Right now, Wei Yin Chen is the best Orioles starter. He is mr. dependable among the group. The guy we can count on. Once again, Chen had a terrific outing tonight. Not only that, but he did it against the team we struggle with the most. Chen was brilliant as he moved to 4-0 on the season. He gave up two runs on four hits over seven innings. The runs he did give up were on a home run hit by Curtis Granderson, but Xavier Avery looked like he was going to catch it. It appeared that a fan hit Avery's glove and we had a Jeffrey Maher 2 on our hands. Only this time it was at our own stadium. I don't know why we can't overturn these home runs, especially with instant replay. These Yankee fans have got to learn that they can not do that. This outing was only the Orioles 3rd quality start of the last 10 games.
That is not all the news about the Orioles' new x-man. This guy plays with such a great energy and effort. We have not seen too much of this over the last 14 years as O's fans. The guy is a breath of fresh air. Avery went 1 for 3 with a beautiful bunt single. Again, the hustle plays, how many bunt singles have we seen lately? He also scored his third run of the season following a walk. Avery is also showing patience, something that has been very rare out of Oriole pitchers. The guy drew a walk against one of the best pitchers in baseball, before this year the Orioles would get shut down by some turkey with a 6.00 ERA and let him only throw 85 pitches in the process. Avery is a keeper.
Steve Tolleson also had a big night for the birds. Every game there's a different star, that's the magic of Orioles baseball. I guess the magic is back. I was not expecting big things from Tolleson when he came up, but so far he has delivered. Tolleson was 2 for 3 with a double. The guy is now hitting .400 in his short time with the Orioles. Small sample size I know, but we have to be pleased with his contribution. Tolleson has come a long way since his previous pro experiences.
JJ Hardy was another Oriole that had a big night at the plate. Hardy was also 2-4 with a double and also drove in two runs. The Oriole SS has been on a tear lately. JJ has raised his average to .252 after being in the .100s all of April. Perhaps it is time to switch him and Nicky in the order?
Adam Jones continues to pace the Oriole offense. Jones went 2-3 with a walk last night. He also registered his 11th home run on the season. This is incredible. At this rate, Jones may get to 50. Absolutely, unbelievable job by Adam Jones. For sure, this guy will be an all-star. I guess it was a really good move to keep him this offseason. We can definitely build around Adam Jones if he is mashing like this.
Pedro Strop got his 5th hold in this game as he held the Yankees scoreless for an inning. Strop now has an ERA that sits at 1.29. This guy has been one of the best set-up men in baseball. He has been setting up for the best closer in baseball. Oriole closer Jim Johnson converted his 12th save in 12 chances last night. The closer has converted 20 straight saves dating back to last season. His ERA now sits at 0.54. If we come into the 8th with a lead, I feel pretty comfortable and that might be the biggest reason we are still in 1st place.
-Noland
Brian Matusz pitched perhaps his best game of the season as the Orioles beat the Red Sox 4-1 last night. Matusz improved to (4-4) behind another quality start. The guy had 9 strikeouts yesterday. When was the last time you remember Matusz having 9 strikeouts? I sure don't remember it. He only gave up 2 hits and one run over 6 1/3 innings, lowering his ERA to 4.86. The Orioles can win with this guy pitching this well.
Right now, Wei Yin Chen is the best Orioles starter. He is mr. dependable among the group. The guy we can count on. Once again, Chen had a terrific outing tonight. Not only that, but he did it against the team we struggle with the most. Chen was brilliant as he moved to 4-0 on the season. He gave up two runs on four hits over seven innings. The runs he did give up were on a home run hit by Curtis Granderson, but Xavier Avery looked like he was going to catch it. It appeared that a fan hit Avery's glove and we had a Jeffrey Maher 2 on our hands. Only this time it was at our own stadium. I don't know why we can't overturn these home runs, especially with instant replay. These Yankee fans have got to learn that they can not do that. This outing was only the Orioles 3rd quality start of the last 10 games. 
Steve Tolleson also had a big night for the birds. Every game there's a different star, that's the magic of Orioles baseball. I guess the magic is back. I was not expecting big things from Tolleson when he came up, but so far he has delivered. Tolleson was 2 for 3 with a double. The guy is now hitting .400 in his short time with the Orioles. Small sample size I know, but we have to be pleased with his contribution. Tolleson has come a long way since his previous pro experiences.
Adam Jones continues to pace the Oriole offense. Jones went 2-3 with a walk last night. He also registered his 11th home run on the season. This is incredible. At this rate, Jones may get to 50. Absolutely, unbelievable job by Adam Jones. For sure, this guy will be an all-star. I guess it was a really good move to keep him this offseason. We can definitely build around Adam Jones if he is mashing like this.
This team is just awesome. I just love to watch them right now. So much effort. Love the guys they are bringing in, especially the baby birds. Bill Hall comes up and in his first Orioles game goes yard. If you know anything about Bill Hall's track record, he is an animal on Mother's Day. Baltimore took down the Rays again tonight increasing their AL East lead to 2 games.
To make room on the 40 man roster for Bill Hall, the Orioles designated Brad Bergesen for assignment. This would make it pretty clear that Bergesen is down the Oriole pecking order. The Orioles also need to make room for Xavier Avery on the 25 and 40 man rosters as Avery will be up for tomorrow's game. That move will not be officially announced until tomorrow, but I welcome Avery to Baltimore. I have said it makes little sense that he is not the guy up so they call up him and Bill Hall, which are both great moves. Mark Reynolds being on the DL does not bother me too much. I mean I hate to see the guy hurt, but this is a solid 25 man roster while Reimold is out. My wife and I are big Xavier Avery fans. Love having Bill Hall on board as well as I said earlier in this post. Should be a fun ride the rest of this year.
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.
