How very Orioles – throw two shutouts on the same day for the first time since 1974, then back it up by allowing 16 runs over the next two games.
Sigh.
Let’s just hit the links.
Ubaldo Jimenez Proving his Worth
Plot twist – Ubaldo Jimenez is the Orioles’ best pitcher. Didn’t see that one coming, did you? Ubaldo was masterful against Cleveland on Sunday, and FanGraphs’ Craig Edwards looks at how he’s turned things around this year (mainly by keeping the ball down and avoiding three-ball counts). When Jimenez is consistently getting strike one, he’s a joy to watch.
O’s Succeeding Despite Sunk Payroll on Poor Performers
A year ago, the aforementioned Jimenez would have been public enemy number one on this list. This year though, the offseason’s wasted money went to guys like Alejandro De Aza, Everth Cabrera, Bud Norris, and others. Camden Chat’s Steve Damerell explores the fact that the O’s are winning even though about 20% of their payroll is tied up in junk.
Baltimorons Episode 125 – The Drought
Hey, the BMorons are back! Alan and Sam are finally back, and Sam explains the reason for the long layoff (which is legit, and awesome for him). The guys talk with Deadspin’s Dave McKenna (who was once sued for libel by Dan Snyder) about Peter Angelos, and offer up some Shakespearian comfort on Dylan Bundy’s latest issues. (Listening time: 35 minutes)
Section 336 Daily – Wednesday, July 1
The Zany Bert Rode comes at us from Disney World (hey, there’s something different) to talk about the Birds’ struggles in the first two games against Texas. He also calls me “vivacious,” so I’d better look that word up…
“happy and lively in a way that is attractive”
Dawww, thanks, Bert! (Listening time: 3 minutes, 36 seconds)
L.J. Hoes May be Returning to Baltimore
Ray Mileur of Baseball Essential says that the O’s are one of several teams reported to be interested in L.J. Hoes, who is being aggressively shopped by Houston. While we already have a logjam of outfielders here in Baltimore, Hoes would at least offer more flexibility than current guys like Nolan Reimold, Delmon Young, and others. However, I definitely wouldn’t want to see the Birds give up anything of substance for the guy they once traded away for Bud Norris.
