Roster Moves and Mascot Analysis

The Orioles made several roster moves today following the 17 inning marathon yesterday. As expected, Stu Pomeranz came up north, but he wasn't alone. One of my favorites, Jason Berken, also came up north. An expected move happened in Wada being placed on the 60 day DL to make room for Pomeranz on the 40. However, that was the only expected move. Hunter was sent down to Norfolk to give Berken a shot at coming up. Berken will likely get the start Friday if he is not needed before then. If he is needed, than another roster move will need to be made by Friday. Additionally, Exposito was not sent out for Pomeranz, but Ronny Paulino. I don't think anyone saw Paulino getting sent down. This is wild.

If you wanted a look at the mascot analysis for the Baltimore Orioles, my cousin Adam found this picture featuring it. This is interesting stuff.

That is pure craziness. In another wild story, Brandon Snyder is starting at 3rd base for the Rangers and has 2 RBIs tonight. Would you rather have this guy than Nick Johnson? Mark Reynolds? Crazy game this baseball.

-Noland

Who Has The Best Record in Baseball?

It would be the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles are 19-9 behind the best bullpen in baseball. A bullpen that got a boost yesterday from their DH. Say What? Yes, designated hitter Chris Davis came in from his DH spot to pitch the 16th and 17th innings yesterday. Oh, and he pitched those innings without giving up a run. What an unexpected pleasant surprise. The bullpen did terrific again yesterday, but they are battered from their sweep of the Red Sox. This sweep included multiple extra inning games. Everyone in the bullpen is taxed so a move had to be made.

P Stu Pomeranz is headed to Baltimore from Norfolk. Pomeranz has given up two runs this season, but more importantly for the O's he hasn't pitched since Friday. They need a fresh arm down there. Pomeranz is not on the 40 man roster though so a corresponding roster move must be made. The expectation is that Wada will be transferred to the 60 day DL clearing a spot for Pomeranz. Luis Exposito is expected to be sent down to Norfolk to clear a spot on the big league club. Stu, this bullpen needs innings and is pitching pretty amazing. Let's keep this going. For those wondering, Stu Pomeranz was signed to a minor league contract in spring training. These depth moves pay off.

-Noland

Orioles Beat Red Sox in 13

Last night, the Orioles played the Red Sox in a wild 13 inning game. However, the Orioles did score 2 in the 13th to win 6-4. The Orioles had a big lineup shuffle last night to accompany the victory. Robert Andino led off the game and went 1 for 4. Andino's average now sits at .337 which is best on the team. Wieters went 2 for 4 as the DH and managed to hit a triple. The ball must have been hit really hard for Wieters to leg out a triple. The normal Orioles catcher also scored 2 runs. Wilson Betemit was in left last night and hit 6th. He got a hit, drove in one, scored once, and walked 3 times. Chris Davis hit in his normal spot and went 2 for 6.

None of those stories are the biggest at the plate though. Mark Reynolds had by far his best game hitting. Reynolds finally hit his first home run. Reynolds also went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Unfortunately, for the Orioles he also had a costly error that helped put them in extras. I say once again, hitting only for Reynolds.

Wei Yin Chen did not have his best pitching performance, but the bullpen was spectacular. Lindstrom, Strop, Ayala, Patton, and Johnson each pitched at least a perfect inning. Strop, Ayala, and Patton each went two innings perfect. Patton ended up getting the win and Jim Johnson picked up his 8th save on the season. What a tremendous job the bullpen has done thus far. An amazing change of pace from the O's.

Additional notes: Nolan Reimold was officially placed on the DL which is why Andino led off the game and why Betemit was in left. The Orioles decided to bring up catcher Luis Exposito who played a bit last night. Brian Roberts also appears to be coming along nicely. I recommend you check out the School of Roch for more information on him.

-Noland