that settles it. The Angels are better at hitting than Traschel is at pitching.

[scOtt]

Oh my.

Who's up in long relief? Albers?

[baltosravns2110]

Do I need to fly to CA and start pitching?:eek::rolleyes:
3 run homer matthews. Please cindy hurry, you got to have time to warm up. I will buy you the ticket personally.:D :(

[mdterps4life25]

What a joke...they should just put a bp machine on the mound

[Palmer Esque]

DAMN you Trachsel, he is so done. He is putting us behind the eight ball in this game...blah

[rolliefingers]

So, who wants to start the "PLEASE PLEASE GET RID OF TRACHSEL!!" thread this time?

[cindyluvsbrady]

HELP:002_ssad:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Wedge]

Oh, well now I can hear the excuses...well, he can still field his position. :(

[obannon35]

So, who wants to start the "PLEASE PLEASE GET RID OF TRACHSEL!!" thread this time?

The voice of reason, lol

[jeffstonefan]

Does anyone but me think B Rob should and easliy could have made that tag at 2nd?

[Palmer Esque]

What a joke...they should just put a bp machine on the mound

I found something about that incredibly funny haha

[Wadesworld35]

Are we sure this isn't Bruce Chen in a Steve Traschel disguise? This is Chen-esque.

[birdsfan4ever]

We have been getting good pitching and no offense and today we will probably score 7 runs and still lose.

[The Wedge]

So, who wants to start the "PLEASE PLEASE GET RID OF TRACHSEL!!" thread this time?

Well, there's one started, though it's not titled quite as reactionary as that.

[millartime15]

I hate trax! Seriously though, we need to release him. The angels didn't take BP today because they knew that's what Trax throws anyway. Just put Jim Johnson in.

[blueberryale77]

Worst all around first inning ever?

[VivianDarkbloom]

So, who wants to start the "PLEASE PLEASE GET RID OF TRACHSEL!!" thread this time?

But he's so good with the young pitchers....if only there were some way old players who no longer can perform could mentor younger players

[cindyluvsbrady]

3 run homer matthews. Please cindy hurry, you got to have time to warm up. I will buy you the ticket personally.:D :(

K Im ready to go!!!:)I am forced to pitch daily so I have practise:D

[Orioles Magic]

Traschel sux. But we already knew that.

[The Wedge]

Does anyone but me think B Rob should and easliy could have made that tag at 2nd?

He would have had to dive, like actually jump dive , at second to beat that slide.

[rolliefingers]

The voice of reason, lol

The answer, for the record, is someone named "ADZ23".

[blueberryale77]

Are we sure this isn't Bruce Chen in a Steve Traschel disguise? This is Chen-esque.

At least Bruce was left handed and had a kind of interesting personal story.

[mikezpen]

Saunders was 5-0 coming in and due to be rocked. We finally rock somebody- left-hander no less, so what happens? I imagine about three other Orioles starters want to wring Traschel's neck about now. :mad:

[Campmoon]

It would be interesting to see how many times this has happened in the past few years in baseball, seeing two outs on the base paths combined with giving up hits five out of the six batters faced cannot happen too often. Where would I look for this kind of info?

Start with old Orioles box scores.

[rolliefingers]

But he's so good with the young pitchers....if only there were some way old players who no longer can perform could mentor younger players

Yeah, or like, teach them pitching mechanics. Or make mound visits in lieu of the manager. Why hasn't anyone thought of this?

[glenn__davis]

Late to the party here, but I really don't think you can blame Ramon for that first blunder. I actually thought the ball was gone initially, and clearly Shelby did as well.

Ramon's just having an awful start luck-wise. He's just crushed some balls lately that've been right at people.

[cindyluvsbrady]

What a joke...they should just put a bp machine on the mound

LOL:D!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mikezpen]

5-2 already?

[scOtt]

That was a great pitch by Trax. And the batter made a GREAT swing on it! Right at Melvin... who made a great reflex catch... :D Strong throw to first, inning over. A big league play ALL around.

[Wadesworld35]

Well at least the O's have an established history of hitting left-handers hard.

[The Rick]

Put a fork in him, he's done. I respect the hell out of Trachsel for the good efforts he always gave us the past couple years, but it's clear he's got almost nothing left in the tank. Nothing against him, but he's done IMO.

[scOtt]

5-2 already?
4-2 top 2


.

[mikezpen]

This will burn out the entire staff today. They have to get Traschel out of there.

[cborgans1]

Jon Leicester or Trax? Even our 5th or 6th option could likely match the performance of our vet.

[scOtt]

Well at least the O's have an established history of hitting left-handers hard.

Hush. :p


.

[cindyluvsbrady]

Steve looked like he was ready to cry sitting on the bench:002_ssad:Did anyone else notice that?

[mikezpen]

Oh ok. I was following on ML scoreboard and they showed 5 in the bottom of the first.

[The Wedge]

Steve looked like he was ready to cry sitting on the bench:002_ssad:Did anyone else notice that?

He can feel his career careening to a halt. I'd cry, too.

[cindyluvsbrady]

I wish the Os would sign Sean Douglas:002_ssad:

[wickedwitch]

This will burn out the entire staff today. They have to get Traschel out of there.

Nah. If we're going to lose, sacrifice Trax and make him go at least 5.

[baltosravns2110]

But he's so good with the young pitchers....if only there were some way old players who no longer can perform could mentor younger players
Yeah, its called triple A :)

[Wadesworld35]

Late to the party here, but I really don't think you can blame Ramon for that first blunder. I actually thought the ball was gone initially, and clearly Shelby did as well.

Ramon's just having an awful start luck-wise. He's just crushed some balls lately that've been right at people.

Well I agree that it wasn't a serious blunder based upon usual practice around the League. However (perhaps because I'm a pitcher myself), I do find it annoying when batters stand in the box or lazily jog whilst watching their homeruns/long singles. There's no good or practical reason not to run hard whenever you make contact.

[Orioles Magic]

O's might as well pitch Cormier today as well for good measure. :D

[The Rick]

He can feel his career careening to a halt. I'd cry, too.

It really is pretty sad. I genuinely feel bad for the guy.

[scOtt]

Cal used to do that so well. Draw his hands in and hit the inside pitch.

[cindyluvsbrady]

Nah. If we're going to lose, sacrifice Trax and make him go at least 5.

LOSE:eek:Its the 2nd inning!!!

[glenn__davis]

Well I agree that it wasn't a serious blunder based upon usual practice around the League. However (perhaps because I'm a pitcher myself), I do find it annoying when batters stand in the box or lazily jog whilst watching their homeruns/long singles. There's no good or practical reason not to run hard whenever you make contact.

I agree with that, but that wasn't the reason he didn't make it to 2nd. If he had seen the ball properly, he would've made it easily.

[cindyluvsbrady]

It really is pretty sad. I genuinely feel bad for the guy.

Im glad Im not alone:(

[blueberryale77]

Late to the party here, but I really don't think you can blame Ramon for that first blunder. I actually thought the ball was gone initially, and clearly Shelby did as well.

Ramon's just having an awful start luck-wise. He's just crushed some balls lately that've been right at people.

He had some bad luck but that doesn't absolve him of responsibility. He was counting his chickens before they hatched and he got burned fair and square. If he'd run just a little bit harder or not stopped to celebrate he would have had his double.

[The Wedge]

It really is pretty sad. I genuinely feel bad for the guy.

Maybe he should pull a Bouton. We've got him on a MiL contract, send him down, get him to learn the knuckler. If he learns it, we've got a knuckleballer...

[scOtt]

Nah. If we're going to lose, sacrifice Trax and make him go at least 5.
What the wickedwitch said.

[glenn__davis]

He had some bad luck but that doesn't absolve him of responsibility. He was counting his chickens before they hatched and he got burned fair and square. If he'd run just a little bit harder or not stopped to celebrate he would have had his double.

Well, we'll have to agree to disagree. If he sees the ball properly, heck, if Shelby doesn't give him the old handshake, he makes it to 2nd easily.

[cindyluvsbrady]

Thank You Luis!!:)

[Palmer Esque]

Going to be one of those 4 hour humdingers today fellas, lots of hits going around

[Wadesworld35]

Maybe he should pull a Bouton. We've got him on a MiL contract, send him down, get him to learn the knuckler. If he learns it, we've got a knuckleballer...

What a great read Ball Four was. Heck I'd let Traschel stick around the whole year if he agreed to churn some literature of equal entertainment value out. I'm guessing thats not in his contract though.

[Palmer Esque]

Trembley needs to be proactive here and get Trachsel out of the game now, have to keep the momentum on our side, but I doubt he will.

[The Rick]

Well, we'll have to agree to disagree. If he sees the ball properly, heck, if Shelby doesn't give him the old handshake, he makes it to 2nd easily.

For the record, Joe Angel agrees with BlueBerry on this one... he said DT ought to talk to the guys about that cause there's no reason for it.

[scOtt]

It's the AL, folks. 10-9 will win this game. Both teams padding offensive stats. :p

[Joe'sO's]

I'm trying to decide which base coach blunder was the worst so far this year. Shelby glad handing Ramon on that play or when Samuel was wheeling Jones around on a grounder to short.

[rolliefingers]

Maybe he should pull a Bouton. We've got him on a MiL contract, send him down, get him to learn the knuckler. If he learns it, we've got a knuckleballer...

That's actually...a fantastic idea. I wonder if he could do it...

[glenn__davis]

For the record, Joe Angel agrees with BlueBerry on this one... he said DT ought to talk to the guys about that cause there's no reason for it.

Yeah, I heard Joe, but I think he's off base as well. I don't think Hernandez assumed the ball was going to be a HR. I think the angle made it look that way -- it obviously looked that way to Shelby as well.

[cindyluvsbrady]

cindydoesntluvvlad:002_ssad:

[blueberryale77]

Too bad that fan in RF wasn't Steve Bartman.

[rolliefingers]

What the wickedwitch said.

I disagree. Saunders isn't exactly dealing today, either. We might actually win this thing.

[Wadesworld35]

When's the last time the O's have had a three run home run? Come on Nick get into one!

[The Rick]

Yeah, I heard Joe, but I think he's off base as well. I don't think Hernandez assumed the ball was going to be a HR. I think the angle made it look that way -- it obviously looked that way to Shelby as well.

Well then they're both wrong. If you can't see the damn ball then don't make an assumption, regardless of angle. Just run your ass off until you're 100% sure it's gone. That should be a rule of thumb.

[The Wedge]

Yeah, I heard Joe, but I think he's off base as well. I don't think Hernandez assumed the ball was going to be a HR. I think the angle made it look that way -- it obviously looked that way to Shelby as well.

The point is you can't assume it either way. Unless you see the ump give the signal, you run the damn ball out.

[Palmer Esque]

I'm trying to decide which base coach blunder was the worst so far this year. Shelby glad handing Ramon on that play or when Samuel was wheeling Jones around on a grounder to short.

Def Shelby shaking Ramon's hand. No excuse for him not paying attention IMO

[cindyluvsbrady]

That was a shame:002_ssad:

[birdsfan4ever]

Markakis is off to a rough start today.

[The Rick]

Clutch.

Ugh!

[mikezpen]

If they pull Trax. now, Trembley w/burn out the entire Orioles bullpen w/8 innings to go. I think he'll leave him in and hope to get a few more innings.

[glenn__davis]

The point is you can't assume it either way. Unless you see the ump give the signal, you run the damn ball out.

Tell you what, if I knew I tagged a ball, and my 1B coach reaches out and shakes my hand as I go by, I'm assuming it's a HR.

My larger point, though, is that Ramon has hit in some tough luck lately. He's been far better than his numbers.

[The Wedge]

If they pull Trax. now, Trembley w/burn out the entire Orioles bullpen w/8 innings yo go. I think he'll leave him in and hope to get a few more innings.

Yeah, as much as it pains me, we gotta let Trax go out there and try and hold it. This is a long road trip and we don't want to Perlozzo the bullpen.

[blueberryale77]

Yeah, I heard Joe, but I think he's off base as well. I don't think Hernandez assumed the ball was going to be a HR. I think the angle made it look that way -- it obviously looked that way to Shelby as well.

So what? Nobody's disagreeing that it looked like a home run. However, until it has actually cleared the fence, it's a ball in play and the batter should be running. He obviously had to stay behind Millar, but no matter how much it looked like a home run off the bat there was no reason to be lollygagging as much as he was, or for Shelby to be encouraging that behavior.

[Wadesworld35]

Maybe the Angels will start to feel sorry for Traschel too and give him a break. Thats why Aybar bunted right?

[The Wedge]

Tell you what, if I knew I tagged a ball, and my 1B coach reaches out and shakes my hand as I go by, I'm assuming it's a HR.

My larger point, though, is that Ramon has hit in some tough luck lately. He's been far better than his numbers.

That much is true about the luck, but if Ramon wasn't already in his homer trot, Shelby might not have glad handed him. But at the same time, Shelby should have been watching the ball/ump, and doing his job and actually coaching Ramon. Either telling him to hold up since he had trotted to first, or to start booking it far earlier to make it.

[The Rick]

Yeah, as much as it pains me, we gotta let Trax go out there and try and hold it. This is a long road trip and we don't want to Perlozzo the bullpen.

Yes, it is a long road trip and not even close to over w/o a day off. You gotta wonder if they'll start Trax his next start. I don't see how they possibly can.

[baltosravns2110]

Having Cabrera out there and then trax back to back this season will be awful (Although I don't think this Trax will last) Even though Cabrera is pitching well it usually reminds me of instructional league baseball. You know you throw a kid (This is cabrera)out there to pitch and he throws it backwards, can't throw a strike, hitting kids. And then here comes the coach (Trachsel), and he just floats every ball right down the middle about 3 mph. I thought those guys are exactly like that.

Hopefully cabrera continues to pitch well and is that one kid who actually can pitch in little league.

[mdterps4life25]

Yes, it is a long road trip and not even close to over w/o a day off. You gotta wonder if they'll start Trax his next start. I don't see how they possibly can.

It wouldnt surprise me if they do

[glenn__davis]

So what? Nobody's disagreeing that it looked like a home run. However, until it has actually cleared the fence, it's a ball in play and the batter should be running.

But he thought it had cleared the fence, that's my point. He thought it was gone, and Shelby reaching out and shaking his hand confirmed that to him.

If he had seen that the ball, in fact, did not make it out, it wouldn't have mattered how much he lollygagged to first, he would've made it to second easily.

[JimDH]

Trachsel's ERA in innings he does not give up a home run. (this game)

0.00

[Palmer Esque]

If they pull Trax. now, Trembley w/burn out the entire Orioles bullpen w/8 innings to go. I think he'll leave him in and hope to get a few more innings.

You have to win the game in front of you IMO. Worry about tommorow later.

[Wadesworld35]

Trachsel's ERA in innings he does not give up a home run. (this game)

0.00

Unfortunately, the number of completed innings Traschel has pitched without giving up a homerun: 0

[glenn__davis]

That much is true about the luck, but if Ramon wasn't already in his homer trot, Shelby might not have glad handed him.

That much I'll give you -- certainly it's possible that Shelby saw Ramon in the trot and assumed that Ramon had seen the ball go out.

[mdterps4life25]

Sean Rodriguez' major league debut was on April 19th, and so was his first hit. Does Palmer assume that its his debut becuase the O's have never seen him?

[Palmer Esque]

Yes, it is a long road trip and not even close to over w/o a day off. You gotta wonder if they'll start Trax his next start. I don't see how they possibly can.

Albers could go the bulk of the game, and just hope to good starts in Oakland. Another walk, he is just brutal.

[blueberryale77]

But he thought it had cleared the fence, that's my point. He thought it was gone, and Shelby reaching out and shaking his hand confirmed that to him.

If he had seen that the ball, in fact, did not make it out, it wouldn't have mattered how much he lollygagged to first, he would've made it to second easily.

Eh, it really doesn't matter. Hopefully all the players (and Shelby) have learned a lesson from it. You run normal speed until you're absolutely sure it's out.

[The Wedge]

You have to win the game in front of you IMO. Worry about tommorow later.

You say that now, but when the BP is gassed in mid June you'll be pitching a fit about misusing it.

[birdsfan4ever]

Sean Rodriguez' major league debut was on April 19th, and so was his first hit. Does Palmer assume that its his debut becuase the O's have never seen him?

I don't know, Palmer isn't working today.

[Palmer Esque]

Lucky break there, both teams have their heads in the sand, bad baserunning my Matthews.

[LAOSfan]

But he thought it had cleared the fence, that's my point. He thought it was gone, and Shelby reaching out and shaking his hand confirmed that to him.

If he had seen that the ball, in fact, did not make it out, it wouldn't have mattered how much he lollygagged to first, he would've made it to second easily.

It does not matter what he thinks; what matters is confirmation by the umpires that it is gone. Until then, he should be running it out.

Just like in football, you do not stop playing until the whistle blows, even if you think the play is over.

[fansince71]

Albers could go the bulk of the game, and just hope to good starts in Oakland. Another walk, he is just brutal.

First walk by my count

[mdterps4life25]

I don't know, Palmer isn't working today.
Whoops *Hunter*

[Palmer Esque]

You say that now, but when the BP is gassed in mid June you'll be pitching a fit about misusing it.

No I wont, I am just saying it is obvoius he has nothing, and nothing is guaranteed for tomorow. Albers should be plenty rested.

[Wadesworld35]

You say that now, but when the BP is gassed in mid June you'll be pitching a fit about misusing it.

Meh, I agree that over use of the bullpen is bad, but its there to provide relief if the starting pitcher is not effectively getting outs and... well, Traschel is pitching.

[JimDH]

Unfortunately, the number of completed innings Traschel has pitched without giving up a homerun: 0

Details, details

[Palmer Esque]

First walk by my count

Yeah misstated there, meant to say another baserunner :) Hey maybe I was wrong, Trax just escaped on thin ice..

[McNulty]

Lance "The Savior" Cormier warning up in the pen. Was that last play an error on Roberts or Hernandez? Official scorer says Hernandez, Joe Angel says Roberts.

[The Wedge]

No I wont, I am just saying it is obvoius he has nothing, and nothing is guaranteed for tomorow. Albers should be plenty rested.

He might have nothing, but he got us through the 2nd (even if he had some help from Matthews) without another run scored. And they did get Cormier up, so he's obviously on a short leash. But you gotta see how far he can get you.

[The Rick]

Man Vlad is something else. That last out looked like a pop up to second off the bat... it ended up being a pop up to center field about 360 feet away. Dude is just unbelievable.

[blueberryale77]

Trachsel now has more BBs than any batter on the O's except Markakis (and he has a ridiculous number of walks due to the non-protection factor).

[The Wedge]

Lance "The Savior" Cormier warning up in the pen. Was that last play an error on Roberts or Hernandez? Official scorer says Hernandez, Joe Angel says Roberts.

Tough call. Roberts skipped the ball, so it could easily be a throwing error, but Hernandez had it in his glove and bobbled it...so it could easily have went either way.

[The Rick]

Lance "The Savior" Cormier warning up in the pen. Was that last play an error on Roberts or Hernandez? Official scorer says Hernandez, Joe Angel says Roberts.

Should be Roberts, he rushed the throw big time. Moot point seeing to how Matthews made a bone headed play and ran through the base and ended up making an out anyway.

[glenn__davis]

Eh, it really doesn't matter. Hopefully all the players (and Shelby) have learned a lesson from it. You run normal speed until you're absolutely sure it's out.

Fair enough. My only point is that Ramon really didn't do anything different than every other ballplayer. He just saw the play wrong so it caught up with him.

[Palmer Esque]

He might have nothing, but he got us through the 2nd (even if he had some help from Matthews) without another run scored. And they did get Cormier up, so he's obviously on a short leash. But you gotta see how far he can get you.

I agree, it just seems like most of the time it ends up biting us in the butt when let a pitcher "settle down" and puts the game out of reach, but I am hoping Trax settles down here and keeps us in it.

[Orioles Magic]

Lance "The Savior" Cormier warning up in the pen. Was that last play an error on Roberts or Hernandez? Official scorer says Hernandez, Joe Angel says Roberts.

LOL I knew we'd be seeing him today. When it rains it pours.

[The Wedge]

Coulda used one of those with people on base, but I'll take it anyway.

[mdterps4life25]

Sionara Homerama

[The Rick]

Sweet sweet swing by Mora right there. Man, that was just smooth as silk. Looked a lot like Melvin in his prime.

[scOtt]

I still say you let Trax gut this one out. As long as you can stand to.


HA HA! Melvin witht the first pitch of the inning jack!

[Palmer Esque]

Yeah Melvin , man the ball is carrying today (minus Ramon's)

[McNulty]

I'm gonna demand that we come up with some sorta underhanded compliment style nickname for Cormier.

Edit: I've always thought "Turbo" was a good name for Trachsel.

[Orioles Magic]

WOW... Way to go Mel Mo.

[The Wedge]

I'm gonna demand that we come up with some sorta underhanded compliment style nickname for Cormier.

What, "The Savior" doesn't work for you?

[The Rick]

Melvin and I have a love-hate relationship. Right now I love him. ;)

[scOtt]

Yeah Melvin , man the ball is carrying today (minus Ramon's)
It's the desert in the daytime. Expect every ball to JUMP off the bat today.

[McNulty]

What, "The Savior" doesn't work for you?

Totally works for me, but as the resident king o' sarcasm there Wedge, I know you (or someone else) can take that up a notch.

[blueberryale77]

Fair enough. My only point is that Ramon really didn't do anything different than every other ballplayer. He just saw the play wrong so it caught up with him.

Ramon has always had a habit of flipping his bat and taking really slow home run trots. Most major leaguers (and players at any level) get out of the box a lot faster than he does on homers. I don't think that play that happened to him would have happened to most players.

[The Wedge]

On the replay of the Hernandez botch, he didn't realize it wasn't a homer until he was almost 3/4 to second.

[scOtt]

It's the desert in the daytime. Expect every ball to JUMP off the bat today.
Even BRob's bouncer jumps for a hit. ;)

[Palmer Esque]

Need a quick inning from Trax here

[Wadesworld35]

Wow the O's are attacking Saunders early in the at-bats. Is that the work of a scouting report showing lots of first pitch fast balls or just indicative of our usual impatience?

[Orioles Magic]

I'm gonna demand that we come up with some sorta underhanded compliment style nickname for Cormier.

Edit: I've always thought "Turbo" was a good name for Trachsel.

Lance "Big Cajones" Cormier

[scOtt]

Wow the O's are attacking Saunders early in the at-bats. Is that the work of a scouting report showing lots of first pitch fast balls or just indicative of our usual impatience?

Good question. Saunders' numbers aren't stellar before today. And today ain't lookin' so good...

[blueberryale77]

Lance "Big Cajones" Cormier

Big box drums? :confused:

[LAOSfan]

Need a quick inning from Trax here

Have "quick" and "Trax" ever been used in the same sentence?

[The Wedge]

Have "quick" and "Trax" ever been used in the same sentence?

Of course.

"Trachsel pitched poorly and had a quick exit."

That's been said tons of times.

[McNulty]

Have "quick" and "Trax" ever been used in the same sentence?

That's why he should be called Turbo ;)

[scOtt]

Trax got lucky there. Missed big time in Vlad's wheelhouse.

[The Rick]

Have "quick" and "Trax" ever been used in the same sentence?

I see there being only one possibility of this... and I aint going there. Ugh, what is wrong with me! :eek:

[baltosravns2110]

Have "quick" and "Trax" ever been used in the same sentence?
Only when "is the last thing to describe" is between them

[Wadesworld35]

Have "quick" and "Trax" ever been used in the same sentence?

Way too easy.

[Orioles Magic]

Big box drums? :confused:

Not exactly what I had in mind but it works. He does get beat to death.

[Palmer Esque]

Of course.

"Trachsel pitched poorly and had a quick exit."

That's been said tons of times.

yes it has

[scOtt]

That's why he should be called Turbo ;)
Turbo. Turbo Lax. Trax. It's all good.

[mdterps4life25]

Trax got lucky there. Missed big time in Vlad's wheelhouse.



Vlads wheelhouse is basically anywhere in and around the batters box:D

[McNulty]

Turbo. Turbo Lax. Trax. It's all good.

Turbo Lax and Turbo Trax come with similar side effects.

Yea, I went there.

[blueberryale77]

Not exactly what I had in mind but it works. He does get beat to death.

I believe you meant cojones. ;)

Good one though. I think the box drum is much more accurate.

[Palmer Esque]

Trax bites us in the butt again unfortunately.

[The Wedge]

Okay, that totally did not look like a homer off the bat.

That being said, just when I thought Trachsel was settling down he gives up a homer.

[baltosravns2110]

Turbo Lax and Turbo Trax come with similar side effects.

Yea, I went there.
Tisk tisk Mr. Mcnaughty pants.:D

[Wadesworld35]

Vlads wheelhouse is basically anywhere in and around the batters box:D

Its more of a wheelmansion or wheel-estate really.

Haha wheel-estate... man I'm an idiot.

[mdterps4life25]

deep fly..and that ball is....GGAHHHHHHNNN

[scOtt]

Oh man... I want Albers, but Trems had Cormier up. (?)

Anyways..... Trax is meat. Has to be gone.

[Orioles Magic]

I believe you meant cojones. ;)

Thanks. You know it! :D

[Palmer Esque]

We should not blow this opportunity to win a game when we actually have an offense. ..a shame really....lets put on the rally hats

[StateFarmFSR]

Trachsel...STINKS. I have been sitting here fuming the entire game wondering why in the world he is pitching for a major league team. Anyone want to take a shot?

[Wadesworld35]

Trachsel...STINKS. I have been sitting here fuming the entire game wondering why in the world he is pitching for a major league team. Anyone want to take a shot?

Because he's a worse hitter?

[The Wedge]

Trachsel...STINKS. I have been sitting here fuming the entire game wondering why in the world he is pitching for a major league team. Anyone want to take a shot?

Expansion and the dilution of the talent?

[McNulty]

Lance "The Truth" Cormier will not be needed this inning, but I sure hope he starts the next one.

[Palmer Esque]

Do you guys agree now that if we score some runs this next half inning that Trax should be taken out to keep us in the ball game? At least he pitched a third of the game and saved the pen a little bit on the bright side.

[McNulty]

Trachsel...STINKS. I have been sitting here fuming the entire game wondering why in the world he is pitching for a major league team. Anyone want to take a shot?

Take a shot at Trachsel? Dude, aren't they giving out 20 to life for that?

[Orioles Magic]

deep fly..and that ball is....GGAHHHHHHNNN

LOL... I'm sorry but I have to laugh to keep from crying. Man oh man.

[JimDH]

You throw out those 3 homers and Trachsel is pitching a nice game today.

[blueberryale77]

How about Lance "Livestrong" Cormier?

I must confess that I have an irrational hatred of all people named Lance because I find Lance Armstrong so incredibly annoying.

[McNulty]

Trachsel...STINKS. I have been sitting here fuming the entire game wondering why in the world he is pitching for a major league team. Anyone want to take a shot?

(I got one more) Drinking is probably a good way to make it through one of his starts.


---eeeend scene----

[The Wedge]

You throw out those 3 homers and Trachsel is pitching a nice game today.

Steve, where in the dugout are you stashing that laptop? They keep showing you, but I don't see you surfing the web at all. You using one of those fancy internet phones?

[Palmer Esque]

It is just irritating because we should be in this game the way we are hitting and we are not. Just so frustrating...

[baltosravns2110]

You throw out those 3 homers and Trachsel is pitching a nice game today.
You throw away every run he has ever given up, and he has a HOF career.:D

[cindyluvsbrady]

I missed My Melvins HR picking up kids:002_ssad:

[McNulty]

How about Lance "Livestrong" Cormier?

I must confess that I have an irrational hatred of all people named Lance because I find Lance Armstrong so incredibly annoying.

It seems like most chicks I know share your views on Armstrong.

[cindyluvsbrady]

How about Lance "Livestrong" Cormier?

I must confess that I have an irrational hatred of all people named Lance because I find Lance Armstrong so incredibly annoying.

He is VERY mean.I agree:mad:

[McNulty]

He is VERY mean.I agree:mad:

Case in point.

[Palmer Esque]

Get him out of the game, this is brutal. Throw him on the scrapheap, man I am close to busting out the jack...

[The Wedge]

Markakis T-Shirt night is against the Red Sox?

Well, I guess a lot of Sox fans will get Markakis t-shirts to sell on eBay.

[TGO]

You throw away every run he has ever given up, and he has a HOF career.:D

Throw away all of our losses and we are undefeated! Yeah take thaaaaaaat Buster Olney!!!

[McNulty]

Joe Angel reports that Lance "Cheddar on Wheat Crackers" Cormier is warming for the third time today, and he will now get the call.

[scOtt]

I frickin guess! You walk the AAA callup to start the inning... that's bad.

[The Rick]

He is VERY mean.I agree:mad:

Is he? I know hardly anything about him, except for what everyone knows (7 tour de frances). What makes him so unlikeable?

[blueberryale77]

I missed My Melvins HR picking up kids:002_ssad:

Just think how many homers you'd miss if you had as many kids as Melvin! :D