The O’s just keep on rollin’, winning their fifth in a row last night in Toronto on the back of yet another come-from-behind victory. Here’s hoping they can get Kevin Gausman his first win of the season tonight and guarantee themselves at least a split in the four-game set. To six in a row!
And now, to the links…
Meet Brad Brach, Baseball’s Most Underrated Reliever
ESPN’s Eddie Matz starts us off today with a great profile of Brad Brach. He has quotes from Brach himself, Darren O’Day (who says that Brach is the most valuable member of the bullpen), and Buck Showalter (who isn’t happy with how much he’s used Brach already this year). A great piece on a great pitcher’s great story.
Also, I’m not sorry for this:
Hearing from Rajsich and Sedlock After Day 1 of the Draft
Yesterday was Day 1 of this year’s MLB draft, and the O’s went with three college pitchers, Cody Sedlock, Keegan Akin, and Matthias Dietz. I won’t pretend to know a thing about any of them; rather, I’ll direct you to Roch’s column today, in which he speaks with O’s Director of Scouting Gary Rajsich about them.
Dear @Orioles,
You got a good one. #MLBDraft #Illini https://t.co/8sKnLyRCrP
— Illinois Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) June 10, 2016
For the second time this season, O’s fans are telling ourselves that Adam Jones’ season-long slump is finally coming to an end. There was, of course, that blip in and around the series in Minnesota in May, but then he fell off again. As Camden Depot’s Joe Wantz points out, though, Jones has looked much better since moving into the leadoff spot. While it’s weird seeing him there, if it ain’t broke, Buck shouldn’t fix it, so here’s to AJ’s continued increased production.
Today in O’s History: Bowl of Fruit Loops Runneth Over
O’s fans of a certain age (read: old) will fondly remember Mickey Tettleton and the legend of the Fruit Loops. From the powers he supposedly derived from the sugary cereal (:ahem:) to his batting stance that remains the only one I’ve seen where the hitter actually flexes DURING the pitcher’s windup, Tettleton remains a local hero to many. Matt Taylor of Roar from 34 reminds us about “The Mick” 27 years to the day after he smashed two homers in a 7-1 Birds win.
And in Ravens news…
Ranking Ravens’ Rookies Impact Potential
Which Ravens rookies have the best chance of stepping in and helping the team immediately in year one? Of course we’re all counting on Ronnie Stanley, but how about after him? RSR’s Kyle Casey ranks them from one through eleven.
