Yesterday was a change from what we’ve come to expect from the Orioles. They usually do a good job of attacking good pitchers and let the bad and inexperienced ones get the best of them.
This certainly wasn’t the case yesterday. After getting mowed down by Chris Sale in the early game, the Orioles turned it around and took the second leg of yesterday’s single admission double header. While Sale made the O’s bats look silly, at least they took care of business against the rookie, Chris Beck. If you count the no attendance game back on May 1st, the Orioles won the series.
Let’s get to the links.
Eduardo Rodriguez proved he was worth the wait
Of course. The prospect who the Orioles gave up to get Andrew Miller for the postseason run last year made his first start last night. He was very, very good, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. He went 7 2/3 scoreless and allowed just 3 hits. Although it’s tough to watch him succeed with the Red Sox of all teams, it was the right move for the Orioles last year. They got a pitcher who was an enormous part of their late and postseason success. LINK
The Expanded Strike Zone: It’s Baaaack…
Jon Roegele of Hardball Times takes a look at the strikezone that started off small at the beginning of the year but has begun to expand as the season has moved along. It is moving downward and umpires are starting to call the breaking pitches that hit the catcher’s glove just above the ground but move across the plate at the knees. LINK
Another day brings another roster move
Roch Kubatko goes through the list of options for the Orioles as they prepare to play their third game in two days. The team used seven relievers yesterday, so they will need another option for tonight. The big question is who will it be? McFarland can’t replace anyone unless the player is injured. If Stevie Johnson comes up, he will have to stay here permanently because he is out of options. Roch also ponders whether Adam Jones’ ankle will bother him today. LINK
Previewing the First-Year Player Draft with O’s scouting director Gary Rajsich
Steve Melewski asks Gary Rajsich some questions about the upcoming player draft. Gary gives some great insight into the draft’s strengths and weaknesses, how deep the talent pool is, and whether they are any players whom Gary doesn’t expect to reach the Orioles at the 25th pick. LINK
Orioles vs. Rays: Series Preview
Charlie Bacon of Camden Chat gives a game-by-game preview of the upcoming series at home vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. On the third anniversary of his first start, Miguel Gonzalez will look to deflate his ERA which has ballooned a full point in his last two starts. Charlie also makes not of how the errors have seemed to slow down a lot lately. LINK
The Orioles Were Right Not to Re-Sign Cruz
This was a popular topic in the offseason. Matt Kremnitzer, guest blogger at Camden Depot, points out that it is still a good decision for the Orioles not to bring back Nelson Cruz on a 4-year deal. Matt details how Cruz’s scouting report has him as a 50 hitter with 70 power but he’s hitting like he is an 80 hitter with 80 power, meaning fans shouldn’t expect Cruz to hit like he has been for much longer. LINK
