6/24 Orioles @ the Cubs

[itsernst]

ramon comes through with a single up the middle.

[longflyball]

That K was a classic case of how hitters with good eyes are getting killed by the widened strike zone. In slow motion you could tell Roberts knew it wasn't a strike, but though belatedly, "oh crap, I'd better try to foul that off because the white line on the opposite side batters box is a strike now." I think with time that thought process will become more automatic, but it's still bad for the game to penalize disciplined hitting in order to make the games shorter for the pink hat girls (and green hat boys).

It is also bad for the game for fastballs down the middle at the belt to be called balls. And that happens just as often and then some. As long as balls and strikes are going to be called by fallible men, the pitcher deserves the benefit of the doubt. IMO.

[itsernst]

that curveball broke scott's kneecaps.

[brvn52]

Double here by Jones would be nice.

I just checked his stats. I didn't realize he's been hitting .319 w/ a .823 OPS this month.

[blueberryale77]

It is also bad game for the game for fastballs down the middle at the belt to be called balls. And that happens just as often and then some. As long as balls and strikes are going to be called by fallible men, the pitcher deserves the benefit of the doubt. IMO.

The thing is, if MLB wants to issue edicts to umpires to shorten games, they could ask them to enforce the true strike zone. A lot of pitches in the upper half would become strikes, thus shortening the game. Instead it seems that umpires are still not calling the high strike, but are very regularly calling the chalk line of the opposite batter's box.

[HeatherC12]

Figures...the one night I get to watch the O's and it's one of the quietest game threads we've had here in a while! I hope things pick up soon, LOL

[longflyball]

The thing is, if MLB wants to issue edicts to umpires to shorten games, they could ask them to enforce the true strike zone. A lot of pitches in the upper half would become strikes, thus shortening the game. Instead it seems that umpires are still not calling the high strike, but are very regularly calling the chalk line of the opposite batter's box.

I can't argue.

[blueberryale77]

What was the reaction to Brian at the start of the game from the crowd?

Didn't hear much of anything when he came up but they cheered extra loud when he struck out.

In other news, Jay Gibbons grounds out to first with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out. I'm watching the O's and listening to the Somerset Patriots/LI Ducks. I have the volume on for both too. I'm going to go crazy and start hearing imaginary announcer voices soon.

[HeatherC12]

Whew, let's keep Aramus and Lee off the bases as much as possible Jeremy.

[HeatherC12]

Didn't hear much of anything when he came up but they cheered extra loud when he struck out.

In other news, Jay Gibbons grounds out to first with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out. I'm watching the O's and listening to the Somerset Patriots/LI Ducks. I have the volume on for both too. I'm going to go crazy and start hearing imaginary announcer voices soon.

That's good. I'm just glad they didn't boo him for some reason.

I'm flipping back and forth between the O's and Reds games but I'm sticking with the O's tonight because I don't get to see them very often.

[blueberryale77]

Figures...the one night I get to watch the O's and it's one of the quietest game threads we've had here in a while! I hope things pick up soon, LOL

Probably lots of people who are normally on because they're watching mlb.tv are watching on their real TVs instead. I'm not because I don't have cable.

[itsernst]

Probably lots of people who are normally on because they're watching mlb.tv are watching on their real TVs instead. I'm not because I don't have cable.

mlb.tv is my friend...or i am forced to watch the padres

[wickedwitch]

So how far does Guthrie's HR go?

[Moose Milligan]

Thanks for the history lesson, Jim.

Hey, am I the only one here who doesn't want our announcers to be basking in the glow of Cub-dom? "We're the O's and we're just SO happy to be here in Wrigley!!!!"

[HeatherC12]

Probably lots of people who are normally on because they're watching mlb.tv are watching on their real TVs instead. I'm not because I don't have cable.

I guess that's true. I'm lucky that the TV with cable is in the same room as the computer.

The announcers are all talking about food. I think they're bored all ready, LOL :laughlol:

NICE CATCH NICK!!!