Well, the weather held off for the O’s and M’s last night, but we Birdlanders were left wishing that it didn’t. The only thing raining down in Camden Yards last night were Mariners runs. It doesn’t look like the weather will threaten either of the remaining games of the series, so here’s to our Birds taking the next two and finishing this home stand on a high note.
Crank up the Linkin’ Park (which I’ve actually been doing lately):
Linkin Park's Hybrid Theory is a top-10 album of the 00's. Don't @ me.
— D.Baby, on a boat (@BMoreBirdsNest) May 16, 2016
A Lasting Handshake: Machado, Schoop Take Unique Path to Majors
We all know that Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop are adorable besties, with a BrO’mance for the ages.
But how did they get that way? Dan Connolly talks to them about their friendship for Press Box, detailing how it all started back in Sarasota in 2011 with them both competing for the same position. Some great quotes from both players in this piece, and readers really get a sense for what their competitive and fiery friendship is like.
Looking at Chris Davis’ Two Big Adjustments
In his weekly guest column at MASN, Camden Depot’s Ryan Romano details how Chris Davis has made two big adjustments at the plate – walking more and hitting the ball to the opposite field again – which should give O’s fans the warm & fuzzies. For a guy to still be willing to adjust, instead of just saying “well, the old way made me rich, so I’m sticking with that,” is a testament to both Davis and the Orioles coaching staff. Let’s hope the changes stick.
Has Manny Machado Entered the Conversation as the Best Player in Baseball?
Well, of course he has, and he had done so before he moved to shortstop – temporarily or not. While I’m personally still not sure how I feel about moving the best third baseman in the league to a different position, the statheads continue to tell us that Manny is more “valuable” as a shortstop. I’ll listen to that argument; I’m just not sure how convinced I am at this point. Numberfire’s John Stolnis says that Manny deserves to enter the best-player-in-baseball conversation if he can “stick at shortstop without hurting his team defensively,” which is quite the sillier qualifier for a few reasons, if you ask me.
Brian Matusz’s Struggles Against Lefties Compounded vs. Seattle
Hey, Brian Matusz was on the mound again last night and boy was it fun (not fun)! Matusz, who I’d taken to labeling a “Motivational Tosser” for his ability to make the pitcher currently on the mound quickly get it together whenever he was warming up in the bullpen, apparently didn’t have that effect on Ubaldo Jimenez last night – unfortunately for Ubaldo and O’s fans everywhere. Brian gave up a home run to the first batter he faced – on an 0-2 count no less – left-hander Kyle Seager. Basically every lefty Matsuz faced last night (and so far this year) got on base, so that’s not quite ideal for a LOOGY. The Sun’s Eduardo Encina details Brian’s struggles to do his one job, and why his contract status has the Birds between a rock and a hard place. You may want to avert your eyes.
Forget Tuesday, I’m Still Bitter About Sunday’s Game
The last two games have left a nasty taste in the mouths of O’s fans, but Matt Taylor of Roar from 34 is still seething over Sunday a bit too much to even notice Tuesday. Our de facto Orioles history professor takes us in his Way Back Machine to 2011 (and further), and when we come back to the present, damn do we appreciate this iteration of the Baltimore bullpen. Thanks, Matt.
And in Ravens news…
Talking Baltimore Sports with Local Icons
RSR/ESR Editor-in-Chief Tony Lombardi recently sat down with some Baltimore “media members” to talk local sports. All your favorites joined in, from Deuece Stunningham to Chappy Chester and even newcomer Jason LaCostanza. A light-hearted ribbing of Charm City sports personalities.
