Friday, August 12, 2005
Break Out The Brooms; Brian Roberts' Hitting Problem
The Baltimore Orioles completed their first sweep since June 15 against Houston, last night, when they beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 4-2.
This game, this series, was a beautiful thing to watch. The Orioles mixed good, solid pitching with timely hitting--like a real major league baseball team with at least three sure Hall of Famers should do--to take three easy games from the Rays.
Javy Lopez hit an important home run that made the game 4-2, while going 3-4 from the plate. Luis Matos had a big RBI single and Alejandro Freire contributed by going 2-4 in only his third game as an Oriole. 
Bruce Chen pitched a wonderful, sparkling game. He pitched seven innings, giving up three hits and two runs. He walked none and stuck out five Rays hitters in the process. In fact, Chen could have gone more than seven innings since he only threw 77 total pitches, but Sam Perlozzo felt he should be taken out and the O's were none the worse for the decision.
B.J. Ryan closed out the game for his 25th save and the Orioles are back in business.
This being an indication, hopefully the O's can creep out of their major slump and start winning consistently again.
The players believe. The are only 9 games out of the wild card at this point, and a long winning streak, coupled with some key losses by other teams could make the race get interesting once again for the O's.
The Orioles are hopeful, I am hopeful, the city of Baltimore should get hopeful. Their team is not too far out of it, and they are showing signs of fight.
Davey Johnson has been rumored to be a possible candidate for the managerial vacancy after this season, but if you ask me, I'd wait and see what Perlozzo does to end this season before making any decisions.
The Orioles have plenty of games left this year, and with some more timely hitting, some solid pitching and some fight, they might just have what it takes to fight off the worst collapse in years and make the playoffs.
I am hopeful. Let's hope.
Orioles 4, Devil Rays 2
Box Score
Brian Roberts' Problem
Brian Roberts is not exactly in a slump. Yes, his hitting has declined since his red-hot first half, but this may not be due to a hitch in his swing.
B-Rob is making excellent contact. In fact, he is downright hitting the ball hard, still. There is one tiny difference between the home-run hitting, .350 batting Roberts, and the Roberts we've seen the past few weeks.
Timing.
It is obvious to me that Roberts' timing is slightly off. He is hitting the ball very solid, to the deepest part of the ballpark. He is hitting shots to deep center field. Balls that, if turned on, would be home runs or doubles, are being caught in deep center.
If he gets his timing down, if he swings a fraction of a second sooner, you will see the Roberts of the first half.
Write it down, Roberts is in no slump, and soon, they will correct his tiny problem and he will get red hot once again.
Next Orioles Game: Toronto Blue Jays @ Baltimore Orioles; Friday, August 12 
@ 7:35 p.m. 
Daniel Cabrera vs. Josh Towers
This is a huge series for the Baltimore Orioles as the Blue Jays come to Camden Yards. A sweep in this series can bring the O's out of 4th place in the AL East and back up to third, not to mention greatly improve their chances at the wild card. The O's at least need a series win here. Good luck O's.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
O's Take Series Vs. D-Rays
Orioles Game Update: Orioles 9, Devil Rays 5Box Score
Two in a row, O's fans! If last night's first inning is any indication, than the Orioles might have finally broken out of their hitting slump. Brian Roberts started the inning off with a hit, which he hasn't done in quite some time. Eric Byrnes followed with a walk. Melvin Mora, who I am not pleased to hear leads the team in strikeouts, struck out. Miguel Tejada followed Mora with an RBI single to score Roberts. Javy Lopez then walked to load the bases for Sammy Sosa...who popped up to the catcher. But with bases loaded and two outs something ridiculous happened. Instead of weakly grounding or popping out, Jay Gibbons launched a ball out of the park for a Grand Slam. After one inning the O's led 5-0. The offense didn't stop there, either as the O's won 9-5. Rodrigo Lopez pitched a shaky, but effective 8 2/3 innings for his 11th win of the season. And the Orioles won a series, something they haven't managed to do since before the All-Star break.
O's Record: 55-58
Next Game: Tampa Bay @ Baltimore, Thursday, August 11 @ 7:05 p.m.
Bruce Chen vs. Doug Waechter
This is the day that Rafael Palmeiro is supposed to return to the Baltimore Orioles from his 10-day steroids suspension. O's skipper Sam Perlozzo says that Palmeiro should be in the lineup as he gives the Orioles the best chance to win the game. We will see whether or not Palmeiro is in the lineup, and if he contributes to another Orioles win. Only time will tell...
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
The Plight of Rafael Palmeiro
When a scrawny singles hitter, who averaged just over nine home runs per year for his first five seasons in the major leagues, begins slamming the ball out of the park at a clip of over 29 home runs per year for his next five seasons, there may be reason for some concern.When that same scrawny lefty, who has the sweetest, most picture-perfect swing in the game, averages more than 39 home runs per season for the rest of his career, the original concern melts away and his home run deficiency is just a fluke.
When the game's most underrated player for so long reaches a plateau that only the likes of Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Eddie Murray had ever reached, there is cause for celebration.
That was the career of Rafael Palmeiro, a wonderful baseball story. Until now.
Everyone knows about Palmeiro being suspended for taking steroids. But what should Raffy do next?
There is talk that the Baltimore Orioles don't want him back. In a season where the O's spent most of the first half of the season in first place only to freefall to fourth in record time, the O's didn't need this.
If the Orioles do not welcome Palmeiro back into the lineup, I back that decision. The playoffs are just a pipedream at this point and although Palmeiro could help the O's, he isn't a miracle maker. They don't need him.
What the O's need now, is the young guys to take charge. Enter Alejandro Freire, a 30-yea-old first baseman recently called up from Ottawa where he was leading the Lynx in almost every offensive catergory. Instead of Palmeiro coming back, let Freire play in his stead. In fact, I would rather the O's call up Walter Young, but hey, what do I know?
Rafael Palmeiro has had an amazing career, and if it ended a little more than a week ago, if it ended right after he achieved 3,000/500, than he would have been celebrated in the Hall of Fame. But it didn't end there. And now Raffy is tainted.
There is nothing he can do about it now. He took steroids. Even if he is telling the truth and he didn't take them on purpose--if you believe that I'll tell you another one--his career is effectively over.
Some of the younger guys who were caught with steroids can bounce back from this. They made mistakes, they weren't that good to begin with, they are young. But Raffy is old, his mistake was crucial, and nobody knows how long he's been on the juice but the speculation begs that his records be astericked.
No, Raffy is done. His career is over.
I loved watching him play, he was a delightful player to adore. He always had a smile on his face and he always produced. He was always modest and he never brought attention to himself. Maybe now we know why.
Palmeiro, Ponson and Surhoff Down; Freire, Rakers and DuBose up
In addition to the fact that Rafael Palmeiro probably isn't coming back to the Orioles, Sidney Ponson and B.J. Surhoff were also taken off the active roster. They were placed on the disabled list with various injuries.
These roster moves pave the way for Alejandro Freire, Aaron Rakers and Eric DuBose to step into the major league spotlight. For Rakers and DuBose, this is another chance to shine. Both have already, at some point, been in an Orioles uniform. For Freire, however, this is his first time in the majors.
Neither Rakers nor DuBose pitched in last night's game, however Freire did start at DH for the O's. He, however, was the only Oriole not to record a base hit last night against the Devil Rays, going 0-4 and grounding into an inning-ending double play.
Hopefully we will see good things from all these baby birds in the future. And soon, I'd like to see Walter Young up at the major league level.
Orioles Game Update: Baltimore 5, Devil Rays 2
Box Score
In what cou
ld be considered the most flawless game the O's have played in a very long time, Baltimore defeated the Devil Rays 5-2, last night. The game started off shaky for both Orioles starter Erik Bedard and O's hitters, but both settled into their roles and produced nicely. Almost every Orioles starter had a hit, with the exception of Freire, and after giving up two runs in the second inning and walking four early hitters, Bedard settled down to pitch seven strong innings of five-hit ball. The O's scored two runs in the 5th on an Eric Byrnes HR, and added three runs in the 7th off RBI singles by Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada and Javy Lopez. B.J. Ryan struck out the side in the ninth for his 24th save.Next Orioles Game: Tampa Bay @ Baltimore, Wednesday August 10 @ 7:05 p.m.
Rodrigo Lopez vs. Casey Fossum
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Washington Redskins Season Preview
Hail to the Redskins!
The Washington Redskins first preseason game is almost upon us--Saturday at 8 p.m. against the Carolina Panthers--and it is time to see what we are working with this year. Here we go, position by position to find the strengths and weaknesses of the 'Skins.
*disclaimer #1: This preview assumes that players who should be, will in fact be healthy, clean and out of prison by the time the season starts
*disclaimer #2: I am aware that I am a Baltimore Orioles and Washington Redskins fan, and not a Baltimore Ravens and Washington Nationals fan, so there is no need to point that out. Thank you.
Q
uarterbacks: In what was a major weakness for the 'Skins last season, this year's starting QB should at least not be Mark Brunell. Last year, Redskins QBs were abysmal, combining to complete only 56.4% of their passes for 2,859 yards, 17 TDs and 17 interceptions. In comparison, the three-headed QB that Tampa Bay used in their lackluster season still managed to combine for 66.4% of their passes totaling 3,773 yards and 24 TDs. This performance is 
unacceptable by Redskins QBs. Joe Gibbs will look to spread the offense, and a strengthened offensive line--Jon Jansen is back from injury--will help Patrick Ramsey be able to stay in the pocket and make better passes. The addition of Rookie Jason Campbell will give Ramsey a reason to look over his shoulder. Let's hope for a Drew Brees type situation, where Ramsey has a career year with a young stud standing behind him, waiting to get into the game.
Rating: C+
Running 
backs: An all-pro in his first two seasons, Clinton Portis went from averaging 5.5 yards per carry in his first two years in the league, to averaging 3.8 in his first year in Washington. The main reason for this was a depleted offensive line and the fact that Joe Gibbs used him like a bruising back when speed and finesse are clearly his game. This season, however, Gibbs vows to spread the offense and allow for Portis to be his speedy self, plus the additions of Jon Jansen and center Casey Rabach will allow Portis to burst through the line once again.
Rating: A
Receivers: Goodbye Lavernues Coles and Rod Gardner, the Redskins 
receiving attack is revamped, but is it for the better? They are speedier, but they are also shorter. The 'Skins brought in Santana Moss from the Jets and David Patten from the Patriots, both of whom are 5'11". The third receiver will be former Florida Gators wideout, Taylor Jacobs, who is 6'0". Personally, I think the passing attack will be a good deal better, simply because t
he O-Line will be better and Ramsey or Campbell will have time to throw the ball. Look for Gibbs to spread the receivers out and have them confusing secondaries like the Gibbs of old. Remember the posse? Ok, well not quite, but if all goes according to plan, the 'Skins will throw much more this season. They could still use Rod Gardner and Laverneus Coles though. Look for Chris Cooley, a rookie last season, who has great hands, to step up and make a lot of important catches this season at tight end.
Rating: B-
: Last year's third-ranked defensive unit looks to improve upon itself this year. Linebacker LaVar Arrington will hopefully be healthy, finally, and Safety Sean Taylor will hopefully be not in prison to anchor the hardest hitting defense in the league. Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams turned the 'Skins into a defensive force last year while missing Arrington and Mike Barrow. This year, with the 'Skins healthy, they should be dominating. They did lose Fred Smoot--a superb corner--which will hurt very much. Right now Walt Harris and Shawn Springs are the starting cornerbacks, however, Williams hopes to have rookie first pick Carlos Rogers ready to play full time by mid season. Look for another great year for the Redskins defense. Rating: A
It is time to put up or shut up for Daniel Snyder and the Redskins. By put up, I mean score some points. Last year the Redskins ranked 30th in the NFL in points scored per game with only 15.0. The offense ranked 29th in total yards per game with 274.8. These trends have to cease. Scoring points and gaining yardage should be the most important thing for the Redskins this year. The defense is solid, all they need to do is put up some points and they will win most of their games. Take the Baltimore Ravens for example. A great defense and scoring just 19.8 PPG gave them a winning record at 9-7, as they narrowly missed the playoffs.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Miguel Tejada Needs Bifocals
And then Miguel Tejada said, "But, God, for I cannot see clearly. There is cloud in my vision hindering me from making thunderous contact with my mighty lightning rod."
Could it be? Does Miguel Tejada need glasses? Probably not. But then what is wrong with him?
His average isn't exactly plummeting--like that of Brian Roberts--but where is the power? Where are the timely homeruns? Where did the RBI machine go?
If you watch every at bat of every game, like I do, than you might be able to notice something different about Miggy lately. Earlier in the year, last year, he didn't miss pitches. Now, more and more, he lets the perfect pitch go by and ends up swinging at something in the dirt when he gets two strikes on him.
Many times he ends up looking foolish by swinging at a pitch far away from anything that could even resemble a strike.
During a time when the Orioles need their leader more than ever, far too often he is slamming his bat down in disgust of himself. Not often enough do you seem him rounding the bases pointing to the dugout in triumph.
Far too often is he grounding out to shortstop or second base. Not often enough is he drilling doubles into the gap or the left-field corner.
He doesn't pull the ball as much anymore, when he does make good contact it is usually to centerfield or right-center. To me, that is a sign that he isn't seeing the ball well.
There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Miguel Tejada is one of the game's great players. But, this could happen to anyone. He still makes contact, he still fights off most pitches, he can still drill a ball out of the ballpark to left. Just not as often.
It can be said that all of the Orioles are slumping. Why pick on Tejada?
Brian Roberts is definitely in a slump, and that hurts the Orioles almost as much as Tejada slumping. But Roberts is still making good contact. His timing may be a little off so he flies out to center instead of doubling to right, but he still hits the ball solid on most occasions.
Sammy Sosa just isn't very good anymore, is he? Honestly, he can hit the ball a mile if you serve him up a beach ball right over the inside corner of the plate. Other than that, he can't hit his way out of a paper bag.
Tejada, who had such a promising start to the season, who seemed to get a big hit every time he saw someone in scoring position, who seemingly got an RBI at every possible chance, is struggling to do just that. Badly.
His homeruns are down, his RBI's are down, his hits are down. And to me, his plate presence is down. When he swings--and misses--at a pitch so far outside and in the dirt that it is almost a passed ball, there is something wrong. I don't remember Tejada swinging and missing very much at all, let alone at a ball that far out of the strike zone.
So I say, listen to me Miguel, and listen to God. Go see a optometrist, if he tells you that you have perfect vision, great! But there may be a need to make a change, for the better.
The Orioles need you to be your RBI-machine self, Miggy. It is worth a shot.
Orioles Weekend Games Update: Rangers 10, Orioles 3; Rangers 9, Orioles 3
Game 1 Box Score 
Game 2 Box Score
It hurts to even talk about it. The Orioles were utterly dominated by the Texas Rangers over the weekend. They lost by a combined 19-6 on Saturday and Sunday. Daniel Cabrera walked 5 people in just over 4 innings. In the 2nd inning, Cabrera walked home two men with the bases loaded, only to give up a grand slam to the next batter for a six run inning. Sidney Ponson, who I am dubbing, "The worst pitcher in the majors," only went 2 1/3 innings before having to be removed from the game with a mysterious injury after getting murdered by Texas hitting. Good riddance Sidney.
Sam Perlozzo's honeymoon is over and reality set in. The Orioles are going to have to just become more clutch hitting and pitching over the final months of the season, if they want to have any chance. Ponson is garbage, but Daniel Cabrera can be something special if he just controls his pitches better.
Record: 53-58
