SB Nation - Brian Bass

Rays 3, Orioles 0: Snoozer

Stacey — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:34:26 -0000

3 months ago: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Mark Hendrickson throws to a Tampa Bay Rays batter in the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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This would have been a good game to watch if I was a Rays fan. Young prospect bounces back from a bad second start to throw a complete game, 10 K shutout. Pretty good. I'm not a Rays fan, though, so this game was pretty sucky.

With Brian Matusz being shut down, the Orioles turned to their bullpen in the hopes that they could put together 9 innings of not-sucky pitching. And guess what? They did! Mark Hendrickson allowed two runs in 3.1 innings, followed by Dennis Sarfate, Cla Meredith, Brian Bass, Chris Ray, and Alberto Castillo. Chris Ray (who else) gave up one run, but the rest held the Rays down.

Unfortunately their efforts would not be rewarded. The Orioles loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning against Wade Davis but couldn't score a run. Nick Markakis, Melvin Mora, and Luke Scott left the runners stranded and that was as close as the Orioles would get for the rest of the night. Davis dominated the Orioles for the rest of the night, allowing just three more hits.

Losing sucks, but you know what? In their last four series against the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Rays, this team has gone 6-6. Would any of you have guessed that would happen? I know I wouldn't. Hooray not playing losing baseball over the last 12 games!

Tomorrow the Red Sox and their fans invade Baltimore one last time. I'll thankfully be out of town. The good news is that the Orioles have a history this year of winning games when I'm out of town. Maybe that streak will continue!

The Baltimore Orioles: Cure to Losing Streaks Everywhere

Stacey — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:03:53 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

Reid Brignac joined the David Hernandez Home Run Party with the first of his career. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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David Hernandez is bad, and appears to be getting worse with each start. Another start, two more home runs, and an Orioles loss. He wasn't the only pitcher to blame, of course. The increasingly miserable Brian Bass did his part, giving up 3 runs 1.1 innings. Only two were earned, but seeing as how the error was Bass', I don't see any need to cut him some slack. It was like little league out there tonight, with Brian Bass throwing the ball all over the place and Jim Palmer playing the role of frustrated dad on the sidelines. "NO! Don't throw it!!!"

The offense got to David Price in the 2nd inning, scoring 4 runs on a couple groundouts with the help of an Evan Longoria error. Price shut them down after that, though, and ended up pitching 7 innings without allowing another run.

O's 4, Rays 8. One losing streak ends, will another begin?

Angels 17, Orioles 8 (13 innings): Marathon game ends in a whimper

Stacey — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:05:23 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

4 months ago: Baltimore Orioles left fielder Nolan Reimold misses a three-run home run hit by Los Angeles Angels' Juan Rivera during the 13th inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, in Baltimore. The Angels won 17-8. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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This won't be a proper recap as I missed most of the game, but a game like this needs a post game, so here you go.

I had a wedding shower to attend today at 2 p.m. and was a little annoyed at having to miss the game. My favorite way to spend a Sunday in the summertime is lazing around the house, watching the O's game in between naps, gearing myself up for work the next day. I listened to the first inning on the radio in the car and by the time I got to the party I wasn't feeling so bad about missing it considering the way that particular inning went (Guthrie gave up three runs in the top, O's went 1-2-3 in the bottom).

Towards the end of the shower I checked my phone, thinking I'd see the final score. Instead what I saw was the O's down by 1 in the bottom of the 9th with Brian Roberts on 2nd base via his 45th double of the year. I felt a glimmer of hope. When I checked the phone a few minutes later, the game was tied via a sacrifice fly by Adam Jones. The party had pretty much broken up, so I hastily said my goodbyes and ran out to my car to listen to the game. I got there just as the bottom of the 9th was ending with the scored tied 8-8.

How did it get that way? Guthrie pitched another bad game, allowing 7 runs on 10 hits and 2 walks in 5.2 innings. About the only good thing you can say about Guthrie's outing is that he made it into the 6th. Had this only been a 9 inning game that could have been important in keeping the bullpen rested for tomorrow's finale. That turned out to be a moot point as the bullpen got totally wrecked with Cla Meredith being the only pitcher left in the bullpen at the end of the game. Following Guthrie in the game was Mark Hendrickson, Chris Ray, Danys Baez, Jim Johnson, Brian Bass, and Matt Albers, with those last two doing the more damage that should ever be allowed by a major league reliever.

For the offense, most of the team contributed in scoring those 8 runs. Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, and Luke Scott all homered. Roberts, Reimold, Moeller, Scott, Wigginton, and Andino doubled. The 8 RBIs came from 6 different players, and the tying run in the 9th scored when Brian Roberts doubled, stole third, and scored on a sacrifice fly (we call that sequence of events "Brian being Brian") that was just inches from being a walk off HR for Adam Jones.

But back to the part of the game I witnessed. Jim Johnson came on to pitch the top of the 10th and was just great, retiring the side in order with a strikeout and two groundouts. The offense was unable to do anything in the bottom of the 10th, and JJ returned for the 11th and immediately got into trouble, giving up a single and two walks to load the bases with one out. Torii Hunter lined the first pitch he saw to Brian Roberts who threw to Huff at first to double up Kendry Morales.

The O's went quietly again in the 11th, with only Nick Markakis getting on base with a two out single. Brian Bass took over for JJ in the top of the 12th and I felt an immediate sense of impending doom. Brian Bass, who was the bullpen rock early in the season, has been just awful for quite some time now, and today was no different. After a leadoff groundout, Bass allowed back-to-back singles and hit Chone Figgins to load the bases. But for the second straight inning the Orioles would be on the good side of an awesome double play. Maicer Izturis chopped a ball towards first. Aubrey Huff made a nice pick, went home for the first out and go to first to receive the throw from Matt Wieters and complete the 3-2-3 double play.

Despite his horrible 12th, Brian Bass returned to the mound in the 13th (the O's offense again went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 12th). Again he was bad, this time giving up 4 straight singles to put the Angels up 9-8. With the bases loaded an no outs, Dave Trembley turned to Matt Albers. Albers has been straight up awful in the month of August, giving up 11 ER in just 5 IP.

This, friends, is when it got just awful. I kept wanting to change the channel, to flip over to the PGA Championship, but I couldn't. It was a train wreck. Here is the play log courtesy of Yahoo!:

- M. Albers relieved B. Bass

- E. Aybar singled to right, J. Rivera and K. Morales scored, T. Hunter to third

- M. Napoli struck out swinging, E. Aybar stole second

- H. Kendrick grounded out to third, T. Hunter scored, E. Aybar to third

- C. Figgins doubled to right, E. Aybar scored

- M. Izturis singled to shallow left, C. Figgins scored

- B. Abreu walked, M. Izturis to second

- J. Rivera homered to left, M. Izturis and B. Abreu scored

- K. Morales grounded out to first

When it was all said and done, the Angels had scored 9 runs in the 13th inning, which I have to think is some kind of record. The Orioles batters struck out 1-2-3 to end the game. What an awful way to lose in extra innings, although it was just so absurd that it was at least a little comical there at the end.

O's look to split the series tomorrow as David Hernandez faces off against Ervin Santana. I hope young David is prepared to pitch a complete game because the bullpen needs a day to recuperate. Although getting rid of Bass and Albers and replacing them with Mickolio and another AAA'er would certainly help.

Poll

Who was today's Most Birdland Player (MBP)?

Brian Roberts, who had 2 hits on the day, a HR and a bottom of the 9th double after which he stole third to put himself in place to score the tying run. Also Brian's Baseball Bash is tonight which is very Birdland.

118 votes

Nick Markakis, who's 6th inning 2 run HR tied the game at 6-6, and who is hosting a charity 5K tonight at Patterson Park.

22 votes

Luke Scott, who might just be coming out of his slump as he hit his 20th HR of the year and just missed his 21st on a double that hit near the top of the scoreboard.

12 votes

Jim Johnson, who held the Angels scoreless in the 10th and 11th.

5 votes

Nobody. All possible Birdlandness is canceled out with two relievers give up 9 runs in the 13th inning.

106 votes

263 votes | Poll has closed

Red Sox 18, Orioles 10: Solution to "September Swoon?" Lose all games in July and August as well.

Stacey — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:02:14 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

Complain all you want, Dave, your baseball team is still awful. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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The Orioles scored 10 runs today, and still managed to lose by eight runs. It's pretty impressive, actually. Also impressive is Jason Berken extending his streak. He now hasn't managed a win since his major league debut on May 29th. Berken hit an all time low today, allowing 6 ER on 7 H and 2 BB in just 1.1 innings. His completely useless self was followed by a parade of ugliness, with Brian Bass, Matt Albers, Mark Hendrickson, Cla Meredith, and Jim Johnson combining to give up 12 more runs.

The most frustrating thing was, after the Red Sox put up 7 runs over the first three innings, the Orioles offense exploded for 6 runs in the bottom of the third against Clay Buchholz. Just like that the Orioles were back in the game, but just as O's fans started to feel a glimmer of hope, Brian Bass and Matt Albers gave it away. The Red Sox scored 7 runs in the top of the 4th and the game wouldn't be close again.

The O's offense did what they could, led by Adam Jones. AJ went 3-4 with a double, a HR, and a walk. He knocked in 3 and scored 3. Ty Wigginton also had a great day at the plate, going 3-5 with a HR. Wiggy played 3B in place of that cry baby Melvin Mora and if he keeps hitting like he did today Melvin will never get back on the field. Altogether the Orioles offense combined for 10 runs on 15 hits. They hit 4 doubles and 2 home runs. They took 6 walks. Only the catcher position didn't contribute a hit. But with pitching as bad as it was, they might as well have saved it for another day.

The O's end their home stand at 2-5 and now head on the road for four at Detroit and three at Toronto. If Luke Scott can't get himself going against the Tigers, then I fear all hope is lost.

Poll

Who was today's Most Birdland Player (MBP)?

Adam Jones (4-5, 2B, HR, BB, 3 R, 3 RBI)

218 votes

Brian Roberts (3-4, 2B, BB, 1 R, 1 RBI)

3 votes

Ty Wigginton (3-5, HR, 1 R, 2 RBI

15 votes

No One. Losers find a way to lose.

116 votes

352 votes | Poll has closed

Royals 5, Orioles 3. So, Bruce Chen, huh?

duck — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:41:05 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

Rich Hill prepares for yet another awful pitch. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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Losing teams find ways to lose. And tonight, the Orioles found a way to lose to Bruce Chen and the Royals. Yup, Bruce Chen, ex-Oriole, last seen getting whiplash watching balls fly over the fence in 2006. He of the 6.58 ERA, the 1.462 WHIP and measly 5.5 K/9 in 2009.

And sure enough, the O's scored in each of the first two innings. Granted, KC scored in the first as well, but the O's couldn't lose to Bruce Chen, could they?

Rich Hill answered the question rather convincingly. Hill, who knew, stone cold knew, that his pitching career could be decided by tonight's effort, lasted seven outs. He gave up three runs, four hits, walked three, struck out one and generally looked clueless. His delivery looked awful, he had no idea where the ball was going, and didn't even bother throwing his glove in the dugout when Dave Trembley came out to yank him. And if corporal punishment was legal for pitchers, I do believe Diamond Dave would have taken him behind the nearest woodshed.

Oh, the lineup doesn't get a pass tonight. Did I mention we lost to Bruce Chen? Sure enough, aside from Adam Jones hitting a solo HR and getting hit at an opportune time, the Orioles just didn't get much going. The other RBI was the result of a Matt Wieters single that scored Aubrey Huff, but then third-base coach Juan "Windmill" Samuel had Nolan Reimold try for home, where he was out by about 700 feet, roughly. Maybe 600. Looked like 700 to me.

I could recite the offensive futility of the Orioles in this game, but much like Nickelback songs, it's the same tune, just different details. The bullpen did its job, for the most part, with Brian Bass going scoreless for 3.1 and although single runs were scored against Matt Albers and Danys Baez (whose trade values sinks like a rock with every appearence), Cla Meredith came in and threw a shutout inning to finish the 9th. But the bullpen didn't really lose this one. Rich Hill did.

Losing teams find a way to lose, and having a starter like Rich Hill in the rotation certainly increases the odds. And it's getting damn frustrating to watch.

Poll

Who was the Most Birdland Player for Monday, July 27, 2009?

Nolan Reimold (2-3, 1 BB)

41 votes

Adam Jones (1-3, HR, HBP)

33 votes

Aubrey Huff (2-4, 1BB)

3 votes

Brian Bass (3.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 K)

36 votes

No one - 3 runs against Bruce Chen? Are you kidding me?

138 votes

251 votes | Poll has closed

Yankees 6, Orioles 4: 0-5 in New Yankee Stadium

Stacey — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:45:36 -0000

Sometimes the thought of writing a narrative about a game just seems like too much. So instead, a recap in pictures (pictures obviously not from tonight but rather just pictures I enjoy).

The Good

Brian Roberts has been on fire since the All Star break, and he continued tonight, going 3-4 with a double, a stolen base, and two runs.

Nick Markakis had another great night. He went 3-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. He also threw Derek Jeter out trying to score. It was beautiful.

Melvin Mora only had one hit, but it was a big one. With runners on 2nd and 3rd in the 6th inning, Melvin singled to left, scoring Markakis and Aubrey Huff.

Matt Albers came in to pitch with one out in the 6th inning and runners on 2nd and 3rd and immediately cleaned up the mess made by Brian Bass and Cesar Izturis. He struck out Derek Jeter and got Johnny Damon to fly out to Nolan Reimold. Mark Hendrickson also pitched a good inning. It's nice to see him effective.

See the more crappy stuff after the jump

The Bad

Luke Scott went 0-4 and is now just 1 for 16 since the All Star Break. Aubrey Huff did have one hit and scored a run, but only because Johnny Damon threw to 2nd instead of home. Huff stopped at third on Mora's single even though Juan Samuel was waving him in. By the time he started moving again he would have been out by a mile if Damon had thrown to the right base. Combined, Huff and Scott left 5 men on base.

Brian Bass was forced to come into the game in the fourth inning and gave up 2 hits and 3 walks in 2.1 innings. He only gave up one run but it would have been worse if Matt Albers hadn't saved his behind.

The Makes Me Want to Vomit

Rich Hill proved once again that he doesn't belong in a major league rotation. He only gave up 3 hits in 3 innings, but when you add 4 walks to that it gets ugly really fast. 3 innings, 4 walks, 5 runs. After tonight his WHIP is up to 1.83 and his ERA 7.64. It's my desire to never see Rich Hill again, but I don't think I'm that lucky.

Poll

Who was tonight's Most Birdland Player (MBP)?

Brian Roberts (3-4, 2B, SB, 2 R)

57 votes

Nick Markakis (3-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, threw out the Cap'n at home)

83 votes

Melvin Mora (1-4, 2 RBI, clutchness due to playoff experience)

4 votes

Matt Albers (1.2 IP, 0 H, 2 K, got the O's out of Brian Bass' jam by stranding two)

8 votes

Mark Hendrickson (1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, has found a home in the bullpen)

2 votes

No One

10 votes

164 votes | Poll has closed

The Washington Nationals Just Can't Let Go? Orioles Win 6-3.

Ed Chigliak — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:58:35 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

6 months ago: Washington Nationals second baseman Ronnie Belliard catches a pop up by Baltimore Orioles Melvin Mora just missing a collision with right fielder Austin Kearns in the fourth inning of a baseball game Saturday, June 27, 2009, in Baltimore.(AP Photo/ Gail Burton)

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HEADLINE:

Bases Loaded Failure:

How many bases loaded situations can you fail to cash in on and still expect to win a game against a major league opponent? Even a mediocre one like the Baltimore Orioles...Two of the Washington Nationals' three runs tonight were walked in by the O's starter Jeremy Guthrie in the first inning, when he gave up back to back singles and then two straight walks to force in the first run of the evening. One strikeout later, Guthrie walked in run No. 2, but the double play grounder Ronnie Belliard hit into ended any hope of a real rally, and let the Orioles' starter off the hook after 39 pitches.

Ryan Zimmerman's DP grounder in the second erased a leadoff single. Josh Willingham doubled to start the third and scored the only run the Nationals earned tonight two unproductive outs later when Austin Kearns, of all people, collected his first RBI since May 7th with a two-out single on a 2-2 fastball low and inside that he lined into left. At that point you might have actually thought that the decision to start Austin Kearns and his .196 AVG and .331 OBP was a good one, did you still think so when he ground into an inning-ending DP with the bases loaded in the sixth? Or when he K'd swinging at a 1-2 curve from Orioles' closer George Sherrill in the ninth?

The Washington Nationals drop their second straight in Camden Yards, 6-3 to Baltimore. DC righty Shairon Martis gives up 6 hits and 4 ER's in 5.0 IP, and DC relievers Joe Beimel and Mike MacDougal give up a run each in the seventh and eighth to put it out of reach at 6-3 O's. Orioles' catcher Gregg Zaun, left fielder Nolan Reimold and first baseman Aubrey Huff hit one home run each, and after Baltimore starter Jeremy Guthrie gives up 3 runs in 5 IP, the Orioles' bullpen gives up just 3 hits in 4.0 scoreless innings as the O's hand the Nationals their 51st loss of '09.

Miss The Game? Unfortunately For The DC Faithful, They Didn't?

Orioles win, 6-3 final.

Headlines: (Continued After The Jump):

• Hanrahan? Who Would Take Him?

• DC Bullpen Update...

• A List Of ?'s That Start With How Long...

For The Completists, Complete Game Report After The Jump...

We Totally Outcommented Them At Least...Check Out The Camden Chat (SBN Orioles Blog's GameThread).

DWDT: 14

Washington Nationals now 21-51.

Hanrahan? Who'd Take Him?

In trying to explain the fact that failed DC closer Joel Hanrahan remained on the roster, Washington Post writer Chico Harlan noted in an article at the Nationals Journal this afternoon entitled, "Bard Emerging As Nats' Regular Catcher", that, "Washington's front office openly admits that he'd (Hanrahan would) be pitching in the minors, if only he had options remaining", and when asked by Mr. Harlan, what the Nationals will do with the struggling reliever, who insists on throwing his slider, (ed. note - "Sorry, I added that.") "Acting" DC GM Mike Rizzo, responded:

"'I just think we'll have to be patient with him and live with him,' Rizzo said. 'Manny will have to put him in the right positions to succeed -- maybe winning by a lot of runs, losing by a lot of runs.'"

•• DC Bullpen Duck Pond UPDATE:

(ed. note - "The DC Faithful didn't cite any sources when they discussed this during tonight's GameThread, so I imagine they somehow see into the future because, according to Washington Post writer Chico Harlan's post game post entitled, "Stammen Moves To Pen (And Post Game Comments)", DC righty Craig Stammen will be moving to the pen when Scott Olsen returns to the DC rotation this week. Mr. Harlan thinks it'll be one of the members of the Nationals' bullpen Duck Pond who will be heading up to Syracuse instead of Stammen, Ross Detwiler or Shairon Martis as had previously been speculated, and since we just read what we did above from the "Acting" DC GM, the DC Faithful think it'll be Jesus Colome.")

A List Of ?'s That Start With How Long...

• How long with the Nationals "live" with Hanrahan?

• How long with they insist on putting Austin Kearns out there?

• How long will Mike MacDougal last as the Nationals' closer? And who's next?

• How long until someone convinces Ronnie Belliard line drives are more likely than homers?

• How long until Stephen Strasburg signs???

Go Ahead, Add Your Own "How Long's" In The Comments...

GAME REPORT...("Two G's, Zaun? Do you know how long it took me to correct all those, ugh...")

Washington Nationals At Baltimore Orioles. Game 72 or 73 of 162.

The Amazing Willie Harris starts the game with a single through second. Orioles’ right-hander Jeremy Guthrie gives up another single to Cristian Guzman, who hits a line drive to center field. Ryan Zimmerman walks to load’em up for Adam Dunn. Dunn takes a 3-1 pitch inside and walks to force in the first run of the game, 1-0 DC. Jeremy Guthrie gets Josh Willingham looking at a two-strike fastball inside. Josh Bard battles Guthrie to a full count, and walks in the second run of the first. 2-0 DC. Ronnie Belliard grounds to short, Robert Andino to Dave Roberts to Aubrey Huff, double play...Josh Willingham goes a long way to catch the first out off Brian Roberts’ bat. DC righty Shairon Martis gives up a one-out single on a grounder up the middle by Adam Jones. Nick Markakis takes a 2-1 pitch to center, where Willie Harris makes the grab!! Aubrey Huff walks on four straight pitches. Nolan Reimold walks to load the bases. Luke Scott chases a 1-2 slider for a swinging K to end the first.

Austin Kearns hits a liner over the mound to short, Robert Andino throws to first to start the second. Robert Andino fields a chest high hopper and throws to first in time to get Alberto Gonzalez. Willie Harris flies out to short left to end the DC second...Melvin Mora hits a line drive to center that Willie Harris handles. Gregg Zaun takes a 2-2 fastball to right and...gone? It’s GONE! 2-1 DC. Robert Andino grouds out to short, Alberto Gonzalez fires to first in time. Brian Roberts stares a two-strike slider all the way in and gets punched out emphatically by the home plate ump.

Cristian Guzman singles to left to start the third. Ryan Zimmerman grounds to third, Melvin Mora to Brian Roberts to Aubrey Huff, double play. Adam Dunn pops out to center, Adam Jones makes the catch...Ronnie Belliard’s standing there waiting for Melvin Mora’s groundout to second. Nick Markakis fights off a pitch inside and lines to left for a one-out single. After getting squeezed on a 1-2 fastball, Martis drops a 2-2 change on Aubrey Huff to get a swinging K. Nolan Reimold grounds to third, Zimmerman takes the force at second...

Jeremy Guthrie gives up a leadoff double to Josh Willingham who rips a pond-skipper past Mora at third. Josh Bard’s fly ball to center is not enough to advance the Hammer to third. Ronnie Belliard grounds sharply to third, Mora looks Willingham back and throws to first to get Belliard. Austin Kearns fully extends and drives the ball to center for an RBI single, 3-1 DC. Alberto Gonzalez fouls out on a foul tip...Shairon Martis walks the leadoff batter, Luke Scott. Melvin Mora flies to short right, and Ronnie Belliard and Austin Kearns almost collide as Belliard catches it. Robert Andino lines out to left to end the fourth.

Jeremy Guthrie pops Willie Harris up to the infield. Melvin Mora swipes his glove through the air to make the catch as he tracks Cristian Guzman’s pop fly foul of third. Ryan Zimmerman flies to center on a full-count fastball from Guthrie...Brian Roberts lines to -- Alberto Gonzalez’s glove!!! Diving catch by Gonzalez. Adam Jones grounds to short and reaches safely when Gonzalez can’t come up with it. Nick Markakis flies out to left. Aubrey Huff beats the shift with a hard-hit grounder under a diving Belliard at second. Martis hangs a change to Nolan Reimold and it ends up in the first row in left for a 3-run HR and a 4-3 Orioles’ lead. Martis drops a two-strike slider onto the outside edge for a backwards K to end the inning.

Brian Bass takes over on the hill for the O’s. Adam Dunn takes a 3-2 pitch low and outside for a leadoff walk. Bass throws a high fastball to Josh Willingham and the Hammer drills a line drive to left, Dunn to third. Josh Bard up with two on. Bard walks, Bass is done. The O’s bring on Matt Albers, and he gets a force at home on Ronnie Belliard’s grounder and a tailor-made DP on Kearns’ weak roller to short. 4-3 O’s...Julian Tavarez gets Melvin Mora swinging to start the O’s sixth. Zaun singles with one down and moves to second as Ryan Zimmerman stumbles and falls as he throws out Robert Andino. Brian Roberts grounds out to first, Tavarez holds it close.

Jim Johnson is the next O’s pitcher. Alberto Gonzalez punches a single into center. Willie Harris grounds to second, Roberts to Andino to Huff, double play. Cristian Guzman grounds out to second...Willie Harris flies over to catch a fly ball off of Adam Jones’ bat. DC Manager Manny Acta calls on Joe Beimel against the left-handed hitting Nick Markakis. Markakis lifts a slow slider to Josh Willingham in left. Beimel sends one right down the pipe and Huff hammers it to left and GONE. 5-3 O’s. Nolan Reimold goes down swinging. 5-3 O’s after the seventh.

Ryan Zimmerman hits a blooper to right for a leadoff single in the seventh. Jim Johnson gets a weak ground ball to short from Adam Dunn. Josh Willingham beats out the back end of his own DP grounder. Josh Bard flies out to center to end DC’s eighth...Mike MacDougal walks the leadoff O in the eighth. Felix Pie takes over running for Luke Scott. Pie gets forced out at second on a sweet diving play by Belliard. Gregg Zaun singles through short. Robert Andino singles to load the bases. Brian Roberts flies out to left, Mora tags and scores on a weak throw from Willingham in left. 6-3 Orioles. Adam Jones grounds out to end the eighth.

George Sherrill’s on to save it. Ronnie Belliard pops out. Austin Kearns K’s on a 1-2 bender on the outside edge. Alberto Gonzalez grounds out to Mora, O’s win. 6-3 final.

Nationals now 21-51.

Pitching, Defense and a 3-Run Homer (and Ronnie Belliard)

duck — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:47:18 -0000

Nolan Reimold, proving who this team's #5 hitter should be.

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Dave Trembley said the infield defense was the best tonight that it's been all year, and the Orioles needed every out of it Saturday night.

Sure, the final score was 6-3. But the O's trailed for the first half of this game, and only some defensive gems (and four double playes turned) from 3B Melvin Mora, SS Robert Andino, 2B Brian Roberts and some fine catches by 1B Aubrey Huff kept the O's in the game against the Washington Nationals.

I missed the first inning, but apparently, it was the same as missing the first death from the Black Plague and just waiting for the rest of the village to succumb. Jeremy Guthrie looked bad, 39 pitches bad, and rescue seemed impossible. But Ronnie Belliard, bless his heart, might as well have had a Orioles jersey on while at the plate tonight. To wit:

First inning, bases loaded, 1 out: R. Belliard grounded into double play shortstop to second to first, J. Bard out at second

Fourth inning, man on 2B, 1 out: - R. Belliard grounded out to third (runner does not advance)

Sixth inning, bases loaded, 0 out: - R. Belliard grounded into fielder's choice, A. Dunn out at home, J. Willingham to third, J. Bard to second

Ninth inning, lead-off batter: R. Belliard popped out to third

God bless you, Ronnie Belliard.

Guthrie continued for four more innings, and while never looking impressive with his 2-0 deficit, which soon became 3-0 in the 4th inning, he managed to get through five innings on 95 pitches. Dave Trembley said after the game he told Guthrie as soon as the team took the lead, he was out. But if the team still trailed or was tied going into the 6th, he'd keep Guthrie in. Discuss among yourselves, class.

As far as the rest of the O's, the first 5 runs came on 3 home runs, with Gregg Zaun (?!?!?!?) hitting a solo, as did Aubrey Huff later in the game, and Nolan Reimold giving the O's the lead on a homer that led to the strangest reaction I've ever seen a LF have as Josh Willingham just spread his arms, put his palms in the air and practially screamed "I have no idea where the ball is!" as it traveled 30 feet over his head into the 4th row of the bleachers.

Jeremy Guthrie did indeed recover from his 39-pitch 1st inning to last through 5.0 IP, and while Brian Bass lasted just 3 batters, all of whom reached, Matt Albers was the beneificary of Ronnie Belliard's ineptitude with the bat and further benefited from Austin Kearns' inning-ending double play. The O's tacked on extra runs with Aubrey Huff's solo homer and Brian Roberts' sacrifice fly to drive in Melvin Mora, who seems to be on a mission to reclaim his #5 lineup position. Ain't gonna happen, Memlo. Be happy you're at #7.

We have a plethora of choice for Most Birdland Player, and as tempting as it is to add Ronnie Belliard, I must refrain. But feel free to express your appreciation for his efforts in helping the Orioles win in the comments below.

Nationals vs Orioles recap | Federal Baseball | Nationals vs Orioles boxscore

Poll

Who was the Most Birdland Player for Saturday, June 27, 2009?

Matt Albers (1.0 IP, Hold, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 K, two ground balls when needed most)

55 votes

Nolan Reimold (1-3, HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K)

106 votes

Gregg Zaun (3-4, HR)

33 votes

Aubrey Huff (2-3, HR, 2 R)

4 votes

JIm Johnson (2.0 IP, Hold, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 K)

8 votes

206 votes | Poll has closed

Phillies vs Orioles: June 19-21

Matt Swartz — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:00:13 -0000

More photos » by Tom Mihalek - AP

Cole Hamels will pitch Sunday for the Phillies. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

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After a disappointing sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays, the Philadelphia Phillies (36-28) still maintain a three-game lead over the Mets thanks to this weekend's opponent, the Baltimore Orioles (29-37), who took two out of three from the Mets. The Phillies have three games this weekend against the O's, who have a lot of promising young stars, but still struggle to compete in a tough division. The Orioles really do fall short with their pitching, although their young hitters are dangerous. In addition to reliable veterans Brain Roberts, and Aubrey Huff, the Orioles have Nick Markakis, who is quietly turning into one of the better hitters in the American League, Adam Jones, the steal of the Erik Bedard trade who his mashing this year, and the Orioles very own Messiah to combat ours, Matt Wieters. Wieters finally hit his first homerun this week against the Mets, though reports are that if he does not get the day off Sunday against Cole Hamels, the planet might explode. Either that or at least one of the websites linked in the previous sentence will be at least an exaggeration.

The Phillies send Antonio Bastardo out Friday night, looking to bounce back after his first poor start of the season. Bastardo allowed five runs in the first inning before a rain delay ended his night against the Red Sox. The Orioles reply with Rich Hill, who has been the victim of control problems, and if it were not for some luck on flyballs landing on the correct side of the fence, Hill's ERA would be in worse shape. Hill does not have a huge split , being mostly a fastball/curveball pitcher, so the Phillies should not have too much trouble with him.

The Orioles will send out RHP Brad Bergeson in Saturday night's game. Bergeson is a contact pitcher who gets a good number of groundballs. Taking good swings against him will be the key. The Phillies send J.A. Happ to the mound against him. Happ looked a little better than what he is after initially joining the rotation, though his last two starts have left something to be desired.

The Orioles send RHP Jeremy Guthrie to the mound on Sunday afternoon. Guthrie has had some bad luck this year, but is pretty much an average pitcher overall, in terms of control, command, and groundball tendencies. The Phillies send ace Cole Hamels to the mound on Sunday. American League teams have done their best with him this year by fouling off pitches and building up his pitch counts, and getting a shot against the bullpen. He'll try to go deeper into Sunday's game than he has in recent starts.

MATCHUPS

Friday, 7:05-- Antonio Bastardo (L) vs. Rich Hill (L)

Saturday, 7:05-- J.A. Happ (L) vs. Brad Bergeson (R)

Sunday, 1:35-- Cole Hamels (L) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (R)

After the jump, I preview the players, their splits, and the matchups.

ORIOLES

LINE UP

1) 2B Brian Roberts (S): .287/.352/.445

projection average (proj): .285/.365/.425
projected BB/PA (bb): 11%
projected K/AB (k): 16%
career gb% (gb): 38%
career infield flies/flyball (iff): 7%
career infield hits/groundball (ifh): 5%
batting average on balls in play tendencies (babip): projected around .325; i have him .318
swing/contact/zone facts (s/c/z): good eye, good patience, good contact, sees a decent amount of strikes
righty/lefty (r/l): .802 vs .705 ops; 1.3 vs 1.4 k/bb
home/away (h/a): .759 vs .786 ops; 1.2 vs 1.3 k/bb
pull/opposite (p/o): slight pull hitter from both sides
anything else (other): better against groundball pitchers

2) RF Nick Markakis (L): .293/.356/.464

proj: .300/.380/.485
bb: 11%
k: 18%
gb: 46%
iff: 6%
ifh: 6%
babip: projected around .335; i have him at .329.
s/c/z: okay eye, good patience, above average contact
r/l: .888 vs .753 ops; 1.3 vs 2.1 k/bb
h/a: .867 vs .827 ops; 1.6 vs 1.4 k/bb
p/o: spreads ball around pretty evenly
other: much better against finesse pitcher

3) CF Adam Jones (R): .312/.368/.540

proj: .275/.325/.445
bb: 6%
k: 23%
gb: 46%
iff: 12%
ifh: 9%
babip: projected around .325, but i have him at .306; my system is probably conservative since there isn't much data on him
s/c/z: impatient, bad eye, below average contact
r/l: .768 vs .729 ops; 6.1 vs 2.7 k/bb
h/a: .760 vs .754 ops; 5.6 vs 3.7 k/bb
p/o: somewhat of a pull hitter
other: none

4) 1B Aubrey Huff (L): .272/.335/.451

proj: .280/.345/.470
bb: 8.5%
k: 15%
gb: 45%
iff: 11%
ifh: 4%
babip: projected around .295; i have him around .299.
s/c/z: decent eye, decent contact
r/l: .856 vs .745 ops; 1.5 vs 2.2 k/bb
h/a: .839 vs .808 ops; 1.6 vs 1.8 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

5) 3B Melvin Mora (R): .277/.333/.339

proj: .270/.330/.425
bb: 8%
k: 17%
gb: 39%
iff: 11%
ifh: 7%
babip: i have him at .298 which is about where other systems have him.
s/c/z: some patience and okay eye, pretty good contact
r/l: .786 vs .816 ops; 2.0 vs 1.3 k/bb
h/a: .806 vs .782 ops; 1.6 vs 2.0 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

6) DH Luke Scott (L): .306/.389/.594

proj: .260/.345/.480
bb: 10%
k: 22%
gb: 39%
iff: 11%
ifh: 5%
babip: most systems have him around .295; i have him at .286
s/c/z: okay eye but impatient, mediocre contact, sees a lot of strikes
r/l: .874 vs .850 ops; 1.7 vs 2.2 k/bb
h/a: .896 vs .841 ops; 1.5 vs 2.2 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

7) C Matt Wieters (S): .259/.298/.407

proj: .295/.365/.485
bb: 11%
k: 19%
gb: 47% in minors
iff: 7% in minors
ifh: ?
babip: projected around .320
s/c/z: good eye, somewhat patient, below average contact
r/l: seems pretty good both ways in minors, but better babip vs lhp
h/a: not enough info
p/o: ?
other: none

8) LF Nolan Riemold (R): .283/.372/.525

proj: .250/.320/.430
bb: 9%
k: 21%
gb: 51%
iff: 20%
ifh: ?
babip: projected around .290
s/c/z: somewhat patient, average contact, pretty good eye
r/l: .870 vs 1.010 in minors
h/a: not enough info
p/o: ?
other: none

9) SS Robert Andino (R): .252/.292/.313

proj: .240/.295/.360
bb: 6%
k: 23%
gb: 54%
iff: 12%
ifh: 5%
babip: projected all over the place, about .300 overall
s/c/z: not a great eye, not particularly patient, below average contact
r/l: .533 vs .594 ops; 3.4 vs 8.5 k/bb
h/a: .614 vs .488 ops; 4.5 vs 3.7 k/bb
p/o: opposite field hitter
other: none

BENCH

C Greg Zaun (S): .209/.315/.295

proj: .250/.340/.390
bb: 12%
k: 16%
gb: 43%
iff: 14%
ifh: 4%
babip: projected around .265
s/c/z: patient with a good eye, above average contact
r/l: .722 vs .733 ops; 1.2 vs 0.9 k/bb
h/a: .734 vs .715 ops; 1.1 vs 1.1 k/bb
p/o: slight pull hitter as righty, pull hitter as lefty
other: none

OF Felix Pie (L): .202/.279/.319

proj: .260/.315/.400
bb: 6.5%
k: 21%
gb: 46%
iff: 15%
ifh: 6%
babip: projected around .315
s/c/z: somewhat patient without a great eye, pretty good contact
r/l: .675 vs .278 ops; 3.2 vs 3.4 k/bb
h/a: .609 vs .610 ops; 2.8 vs 3.6 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

DH Ty Wigginton (R): .241/.280/.380

proj: .270/.335/.470
bb: 7.5%
k: 20%
gb: 44%
iff: 9%
ifh: 7%
babip: i project him at .304, which is about where other systems have him
s/c/z: impatient, okay eye, decent contact
r/l: .749 vs .858 ops; 3.0 vs 1.6 k/bb
h/a: .809 vs .751 ops; 2.5 vs 2.6 k/bb
p/o: definite pull hitter
other: none

IF Oscar Salazar (R): .300/.300/.300

proj: .270/.330/.445
bb: 7%
k: 16%
gb: 42%
iff: 14%
ifh: 11%
babip: projected around .300
s/c/z: good eye, patient, slightly above average contact
r/l: .959 vs .596 ops; 1.0 vs 1.6 k/bb
h/a: not enough info
p/o: slight pull hitter
other: none

ROTATION

FRIDAY OPPONENT: Rich Hill (L): 5.81 ERA, 6.5 BB/9, 7.9 K/9, 0.3 HR/9, 4.09 FIP, 33%

proj avg: 5.00 ERA, 4.5 BB/9, 7.5 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 35%
pitches: 59% fb, 35% cb, 6% ch
r/l: .728 vs .651; 2.3 vs 1.9 k/bb
h/a: .713 vs .713; 2.2 vs 2.1 k/bb

Hill vs Phillies:

Feliz: 3/14, 2 HR, 1 BB, 4 K
Rollins: 3/8, 1 2B, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP
Bruntlett: 1/6, 1 2B, 0 BB, 2 K
Howard: 1/6, 1 2B, 0 BB, 4 K
Utley: 2/4, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP
Victorino: 0/5, 1 BB, 1 K
Coste: 0/3, 0 BB, 1 K
Ibanez: 0/3, 0 BB, 1 K
Ruiz: 0/2, 1 BB, 0 K

SATURDAY OPPONENT: Brad Bergesen (R): 3.79 ERA, 2.1 BB/9, 4.2 K/9, 1.1 HR/9, 4.62 FIP, 55% GB

proj avg: 5.70 ERA, 2.6 BB/9, 3.7 K/9, 1.5 HR/9
gb: 56%
pitches: 67% fb, 23% sl, 9% ch, 0.4% cb
r/l: .775 vs .736 ops; 4.2 vs 1.2 k/bb
h/a: .777 vs .726 ops; 4.4 vs 0.8 k/bb

Bergesen: has not played any Phillies

SUNDAY OPPONENT: Jeremy Guthrie (R): 5.42 ERA, 2.6 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 1.8 HR/9, 5.45 FIP, 38% GB

proj avg: 4.30 ERA, 3.0 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 43%
pitches: 64% fb, 18% sl, 11% ch, 6% cb
r/l: .733 vs .761 ops; 2.3 vs 2.0 k/bb
h/a: .788 vs .696 ops; 2.4 vs 1.8 k/bb

Guthrie vs Phillies:

Stairs: 3/18, 1 HR, 1 BB, 6 K
Ibanez: 3/13, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 BB (2 IBB), 2 K, 1 HBP
Bako: 0/3, 0 BB, 2 K

NOT FACING US: Koji Uehara (R): 4.30 ERA, 1.8 BB/9, 6.8 K/9, 0.9 HR/9, 3.43 FIP, 29% GB

proj avg: 4.60 ERA, 1.7 BB/9, 6.1 K/9, 1.6 HR/9
gb: 30%
pitches: 57% fb, 32% sf, 6% ct, 3% ch, 2% ct
r/l: .715 vs .760 ops; 2.6 vs 5.0 k/bb
h/a: not enough info

Uehara: has not faced any Phillies

NOT FACING US: Jason Berken (R): 6.84 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 5.5 K/9, 0.7 HR/9, 4.21 FIP, 32% GB

proj avg: 5.35 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 5.3 K/9, 1.3 HR/9
gb: 49% in minors
pitches: 60% fb, 17% ch, 14% sl, 9% cb
r/l: slightly better at avoiding contact against rhb but wilder too
h/a: not enough info

Berken: has not played any Phillies:

BULLPEN

CL George Sherrill (L): 2.45 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 8.1 K/9, 1.0 HR/9, 3.73 FIP, 26% GB

proj avg: 3.90 ERA, 4.6 BB/9, 9.5 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 32%
pitches: 72% fb, 27% sl, 1% ch
r/l: .773 vs .506 ops; 1.1 vs 4.7 k/bb
h/a: .672 vs .627 ops; 2.3 vs 2.1 k/bb

Sherrill vs Phillies:

Stairs: 1/3, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K
Ibanez; 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Jim Johnson (R): 2.87 ERA, 3.2 BB/9, 6.3 K/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.64 FIp, 54% GB

proj avg: 4.20 ERA, 3.6 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 56%
pitches: 79% fb, 12% cb, 9% ch
r/l: .662 vs .612 ops; 2.1 vs 0.9 k/bb
h/a: .663 vs .615 ops; 1.2 vs 1.5 k/bb

Johnson vs Phillies:

Stairs: 0/1, 1 BB (IBB), 0 K

Danys Baez (R): 3.03 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 0.8 HR/9, 61% GB, 4.22 FIP

proj avg: 4.70 ERA, 3.6 BB/9, 5.5 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 44%
pitches: 60% fb, 31% sf, 8% cb, 1% ct, 0.2% sl
r/l: .648 vs .759 ops; 2.1 vs 1.6 k/bb
h/a: .701 vs .705 ops; 2.0 vs 1.6 k/bb

Baez vs Phillies:

Ibanez: 0/4, 2 BB, 2 K
Feliz: 0/5, 0 BB, 2 K
Rollins: 3/5, 1 2B, 0 BB, 1 K
Stairs: 0/4, 0 BB, 0 K
Howard: 0/1, 2 BB, 1 K
Dobbs: 0/1, 1 BB, 1 K
Utley: 2 BB
Victorino: 0/1, 1 BB, 1 K
Werth: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Alberto Castillo (L): 3.86 ERA, 7.7 BB/9, 3.9 K/9, 0.0 HR/9, 6.07 FIP, 33% GB

proj avg: 4.60 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 6.8 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 44%
pitches: 58% fb, 36% sl, 6% ch, 1% cb
r/l: .723 vs .762 ops; 2.1 vs 1.8 k/bb
h/a: .564 vs .908 ops; 2.8 vs 1.4 k/bb

Castillo vs Phillies:

Stairs: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K

Mark Hendrickson (L): 5.61 ERA, 4.0 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 1.9 HR/9, 5.86 FIP, 40% GB

proj avg: 5.00 ERA, 3.1 BB/9, 5.5 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 45%
pitches: 60% fb, 12% ch, 23% cb, 4% ct
r/l: .826 vs .692 ops; 1.8 vs 2.1 k/bb
h/a: .811 vs .777 ops; 1.9 vs 1.8 k/bb

Hendrickson vs Phillies:

Feliz: 4/18, 0 BB, 1 K
Rollins: 3/9, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP
Utley: 4/9, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 BB, 1 K
Howard: 1/8, 1 BB, 5 K
Ibanez: 1/7, 1 BB, 1 K
Victorino: 4/8, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 BB, 0 K
Coste: 2/6, 1 2B, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Stairs: 2/4, 1 2B, 0 BB, 1 K
Werth: 1/4, 0 BB, 1 K
Bruntlett: 1/2, 1 BB (IBB), 0 K
Bako: 1/1, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
Dobbs: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Ruiz: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K

Brian Bass (R): 3.92 ERA, 2.9 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, 1.6 HR/9, 5.29 FIP, 66% GB

proj avg: 4.80 ERA, 3.2 BB/9, 5.1 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 60%
pitches: 66% fb, 18% sl, 11% cb, 5% ch, 0.1% sf
r/l: .862 vs .717 ops; 2.0 vs 1.4 k/bb
h/a: .755 vs .859 ops; 1.8 vs 1.4 k/bb

Bass vs Phillies:

Ibanez: 1/1, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K

Matt Albers (R): 3.86 ERA, 4.2 BB/9, 5.3 K/9, 0.4 HR/9, 3.93 FIP, 35% GB

proj avg: 4.70 ERA, 4.2 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 47%
pitches: 72% fb, 26% cb, 2% ch
r/l: .812 vs .763 ops; 1.9 vs 1.0 k/bb
h/a: .721 vs .860 ops; 1.8 vs 1.1 k/bb

Albers vs Phillies:

Feliz: 0/2, 1 BB, 1 K
Stairs: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Howard: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Rollins: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Ruiz: 1 BB (IBB)
Utley: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Victorino: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K

PHILLIES

LINEUP

1) SS Jimmy Rollins (S): .225/.263/.350

projection average (proj): .285/.350/.460
projected BB/PA (bb): 8%
projected K/AB (k): 11%
career gb% (gb): 42%
career infield flies/flyball (iff): 10%
career infield hits/groundball (ifh): 5%
batting average on balls in play tendencies (babip): about average overall, though a little bit high popup rate so slightly below average
swing/contact/zone facts (s/c/z): good eye, pretty selective, but very high contact rate so low walk rate
righty/lefty (r/l): 1.7 vs 1.3 k/bb, mostly because of higher k-rate as lhb. otherwise similar on contact
home/away (h/a): 1.5 vs 1.7 k/bb; .805 vs .739 ops
pull/opposite (p/o): definite pull hitter
anything else (other): stole 47 bases in 50 attempts last year.

2) CF Shane Victorino (S): .295/.351/.451

proj: .285/.345/.430
bb: 7.5%
k: 13%
gb: 46%
iff: 15%
ifh: 8%
babip: slightly above average due to high babip on groundballs-- partly because infield plays in for him and he spreads the ball around well; not that high due to high infield fly rate
s/c/z: pretety bad eye but high contact rate
r/l: much more power righthanded (1.6% to 3.8% HR rate), but much better k/bb as lefty: 1.65 vs 1.88; higher babip lefty also (.316 vs .286)
h/a: far fewer walks on road but nearly exactly the same strikeout rate, same power, same babip
p/o: pull hitter both ways
other: stole 36 of 47 bases last year

3) 2B Chase Utley (L): .308/.441/.567

proj: .295/.380/.525
bb: 9.5%
k: 18%
gb: 37%
iff: 10%
ifh: 6%
babip: distinctly above average historically and for projections too; seemingly strong power leads to high line drive babip rate and reasonably high groundball babip especially for pull hitting lefty; high on flyballs despite high infield fly rate since he hits deep flyballs
s/c/z: pretty good eye, somewhat selective, somewhat high contact rate
r/l: not significant-- only 1.7 vs 2.0 k/bb; .919 vs .865 ops
h/a: similar k/bb home & away; better hr at home-- probably park factors; higher babip at home too
p/o: pull hitter
other: much better against power pitchers relative to other hitters

4) 1B Ryan Howard (L): .257/.331/.552

proj: .275/.375/580
bb: 14%
k: 33%
gb: 40%
iff: 2%
ifh: 4%
babip: low on groundballs over time as he pulls the vast majority of them; very very high on flyballs because he almost never pops out in the infield at all and many of his flyballs are very deep. also since so few of his flyballs stay in the park (only 2/3 or so), a higher percentage of his balls in play are line drives-- which he does well on like many power hitters-- his low contact rate means he sometimes make poor contact though. probably above average overall
s/c/z: swings a lot especially for someone who doesn't see many strikes. however, he is pretty good at distinguishing pulls from strikes despite the consensus on him. he makes terrible contact overall though
r/l: 1.064 vs .786 ops: say it with me "that means he's good against righties, not bad against lefties!" in fact, he's the best hitter against righties in baseball right now probably. his k/bb vs lhp is 3.7 vs 1.6 vs rhp. he has a lot of power against lefties however, but a lower babip. i don't have split data on pull% vs lhp/rhp but observationally i'm pretty sure that's the difference in his babip: .338 vs .309.
h/a: much higher babip on road. very similar hr numbers. 2.0 vs 3.2 k/bb.
p/o: pull hitter, especially on groundballs-- hits more homeruns the opposite way though
other: struggles mightily against power pitchers and groundball pitchers, dominate flyball pitchers (since he almost never pops out, and has 10.3% hr rate) and smashes finesse pitchers (11.8% hr rate); he also does much better on babip with runners on base as defenders can't shift against him-- especially with runners in scoring position

5) RF Jayson Werth (R): .261/.350/.466

proj: .270/.360/.460
bb: 12.5%
k: 29%
gb: 38%
iff: 8%
ifh: 8%
babip: high on groundballs due to high infield hit rate, high on line drives due to power, and hits pretty deep flyballs too; has been historically probably higher than it should be since he's faced more lhp than normal rhb do; overall still seems to be very above average
s/c/z: very selective and pretty good eye; somewhat low contact rate
r/l: .762 vs .919 ops; 2.4 vs 2.0 k/bb; hr rate of 6.7% vs 2.9%
h/a: not much of a split at all
p/o: spreads ball around well for power hitter, but still a pull hitter
other: stole 20 bases in 21 attempts last year

6) RF Greg Dobbs (L): .186/.258/.373

proj: .285/.335/.445
bb: 7%
k: 17%
gb: 36%
iff: 13.5%
ifh: 3%
babip: has been high but probably should not be projected as high-- success derives from impossibly high line drive babip which doesn't typically happen for non-extreme power hitters. given his popup rate, he probably isn't a .320 babip guy and there isn't a .285 hitter
s/c/z: poor eye but very high swing rate; average contact rate
r/l: .761 vs .579 ops despite impossible .481 babip against lhp. in reality, he strikes out in 48% of at-bats against lhp. he should never see them. absolutely no power against lefties also.
h/a: virtually no split at all
p/o: pull hitter
other: much better against finesse pitchers

7) 3B Pedro Feliz (R): .308/.354/.429

proj: .250/.300/.420
bb: 6%
k: 15.5%
gb: 44%
iff: 15%
ifh: 5%
babip: very low-- pops up a lot, hits groundballs predictably to left side and is slow so they can play shaded over and deep; not all that much power so not terrific on line drives either, makes a lot of weak contact as he isn't good at making contact so he chops a lot of balls
s/c/z: high swing rate and not terribly good at distinguishing balls from strikes. swung significantly less in 2008, but it was as much of a decrease in balls as strikes, makes average contact
r/l: 3.3 vs 2.3 k/bb; .708 vs .755 ops, more babip and a little more power agaisnt lefties
h/a: much higher k rate on road, similar bb rate; more power on road, higher babip at home. likely not much difference (.725 vs .716 overall ops)
p/o: definite pull hitter
other: defensive numbers dipped last year, had offseason surgery for back, perhaps these are related

8) C Carlos Ruiz (R): .270/.391/.435

proj: .255/.335/.390
bb: 10%
k: 14%
gb: 50% (but rose in 2008 to 54% from 46%)
iff: 9.5%
ifh: 4%
babip: was extraordinarily low in 2008, but that seems to be rather flukey. his high groundball rate and solid contact rate and pitch selection indicate he should be a good babip guy, but he does very poorly on groundball as he chops the ball a lots/c/z: very good eye and excellent contact skill, extremely patient
r/l: bizarre reverse split despite 0.5 k/bb vs lhp and 1.2 vs rhp; impossibly low .204 babip against lhp, probably flukey and probably much better vs lhp in reality
h/a: similar k/bb, worse babip but higher power at home (park factors)
p/o: slight pull hitter
other: better against power pitchers, currently on DL with strained rib cage, probably longer than 15 days as originally thought

BENCH:

C Chris Coste (R): .253/.354/.422

proj: .265/.315/.405
bb: 5.5%
k: 17.5%
gb: 40%
iff: 10%
ifh: 6%
babip: slightly below average, seemingly due to poor eye and swinging and hitting bad pitches
s/c/z: high swing rate, pretty poor eye, average contact
r/l: .747 vs .855; same k/bb rate, much better babip against lhp, similar power but slightly more vs lhp
h/a: .886 vs .679; 5.4% vs 1.5% hr rate
p/o: pull hitter
other: struggles with power pitchers somewhat

IF/OF Eric Bruntlett (R): .163/.259/.245

proj: .240/.325/.335
bb: 10%
k: 18%
gb: 41%
iff: 14%
ifh: 5%
babip: high popup rate leads to low babip, but not that low; also doesn't do all that well on line drives due to lack of power
s/c/z: somewhat above average eye and doesn't swing much; makes very good contact, sees a lot of strikes
r/l: .592 vs .764 ops; 2.5 vs 1.2 k/bb; 5.7% vs 8.8% xbh/ab-- he's actually average if not above average against lhp; he just is terrible against rhb. he should be used as a counterswitch to loogy use against lefty pinch hitters
h/a: more power at home and more walks at home; similar strikeout rate and babip
p/o: opposite field hitter
other: none

OF Matt Stairs (L): .282/.451/.538

proj: .255/.340/.440
bb: 11%
k: 22%
gb: 42%
iff: 11.5%
ifh: 5%
babip: average all around
s/c/z: very good eye and slightly below average contact
r/l: .862 vs .748; much more power against rhp; 1.4 vs 2.1 k/bb
h/a: not much of a split at all
p/o: slight pull hitter but not much for a power hitter
other: use stairs in case of emergency

IF Paul Bako (L): .000/.000/.000

proj: .220/.290/.295
bb: 9%
k: 30%
gb: 53%
iff: 7%
ifh: 6%
babip: projcted around .285
s/c/z: average eye, average patience, below average contact
r/l: .637 vs .522 ops; 2.2 vs 6.1 k/bb
h/a: .621 vs .621 ops; 2.5 vs 2.6 k/bb
p/o: very slight pull hitter, but spreads ball around pretty well
other: none

OF John Mayberry (R): .286/.286/.786

proj: .235/.290/.415
bb: 6.5%
k: 27%
iff: around 15-20% in minors
ifh: ?
babip: hits ball hard but pops up a lot; probably a bit average but tough to know; projected below average
s/c/z: not enough info
r/l: batter against lefties, particularly at making contact, in minors
h/a: not enough info
p/o: not enough info
other: none

DISABLED LIST: LF Raul Ibanez (L): .312/.371/.656

proj: .285/.350/.480
bb: 9%
k: 17%
gb: 42%
iff: 11%
ifh: 5%
babip: above average, probably because he spreads the ball around pretty well for a power hitter; much better babip with men on-- probably hooks ball in hole well or maybe he was shifted against more so beforehand
s/c/z: definitely a good eye though it's getting worse, slightly above average contact
r/l: .850 vs .733; 1.5 vs 2.8 k/bb
h/a: better k/bb (1.6 vs 1.9) but worse power probably park factors, and probably likely to be better at home
p/o: slight pull hitter but not much for a power hitter
other: none

ROTATION

FRIDAY STARTER: Antonio Bastardo (L): 5.25 ERA, 3.8 BB/9, 7.5 K/9, 1.5 HR/9, 5.07 FIP, 28% GB

proj avg: 5.60 ERA, 4.8 BB/9, 7.0 K/9, 1.9 HR/9
gb: 40% in minors
pitches: ?
r/l: 2.1 vs 4.1 k/bb in minor league career
h/a: much better control at home in minor league control

Bastardo: has not played any Orioles

SATURDAY STARTER: J.A. Happ (L): 3.53 ERA, 4.2 BB/9, 6.5 K/9, 1.3 HR/9, 5.24 FIP, 34% GB

proj avg: 4.40 ERA, 3.8 BB/9, 7.7 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 29% in majors thus far; 42% in AAA in 2008
pitches: 64% fb, 18% ch, 14% sl, 2% ct, 2% cb
r/l: 1.7 vs 3.0 k/bb in majors thus far; 2.7 vs 3.5 k/bb in AAA in 2008
h/a: not enough info

Happ: has not played any Orioles

SUNDAY STARTER: Cole Hamels (L): 4.48 ERA, 1.8 BB/9, 8.2 K/9, 1.4 HR/9, 4.00 FIP, 42% GB

proj avg: 3.45 ERA, 2.3 BB/9, 8.4 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 40%
pitches: 55% fb, 32% ch, 14% cb
r/l: .680 vs .748, but same 3.6 k/bb both ways; slightly more power vs lhb-- this is probably selection bias as managers withhold all but the best lefties against him (explaining 20% of hitters faced are lefties only)
h/a: 3.85 vs 3.4 k/bb; .676 vs .709 ops-- less of a difference due to higher HR rate at home
other: much higher k-rate at night: 25% vs 20%, which is statistically significant. ERA difference (4.71 vs 3.01 exaggerated by babip difference), as HR rate and XBH rate very similar. most likely he strikes out more at night.

Hamels vs Orioles:

Huff: 1/4, 1 HR, 0 BB, 2 K
Wigginton: 1/3, 1 2B, 1 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 1/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Mora: 1/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Roberts: 2/2, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
Hill: 0/2, 0 BB, 1 K

NOT STARTING THIS SERIES: Jamie Moyer (L): 6.35 ERA, 2.2 BB/9, 5.2 K/9, 2.0 HR/9, 5.78 FIP, 40% GB

proj avg: 4.80 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 5.5 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 39%
pitches: 41% fb, 30% ct, 24% ch, 6% cb
r/l: virtually no split but that seems to be selection as he sees 24% lefties only compared with 32% league average for lhp
h/a: 2.3 vs 1.9 k/bb; not much difference on contact; slightly better babip at home but not more so than the average starter gets

Moyer vs Orioles:

Mora: 10/40, 2 HR, 4 BB, 1 K, 1 Sac
Roberts: 3/10, 0 BB, 4 K
Huff: 8/20, 2 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 2/8, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 K
Markakis: 1/6, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Wigginton: 0/6, 0 BB, 1 K
Andino: 0/1, 0 BB, 1 K

NOT STARTING THIS SERIES: Joe Blanton (R): 5.28 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 7.9 K/9, 1.9 HR/9, 5.05 FIP, 40% GB

proj avg: 4.25 ERA, 2.5 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 45%
pitches: 56% fb, 16% ch, 15% sl, 12% cb
r/l: 2.3 vs 1.8 k/bb; .750 vs .719 ops
h/a: 2.2 vs 2.0 k/bb; .698 vs .776 ops; much worse babip away (.313 vs .282), more power surrendered on road
other: extraordinarily good against leadoff hitters, especially the first hitter of games

Blanton vs Orioles:

Huff: 3/17, 2 2B, 1 BB, 1 K
Mora: 5/14, 1 2B, 2 HR, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 Sac
Roberts: 3/13, 2 2B, 1 BB, 3 K
Markakis: 6/12, 1 HR, 1 BB, 1 K
Zaun: 2/11, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 K
Wigginton: 3/6, 1 BB, 2 K
Scott: 1/2, 1 2B, 1 BB, 0 K
Jones: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K

BULLPEN

Ryan Madson (R): 2.36 ERA, 3.2 BB/9, 10.0 K/9, 0.3 HR/9, 2.37 FIP, 43% GB

proj avg: 3.80 ERA, 2.9 BB/9, 7.2 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 48%
pitches: 58% fb, 24% ch, 15% ct, 4% cb
r/l: 3.65 vs 1.8 k/bb; .714 vs .786 ops
h/a: no major split at all

Madson vs Orioles:

Roberts: 2/6, 0 BB, 0 K
Mora: 1/5, 0 BB, 2 K
Wigginton: 1/5, 0 BB, 0 K
Huff: 0/4, 0 BB, 2 K
Scott: 1/4, 0 BB, 2 K
Markakis: 0/3, 0 BB, 1 K

Jack Taschner (L): 4.56 ERA, 6.5 BB/9, 4.9 K/9, 0.8 HR/9, 5.48 FIP, 36% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 4.1 BB/9, 8.0 K/9, 1.0 HR/9
gb: 35%
pitches: 57% fb, 30% sl, 13% ch
r/l: 1.45 vs 2.2 k/bb; .754 vs .747-- large selection bias where he faces only very good lefties and not very good righties
h/a: .698 vs .797 ops; 2.1 vs 1.5 k/bb

Taschner vs Orioles:

Scott: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Chad Durbin (R): 3.89 ERA, 5.4 BB/9, 8.3 K/9, 1.3 HR/9, 5.45 FIP, 34% GB

proj avg: 4.10 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 6.5 K/9, 1.0 HR/9
gb: 41%
pitches: 47% fb, 38% sl, 8% ch, 7% cb, 1% ct
r/l: virtually no split
h/a: somewhat of a reverse split but probably just noise

Durbin vs Orioles:

Mora: 5/13, 1 2B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 2 K
Roberts: 2/7, 2 BB, 1 K
Huff: 4/8, 0 BB, 2 K
Zaun: 1/5, 1 BB, 1 K
Markakis: 0/4, 1 BB, 1 K
Wigginton: 2/3, 1 BB, 1 K

Clay Condrey (R): 3.71 ERA, 3.7 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 1.1 HR/9, 4.54 FIP, 52% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 4.9 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 50%
pitches: 59% fb, 17% ct, 15% sl, 9% ch
r/l: 2.1 vs 1.3 k/bb; .761 vs .842 ops
h/a: .703 vs .898 ops; 2.2 vs 1.3 k/bb

Condrey vs Orioles:

Mora: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Andino: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Roberts: 1 BB

Chan Ho Park (R): 4.50 ERA, 4.5 BB/9, 7.4 K/9, 0.9 HR/9, 6.14 FIP, 42% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 7.3 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 45%
pitches: 51% FB, 29% SL, 12% cb, 5% ch, 4% ct
r/l: .666 vs .820 ops; 2.6 vs 1.3 k/bb; .280 vs .301 babip; 2.6% vs 3.6% HR rate-- much better against righties
h/a: 2.0 vs 1.7 k/bb; .708 vs .780 ops

Park vs Orioles:

Huff: 4/11, 2 HR, 2 BB, 2 K
Zaun: 4/10, 1 3B, 0 BB, 1 K
Mora: 3/8, 1 2B, 0 BB, 3 K
Roberts: 0/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Scott: 1/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Wigginton: 1/3, 0 BB, 0 K

J.C. Romero (L): 1.00 ERA, 10.0 BB/9, 7.0 K/9, 1.0 HR/9, 6.29 FIP, 52% GB

proj avg: 4.00 ERA, 5.5 BB/9, 7.5 K/9, 0.7 HR/9
gb: 55%
pitches: 58% fb, 25% sl, 17% ch, 0.1% cb
r/l: 1.2 vs 2.2 k/bb; .814 vs. 591 ops
h/a: 1.6 vs 1.3 k/bb; .697 vs .768 ops

Romero vs Orioles:

Roberts: 3/8, 1 2B, 2 BB, 1 K
Huff: 1/8, 0 BB, 2 K
Mora: 1/5, 2 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 1/5, 1 2B, 0 BB, 1 K
Zaun: 2/4, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 BB, 0 K
Scott: 0/1, 0 BB, 1 K
Wigginton: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Tyler Walker (R): 0.00 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 6.8 K/9, 0.0 HR/9, 2.69 FIP, 43%

proj avg: 4.30 ERA, 3.7 BB/9, 7.4 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 41%
pitches: 59% fb, 27% sl, 10% ch, 3% cb
r/l: .721 vs .838 ops; 2.1 vs 1.9 k/bb
h/a: .838 vs .712 ops; 1.8 vs 2.2 k/bb

Walker vs Orioles:

Mora: 1/4, 0 BB, 0 K
ROberts: 0/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Wigginton: 0/2, 1 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 Sac

DISABLED LIST: Brad Lidge (R): 7.27 ERA, 4.8 BB/9, 9.7 K/9, 2.4 HR/9, 6.15 FIP, 38% GB

proj avg: 3.50 ERA, 4.1 BB?9, 11.0 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 41% (though this went up to 46% with increased slider use in 2008)
pitches: 56% sl, 43% fb, 0.4% ch in 2008 (historically 54% fb, 42% sl)
r/l: 3.6 vs 2.8 k/bb; .601 vs .686 ops (tough to tell if that tendency became more or less extreme in 2008 due to limited sample size)
h/a: 3.6 vs 2.9 k/bb; .666 vs .614 ops though due to higher babip away
other: HR/Flyball plummeted in 2008-- probably unsustainably low and his ERA should rise; still rumors of him tipping pitches explain the HR/Flyball spike in 2006 & 2007

Lidge vs Orioles:

Wigginton: 0/2, 0 BB, 1 K
Huff: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Mora: 1 BB
Roberts: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

DISABLED LIST: Scott Eyre (L): 2.57 ERA, 5.8 BB/9, 6.4 K/9, 1.3 HR/9, 5.64 FIP, 32% GB

proj avg: 4.20 ERA, 4.1 BB/9, 8.8 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 41%
pitches: 59% fb, 35% sl, 6% ch, 0.2% cb
r/l: 1.5 vs 1.9 k/bb; .815 vs .720 ops
h/a: not much of a split

Eyre vs Orioles:

Huff: 3/11, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Scott: 2/2, 2 BB, 0 K
Wigginton: 1/3, 0 BB, 1 K
Roberts: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 1/1, 1 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 1 BB
Mora: 1 BB

Orioles 6, Mets 4: Now that's more like it!

duck — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:39:53 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

6 months ago: Baltimore Orioles' Matt Wieters, right, is congratulated by Nolan Reimold after Wieters' two-run home run against the New York Mets in the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 17, 2009, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/ Gail Burton)

Browse more photos »

This was a tale of two homeruns. One barely cleared the fence but marked a milestone for Matt Wieters. The second landed on Eutaw Street and will have a marker of its own for Aubrey Huff. Those two blows, along with some good defense, just enough pitching, and a suddenly red-hot Nick Markakis, added up to an Orioles win Wednesday over the Mets.

Or, in the (slightly edited) words of the wayward o...

koji adequate

matt wieters hit a home run

i am a blogger

Koji Uehara was indeed adequate tonight. He pitched 5.0 innings, allowed 7 hits, 2 earned runs, walked no one and struck out 5. If we could just get 7 innings of those performances instead of 5, we'd really be onto something here. But we don't. We get 5. And I guess we'll learn to live with it.

Brian Bass disappointed tonight, but he was due for a bad outing. In the last 28 days, he's had a WHIP under 1.00 and allowed just 3 earned runs. Nights like tonight happen from time to time, and luckily, we still won.

Mark Hendrickson gave up an ill-advised base-loaded walk (as opposed to a well-advised one, I guess) but then did he best Jim Johnson impersonation and got a double play grounder. Jim Johnson then came in and did a pretty good Jim Johnson impersonation, and then George Sherrill impersonated a competent relief pitcher and closed the door.

The offense did just enough to win this game. Aside from Matt Wieters' first home run (which was returned, by the way), and Aubrey Huff's blast onto Eutaw, Nick Markakis was a one-man wrecking crew. He has a 4-for-4 night with 2 runs scored, and has his average back to almost .300 again.

It was Adam Jones bobblehead night as well, and while the Good Doctor went just 1-for-4 at the plate, he did close his glove on the final out. More concerning is his renewed penchant for swinging at bad pitches.

All in all, the team left itself with a decent chance of gaining a series win tomorrow, and showed more signs that the awful offensive slump of the last 2+ weeks may be at an end. The Orioles and Mets will meet again tomorrow. Be there or .. well, not. But I'd suggest being there.

Poll

Who was the Most Birdland Player of Wednesday, June 17, 2009?

Koji Uehara (5.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 5K, 0 BB)

5 votes

Jim Johnson (2.0 IP, W, 1 H, 2 Ks, 0 BB)

5 votes

Nick Markakis (4-4, 2 R)

117 votes

Matt Wieters (First HR, 1-3, 2 RBI, 1 BB)

134 votes

Aubrey Huff (2-3, HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB)

90 votes

351 votes | Poll has closed