J.J. Hardy, Ryan Flaherty Returns Should Stabilize Orioles Middle Infield

[PressBoxOnline]

J.J. Hardy returned to the Orioles lineup May 7 and made his presence known by turning a tough double play against the New York Yankees. Will he be the spark the infield needs? Paul Folkemer provides some thoughtful insight. http://www.pressboxonline.com/2015/05/08/jj-hardy-ryan-flaherty-returns-should-stabilize-orioles-middle-infield

[El Gordo]

Bottom line, both Flaherty and Hardy will hit better than Cabrera and play better defense. Platoon Pearce and Snider in LF, play Delmon in RF, and Paredes DH.

[Redskins Rick]

Hoping the return of Hardy, will bring Manny back to his normal excellent self.

[weams]

It might take a couple days. But Hardy's double last night was big.

[OFFNY]

o

Flaherty said that he had discomfort in groin for about 4-5 innings last night after running out ball hit back to mound.

https://twitter.com/masnRoch/status/597046653141569536

[Frobby]

I enjoyed the play in the 8th inning where Hardy snagged a hopper deep in the hole to keep a run from scoring. Davis made a good scoop on the throw, too. They didn't get the out, but they kept a run off the board. That's a play I'm not sure Cabrera would have made.

[OFFNY]

o

I enjoyed the play in the 8th inning where Hardy snagged a hopper deep in the hole to keep a run from scoring. Davis made a good scoop on the throw, too. They didn't get the out, but they kept a run off the board. That's a play I'm not sure Cabrera would have made.

Yeah, I'm eager to see the long-term improvements/results of the team overall with these two guys back and available again.

But, of course ......... I/we have to be patient, because the Orioles can only play (and win) one game at a time.

Beat the Yankees today, be happy about that, and just accept the fact that it's going to be 2 or 3 months before I/we can look back and reflect on a large® sample size than just one or two games, or even just nine or ten games.

[spiritof66]

Tiny sample size, but the infield defense has looked good the last two games. I would expect JJ and Flaherty (assuming he hasn't re-reinjured himself) to be productive at the plate within a week.

I'm feeling pretty optimistic about everything except the starting pitching, Davis, Pearce and Gausman.

[Aristotelian]

Hardy also made a great stop in the hole to save a run last night. Went for a hit but kept the runner from scoring, and Zach got the out to end the inning and keep it a one run ballgame. No way Cabrera would have had that.