O's/Royals: Game 2

The sold out game in KC will feature the leagues best offenses facing the leagues hottest pitcher.On the other side, KC ranks outside of the top 20 in every major offensive statistic, but they will face Adam Eaton and his 7.18 ERA.

With the Caps exit form the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it is time to turn my attention the O's. This will be my first time watching Zack Greinke pitch. I hope the O's can light him up, but I also want to see Greinke at his best. Both teams have been at the bottom of the AL since the mid-90's and it is good to see a buzz in Kansas City.

Matt Weiters Update

When the Orioles decide to call Matt Weiters up from Norfolk, the Orioles already potent offense will be even better. His game calling may take time, but he needs to start somewhere. He seems to be struggling this season. He his batting .263 with only one homer in 27 games. Maybe the Orioles will wait for him to heat up before they call him up.

A Pattern

The Orioles are off to a great start. Assuming the score holds, the Orioles will be 6-3. They have won all 3 series by winning the first 2 games. In the third game of the series, they get killed. Right now the Rangers lead 12-3 in the bottom of the 4th. So far this season, in game 3 of series, the O's have been out scored 34-8. In the first 2 games of the series, they are up 45-28. If you want go to the yard and the Orioles win, go to the first few games of the series. If you are a fan of the opposing team, go to the last game of each series.

Now the game is in the bottom of the 5th, same score. I am calling it over. As a side note, because of rain here in the DC area, the game has replaced the postponed Nats/Phils game on MASN HD. Up next for the O's is Boston.

Andruw Jones just hit a double.

YES Blog

In the YES Network blog, Jon Lane decided to respond to the Orioles fan reception of one Mark Teixeira.

I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the select few Orioles’ fans disgusting and despicable treatment of Mark Teixeira. You knew - and Teixeira knew - that he’d be showered with boos. He spurred an offer from the O’s to come home and play at Camden Yards to accept the Yankees’ zillions and he’s a marquee player in an enemy uniform. Fans pay money - big money. They have every right to boo and boo loudly.

But that wasn’t enough for a few jerks. Before a pregame interview, one person yelled, “We hate you, sellout.” Another told Teixeira to “get out of our park.” Someone else shouted, “What does it feel like to be a corporate (prostitute)?”

Here’s the kicker: Some fans held up a sign that read, “Severna Park hates you, Tex.” Memo to these fans: Many of your brethren will find better things to do this summer than show loyalty towards your team. This once-proud organization has lost 90-plus games three consecutive seasons. Whether you were Mark Teixeira or Alvaro Espinoza coming out of retirement, you’d accept an offer to play for the Yankees, a team with a legit chance to win, wouldn’t you?

Nice job attacking Orioles fans. This from poeple that still booed Kevin Millar. Yankee fans never heckle opposing players. I don’t blame Teixeira for signing for money, the problem is the team he signed with. If really wanted to be on a team the would that would have a shot at winning every year he should have signed with the Angels or Red Sox. I am tired of hearing Yankee fans talk like the are entitled to win every year. I thought missing the playoffs would humble them. I obviously was wrong.

Eaton Makes You Full

The Baltimore Sun reports that Adam Eaton will be the 5th starter. Read Here. The O’s rotation will be 1) Guthrie 2) Uehara 3) Alfredo Simon 4) Hendrickson 5) Eaton.

Penn Has Left The Station

The Orioles have traded P Hayden Penn to the Marlins for SS Robert Andino. In his last start, Penn was awful. He gave up 6 earned runs in 3.2 innings. He went 0-3 in his starts this spring. Andino gives the Orioles a solid back-up shortstop. This move also helps determine the starting rotation. To be honest though, I still have no idea. All we know is it will be 1. Guthrie and 2. Uehara.

MASN HD

Today, the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network went High Def. The first game on the full time network was O's vs. Marlins. Unfortunately the Orioles lost 13-2 in their final game in Florida. They have one more tune-up against the Nationals on Friday in Norfolk, VA. Then it all begins.

Matt Weiters Reassigned

The Orioles have just announced that Matt Weiters will be sent to Triple-A Norfolk for the start of the season. This will give the Orioles an extra year with the catcher. He is expected to be called up before the All-Star break. Weiters has had an impressive spring and this move will get him more experience with out having to compete with Gregg Zaun. Click Here For More.

B-Rob WBC

Since replacing Dustin Pedroia, Brian Roberts has been on fire. He has been a reliable fielder making a few highlight real plays. He is getting on base and doing some damage with his legs. His offense has picked up leading off for a stacked lineup. Team USA plays Venezuela for the pool title tonight.

O’s Lose: Marlins

While the big names sat out, the Orioles lost to the Marlins 3-2 in 10 innings. There isn’t much to say about the game. The young pitchers only allowed 3 runs, but there was no run support. Matt Weiters had the lone RBI and Scott Moore scored on an error by Cameron Maybin. The O’s play the Twins on Monday.

O's Win: Nationals

The Orioles win again beating the Nationals 6-2. Adam Jones and Brian Roberts each had big days at the plate, both going 2-3. Roberts stole 2 bases while Jones stole 3. George Sherrill made his spring debut pitching 1 scoreless inning. Aubrey Huff went 1-1, walked twice and had 2 RBI. Nationals P Mike Hinckley went 2/3 of an inning allowing 4 runs, 3 earned. The O’s play the Marlins on Saturday.

O’s Win: Marlins

The Orioles beat the Marlins 5-2 thanks to strong hitting by Matt Weiters and Luke Scott. Chris Ray, Ryan Keefer and Wilfrido Perez each pitched a scoreless inning while Brian Matusz pitched 3 scoreless innings. Up next for the O’s are Danial Cabrera and the Washington Nationals at 1pm on MASN.

O's Win: Dominican Republic

The Orioles beat the Dominican Republic 6-1 thanks to solid pitching and a 3 run shot by Ty Wigginton. Koji Uehara pitched 3 scoreless innings while allowing just 2 hits. For a team that has lacked pitching, this is exiting. The Dominican teams lineup which includes Miguel Tejada, Jose Guillen and David Ortiz ain't that bad. Koji shut them down. I realize the O's aren't great, but it is spring training. I'll take the little victories.

Friday is the first televised spring training game. The O's will face the Nationals on MASN at 1pm.

O's Win

After losing to the Mets 9-3 in the first spring training game, the Orioles defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 11-3. Justin Christian, Nolan Reimold and Scott Moore each had home runs as the Orioles hammered out 14 hits. The O's used 6 pitchers, which included the return of Chris Ray. Ray's position still needs to be determined. Alberto Castillo got the win allowing 1 hit in 2 innings. Matt Albers pitched two perfect innings and had a strikeout. Koji Uehara will make his debut Friday against the Marlins.

MASN’s Spring Training TV Schedule

MASN will air six spring training games, including four Orioles contests, starting with the Orioles-Nationals game on March 6.

March 6, 1 p.m. - Nationals at Orioles

March 10, 1 p.m. - Orioles at Red Sox

March 18, 7 p.m. - Marlins at Nationals

March 25, 7 p.m. - Braves at Nationals

April 1, 1 p.m. - Marlins at Orioles (HD)

April 4, 6 p.m. - Orioles at Nationals (HD)

B-Rob To Stay

Photo courtesy the AP
Brian Roberts has signed a $40 million contract extension with the O’s. This will keep him is Charm City until 2013. After years of speculation about a trade, the Orioles will to hold on to one of ht top lead-off men in baseball. Roberts has been with the team his entire career. Its great to see a top player wants to stay on a team that hasn’t had a winning season since 1997. “My family has taught me from Day 1 — my parents, my dad certainly — the value of loyalty. The Oriole have shown that to me. I wanted to show it back.” (AP) Oriole fans appreciate loyalty and Roberts is a fan favorite. The team is heading in a great direction. The pieces for the future are in the organization.

On a side note, Why is Baltimore called Charm City? I have family from B-more, but I live closer to DC. It is a great city, but it isn’t charming.

More Koji Please

Photo courtesy Orioles.com
The more I hear about Koji Uehara, the more excited I get. The reporters down in Ft. Lauderdale seem to be in awe with him. He doesn't speak a word of english, but he can place a baseball anywhere. He adds a buzz and some excitement that can get the team more coverage. For a team that seems to be rebuilding every year, they are finally on to a path that fans can believe in. I know I keep talking about this, but the starting rotation became more clear Monday when Dave Trembley said that Rich Hill is expected to be a starter. Now we know that the Ace of the staff is Jeremy Guthrie, who was added to Team USA for the WBC. He will be followed by Koji Uehara and Rich Hill. The last 2 spots are still up for grabs.

It's Here

Today, pitchers and catchers reported to Ft. Lauderdale and opened the 2009 spring training. We will have to look closely at the pitchers to get an idea of what the bullpen and starting rotation will look like. Matt Weiters will also be fun to watch. The rest of the team reports Thursday.

Roberto Alomar In Trouble

Photo courtesy of H-NET.org
I don’t like to get into specifics about this. This story is depressing and kinda sad. He was an Oriole, so read it if you want.

It's Right Around The Corner

Spring is in the air...kinda. With this quick preview of spring like weather, I've been thinking more about baseball. Pitchers and catchers report Saturday. A few days later, the rest of the players will show up and baseball will be ready to go. Unfortunately, it is supposed to snow on Saturday. I am most excited about seeing Matt Wieters and Koji Uehara. Can Uehara adapt to the American style of the game? The ball is different and the hitters are better. Is Matt Wieters the real thing? He is the top prospect in baseball. There will be a lot of pressure on this guys shoulder. The weight of 11 years of losing, leading the team out of the steroid era. It is time to forget Miguel Tejada, Sidney Ponson, Raphael Palmeiro, Daniel Cabrera, Jay Gibbons, and all the other issues that this team has faced. The youth movement is strong and the future is bright. This is my preseason optimism that usually is gone by June. Hopefully this year, it will turn into an ordinary feeling. Hopefully losing will be a thing of the past. Lets Go O's!

Oh Boy A-Rod

SI.com reports that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for an anabolic steroid and testosterone in 2003. Read Article Here. If anything, this provides more material for opening day when the Yankees come to Baltimore. Even though I don't like A-Rod, I don't think any punishment should be issued. If this report is true, there were 104 other players tested positive. It was also legal to use steroids when this happened. If he is clean now, lets just move on and be happy that baseball is clean now (maybe because of this test). Unfortunately, there is this company named ESPN, who can't help themselves and kill a story. This is a nice filler until Brett Favre decides on retirement or when TO starts talking again. Unless something big comes out of this, I won't talk about it again.

I Hate Comcast

This isn't Orioles related, but I hate Comcast. They need to boost their HD programing NOW! I pay extra for the sports package so I can get The NFL Network and Speed. I get NFL Network HD, but not Speed HD, Why? Speed HD is offered less than 20 miles away in Fairfax County, Virginia and Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Now as the NASCAR season starts, I want my HD. I called Comcast to find out and my answer was that, "I deal with Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, Howard County, and Washington DC. They don't offer this HD channel." He goes on to tell me what HDTV is, "There are two channels, they are the same [programing], the HD channel is just better picture." No really! I had no clue. I inform him that Speed is an HD channel carried in other Comcast markets. He got real quiet and shoved me off the phone. Wow! I would switch, but Verizon Fios hasn't been installed in my area yet and it is expensive to switch to Dish Network or Direct TV.

Quietly Busy

Photo courtesy FOXSPORTS.com
Today the Orioles made another move by agreeing to a 2 year contract with Ty Wigginton. Wigginton adds depth to the bench and a strong bat. Though Luke Scott is the DH, Ty will probably get some time at the position. This move also gives security behind Felix Pie. If Pie is having issues, Scott and Wigginton are both strong back-ups.

Yesterday, the O’s traded for Rich Hill. The starting rotation is taking shape. I think the rotation will look like this:

1) Guthrie
2) Uehara
3) Hendrickson
4) Hill
5) Waters/ Penn/ Liz or maybe someone else

For the first time in a while, I am optimistic about the starters. The O’s big problem has been pitching and Andy MacPhail seems to have addressed it. Quietly, the Orioles are having a busy offseason. No big names, but the moves have addressed issues.

O’s Make A Trade With The Cubs... Again

Photo courtesy MLB.com
The Orioles and the Cubs have made another trade. This time the Cubs will send lefty Rich Hill to the Birds in exchange for a player to be named later. Hill should fill a space in the back of the starting rotation.

Whats Up With Millar?

Well, it looks like the O’s won’t “Cowboy Up” this season. The Orioles have made the decision not to extend Kevin Millar’s tenure in Baltimore. Read Peter Schmucks Blog

Roberts To Stay?

Many reports, including Orioles.com and the Baltimore Sun report that Brian Roberts wants t stay in Baltimore and the Orioles want him to stay an Oriole. All that doesn’t matter if they can’t agree on a contract.

Markakis Gets Paid

Photo courtesy of MLB.com
On Monday, the Orioles and RF Nick Markakis agreed to a 6 year extension worth $66 million. Markakis will be an Oriole until 2014. Now that the one of the cornerstones of the team is in place, it is time to focus on the other guys. On Tuesday, the O’s agreed to a one year contract with Luke Scott. The deal is worth $2.4 million. All-Star Closer George Sherrill is the only guy left.

Before we know it, Spring Training will start. I’m tired of saying this, but the Orioles need pitching. It is aways been the teams problem. Unless the team addresses the pitching, I will have no confidence in them doing anything this season.

Offseason Update

The Orioles have made a few offseason moves to prepare for next season and beyond. The first move the O’s made, was trading Ramon Hernandez to Cincinnati for Ryan Freel. This move is the one that clears the way for Matt “Our Savior” Weiters. The next move was signing a consistent shortstop. That man is Cesar Izturis from St. Louis. The next step was improving the rotation. Mark Hendrickson and Koji Uehara join Jeremy Guthrie as pitchers. They also agreed to a one year contract with Chris Ray. Today, they signed Gregg Zaun to a one year deal. He will start at catcher until the team calls up Weiters.

Forget Him

The Yankees introduced Mark Teixeira to the world. In is speech, he said he was a Yankee fan as a kid. That means, the Orioles had no shot at him. So what if he grew up here, he wasn't a fan. It is a great thing that the Yankees have him. He is now one of the most hated men in Baltimore. I could care less about this. The Orioles weren't in a position to sign a player with his price. It still surprising that he wasn't an O's fan.

Who is Koji Uehara?

Who is Koji Uehara? Uehara is a 33 year old, right handed pitcher from Neyagawa, Osaka, Japan. He was drafted by the Yomiuri Giants in 1998.