Orioles Come Up Big

Several Orioles came up huge last night. None of them more so than Matt Wieters. The big catcher set the tone tonight and the Orioles never looked back. Way back in the top of the 1st, Wieters hit an RBI single with two outs to put the Orioles up 1-0. The single broke an 0-22 streak with RISP for the O's recently (I am convinced Reynolds had half of those at bats). He also called a terrific game behind the plate. The Orioles pitchers combined for a shutout under Wieters direction. Finally, Wieters decided to be a speed demon last night, stealing two bases. The steals were Wieters 2nd and 3rd of the season. He now has 4 steals for his career.

So about that pitching staff....They threw a shutout, so who do you think the starter was? That's right, it was Wei Yin Chen. The team's most consistent starter continues to dominate opponents. He threw seven brilliant innings and only gave up 5 hits. Chen only had 4 strikeouts, but who cares? A shutout is a shutout. His ERA dropped to 3.46, and his record improved to (10-6). A tremendous performance for him. The last two innings were handled by Johnson and Strop, enough said.

Nick Markakis continues to excel in his leadoff role as well. Markakis got the Orioles started last night getting on base early. He was the person who scored on Wieters hit in the 1st. Markakis scored twice and drove in one yesterday. He went 1-3 for the game and rose his average to .289.

Chris Davis was the only Oriole with multiple RBIs (2) as he went 2-5. Hardy also collected 2 hits for the Orioles. Hardy seems to be swinging the bat better lately too.

Finally, the Orioles made a huge roster move yesterday. They designated Endy Chavez for assignment, and brought up Nate McLouth. McLouth also made his Oriole debut last night and played left field. He went 2-4 with a double and scored a run in his debut. What a wonderful debut for McLouth. Welcome aboard!

-Noland

40 Man Roster Moves Coming in Baltimore

My beloved Baltimore Orioles are holding strong on that second wild card spot right now. These guys are holding off some tough competition in the AL currently and don't have much cushion. They also have withstood an injury to their most patient and perhaps best hitter Nick Markakis. Unlike many other hitters on this team, Markakis is consistent and can find ways to produce when he is struggling. We were in 1st place until he went out with a broken hamate bone. Well guess what?...

He's back! Markakis was activated from the disabled list a couple of days ago and Joe Mahoney was optioned to AAA Norfolk. It sure is going to be good to see this guy back in the lineup. During a game this past week on his rehab assignment, Markakis hit 2 home runs! We sorely need Markakis back in the lineup if we want to make a playoff push.

He will not be the only person returning tomorrow when the Orioles return to action though. We also have Taylor Teagarden and Endy Chavez possibly returning to the lineup. Now, Teagarden I am excited about. He is a catch and throw guy and a good defensive catcher. Teagarden should call a good game and help the pitching staff. That is something that Ronny Paulino couldn't do to save his life. Paulino was so bad, that Wieters caught a lot of day/night double headers which is not good for him. If we are going to make a run, we need a fresh Wieters, which means we need a catcher that can be solid behind the plate. Paulino was swinging a decent stick though, so maybe we can get something in a trade.

Chavez is a different story. He was supposed to bring us a great glove in the outfield, but he wasn't much better than Reimold in the field and he was awful at the plate. What should we do with this guy? Is it time to cut bait? I would hate for Chavez to get Avery's at bats, and don't see any advantage he brings over the X-Man. The only thing I can think of is that it gives the X-Man more time to develop. I actually like bringing up Hoes for left and platooning him and X. That could be just what we need out there. Of course we may have to get rid of Reynolds and/or Betemit to pull that off, but I am ok with that. If we want to make a run, then lets put an actual baseball team on the field. No more worthless fielders in the field. Fix the defense, stop giving up easy runs and see what happens. I think the pitching staff will be happy if that move is made.

As for the trade deadline, I will have more on that soon. As much as I want to see a big deal like Grienke, I don't want to give up the farm. I would be more impressed if Duquette found a taker for Reynolds, Chavez, Betemit, Gregg, and Paulino. Unlikely, but possible.

-Noland

Jim Johnson Bounces Back

Orioles closer Jim Johnson has bounced back and picked up his 18th save of the season. This happened Orioles beat the Red Sox again last night and remained in 1st place. Johnson, had blown a save the previous game, but managed to win that game and pick up the save in this one. All Star?

The Orioles won 2-1 behind Johnson's performance. That means that other pitchers were very very good. Leading this charge was Pedro Strop. Strop picked up his 11th hold and lowered his ERA to 1.23. All Star?

Additionally, Wei Yin Chen had a quality start. Actually, a brilliant start. Chen only gave up 1 run in 7 innings of work. Chen is now 5-2 and lowered his ERA to 3.49 in the process. He is one of the few bright spots in the rotation. Hopefully, he keeps having outings like this.

Only a couple of Orioles had hits, but they had enough. The Orioles had 5 hits, including RBIs from Robert Andino and Endy Chavez. The runs were scored by Betemit and Flaherty. I keep saying let's see what the Flaherty kid can do with regular playing time. We have 2 outfielders and Brob out, and he should play everyday at least until Brob gets back. I'll take whatever I can get out of Chavez too, but I wouldn't lead him off. Let's see if the birds can keep up this momentum for the time being.

-Noland

Johnson Blows Save, but Orioles Still Win

Jim Johnson picked up the win in the 10th inning after blowing the save in the 9th and the Orioles defeated the Red Sox 8-6 on extras last night. It says a lot about Jim Johnson that he asked for the ball in the 10th after blowing the lead. He shut down the Sox in the 10th and helped preserve the victory.

The rest of the pitching was pretty darn good. Jason Hammel gave the Orioles five innings, which could be better, but during those 5 innings he only gave up 1 earned run. With the Orioles struggles in the rotation lately, it would be hard to believe Hammel's ERA. Hammel is pitching to a 2.97 ERA this season. If the Orioles are in 1st place at the break, then Hammel stands a pretty good shot at making the All-Star team after pitching like he has. This guy has to be near or maybe even at the top of the list for pleasant surprises this season. Unbelievable.

Ayala and Strop did their thing combining for 1 2/3 of scoreless baseball. Strop earned his 10th hold and Ayala his 6th. I continue to be amazed that we got Strop for Mike Gonzalez. Pedro Strop may just be the best pitcher we have on the roster.

Obviously, with an 8-6 victory you would expect to hear more about the hitting than the pitching though. The Orioles bats were on point last night. Every Oriole except Steve Tolleson that played last night got a hit. That included Ryan Flaherty who only got one at bat. Why Tolleson is playing over Flaherty is beyond me. Flaherty can actually contribute to this team's future and if we are going to keep him on the roster with so many people out, we might as well let him play. The way Tolleson is playing we might as well.

The top hitter last night may come as a surprise. Endy Chavez went 3-5 in the game with an RBI and 2 runs scored. New OF Steve Pearce was 1-3 with 2 RBIs. Pearce also had a high quality defensive play off the green monster that drew rave reviews from the coaching staff.

Robert Andino, Matt Wieters, and JJ Hardy had two hits apiece. Andino scored twice and leadoff for the Orioles. Wieters in Hardy each drove in a run and Wieters scored. Matt Wieters hit a double and JJ Hardy hit a triple. These were the only extra base hits on the night. Let's hope the O's get more timely hits tonight against the BoSox.

-Noland

Orioles Defeat Rays, Back in 1st (I WAS THERE!!!)

One of my good friends from work hooked us up with some sweet seats today for the Orioles-Rays game. These seats were just 7 rows back down the 1st base side. Needless to say, my wife and I had a blast. This may have been the best seats I have had for a baseball game I have been to, so I was pumped. Given Tropicana Field is not as classy as Camden Yards, but it is a decent little stadium. We could basically reach out and touch the players too which is always awesome. Just a great outing for us.

These pictures are live close up shots from the wife's Iphone.

We got to the game right as it was starting, which I guess you can say perfect timing. The game itself was fantastic also. The Orioles snapped their rough 6 game losing streak and are once again tied with the Rays for 1st. Brian Matusz was the biggest reason for their success. He only gave up one run in his brilliant 7 1/3 innings of work. Matusz probably would have gotten through 8 if it wasn't for horrible defense from a certain infielder, but we will get to that later.

The best part of the game had to be Chavez's homer. The homer was just so exciting because it was completely unexpected. I mean who expects Endy Chavez to go yard. A close second was seeing Robert Andino hit. Andino was 0-3, but the wife and I are big fans of his and the way he carries himself. This guy is awesome.

We also loved seeing the bullpen guys pitch. Seeing Jim Johnson pick up his 17th save was awesome. Another amazing sight was the power that is in Pedro Strop's arm. Strop hit 99, 99, 99 on three straight pitches. That was impressive. That double play ball he induced after inheriting Matusz's runners was awesome. Strop is extremely impressive to see live I must say. This is now the 3rd time Jenna and I have seen it and we hope we are able to see this guy pitch for many years to come.

Just an absolutely fantastic game other than one thing. Mark Reynolds has got to go. He is dead weight he offers this team nothing. The error nearly blew an amazing performance by Matusz. This guy simply cannot play the field anywhere if he has to stay. I'd prefer we'd find any taker possible, but if we have to keep him, then he has to be DH. I hope he isn't there when I see the Orioles play the Nats in a few weeks live.

-Noland

More Oriole Roster Moves

The Baltimore Orioles are now in a tie with the Tampa Bay Rays for 1st place in the AL East. This is partially because Tommy Hunter has been awful lately to lose the Orioles the best record in baseball. During his last start he couldn't get past the 4th inning. Because of his poor pitching, the Orioles optioned Hunter today. It is the 2nd time this season that Hunter has been optioned. The first time Hunter was optioned he didn't actually go to Norfolk because another player went on the DL so he was recalled. This time he is going down and there is no telling how long he will be down there.

Recalled in Hunter's place is Miguel Gonzalez. The pitcher was not on the Orioles 40 man roster, but with the roster at 39, Gonzalez was simply added. He signed with the Orioles as a minor league free agent February 28th. Last year he was with the Red Sox pitching in Single A, Double A, and Triple A. Through 5 minor league seasons Gonzalez was 18-22 with a 3.92 ERA. This season though Gonzalez has been much better pitching to a 2-1 record with one save and a 1.50 ERA. He was as deserving as anybody of a promotion.

In addition to that, Endy Chavez is on his way back off the disabled list. Unfortunately, for Xavier Avery, that means Avery is on his way out. Avery started out amazingly with the birds, but has cooled as of late. He is in a 3-30 slump and was 0-3 with 3 strikeouts last night. If you asked me last week if I would be upset with Avery being sent out I would have said yes. However, now I say that since Chavez is back it is ok. Probably better for Avery to get the extra work at Norfolk. If Reimold is done for the year though, I would not keep Avery down for too long.

-Noland

Lots of Orioles News

The game was postponed last night. Before the postponement, Endy Chavez had sore muscles and couldn't play. It now appears Chavez is headed to the DL and Tommy Hunter is coming up for the 2nd game of the double header. The Orioles are allowed 26 players on the roster for a double header, but a player has to go on the DL for Tommy Hunter to be recalled at this time. This is because Hunter was just sent down and has not been in the minors for the required 10 days. Because they are allowed 26 players today, an additional roster move is likely coming.

Also before the rain delay, Zach Phillips was optioned. He was optioned to make room for Steve Tolleson who was coming up due to the Chavez injury. I would have gone with Xavier Avery, but I understand this move. To make room for Tolleson on the 40 man roster, the Orioles moved catcher Taylor Teagarden to the 60 day DL. This seems like another interesting move to choose Teagarden over Roberts. It must mean that Roberts is closer to playing than Teagarden. Tolleson is not really an outfielder so this again is a curious move that Tolleson was brought up. It is unclear who will play left field with the Chavez injury.

Last night, Ryan Flaherty was in the lineup as the left fielder. Of course, the game never happened, but perhaps Flaherty is the guy that Showalter will choose in the absence of Chavez and Reimold. The guy sure does give you options. We also learned that Ryan Flaherty is the emergency catcher.

Jason Hammel was also skipped yesterday due to his own injury concerns. Let's hope that it isn't anything serious, because Jason Hammel has been our best starter. Hammel likely will not make the start this time around the rotation. Which leads to the final bit of news.

We still have no idea who will start Friday. Will Hammel be ready by then? Do we call up Eveland? Bergessen? Tillman? It sure will be interesting to watch.

Here is the current active 25 man roster just so you can follow along. More moves will be coming.

OF Adam Jones

OF Nick Markakis

IF Steve Tolleson

IF Mark Reynolds

IF Nick Johnson

IF JJ Hardy

IF Robert Andino

IF Ryan Flaherty

IF Chris Davis

IF Wilson Betemit

C Matt Wieters

C Luis Exposito

P Pedro Strop

P Tommy Hunter

P Stuart Pomeranz

P Troy Patton

P Darren O'Day

P Brian Matusz

P Matt Lindstrom

P Jim Johnson

P Jason Hammel

P Kevin Gregg

P Wei Yin Chen

P Luis Ayala

P Jake Arrieta

-Noland

Showalter Ejected, but O's Win

Buck Showalter was ejected in the 6th inning and the Orioles responded with a win. The birds won in the 10th inning following the ejection. Guess why Showalter was ejected? He was ejected protecting Nick Markakis who was upset with a strike call. How does Markakis respond? The right fielder ended his RBI drought and got all three Oriole RBIs for the game. That'll do, that'll do. Nick Markakis is up to 8 RBIs on the young season.

Wei Yei Chen was brillant on the bump today for the O's, but ended up with a no decision. Chen gave up 1 run in 6 1/3 innings. Only giving up one run in six innings to that lineup is a job well done. Darren O'Day had another great outing and is looking like a better pickup by the day. O'Day lowered his ERA to 1.17 today, not bad for a guy we got for free.

The amazing pitching didn't end with Chen and O'Day either. After Strop gave up a run, Jim Johnson came in and did what Jim Johnson does. Johnson saved his seventh game. He is now 7 for 7 on save attempts. If he keeps this up the O's will have multiple all-stars for the first time in a long time.

There are a few more interesting notes from this game. Nolan Reimold had to sit out again with neck spasms. Endy Chavez had his best game of the young season today and scored a key run while playing fantastic defense in Reimold's place. Check out Roch's piece on Chavez. Ronny Paulino got the start for Wieters as the best catcher in baseball got the day off, or so we thought. Wieters pinch hit for Paulino and got a key hit at a crucial time in the game. Robert Andino also had another fantastic game, going 2 for 3 and scoring 2 runs. One of the runs Andino scored was the winning run and he is now hitting .316. Time to smile O's fans.

-Noland

Orioles Lose, Drop From 1st to 3rd

Is this where the slide begins? The Orioles were riding high early this season and now they look like the typical Orioles teams with no life. They also have the key injuries that fit all Oriole teams. Brian Roberts is still hurt for the what seems like the 5th straight season. I believe it is the 3rd straight season though with Roberts' injuries. Robert Andino has been having a solid year though so that one hasn't hurt the O's too bad. Nolan Reimold has been an animal with the bat this season, but he was out of the lineup last night due to neck spasms. Reimold is our replacement leadoff hitter, he was hitting .370 with 5 home runs. If Reimold is out for any serious length of time, it is big time trouble. Speaking of neck problems, Tsuyoshi Wada was shut down yesterday for neck spasms. Guess we will not see him anytime soon.

Now for the actual game. Jake Arrieta has been outstanding this season and started outstanding again last night. Unfortunately, for Jake he got rocked in the 5th inning. I for one am not gonna hang this one on Jake because of one bad inning. If we hadn't been playing the Angels we still may have pulled it out.

Hard to pull it out though when your offense has no life. Nick Johnson once again went hitless and is still at .000. How long do we remain patient with Johnson? Reimold's replacement Endy Chavez led off and went 0 for 4. He will get a longer rope than Johnson, but hitting .125 just doesn't cut it. JJ Hardy was also 0 for 4. My least favorite Oriole besides Kevin Gregg (Mark Reynolds) went 0 for 3. Just a punchless night from the offense.

There are some positives from last night though.
1) The Orioles found a taker for Josh Bell, more on that trade later
2) Matt Wieters hit his 5th home run
3) Adam Jones was 2 for 4 and is now hitting .311
4) Matt Lindstrom had another scoreless outing

That's it though. Maybe next time.

-Noland