As we look out at yet another fresh coat of snow on the ground here in Baltimore, hoping that it will be our last for about nine months or so, a glance at the Birds’ box scores over the last two days does very little to warm our chilly orange hearts. After Ubaldo Jimenez gave up six runs in the first inning on Wednesday (while recording just one out), Miguel Gonzalez was equally awful on Thursday, allowing seven runs in 1.1 innings pitched. Yikes.
The good news about the fresh powder outside our windows is that it’s a sure sign that the games do not yet count – not even close. So, let’s not panic too much just yet. Vance Worley is on the bump today against the Blue Jays.
To the links…
Two Ways Kevin Gausman Fulfills Projected Breakout
Speaking of pitching, much of the O’s hopes this year rest on the right arm of Kevin Gausman. It’s time for Kevin to become a bonafide top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher in MLB, and Nick Cicere of Baseball Essential lays out the changes Gausman needs to make to that end. Cicere names taking control of the outer half of the plate (I’ve never noticed his reliance on the inner half, but sure) and using his fastball less (YESSSSS! – remember when Matt Wieters would call for like 75 consecutive fastballs from Kev last season? Infuriating.)
Orioles’ Slow Start to Spring Training
The first few games down in the Sunshine State have left much to be desired if you’re an Orioles fan. Nate Wardle of the Baltimore Wire runs down the series of unfortunate events thus far.
Kim’s Hitless, but Showalter Doesn’t Fret
Na nah nanana, NO HITS YET! Hyun-soo Kim doesn’t have a hit in Florida yet, going 0 for his first nine in Grapefruit League play. Is Buck worried? Not at all, according to CSN Mid Atlantic’s Rich Dubroff.
Jimmy Paredes’ Injury Continues Orioles’ Right Field Woes
Jimmy Paredes sprained his wrist yesterday diving for a ball. While it could have been worse, he’s not sure how long he’ll be out. Eddie Matz of ESPN says that it’s just the latest in the ongoing drama that is the Orioles’ right field position. Not that any of us had Hittin’ Jimmy penciled in as a right fielder – or a fielder of any kind, for that matter.
Is Manny Machado Up Next for Long-Term Contract?
We can dream, can’t we Mr. Melewski? We can dream…
