IPlayGM

This is where I’m at…if they were to swap Mateo for Ortiz and Mullins for McKenna, I see a roster in September where it’s impossible for Hyde to put out a bad lineup…it is what we have been envisioning for awhile now.

My thoughts: -his slider and knuckle curve were both quality pitches that got a lot of swing and miss. Don’t feel we have starters that have multiple offspeed swing and miss pitches. -looks like he is similar to pretty much every other pitcher in history; fastball command to get ahead will dictate his success

It is really the perfect scenario for he and O’Hearn, where Hyde can play them against favorable matchups primarily and minimize the games that they would be exposed. This could be a very impactful collaboration down the stretch.

Wait, I do that…I shouldn’t be impressed with myself?!?

This may be a blessing in disguise if with Mullins and Hicks out it forces ABs for Cowser. Hopefully allows him to see more pitches and get more comfortable. There are a few comps to Gunnar’s start in the fact of the patience (passiveness) of his ABs, although I know the numbers are much worse. Or he may be a complete trainwreck and never work out…I choose to not believe that.

I’m going to have to disagree with you here. GRod did what all Orioles pitchers should have been doing the last few years, which is don’t let Judge be the one to hurt you.

He threw his slider for a strike much more last night than I had seen, which I think was an important key. Especially for strike 1. Completely changes the at bat because he then has FB/CU he can use and it really puts the hitters in a disadvantage

I don’t count anything he has done at MLB as anything….it was 30 sporadic at bats, shouldn’t count. Glaringly obvious might have been a bit over zealous, but not in the fact that he is hurting the team. That is glaring.

I think this is BS. I have played enough competitive sports in my lifetime to know that keeping Mateo on a roster where it is glaringly obvious there is a better option available does the opposite for morale. These guys want to win. They see a guy that is hurting their chances of doing that. As much as they may like him, which I don’t doubt, ultimately the goal is winning. You don’t think the new guys aren’t thinking “Joey could be up here crushing this performance?” And that is the sentiment that will begin to permeate the clubhouse. All Hyde’s A+ clubhouse management begins to erode when players realize the #1 goal might not be winning. If Mateo is still on this team on 8/1, I think it will be clear that is the case.

I don’t think Adley is the type of player to carry a team offensively. For us to reach where we all want to be, I am hoping he is the 3/4/5th best offensive guy we have. That will certainly take some time. To your original point, now would really be a good time for scorching hot Ryan Mountcastle.

Back to Heston, I do think it will be interesting what they decide to do with him this year. I don’t see any scenario outside significant injury where he comes up and gets exclusive playing time. Will Elias and company be okay bringing him up in September for a bench bat and occasional start?

This thread feels identical to the one created for May…we were supposed to get steamrolled that month too…

If you put last year Perez in this years bullpen suddenly things look a lot different. Here’s hoping he is getting back to that.

Feel like that was a lot to ask of him in game #2 with us.

Nor will we….Gunnar could play SS, Urias 3B…

First AB of the 6th was a ball that Hicks should have had no problem. As much as I want GRod to pitch better, honestly he should have been 6ip with 1 run, then everyone would be slurping his performance….doesn’t take much to sway the tide.

If that is the deal it takes to get Ohtani, by my calculations there is 1 team who can make that trade….in other words, that ain’t happening.

I agree with you, but I would just be very surprised if Elias pulls that trigger. My comments were more in line with when I expect him to go.

I’m happy he’s an Oriole. I would also seriously entertain trading him this offseason.

Am I watching a different game than you? He looks awful?

And honestly, if health doesn’t become an issue, throw all these guys in the ring and let the best 5 remaining standing.

So who do you think that is, Hicks or Cowser?

I mean, I understand this type of response, but seriously, come September, what will be more important, giving these ABs to Hicks or getting Cowser more acclimated to the bigs. This feels short sighted.

Yup. And I think in that role he will be a positive contributor during his time on the field, and also off the field (because Westburg will be on it )

I think expecting that from Means (and really GRod) is far fetched. I hope you’re right, but I think the odds are not in our favor.