Baltimore With The Comeback

As I said yesterday, nothing better than beating the Boston Red Sox and really upsetting Red Sox Nation. The Orioles were down 2-0 until the 6th inning, when they had a 5 run outburst to go ahead of Boston. They won this game 5-3. There were many key factors in the victory.

Let's start with the pitching. On the hill tonight was Miguel Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez picked up yet another quality start last night. He went 6 innings and only gave up 2 runs. Gonzalez lowered his ERA to 3.38 in the process which is quite respectable for a starter. In fact, compared to recent Oriole starters, you might even call it legendary. The rookie right hander moved to (5-2) on the season. If he keeps this up over the last month plus of the season he might get to double digit wins. This guy looks like the real deal. He was picked up from the Mexican League, great scouting by the Orioles on this one.

The next pitcher in line was the newbie, JC Romero. Romero was ok. His ERA still sits at 0.00 because he didn't give up an earned run. However, he did give up a run. There was an error that led to the run, but the error was committed by Romero. Not sure you should not get an earned run if you make the error, but it happened here. Ayala would finish the 7th after Romero pitched 2/3 of an inning. Ayala faced one batter and got him out.

After Ayala came the big dogs. First, Pedro Strop continuing to be filthy. This guy may be the best relief pitcher in baseball. Strop pitched the 8th inning scoreless again. He had 2 strikeouts, picked up his 20th hold and now has an ERA of 1.20. After Strop, comes Jim Johnson to lock it down. He did just that again. Johnson picked up his 35th save after pitching a scoreless 9th. Johnson had a strikeout in the performance and was dominant once again. If the starters can go 6 or 7 and have the lead, this team is awfully difficult to beat. The biggest reason for that all year has been Johnson and Strop. No more 6 million dollar closers that can't get the job done *cough* Gregg *cough*.

So, who led the offensive charge in the 6th inning surge. Well, would you believe me if I said Mark Reynolds again? He did it. Reynolds was the star for the second straight night. He had a huge double and drove in 2. Reynolds also walked in the game. I really hope this is a sign of what is to come out of Reynolds.

Matt Wieters also had a double, drove in one, and scored. It never stops amazing me how great Wieters is with this pitching staff and being an offensive force. This guy really does a fantastic job.

Manny Machado was 1-4, but no RBIs or anything. JJ Hardy was 1-4 with a run scored, but no RBIs.

Nick Markakis walked twice and scored, but didn't pick up a hit. Nate McLouth was 1-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Adam Jones was 1-4 with an RBI. Amazing how despite having off nights for them, the Orioles outfield all factored into a score apiece. McLouth was a part of two scores. This guy has been playing well for Baltimore and looks back in form. The Orioles still have one of the best outfields in baseball. We are lucky to get to watch these guys.

-Noland

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

O's Sign Former All Star and Make More Picks

The outfield deprived Orioles have signed CF Nate McLouth to a minor league contract. This is a very low risk move for the Orioles who hope to catch lightning in a bottle with McLouth. If he can bounce back, the Orioles come up huge here. Baltimore definitely could use the outfield help with Markakis and Reimold out so it is hard to argue with the move. Now moving on to the draft...

In the 2nd round the Orioles selected UVA RHP Brandon Kline. Kline has some filthy stuff. As an ACC guy, I saw Kline a few times this year and am glad he came into the fold. He is a local kid as well. Kline attended Thomas Johnson HS in Frederick, Maryland. Gotta love the Orioles adding locals. I will now take this opportunity to brag about how my high school always pummeled Thomas Johnson in football.

In the 3rd round they picked prep SS Adrian Marin from Gulliver Prep HS in Miami. Marin is kind of small, but if he can fill out may end up being a solid pick for the Orioles.

With their 4th round pick, the Orioles finally went with a college bat. There they picked South Carolina 1B Christian Walker. Walker has helped them to a record 19 straight tourney wins. We need winners in this organization and Walker is a winner. He may be limited to 1st base, but he rakes.

The Orioles went with a southpaw in their 5th selection. There they picked Colin Poche from Marcus HS in Texas. There isn't much information available on Poche. Hopefully he works out.

Next, the Orioles selected Felix Rutledge another southpaw. Rutledge went to Samford University. He is a power lefty reliever. Can throw up to 98 mph. With the success we have with Strop and Johnson, wouldn't it be something to have another power arm in the pen.

After that, the Orioles selected another Gamecock in the 7th. This selection was Matthew Price who has starting experience. Bring in the winners.

With their 8th round pick, the Orioles selected Michigan State CF Torsten Boss. Boss has a lot of potential, but hasn't come close to meeting it yet.

9th round pick Brady Wagner is a RHP from Grand Canyon University. Not a lot of info on this guy.

Then in the 10th round, they selected SS Joel Hutter. He attends Dallas Baptist University. That team was just knocked out by Baylor. None of that was due to Hutter though. The good thing is that we can get him in quickly now. He hit .338 and 11 HR this season for a very good Dallas Baptist team. Good pick.

-Noland