With Steve Trachsel on the disabled list, the Baltimore Orioles called up Garrett Olson from Triple-A Norfolk, and he made his Major League debut on Wednesday.
Olson had been one of the most dominating pitcher in the minors this season despite a lackluster 7-6 record. His 3.46 ERA and killer K/BB ratio of 94/31 more than make up for it. On Wednesday though, he had a tough time against a determined White Sox team that had gone 7-2 in their last nine.
The rookie only made it 4.1 innings and allowed only 2 runs but he struggled with his control allowing 5 hits and 5 walks. With the O’s offense hitting though, it was enough as Baltimore won 9-6 thanks to solid performances by Nick Markakis, Kevin Millar, Aubrey Huff and Jay Payton, the O’s 3 through 6 hitters. They went a combined 7 for 17 with 7 RBI on 7 hits and got the victory for Dave Tremblay and the terribly inconsistent Orioles.
The White Sox bullpen didn’t help the Sox cause any as David Aardsma allowed 3 runs in 1.2 IP to compound the 6 runs starter Jose Contreras allowed.
All in all, the O’s have to be happy with Olson’s debut and looking at their young and incredibly talented rotation, the team should be interesting to watch for the rest of the year as Olson and co. continue to grow and mature.
Showing posts with label Orioles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orioles. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Monday, July 2, 2007
A Job Well Undone
The White Sox bullpen is terrible. There are only 2 pitchers, Boone Logan and Bobby Jenks (we’ll get to him later), who are currently posting an ERA under 4.00. That’s just not very good.
People can point fingers at whatever they want, whether it be Ozzie, Jermaine Dye’s poor performance (he struck out 3 times and went 0 for 4 in his return from the DL), or any other litany of excuses, but the fact of the matter is that the bullpen is absolutely terrible.
Their most dependable piece, All-Star Bobby Jenks blew a 1 run lead, allowing the Orioles to tie the game at 6 and then eventually win 7-6 in the top half of the 9th inning. Jenks was preceded by the immortal Ryan Bukvich who came into relieve Mark Buehrle in the 8th with runners on 1st and 2nd and promptly threw a wild pitch that moved the runner to 3rd, followed up by an RBI double, than eventually a 2 RBI triple. So while, those runs count against Buehrle, it was Bukvich who blew the comfortable margin that his team once held.
Its just one of those things, that when Buehrle left in the 8th after pitching a stellar game, you just knew the White Sox back end would find some miraculous way to blow it. Not that they get all the credit, Josh Fields helped out with a tough error in the 8th, making the devolvement of the White Sox possible.
Some credit must be given to the lineup though as they were able to bring home six runs against one of the hottest pitchers in baseball in Erik Bedard. It was a nice change for the O’s, seeing someone else’s bullpen blow the win, instead of their overpaid conglomeration. Bedard gave up 6 in 5.2 IP, which was surprising considering his recent hot streak. The O’s bullpen combined for 3.1 IP and 5 K’s to get the job done for interim manager Dave Tremblay.
After the game, Buehrle seemed fairly confident that this wouldn’t be his last start for the club, which has to be at least somewhat comforting for the Sox fans, already planning for an existence without the talented and personable lefty.
People can point fingers at whatever they want, whether it be Ozzie, Jermaine Dye’s poor performance (he struck out 3 times and went 0 for 4 in his return from the DL), or any other litany of excuses, but the fact of the matter is that the bullpen is absolutely terrible.
Their most dependable piece, All-Star Bobby Jenks blew a 1 run lead, allowing the Orioles to tie the game at 6 and then eventually win 7-6 in the top half of the 9th inning. Jenks was preceded by the immortal Ryan Bukvich who came into relieve Mark Buehrle in the 8th with runners on 1st and 2nd and promptly threw a wild pitch that moved the runner to 3rd, followed up by an RBI double, than eventually a 2 RBI triple. So while, those runs count against Buehrle, it was Bukvich who blew the comfortable margin that his team once held.
Its just one of those things, that when Buehrle left in the 8th after pitching a stellar game, you just knew the White Sox back end would find some miraculous way to blow it. Not that they get all the credit, Josh Fields helped out with a tough error in the 8th, making the devolvement of the White Sox possible.
Some credit must be given to the lineup though as they were able to bring home six runs against one of the hottest pitchers in baseball in Erik Bedard. It was a nice change for the O’s, seeing someone else’s bullpen blow the win, instead of their overpaid conglomeration. Bedard gave up 6 in 5.2 IP, which was surprising considering his recent hot streak. The O’s bullpen combined for 3.1 IP and 5 K’s to get the job done for interim manager Dave Tremblay.
After the game, Buehrle seemed fairly confident that this wouldn’t be his last start for the club, which has to be at least somewhat comforting for the Sox fans, already planning for an existence without the talented and personable lefty.
Buehrle's Last Start?
Tonight, despite the fact Smoltz faces Lowe in the night-cap, I’ll be taking in Erik Bedard and the Orioles going up against Mark Buehrle and the White Sox in what is rumored to be his final start in the Windy City.
I still cannot fathom why Ken Williams hasn’t locked him up for the four year deal that was discussed. Even at 56 million, Buehrle has been one of the most consistent pitchers over the past few years and is just entering his prime. The White Sox will get quality prospects in return almost guaranteably but I think it’d be wiser long-term to ink him.
Enough of the diatribe. The truly hot starter going into this game is Erik Bedard. He doesn’t get the press of a lot of other big-time starters but his numbers do the talking. Bedard, since May 1, has gone 3-2 with a 2.09 ERA, dropping it from 6.09 to start May, and has had less than 7 K’s in a game only twice. This guy is for real. Paired up with Brian Burres and the burgeoning Jeremy Guthrie, these three starters have been money for the Orioles.
So, while neither team appears to be ready for playoff contention, and they look more like sellers than buyers as the deadline approaches, this match-up is one worth taking in.
And if you’re up late, don’t miss Atlanta with John Smoltz taking on Los Angeles with Derek Lowe. Another quality showdown.
I still cannot fathom why Ken Williams hasn’t locked him up for the four year deal that was discussed. Even at 56 million, Buehrle has been one of the most consistent pitchers over the past few years and is just entering his prime. The White Sox will get quality prospects in return almost guaranteably but I think it’d be wiser long-term to ink him.
Enough of the diatribe. The truly hot starter going into this game is Erik Bedard. He doesn’t get the press of a lot of other big-time starters but his numbers do the talking. Bedard, since May 1, has gone 3-2 with a 2.09 ERA, dropping it from 6.09 to start May, and has had less than 7 K’s in a game only twice. This guy is for real. Paired up with Brian Burres and the burgeoning Jeremy Guthrie, these three starters have been money for the Orioles.
So, while neither team appears to be ready for playoff contention, and they look more like sellers than buyers as the deadline approaches, this match-up is one worth taking in.
And if you’re up late, don’t miss Atlanta with John Smoltz taking on Los Angeles with Derek Lowe. Another quality showdown.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Trade that should happen
Baltimore send Steve Trachsel and Jamie Walker to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Carlos Carrasco and SS Adrian Cardenas.
Now, that would be a lot for the Phils to give up for two half-decent pitchers but they need all the help they can get. The Orioles should be willing to give up any reliever except Chris Ray for these two high-end prospects. If The Phils balk at Carrasco, ask about Carlos Ruiz. Heck, ask about Pat Burrell. 6 out of 9 games on the bench might drop his value some.
The benefits for both teams are quite obvious though, especially if the O's can find a taker for the recently-injured Miguel Tejada, who should be returning to action around deadline time.
Now, that would be a lot for the Phils to give up for two half-decent pitchers but they need all the help they can get. The Orioles should be willing to give up any reliever except Chris Ray for these two high-end prospects. If The Phils balk at Carrasco, ask about Carlos Ruiz. Heck, ask about Pat Burrell. 6 out of 9 games on the bench might drop his value some.
The benefits for both teams are quite obvious though, especially if the O's can find a taker for the recently-injured Miguel Tejada, who should be returning to action around deadline time.
Erik Bedard is Good
Including Wednesday night's demolition of the vaunted Yankees lineup, Erik Bedard has put up a 2.09 ERA since May 1. The Canadian is good.
He shut out the Yankees 4-0 on Wednesday with 7 innings of shutout ball as well as 8 k's. His opponent had a little less going for him.
Roger Clemens pitched well for 5 innings but fell apart in the 6th, allowing four runs, including a 3 run homer by Aubrey Huff. The Rocket's ERA jumped to 5.32 with the loss, further justifying his outlandish contract. For all of the talk about Joe Torre being on the hot seat, its unconscionable to think that Brian Cashman may outlast him.
Bedard meanwhile is the foundation for what is turning out to be one of the best rotations in baseball halfway through the year.
The struggles continue for Bobby Abreu as well as he continues his slump that has now seen him go 6 for 47 with a .146 average during that time. Not quite the impact player the Yanks had in mind one year ago.
The Yankees are now 1-7 in their past 8 and have one more against Baltimore on Thursday than head home to host the A's, the Twins and the Angels. Its not getting any easier folks.
He shut out the Yankees 4-0 on Wednesday with 7 innings of shutout ball as well as 8 k's. His opponent had a little less going for him.
Roger Clemens pitched well for 5 innings but fell apart in the 6th, allowing four runs, including a 3 run homer by Aubrey Huff. The Rocket's ERA jumped to 5.32 with the loss, further justifying his outlandish contract. For all of the talk about Joe Torre being on the hot seat, its unconscionable to think that Brian Cashman may outlast him.
Bedard meanwhile is the foundation for what is turning out to be one of the best rotations in baseball halfway through the year.
The struggles continue for Bobby Abreu as well as he continues his slump that has now seen him go 6 for 47 with a .146 average during that time. Not quite the impact player the Yanks had in mind one year ago.
The Yankees are now 1-7 in their past 8 and have one more against Baltimore on Thursday than head home to host the A's, the Twins and the Angels. Its not getting any easier folks.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Late Inning Failure
The New York Yankees season struggles were encapsulated in one inning of relief work by Scott Proctor.
Proctor walked in the winning run against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night, after giving up two singles and walking Nick Markakis to load the bases. Than, he proceeded to walk in Ramon Hernandez to hand the Orioles a gift wrapped 3-2 victory. The loss gives New York 6 in the past 7. Who knows, maybe the Bronx Bombers will be sellers come the end of July?
To be fair, the Yankees bullpen hasn't been entirely bad this year. Brian Bruney currently carries a 1.97 ERA over 32 innings. Albeit, he has walked 24 to go with his 26 k's.
Both teams got solid outings from their starting pitchers, as Andy Pettitte went 7 allowing 2 runs, while Jeremy Guthrie went 6.1, allowing 2 as well. Pettitte just didn't look overly sharp though as he struggled with his control all night, walking five. Meanwhile, Guthrie struck out 6 while only walking 1.
It was Johnny Damon's 2 run homer that made the game a 2-2 tie in the 6th, before the Orioles won it in the bottom of the 9th.
In tomorrow's game, Roger Clemens will face Erik Bedard in another game worth watching and a definite candidate for tomorrow's game of the day.
Proctor walked in the winning run against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night, after giving up two singles and walking Nick Markakis to load the bases. Than, he proceeded to walk in Ramon Hernandez to hand the Orioles a gift wrapped 3-2 victory. The loss gives New York 6 in the past 7. Who knows, maybe the Bronx Bombers will be sellers come the end of July?
To be fair, the Yankees bullpen hasn't been entirely bad this year. Brian Bruney currently carries a 1.97 ERA over 32 innings. Albeit, he has walked 24 to go with his 26 k's.
Both teams got solid outings from their starting pitchers, as Andy Pettitte went 7 allowing 2 runs, while Jeremy Guthrie went 6.1, allowing 2 as well. Pettitte just didn't look overly sharp though as he struggled with his control all night, walking five. Meanwhile, Guthrie struck out 6 while only walking 1.
It was Johnny Damon's 2 run homer that made the game a 2-2 tie in the 6th, before the Orioles won it in the bottom of the 9th.
In tomorrow's game, Roger Clemens will face Erik Bedard in another game worth watching and a definite candidate for tomorrow's game of the day.
Game of the Day
NEW YORK VS. BALTIMORE
The Yankees head to Baltimore to take on the Orioles in what is our game of the day. Andy Pettitte goes up against one of the most surprising and impressive stories of the 2007 season, Jeremy Guthrie.
Guthrie has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this year and will most likely be the Orioles lone All-Star representative. He has posted a 2.42 ERA over 81.2 innings while going 4-1. Without Guthrie and fellow pitcher Brian Burres, the Orioles would be in a far worse situation. Guthrie will also have the advantage due to the fact that no Yankee has ever faced him. This will be a real test for the young pitcher though as he faces a lineup of true hitters.
Andy Pettitte has been phenomenal this year as well though as he's coming in with a 3.28 ERA and a 4-5 record, due more to a lack of run support, than his pitching. Pettitte has had a couple rough outings recently but will be up for a showdown with the young Oriole star.
The Yankees will be looking to get back on track with a win after losing 5 of 6 on a road trip out west, while the Orioles will just be happy to get on some type of winning streak for new manager Dave Tremblay.
Should be a great game, but with Guthrie throwing and Brian Roberts hot bat, not to mention up and comer Nick Markakis, I'll take the Orioles.
In other action, MLB ERA leader Dan Haren goes against Cleveland, Homer Bailey gets his 4th start and will look to continue his solid start to his promising career.
The Yankees head to Baltimore to take on the Orioles in what is our game of the day. Andy Pettitte goes up against one of the most surprising and impressive stories of the 2007 season, Jeremy Guthrie.
Guthrie has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this year and will most likely be the Orioles lone All-Star representative. He has posted a 2.42 ERA over 81.2 innings while going 4-1. Without Guthrie and fellow pitcher Brian Burres, the Orioles would be in a far worse situation. Guthrie will also have the advantage due to the fact that no Yankee has ever faced him. This will be a real test for the young pitcher though as he faces a lineup of true hitters.
Andy Pettitte has been phenomenal this year as well though as he's coming in with a 3.28 ERA and a 4-5 record, due more to a lack of run support, than his pitching. Pettitte has had a couple rough outings recently but will be up for a showdown with the young Oriole star.
The Yankees will be looking to get back on track with a win after losing 5 of 6 on a road trip out west, while the Orioles will just be happy to get on some type of winning streak for new manager Dave Tremblay.
Should be a great game, but with Guthrie throwing and Brian Roberts hot bat, not to mention up and comer Nick Markakis, I'll take the Orioles.
In other action, MLB ERA leader Dan Haren goes against Cleveland, Homer Bailey gets his 4th start and will look to continue his solid start to his promising career.
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