vs. MARINERS, 8/04

[PaulFolk]

He is? By filling out a lineup card? His bullpen management has been mediocre at BEST, which is pretty much the most important job he has in a live-game situation.

Do you realize that a manager's in-game decisions are about 5% of what makes up his job? Do you not understand that everything else that goes into managing-- managing personalities, handling players, earning and giving respect, being prepared, all the other behind-the-scenes stuff -- is far more important than whether he brings in a pitcher one batter too late or too early?

I think we can confidently say that if the Orioles didn't have Buck Showalter as their manager, their record would be much, much worse than it currently is. That doesn't mean he never makes in-game mistakes. All managers do. But that's so far down on the list of what's important about managing that it's ridiculous to say Showalter is causing the Orioles more losses than wins.

[Malike]

So if they get six in one inning, maybe we might get one in six innings?

If we luck into a HR, sure.

[PaulFolk]

Hey Paul, you know how much I respect you.

Would YOU have pulled Chen after the second walk?

Absolutely. Chen was gassed.

[O's84]

Right boys, we need a pick me up. Come on O's.

[Guest]

By the way who calls a 0-2 meatball?

[schittenden]

Some truth to that I guess. I just feel like there are a lot of games this year we would have won last year, with basically the same team.

Maybe so, but I don't think our record at this point is dissimilar. We need to start winning at a somewhat higher clip or we'll fall behind (or further behind) last year's pace.

[FlipCup]

Flaherty PH for Casilla...Wieters PH for Teagarden correct?

If not, this board will explode (rightfully so)

[BohKnowsBmore]

You're wrong. He walked Brendan freaking Ryan and then gave up a tater to Henry blanco!

He didnt have anything left! The only reason it wasn't worse is the mariners have us a free out after another walk!!!!!

This isn't anything new either, Chen can't go past 100, he loses control.

Are you watching the same game? I'm not sure you are.

So now you question whether I watch the game because I don't go out on the ledge with every set back? I would have like him out, but its not some huge mistake that many of you are making it out to be. By nature of the question, managers are often going to pull a guy "one batter too late." That's the beauty of hindsight. You raise valid points, but let me just say this... They carry a lot more weight and are much better discussed when they're not attached to emotional rants ready to throw in the towel on the season (more the general change in tone, not any specific post YOU made);

[MDK02]

Flaherty PH for Casilla...Wieters PH for Teagarden correct?

I sure as heck hope so.

[TouchemAll]

Get teddy ready !!

[Ori-Al]

Sometimes, the save situation isn't in the ninth.

Hunter could have been up for Blanco in the seventh, if the inning got that far (which it did), and Chen looked tired (which he did.)

Time to score.

[Norfolk orioles]

I'm not throwing the towel in at all. Far from it.

But I call it like I see it and that was a flat out terrible decision.

We can still win this game if we can string a few good at bats together!

[BohKnowsBmore]

Flaherty PH for Casilla...Wieters PH for Teagarden correct?

I hope so. May depend on the pitching matchup for flash.

[schittenden]

Pearce going yard.

[Shabadoo25]

Last year, these guys were willing to do anything to prove they were playoff caliber.

This year, the effort level just isn't the same.