Looking Again At The Orioles Historic June

During the month of June, the Baltimore Orioles hit quite a lot of home runs. Hyun Soo Kim blasted the Orioles 56th home run of June on the last day of June to break the MLB record for most home runs in that month. Important side note: the Orioles have hit a home run on June 30th for 23 straight seasons (if you want to see the long ball, June 30th is a good bet). The previous record for a month was held by the 1996 Oakland As with 55 homers in June. This accomplishment is a validation of the amount of consistent power that is contained in the Baltimore lineup. A lineup that has the potential to break many records as the season progresses.

The team hit 5 homers of more than 450 feet in June
Jonathan Schoop 461
Pedro Alvarez 458
Mark Trumbo 456
Mark Trumbo 451
Adam Jones 450

Adam Jones' 11 June Home Runs were tied for the league lead. Jones also hit .314 in June!
During the last 15 games in June, Jonathan Schoop obliterated MLB pitching. He had a slash line of .419/.446/.742 during the stretch.
Those are just two of the Orioles and how they destroyed pitching last month. This type of stuff has been happening for the entire season. These guys are setting the world on fire and have the Orioles in 1st place despite terrible starting pitching.

This type of power supply was easy to see coming. Even when it comes to records, many fans were able to predict this. It seemed as if this offense had the potential to be historic, but we weren't sure how historic or how good the actual team would be.

Now, halfway through the year (I will use the 1st 81 games as a barometer for success since we just hit the midpoint on 7/3) the Orioles are on pace for even bigger and better things. The Orioles have hit 128 home runs through their 1st 81 games. Simply by multiplying by 2 you get that the Orioles are on pace for 256 for the season. The major league record was set by the Seattle Mariners at  264 in 1997. That number is still well within reach.

The Orioles aren't going to get to that 264 easily....MLB records are never easy to accomplish. However, they could certainly get there and I actually am expecting it to happen, but how?

This offense is special and I do not expect it to break up. Should JJ Hardy continue to get healthier, there is one outlet. Reimold getting more playing time against lefties is another. Pedro Alvarez usually finishes better than he starts. Caleb Joseph has more power than Pena and just returned from the disabled list. There are many ways to get there. The team was way behind pace as Machado and Trumbo carried the offense early on (with a hot at the time Joey Rickard). It is a doable thing for this team. They have several 30 home run candidates up and down this roster and it would not come as a huge shock. Look at the numbers halfway through the year on homers....

Mark Trumbo 24
Chris Davis 21
Manny Machado 18
Adam Jones 16
Jonathan Schoop 13
Pedro Alvarez 9
Matt Wieters 9
Joey Rickard 5
Nolan Reimold 4
Ryan Flaherty 3
Hyun So Kim 3
JJ Hardy 2
Francisco Pena 1
Caleb Joseph 0

Trumbo has turned into the deal of the offseason. Dan Duquette really took the Mariners to the cleaners on that trade. I liked Clevenger, but Trumbo is having an all-star season and as I said earlier helped carry the offense early on. His power is clear and with the protection in this lineup, those numbers could easily continue to sore. He is on pace for 48 home runs and it would be easy to see how he could eclipse even that number. While the club record of 53 seems far-fetched at this point, it still cannot be ruled out as a possibility.

Chris Davis got the big contract for this reason. He hits lots of homers consistently. It is likely Davis will be over the 40 HR mark again this season.

Manny Machado and Adam Jones have just shown consistent and awesome power. Each is a perennial 30 HR guy and will accomplish that again this year. Jones has really come on after a slow start once Buck moved him to the leadoff spot. I tweeted the Orioles Twitter account, after Jones made an awesome catch that was deemed #AllStarWorthy, that Jones didn't deserve the all-star game this year. I was referencing his poor start, but he has been fantastic since being thrust into the leadoff spot. Jones now has 16 homers as I mentioned and an incredible 51 RBIs. He is on pace to drive in 102 runs this season despite that awful start. Since switching to the leadoff spot, Jones has an OPS of .952! When you factor in Jones' leadership and his defense, then he actually is definitely #AllStarWorthy. Too bad this guy blew it and Jones had some fun with me on Twitter (you can follow me @norob87). I normally am much better than that, I promise! I just have a problem with voting for anybody because they are on your team and chose the wrong target!

Finally, the guys who can pick it up. Nolan Reimold will finish with double digit homers, so I expect him to more than double his output. This is especially true if he starts getting more ABs. Caleb Joseph will have a couple home runs, JJ Hardy will vastly improve his output and finish with double digits as well. This team is capable of the record!

Of course all of these numbers are far less important than the most critical detail....The Orioles are in 1st place. That is the most important stat that this team needs to continue.

-Noland

What To Look Forward To In 2013

Instead of looking back and seeing how the year went (it was fantastic by the way in sports!!) I thought I would look forward towards what good will be coming in 2013. I'll look at the 3 major sports for both college and pro and a few of the things that we can look forward to.

Major League Baseball

Nolan Reimold Returns

On this blog I am a big Nolan Reimold fan. He is my second favorite Oriole (now that Andino is gone) and is behind only Nick Markakis on my list of Oriole favorites. Before Reimold went down in May, he was the Oriole's best and most reliable hitter. Look up the stats. Reimold would have been an all-star if he stayed healthy and kept that pace up. This guy can just flat out hit. Imagine the production if he stays healthy. Unfortunately, it is a big if, but we are being optimistic. Oh ya, Markakis returns too!

Full Season of Manny Machado

Manny Machado was brought up late in the year for the Orioles and stabilized their defense. The guy saved the Orioles from what was a disaster at 3rd. Very excited to see what the youngster will do with a full season at 3rd. He is the best non-pitching prospect the Orioles have had in a very long time.

Buster Posey is Back!!!

Buster will try to defend his MVP award in 2013. The guy is an animal. He is also one of the classiest athletes in professional sports. Oh and he is a Seminole! Buster Posey has played two full seasons in Major League Baseball. The Giants have won the World Series in each of Posey's full seasons.

NFL

Christian Ponder Makes Playoff Debut

This may not be very exciting for all NFL fans, but as a CP7 fan and a Seminole alumni, I am psyched for Ponder's playoff debut. The guy is all class and I love that the Vikings are going to the playoffs. Sure, Peterson is the big success story with Minnesota this year, but the Vikings don't beat Houston without that performance from Ponder. Ponder played very well the last two weeks, and I hope it continues this week. This is certainly one game I will be looking forward to this weekend.

Peyton Is Still Great

Peyton Manning is back and almost as good as ever. He led the Broncos to the top seed in the AFC and looks poised to make another Super Bowl run. How can you not be intrigued by this guy's return to the playoffs. A possible game with the Patriots must have ESPN going nuts.

Alfred Morris Is On A Mission

Alfred Morris is a terrific running back and one of the great steals of this past year's draft. He also seems very motivated by his Pro Bowl snub. It will be tough for Seattle to stop Morris and RG3, but they will have to try. This seems to be the game to watch in the 1st round of the playoffs.

NBA

The Spurs Teamwork

Some may call it boring, but I call it the best teamwork in sports. This team is so unselfish and so great and it is something to watch. I cannot wait to see if Pop is able to deliver another title this season. The way this team plays basketball is like poetry in motion. I look forward to more Spurs basketball in 2013.

One Year Closer to David Stern's Retirement

I have not left my feelings for commissioner Stern unknown. Check out my previous entry on him if you want to know more about that. This guy has got to go so the best team can actually win. We can see the Spurs hold that trophy once again if the commish leaves.

College Baseball

#11 Goes For The Title

The Seminoles beloved baseball coach, who I am a big fan of here, goes for that coveted title. This is my #1 team if I had to pick the team I most want to win. Mike Martin is such a loyal and good man. Martin is one of my role models in coaching. A famous quote of his is "there is never a wrong time to do the right thing." A guy like that really deserves to win the big one.

College Football

One Year Closer to Louisville in the ACC

This team should help end the hate against the ACC. Losing Maryland and gaining Louisville was a huge get for the conference. Louisville is much more legit than Louisville. This will help stop the strength of schedule questions that plagued the Seminoles this season. Teddy Bridgewater coming to the ACC sounds big. Pittsburgh and Syracuse join next year too which is also exciting. Both are solid enough that they add another legit opponent.

One Year Closer to a Playoff

Personally I wanted to see Notre Dame play Kansas State or Oregon for the national title. The playoff will help determine which one truly deserves the opportunity. Even if it is Alabama or Florida, I prefer it get settled on the field some way. The playoff is coming soon.

Seminoles Look Strong

The Seminoles had the #1 recruiting class 2 years ago, the #2 class last year and will likely add another top 10 class this year. These Noles look pretty good. They are already 1-0 in 2013 too. Must be a good omen for things to come. I sure will miss Lonnie Pryor though.

Nothing excites me about College Basketball right now.

-Noland

Orioles in Big Trouble

The Baltimore Orioles have been struggling lately, they are still contending, but everyday looking more and more like pretenders. If you had told me before the year, that the Orioles would start like this, I would not have believed you. This team came out guns blazing and actually looked like a playoff team for the first time in a long time. However, now we are in trouble. Unless something is done we will fall off now just like every year since 1997, it will just be later this time.

So how bad is it?

The Orioles lost to the Twins last night 19-7. Chris Tillman (who pitched 8+ in his last outing and looked brilliant) gave up 7 runs in 2/3 of an inning. He didn't even get out of the 1st. Just when you think Tillman put it together, he didn't. Same old Tillman, I mean the guy still hasn't won back to back big league start. That fact alone is utterly insane. It gets worse...

We all know we have been without our leadoff hitter Nolan Reimold for the majority of the year. Reimold was actually our second leadoff hitter after Brian Roberts was hurt. Brian Roberts makes an amazing comeback and then...he gets hurt again. Roberts appears done, in all fairness though Roberts wasn't doing much since he came back other than the 1st game. This is where it gets really ugly though, Roberts backup at 2nd base, Robert Andino, also got hurt recently and is on the DL. So we are now left with Tolleson and Flaherty at 2nd. It still hasn't reached the worst part, Jason Hammel is on the DL and we don't know for how long. Hammel has been our most reliable starter and has been lights out. His injury now marks us having 4 guys from our opening day starting rotation now out of that rotation.

How do we fix it?
The X-Man commeth
Xavier Avery needs to be back in Baltimore. For whatever reason he gives the team a spark. They play with more energy when he is on the team. He should be here. If you are worried about their splits, have no fear. I have another solution. Bring up LJ Hoes. Hoes and Avery should platoon in left for Baltimore for the rest of the year. It is by far our best option and the two are rather close.

Trade the calvary

I am not saying trade the farm, I am saying trade the "calvary" guys. I most often hear the calvary referred to as Tillman, Matusz, and Arrieta. These are the 3 guys to trade. Their value has soured over time, but I am done with this group. The only one I have any hope that he will regain his former self is Arrieta. Even with him I say get rid of him.

Make the Grienke trade and bring Rickie Weeks with Him

Sure Weeks is struggling, but he is a heck of a lot better than what we have at 2nd base. Grienke is sorely needed at this time, we need an ace. Trade for him and extend him. He already said he doesn't want to play in a major market, so maybe just maybe that gives us the edge. We are said to have the inside track at least.

Trade for Jason Vargas and Offer to take Chone Figgins

It can't be said enough that we need pitching. One way to get pitching is to offer to take bad other teams bad contract. Figgins is a bad contract, and he can help us. He is a solid glove at 3b and a decent leadoff hitter. I know he has underperformed, but he can help. Offering to take back Figgins will also limit what we have to give up. There is a chance that by offering to take Figgins and offering to give up a prospect, that we can actually get King Felix. Imagine that guy in Baltimore.

Who do we trade?

Try to limit the prospects. In 1997 in order to make a playoff run, we gutted our farm system. Due to that and extremely poor drafting/development since then we have struggled to recover. We don't want to get into that situation again to try to make a run. So trade the guys we deem losers that we think failed.

Trade Matusz

Trade Tillman

Trade Arrieta

Trade Gregg

Trade Chavez

Trade Pearce

Trade Reynolds

Trade Adams

Trade Mahoney

Trade Flaherty

Trade Betemit

Trade Exposito

Trade Bergessen

Start with that group and see what we can get. If they want Davis in a deal and it nets us a part of our future then go for it. No matter what though, I say trade all of that group either now or in the offseason and see what we can get. They offer us little at the moment. Those three arms hold a lot of value in Milwaukee if we want to offer some up for Grienke. Kranitz actually had some success with the calvary back in 2010. All I know is I want pitchers and guys that want to win. Mark Reynolds doesn't say I want to win to me. The best move we have internally though is Hoes/Avery. Don't forget either that Zach Britton pitches tonight. Britton is the 2nd best pitcher in the organization behind Bundy. So it may be alright for one night.

-Noland

Orioles Update

Yesterday, was one of the Orioles best games of the season. Luckily, I was there to see a great game. Matt Wieters stole the show for the Orioles. Wieters had a huge home run in the 8th to bail out the pathetic Oriole offense. Well, they aren't pathetic, but they have been lately. That home run was a pretty impressive sight as the baseball was absolutely crushed. Not only that, but Wieters called a great game behind the plate. Additionally, he ended the game in impressive fashion. The game ended on a strike 'em out, throw 'em out. I have never seen a game end like that, so it was impressive for me.

The pitching was tremendous. Arrieta was awesome and only gave up one run in earning a quality start. Hopefully, Arrieta can duplicate his success in this start with all the rest of his starts. Pedro Strop went in for just 1/3 of an inning and managed to pick up the win. Strop is now (4-2) after the victory. The dude is dirty. After Strop comes Jim Johnson. The closer managed to pick up his 22nd save of the season. I'd take Johnson over any relief pitcher in baseball. All-Star.

Nolan Reimold underwent successful surgery today, so that is good. Reimold is a possibility to return this year, but it is very doubtful. Still, it is good news that there was no setback with the surgery.

Finally, Miguel Tejada asked for and was granted his release. No more worrying if Tejada will return to Baltimore.

-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

Orioles Beat Blue Jays, AGAIN!

The Toronto Blue Jays have not fared well against the Orioles this season. Baltimore did another fantastic job last night beating the Jays 5-2. Reimold returned to the lineup and Matusz finally had a solid start.

Nolan Reimold went 1 for 5 in his return and is now hitting .353. Nick Markakis went 3 for 4 and really played a terrific all around game. Markakis also scored a run. Adam Jones finished off the solid night for the outfield with a home run in a 2 for 4 performance from him. Jones is now hitting .316. Chris Davis also went 1 for 3 as he added to his home run total. The story was not the bats though, it was the pitching.

Brian Matusz got his first quality start of the season. Matusz went 6 innings and gave up 2 runs. He actually gave the Orioles a chance to win. While he did not get the win, You could say that he deserved a win and say it with a straight face. Neither of the runs Matusz gave up were earned and one of them came because of a really bad play by Nick Johnson.

Darren O'Day picked up the win for the Orioles moving to 2-0 on the season. O'Day has been a terrific pickup for the Orioles and lowered his ERA to 0.90. Luis Ayala was not to be outdone as he picked up the save and continues his solid pitching. Ayala has an ERA of 0.00. Hopefully the bullpen keeps it up because this is fantastic.

More good news comes in the form of Jim Johnson and Robert Andino. Andino is expected back today and Johnson shortly thereafter. The corresponding roster move is not necessarily Jason Berken going back to Norfolk, it could be a DL move for Kevin Gregg. Who wouldn't love that?

Nick Johnson continues to disappoint for the Orioles. The critical error last night and another 0 for 3 performance. Johnson and Gregg are really holding this team back right now. If they continue to be dead weight, this can't go on much longer.

-Noland

Flu Bug Hits the Orioles

The Orioles had the flu bug hit the team hard. Jim Johnson was hospitalized early this morning with the condition. It has apparently hit him hardest of all. Johnson is having a fantastic season so this is really tough to see. It stinks that anyone is ever hospitalized, but for Johnson with his injuries the last few years it must be especially hard. He will not be available tonight so if the Orioles are winning they will have to go to someone else for the save. My vote for that is anyone but Gregg. Pedro Strop maybe?

In addition to Johnson, Mark Reynolds is also sitting out this game with his flu-like symptoms. His absence allows Ryan Flaherty to get a rare start at 3rd base.

Nolan Reimold remains day to day. Reimold was mashing the ball this year so his injury is another tough one. The Oriole left fielder remains day to day with neck stiffness.

Robert Andino is leaving the team to attend the birth of his child after today's game. Andino will miss at least two games on paternity leave. Congratulations to Robert on his new addition. I just like this Andino guy and love that he is going to see his family even if the team will miss him. His absence allows for a roster move and the assumption is that Matt Antonelli will be the guy to come up.

Interesting stuff. Lets hope the birds get healthy.

-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

Orioles Lose, Drop Into Tie For First

I am very happy with how the season has started for the Orioles, but there are two problems. As I pointed out yesterday in my post about the Tides, there are two current Orioles that they could do without on the big league club.

1. Kevin Gregg
2. Brian Matusz

Gregg is a lost cause and they need to just release him. He did not pitch last night, but has pitched in the majority of the losses this season. The guy presents no trade value and is just stopping us from having either Berken, Neshak or Eveland in the pros.

Then there is Brian Matusz, the guy lost his third start this season and hasn't won a start since 2010. I know we have a lot tied to Matusz and he at one point was filthy, but he just isn't right. The guy cannot get anyone out right now. Send him down and have Peterson work with him. If we are serious about this being the year we contend we cannot continue this exercise. Eveland has to come up tomorrow. Look at him, he is ready.

Tsuyoshi Wada is still bothered by his neck and isn't pitching well. He's not ready. I have no idea when Wada will be ready, neither do the Orioles. Nobody knows when Matusz will be ready, Bergessen doesn't look right, Tillman is struggling. Eveland is the guy right now. Duquette was so excited to trade for Eveland at the winter meetings. Well then let him throw in the bigs. The time is now. The Orioles cannot take a loss every time the 5th starter comes up because Matusz is working through it. We are in 1st place. Lets make a bold first place move. Plus, its my birthday so you should just listen to me. We Want Eveland!!!

-Noland

P.S. Nolan Reimold continues to mash the ball. He went 3 for 5 last night raising his average to .370 and he hit his 5th home run. Reimold also hit his 4th double.

Jim Johnson is The Man

The Orioles extended their AL East lead tonight. They did it behind amazing pitching. Wei Yin Chen had an awesome start to beat the White Sox and his bullpen did a terrific job in preserving the victory. Jim Johnson was able to pick up his 5th save in the madness. Johnson had his worst outing of the year and nearly blew it, but he ended up saving the victory. I'll take this over paying 6 million to garbage relievers any day. Jim Johnson is about as good as it gets.

Johnson was not the only Oriole tearing it up though as Nolan Reimold hit his 4th home run of the year and the Orioles increased their league lead in home runs. Keep the bombs and the great pitching coming gentlemen.

-Noland

Like I Said, Best Catcher in Baseball

Wieters won the gold glove for catchers last year in the American League and is widely regarded as the best defensive catcher in baseball. He routinely calls an amazing game behind the plate, does what he is supposed to do and throws everyone out. This year though he has improved another part of his game.

Wieters hit two more home runs last night with three total hits. He scored twice and drove in five. That isn't the best part though, one of the homers was a grand slam in the tenth inning. Talk about coming through in the clutch. Wieters is amazing. So far on the season he is hitting .344 and has a .462 OBP, and he is up to 4 homers on the season. This guy is going to be really good for a really long time.

Largely because of Wieters, the Orioles were able to come back against the Chicago White Sox last night. They were down 4-1 in the 8th before Wieters' first homer which made it 4-2. Then they scored 2 more in the ninth to send it into extras. The Orioles exploded in the 10th for 6 runs to win the game 10-4. Great job Orioles!

Other Orioles to homer in the game were Nolan Reimold and Adam Jones. Reimold did not start, but pinch hit in the 7th. He ended up going 2 for 3 after his pinch hit and hit a critical ninth inning homer while he was in the game. Reimold raised his average to .353 and hit his 3rd home run of the young season. Something that will probably be forgotten because of the 6th run ninth inning is that Reimold also actually had a single in the 10th that made it 6-4 before Wieters' grand slam. That single was pretty clutch. Adam Jones hit his 4th home run of the season in the ninth inning and continues to be on a tear.

Pedro Strop was flawless in two innings of work and picked up the win. I like this Strop guy, can you believe we got him for Mike Gonzalez? Hopefully, Duquette can pull some trade magic with Kevin Gregg.

-Noland

Orioles Win Again

Jim Johnson managed to pick up his fourth save as the Orioles beat the Blue Jays 6-4 earlier today. I like Johnson as closer much better than Gonzalez and Gregg. I'd like to see Jim Johnson stay an Oriole for a very long time. So far the Orioles have 5 wins and Johnson has saves in 4 of them, the guy is good.

Jason Hammel had his second good outing and makes me hate the Guthrie deal slightly less. I still do not like the deal though. Guthrie was one of my personal favorites, but I am not as frustrated by the fact that he is gone. Let's hope that Hammel can make me a believer. We will see in his next start, but it is early. He has had one heck of a start.

Chris Davis had a monster game going 3 for 4 with his homer on the season. Davis is now hitting .304 on the season and will probably stay in the lineup if he is hitting that well. Wilson Betemit also continues to hit in the clutch and he got his first Oriole home run today. Neither one of these guys had the big hit on the day though.

Orioles Left Fielder Nolan Reimold had a crucial 9th inning home run to give the team a victory. The home run was hit off Francisco Cordero and broke a 4-4 tie and put the O's up 2. Reimold's shot landed in the second deck as Reimold showed off his tremendous power. Gotta love it.

-Noland

Why The Orioles Won Tonight

The Orioles beat the Blue Jays 7-5! Here are ten reasons why it happened.

1) Mark Reynolds was the DH and didn't put a glove on
2) Kevin Gregg didn't pitch
3) Because Kevin Gregg didn't pitch the bullpen was filthy
4) Pedro Strop and Jim Johnson are really effective pitchers
5) Robert Andino is the man! If Andino hits bombs the Orioles are in a good spot. He remains tied for the team lead in RBIs
6) Nick Markakis didn't waste an opportunity early, didn't try to do too much and helped his TEAM. You learn a lot from a sacrifice fly. Markakis is tied for the team lead with 5 RBIs
7) 3 RBIs with 2 outs (Betemit 2, Reimold 1)
8) Reimold mashed tonight by going 3 for 5 with a bomb
9) So did Jones, he went 3 for 4 with his second home run
10) The Orioles saw 142 pitches while the Jays only saw 122. If you make the other team's starter work it will increase your chances of winning

Some bad happened though because Reynolds and Hardy continue to struggle at the plate. I will take what happened in this game any day of the week though. O'Day gets the win and Jim Johnson gets his third save. Let's hope this happens again tomorrow. Go O's!

-Noland

Orioles Update

The Orioles of course were swept by the Yankees in the past series. They did not look too good that entire series. Two extra inning losses and then there was the 1st game. We learned that Mark Reynolds has not improved much if all at third base and that Kevin Gregg is still capable of blowing games. We also learned that the Orioles are still not good with runners in scoring position. There is some good news though.

Adam Jones has extended his hitting streak to 9 games which dates back to last season.
The Orioles face Brandon Morrow tonight and Nolan Reimold is 3 for 6 and a homer lifetime against him. JJ Hardy is even better at 2 for 3 with two home runs. Leaving Reimold and Hardy at the top of the order might be a good idea against the Jays tonight.
Robert Andino is tied for the team lead in RBIs with 4 (well that one could be bad too depending on how you look at it). I look at Andino's bat as a positive because if Andino is hitting I like our chances a lot more this year. Andino is a solid baseball player with a lot of fire.
The last bit of good news is that we got Matt Wieters, the best catcher in baseball.
Keep smiling O's fans!

-Noland