This weather, man. Anybody else getting the urge to start a grunge band? The good news, as relates to the O’s, is that it looks like things should clear up a bit by this evening, so the game shouldn’t be in jeopardy of another delay or postponement. Let’s get to the O’s links on yet another dreary and wet day in Charm City.
Manny Machado Continues to Grow as Offensive Force, Now at Shortstop
Jay Jaffe of Sports Illustrated writes about SuperMan-ny Machado and how awesome he has been this season, also discussing a bit of how his move to shortstop could affect things down the line, should it end up being more permanent than we realize. Baltimore fans love to complain about not getting any national respect – well, Manny is getting it in gobs right now, so eat it up.
A Closer Look at Joey Rickard’s Defense
Over at Camden Depot, Matt Kremnitzer tries to figure out why the speedy Joey Rickard’s glove has been so “underwhelming” with GIFs aplenty. He concludes that Joey may still be getting better or acclimating himself out there, but we still have to see more to know for sure. Fortunately on that front, he still seems to be an everyday player in Buck’s mind.
20% of the Season in the Books
The Birds have played 1/5 of the 2016 season (or they had after Wednesday’s game), and Chris Stoner of Baltimore Sports and Life takes a look at how some of his preseason assumptions have played out so far. A good long read, so get comfortable.
Jimmy Paredes is Stuck in Baseball Purgatory
Remember Hittin’ Jimmy Paredes? Or perhaps you remember him as the less-productive version of himself, Swingin’ Jimmy Paredes. Every time I see his name, I have the same reaction: “Oh yeahhhhh, him.” He’s a man without a home right now, as the O’s really have nowhere to put him, and no need for another bat like his. Connor Guercio of Baltimore Sports Report gives us an update on Paredes in the minors, and runs through the O’s list of options, none of which are very appealing, for ol’ Jimmy.
Showalter Speaks After 7-5 Win
The Detroit Tigers bullpen, man. The gift that just keeps on giving. And giving. And giving…
After the O’s came back to win last night, Buck Showalter praised his own ‘pen, whose performance included Darren O’Day getting through the meat of the Tigers order while surrendering only a walk after the Birds’ big 7th inning. Roch has those, and all the rest, of the Buck-isms from last night’s presser.
That’s it for today, Birdland. Maybe we’ll see the big bright thing in the sky at some point this weekend. I won’t be holding my breath. Here’s to taking at least two more at the Yard from Detroit, anyhow.
