SB Nation - Jeremy Guthrie

The Changing of the O's - Pitching

Stacey — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:55:23 -0000

Every starter for the O's since 2007, with number of starts in parentheses. Only Guthrie has survived. 2010 is the list of starters currently in the O's system who could make the rotation at some point. I didn't include Koji or Hendo as they'll hopefully be in the bullpen the entire year. One thing I'll say for the O's in 2009 is they cut down on the slop (Adam Eaton excepted).

2007 Baltimore Orioles	2008 Baltimore Orioles	2009 Baltimore Orioles	2010 Baltimore Orioles
Daniel Cabrera (34)	Daniel Cabrera (30)	Jeremy Guthrie (33)	Jeremy Guthrie
Erik Bedard (28)	Jeremy Guthrie (30)	Jason Berken (24)	Brian Matusz
Jeremy Guthrie (26)	Garrett Olson (26)	David Hernandez (19)	Brad Bergesen
Steve Traschel (25)	Brian Burres (22)	Brad Bergesen (19)	Chris Tillman
Brian Burres (17)	Radhames Liz (17)	Rich Hill (14)	Jake Arrieta
Garrett Olson (7)	Chris Waters (11)	Chris Tillman (12)	Troy Patton
Adam Loewen (6)	Steve Traschel (8)	Koji Uehara (12)	David Hernandez
Jon Leicester (5)	Brian Bass (4)	Mark Hendrickson (11)	Jason Berken
Radhames Liz (4)	Adam Loewen (4)	Adam Eaton (8)
Jaret Wright (3)	Dennis Sarfate (4)	Brian Matusz (8)
Victor Santos (3)	Matt Albers (3)	Alfredo Simon (2)
Victor Zambrano (2)	Alfredo Simon (1)	Chris Waters (1)
Kurt Birkins (2)	Lance Cormier (1)

MLB Trade Rumors: On the Beat with John Perrotto Version

raygu — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:37 -0000

by Eric Risberg - AP

3 months ago: Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Chad Billingsley takes a break on the mound after the San Francisco Giants scored their third run in the fourth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. San Francisco won the game 7-2; Billingsley was the losing pitcher. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

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Every Sunday, John Perrotto from Baseball Prospectus puts out an article talking about possible trade rumors and signings, along with analysis of the goings on around baseball. Yesterday's article was chock full of names who could be available in trade talks this offseason, with some suprise names.

Let's take a look after the jump:

Here is a list of names who could be available in trade talks per Perrotto:

Chad Billingsley Kerry Wood

Dave Bush Bobby Jenks

Jeremy Guthrie Pat Burrell

Adrian Gonzalez Nelson Cruz

Heath Bell Ryan Ludwick

Glen Perkins Dan Uggla

Kenshin Kawakami Juan Pierre

Derek Lowe Ryan Doumit

Javier Vazquez Dioner Navarro

Carlos Zambrano Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Matt Capps Geovany Soto

Christian Guzman Elijah Dukes

Corey Hart David Dejesus

Poll

What name on the Perrotto list is most surprising?

Ryan Ludwick

39 votes

Geovany Soto

61 votes

Chad Billingsley

116 votes

Ryan Doumit

17 votes

233 votes | Poll has closed

Sherman's Second Plan To Top Atlanta

Sam Page — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:01:03 -0000

Recently at the Post, Joel Sherman threw some water on the John Lackey dreams of many Mets fans, instead proposing a series of buy-low candidates the Mets would be prudent to acquire. His criteria reads:

So if the obvious avenues are blocked, where do the Mets go? I am going to recommend three starters that have this in common: They are AL flyball pitchers with high-end stuff, coming off bad years (all had 5.00-plus ERAs).

He is overstating the effect of switching leagues by totally ignoring qualified National League pitchers, but is definitely considering some qualities the Mets should pay more attention to. Did his search yield anyone worth acquiring?

Sherman's first suggestion is Jeremy Guthrie. He starts with a pretty convincing case against Guthrie:

Guthrie is coming off, by far, his worst season (10-17, 5.04 ERA), and his strikeout rate fell for a fourth straight year, never a good sign.

His strikeout rate didn't just decline, it went from barely average to bad:

via www.fangraphs.com

Guthrie seemingly never had very good stuff, which would violate Sherman's high-end stuff condition. But wait!

But Yankee hitters continued to praise his stuff.

That's a basically meaningless statement, since you wouldn't expect the Yankees to trash their opponents publicly. The assumption there, however, that a drop in "stuff" hasn't led to the drop in strikeout rate, is supported by Pitchf/x finding virtually no change in his pitches' movement. As for his extreme flyball tendencies, Sherman conflates some trends, and ignores most of his career numbers.

He yielded the most homers in a season in the AL since 2006 (35). Fewer than half (17) came at home, but he was the second most extreme flyball pitcher among qualified AL starters in 2009.

Guthrie, the third most extreme flyball pitcher among qualified AL starters in 2009, posted a 10.9% HR/FB, which is actually exactly equal to his career mark. In fact, the huge number of homeruns was the result of Guthrie going from a career extreme groundball pitcher to flyball pitcher suddenly. As a result, his homeruns allowed should only be expected to come down if you think he will revert back to a groundball pitcher suddenly, which is much less likely than simply regressing from some bad luck. While this expectation may be a decent gamble in itself, best-case Jeremy Guthrie is a groundball pitcher with averageish stuff, which is basically the opposite of what Sherman was trying to find. That being considered, Ruben Tejada and Bobby Parnell, Sherman's proposed package, is a horrible trade for a pitcher who is best case Pelfrey-lite and worst case, useless.

For his second proposal, Sherman does something odd, pointing out how team-abuse led to Gil Meche injuring his arm, then quotes the organization that abused him to prove Meche would be alright:

But he was doing bullpen sessions late in the year and two Royals officials told me that if the team was in contention, he would have been able to pitch.

Was it the same Royals official who said Meche's injury came from having the wrong "mindset"? Meche did have some bad luck with homeruns, the difference between bad 5.40 tRA and a not-good-at-all regressed 5.04 tRA*. There's precedent, however: throughout most of Meche's mostly forgettable Seattle career he posted similar HR/FB numbers. Bottom line: why trade for and subsequently pay $24MM dollars for two years of a huge injury risk, with higher-upside, cheaper, injury risks on the free agent market? Busted Gil Meche for two years or Rich Harden for one? Sherman fittingly proposes trading Castillo, because the Royals need fielding help, Sherman and Dayton Moore being the last two people on Earth who believe Luis Castillo plays anything better than horrible defense.

His third idea, Ervin Santana, is like Gil Meche in that he did have some bad luck with homers last year, but has the larger red flag of arm issues and a big contract. Unlike Meche, however, Santana is a year removed from a great 6 WAR season and could be worth the risk. For that same reason, though, he'd likely cost more in trade.

Not being one to criticize without contributing, however, I'll add three buy-low pitchers, who don't necessarily conform to Sherman's criteria (much like his own three).

1. Felipe Paulino- Paulino went 3-11 with a 6.27 ERA, which likely makes Astros GM Ed Wade's eyes bleed. Underneath those superficial stats, however, Paulino had very good peripherals and an absurd HR/FB rate, making his tRA* an above-average 4.42. He's got blazing stuff, a very unfavorable home ballpark, and his value couldn't be lower. Trading for Paulino seems like a total no-brainer.

2. Sergio Mitre- I think Mitre fits Sherman's rubric for a trade target better than any of his three. Mitre demonstrated middling stuff with improved control, but somehow gave up 10 homeruns in just 51 ML innings. With an ERA of 6.79, and an xFIP of 4.19, Mitre may be worth the rare cross-town trade.

3. Braden Looper- Seriously. Looper surrendered a crazy 39 homeruns, playing his home games in hitter-friendly Miller Park. In Citi Field, Looper could likely replicate his solid back-of-the-rotation or better performances with the Cardinals.

Similar buy-low candidates: Ricky Nolasco (the king of bad luck: pitched like an ace, ERA like someone on the Mets), Brett Myers, Aaron Cook, Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, and Derek Lowe.

Jeremy Guthrie to Mets?

Eli Greenspan — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:41:01 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

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In Baltimore, Jeremy Guthrie's window of opportunity is quickly closing.

Guthrie was regarded as one of the top pitching prospects when he came to Baltimore, who hoped he could help lead that rotation to greener pastures. After two relatively good seasons, Guthrie regressed in 2009, which puts his future in question being arbitration-eligible for the first time.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Jeremy Guthrie	10-17	35	33	1	0	0	0	200.0	224	120	112	35	60	110	5.04	1.42

He has been praised around the league for having good stuff, but can't seem to settle in with the O's. The NY Post suggests that the Mets could make a move for the starter, who may thrive in the spacious Citi Field.

He could also be an option for the Brewers, who could work out a deal involving J.J. Hardy, or a potential blockbuster for first baseman Prince Fielder. That however, is highly unlikely.

Orioles 5, Blue Jays 4: SWEEEEEP

Camden Chat — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:39:23 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

2 months ago: Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Brandon League reacts after making his second throwing error in the 11th inning of a baseball game allowing Baltimore Orioles Michael Aubrey, pictured at right, to score the winning run Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Baltimore. The Orioles won 5-4. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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The Orioles ended the season on a high note as they swept the Blue Jays for their fourth win in a row. It took 11 innings and a few errors by the Blue Jays, but they got it done. When I said prior to the first game that I wanted a sweep I didn't actually think it would happen, but I'm glad they listened.

Jeremy Guthrie had a personal goal this year of reaching 200 innings pitched, and going into today's game he was at 192.1. He ended up pitching 7.2 innings to give him 200 innings on the nose. He didn't pitch horribly, but he did do what we all expect him to: give up home runs. Three of them, to be exact. Overall he allowed 4 runs on 9 hits. I have high hopes that Guthrie will be able to bounce back in 2010. I don't have anything on which to base that, but I have those hopes all the same.

Nick Markakis had a good final game, collecting 2 hits to make his total on the year 188, the most on the team in 2009. With Brian Roberts on 2nd base in the first inning, Nick hit his 18th home run to give the O's a 2-1 lead. Guthrie gave back that lead with single runs in the 4th and 5th innings. In the bottom of the 6th inning the Orioles loaded the bases with zero outs but after a Matt Wieters ground out and a Markakis strike out it looked like they might waste their opportunity. With two outs Dave Trembley sent Justin Turner in to pinch hit for Melvein Mora. It seemed strange to pull Mora on his last game as an Oriole, but Melvin didn't seem upset at all. He was grinning on the bench receiving congratulations from his teammates, and it turned out to be a good move. Turner lined the first pitch he saw right up the middle to score Roberts and Andino and give the O's a 4-3 lead.

Between innings the fans gave Melvin Mora a standing ovation in appreciation of his years of service to the Orioles. I didn't see the entire game as I mostly checked in during commercials during the Ravens game. I did happen to see the ovation as well as Melvin's teammates giving him hugs and handshakes, and I admit I got a little emotional.

Just after all that, however, Guthrie unfortunately gave up the lead in the top of the 7th inning with another home run. After light hitting John McDonald hit his 4th HR of the year (and 2nd against the Orioles), the score remained tied at 4-4 until the bottom of the 11th, when the O's walked off with a little help from Toronto's pitcher Brandon League.

Michael Aubrey led off the 11th inning with a single, and Lou Montanez followed with a very good bunt up the first base line. League fielded with plenty of time to get Montanez, but threw the ball away. With runners on first and second with on zero outs, Jeff Fiorentino bunted in an attempt to get the winning run to third. Again League fielded, and AGAIN he made a throwing error. Michael Aubrey raced home to score the winning run and end the Orioles season.

-Stacey

Poll

For the final time, who was today's Most Birdland Player?

Nick Markakis (2 run HR)

68 votes

Brian Roberts (2 hits, 2 walks, 2 runs, 1 stolen base)

63 votes

Justin Turner (pinch hit 2 RBI single to give the O's the temporary lead)

35 votes

Jeff Fiorentino (sac bunt that lead to the winning run)

7 votes

173 votes | Poll has closed

Yankees 13, Orioles 3: This ugly loss isn't enough to dampen my mood.

Camden Chat — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:58:59 -0000

More photos » by Mark Lennihan - AP

Nice chain, Cesar. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

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The Yankees are the best team in baseball, and before yesterday hadn't lost back-to-back games at home since 17-18 June. The Orioles finish the season 5-13 against them, and when you compare rosters it's not hard to understand why. But this final series, despite today's ugly loss, was one of the most satisfying that I've watched this year.

Friday night's game was delayed by over an hour due to rain that continued to fall pretty much all night. The Yankee Stadium crowd was louder and more intense than usual. And Chris Tillman (born in 1988 for crying out loud), in his 9th major league start, responded by striking out 8 Yankees and getting the win.

On Saturday, Brian Matusz (born in 1987 and making his 8th major league start), dominated the Yankees for 7 innings. After allowing a two out double to Alex Rodriguez in the first inning, Matusz didn't give anything else up until a 1 out walk to Melky Cabrera in the 5th inning. When he finally got into a little bit of trouble in the 7th, he reached back and found something extra, striking out Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter to end his day.

So they lost today. Oh well. I didn't watch the game but from what I can tell Jeremy Guthrie got knocked around a bit but controlled the damage pretty well, and then the Yankees feasted on two pitchers (Chris Waters and Bob McCrory) who have no business being in the major leagues. The Orioles offense wasn't able to do much against CC Sabathia to no one's surprise, but rookies Justin Turner and Nolan Reimold put up a good show. Turner reached base three times and had an RBI, and Reimold had two hits, including a double.

The Orioles are a long way from contending in the AL East, but if and when they do get there, it'll be thanks to Chris Tillman, Brian Matusz, and the other young pitchers the O's are hoping will turn out. Andy MacPhail has said that the Orioles probably can't match the offenses that the Yankees and Red Sox are capable of assembling, so instead they have to grow enough arms to compete that way. If this weekend is any indication, Andy MacPhail knows what he's talking about.

-Stacey

Poll

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

Nolan Reimold (2-4, double, only O with multiple hits)

49 votes

Justin Turner (single, 2 walks, run, RBI)

14 votes

Joe Flacco (Ravens are birds too!)

44 votes

Can I vote for Brian Matusz again?

54 votes

161 votes | Poll has closed

The O's Win the Series! The O's Win the Series!: Baltimore 7, Texas 0

zknower — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:13:54 -0000

by Gail Burton - AP

3 months ago: Baltimore Orioles Melvin Mora is hit by pitch, pulling his shirt out, by Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland in the fourth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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Taking another step towards .500 ball, the Orioles spanked the Rangers in convincing fashion today.

For a club that is fighting to go to the playoffs, the Rangers sure looked moribund (Google it, BSF), being shutout by the resurgent Jeremy Guthrie who pitched 7 strong innings and seems to have truly shaken his demons from earlier this season. Guthrie finished with 6Ks and only 1BB, and looked in the zone all afternoon, working quickly and clearly armed with his good stuff. Fat Albers and KAM! finished off the Rangers with a scoreless inning each. Texas had RISP a couple times, but every time they threatened to make a game of it, Guts would get the out of danger, either with a double play or with a K/ground ball combo (KAM did the same thing in the 9th). All in all, the Rangers left 9 men on base. Ouch.

Meanwhile, our offense showed up, and in some unlikely faces, too. "Screech" Fiorentino and Chad Moeller each had 2 hits and 2 RBI, as did Brian Roberts, who went back to leadoff, and from whom you might actually expect to see such numbers. I'll note that the Dipper was yammering on like a schoolboy in love regarding Fio throughout the telecast. Hwiggggginton was 3 for 4 with a run. Memlo got a hit and scored 2. Every starter got on base except Reimold, who contributed nonetheless with a sac fly RBI. There were no dingers hit in this game, which was refreshing for once.

The Birds took the lead for good in the second on a Memlo single, a Screech BB, and a two-run double by Moeller. They tacked on four more runs in the fourth: first, Mora was hit by a pitch that literally untucked his shirt, and Wigginton doubled him over to third on a gapper that should have been worth only one base but was bobbled in center-left. Screech then knocked in Memlo with his own single to left. Andino followed with a walk to load the bases, and Roberts stroked a sweet liner into left to plate two. Nolan Reimold made it 6-0 with a sacrifice to right. The seventh run came on clutch two-out single by Fio following a Markakis BB and a Hwigginton single that got Nicky around to third.

But the story of this game really has to be Guts (although you may never get another chance to vote Screech for MBP). Making his fourth straight quality start, he has now given up 4 runs in his past 27 IP. Not too shabby. Whatever was making the ship founder earlier this year, it seems to have been corrected: Guts is back to being the Guts of old.

The O's took only their second series since the All-Star break, and won consecutive games for only the third time over that same period; they split the season series with the Rangers 5-5. After a day off, the Birds will travel to Fenway for a twofer against the PHN. With onbly 25 more victories, they can avoid their 12th straight losing season.

Poll

Who's the MBP for Sunday, Sep 6, 2009?

Jeremy Guthrie (7IP, 0ER, 6K, 1BB, ERA now under 5.00!)

204 votes

Jeff "Screech" Fiorentino (2 for 3, BB, 2R, 2RBI, is loved by The Dipper)

32 votes

Chad Moeller (2 for 4, 2RBI)

0 votes

Memlo (1 for 3, HBP, 2R, did not try to bunt at any time)

2 votes

238 votes | Poll has closed

Yankees 5, Orioles 1: It could have been worse?

Stacey — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:29:54 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

This picture of Guthrie was the only O's pic provided by the AP from tonight's game. The rest was all Yankees. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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Andy Pettitte took a perfect game into the 7th inning before a two out Jerry Hairston Jr. error and a Nick Markakis single took both away, causing Andy Pettitte to have to settle for his 26th career win against the Orioles.

There's not much to say about the offense tonight. They hacked and flailed at Pettite's pitches all night, looking wholly incompetent. In the 7th inning, with 20 straight Orioles retired, Adam Jones hit a ground ball to 3B Jerry Hairston. The ball with right through Hairston's legs, and Pettitte's perfect game was history. Nick Markakis followed that with an opposite field single and there went the no-hitter. For the first time the Orioles were in business, but Nolan Reimold grounded out to end the inning. The O's only run came when Melvin Mora hit his 6th HR in the 8th inning, making Pettite's final line: 8 IP, 2 H, 1 R 0 BB, 8 K.

Not as effective but still rather impressive all things considered was Jeremy Guthrie's game. Guthrie allowed just two hits through the first four innings, but unfortunately one of those was a home run to Nick Swisher. Guthrie really struggled in the 5th, as the inning started off with back-to-back doubles by Robinson Cano and Swisher to give the Yankees their second run of the game. Guthrie then hit Jerry Hairston to put runners at first and second with zero outs, but escaped with a Melky Cabrera groundout and GIDP by Derek Jeter. Guthrie came back for the 6th with a 1-2-3 inning but his pitch count didn't allow him to go any deeper into the game.

With Guthrie out, Mark Hendrickson came in to try and hold the deficit at 2 runs. He was unsuccessful, giving up three runs in the 8th on four hits. Brian Bass relieved Hendo and finished the game.

The Yankees sent Bruney to the mound in the 9th to close it out, but he couldn't do his job. He walked Brian Roberts and gave up a single to Adam Jones. Just like in a game earlier this year, Mariano Rivera had to come in to clean up Bruney's mess. He retired Markakis and Reimold to end the game and earn his 37th save of the year.

You can put this one in the loss column. O's and Yanks face off again tomorrow, David Hernandez vs. A.J. Burnett.

Poll

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

Nick Markakis (broke up the no-hitter)

37 votes

Melvin Mora (HR for the O's only run)

30 votes

Jeremy Guthrie (6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K)

72 votes

Nobody

81 votes

220 votes | Poll has closed

Orioles 5, Twins 1: This is what I'm saying!

Stacey — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:06:44 -0000

More photos » by Paul Battaglia - AP

3 months ago: Baltimore Orioles' Felix Pie watches his solo home run against Minnesota Twins' starting pitcher Nick Blackburn during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)

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In tonight's Game Thread post I said, "Hopefully the Orioles can make up for their embarrassing display last night with a well pitched, fundamentally sound game and come away with the win." Well, from my keyboard to the Orioles' ears, because that's exactly what they did. Jeremy Guthrie pitched his second consecutive strong game, the Orioles offense was solid, and the defense was perfect as the Orioles beat the Twins 5-1 to end the road trip with a record of 4-5.

Tonight Jeremy Guthrie looked like the Guts that we saw in 2008 and it was a welcome sight. Guthrie has pitched good games this season, but he is rarely capable of pitching more than one in a row. Tonight he pitched 7 innings, allowing just 1 run on 6 hits. He struck out 5, walked 0 (just the third time this year), and didn't give up a home run for just the 7th time this year.

After giving up a leadoff single in the first inning, Guthrie retired the next ten in a row before allowing back-to-back hits to Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in the 4th inning. Mauer scored the only Twins run on Morneau's double, but Jeremy shut it down, retiring the next 7 batters. Mauer broke up that streak with a two out single in the 6th inning, but Guthrie got Morneau to end the inning. Better pitchers than Guthrie have been foiled by Mauer/Morneau, and it was encouraging to see Guts pick right up where he left off after they got their hits in the 4th.

Guthrie went into the 7th inning with just 89 pitches and got into trouble for the first time in the game. After striking out Jason Kubel for the first out he surrendered singles to Michael Cuddyer and Delmon Young. Guthrie has been known to unravel this year, but not tonight. With two runners on and one out, he retired Brandon Harris and Alexi Casilla to get out of it unscathed. He finished the game with 112 pitches (72 strikes). The team needed Guthrie to step up and for once he did just that, with a little help from the defense.

Cesar Izturis was very impressive at shortstop tonight. He was involved in 7 plays and made multiple throws from deep in the hole. In the bottom of the 9th he expertly fielded a slow roller by Michael Cuddyer, bare handing it and just getting the out at first to end the game. Luke Scott, not known for his defense, had a very good play at first base on a grounder and made a very nice scoop on one of Izzy's long throws. Nolan Reimold made a nice play in the 7th, covering a lot of ground to catch the third out in shallow left near the foul line. Even that lollygagging, defensively challenged Brian Roberts made a few great defensive plays, including a ground ball in the 9th that was slowed down by Jim Johnson. Brian had to rush to the ball and make a quick throw, but made the out.

Offensively, the Orioles scored their five runs with a little bit of help from the Twins. In the first inning, Nolan Reimold came to bat with two outs and runners at 2nd and 3rd. He hit a grounder deep into the hole at SS and, in typical Reimold fashion, ran full speed towards first. It would have been a difficult play for Twins SS Orlando Cabrera, but in his haste to beat Reimold he threw the ball away. Izturis and Scott scored and Nolan went to 2nd on the error. Felix Pie, one of last night's goats, hit his 5th HR of the year in the 4th inning, a solo shot to right center.

Pie was on base again in the 6th via a walk when Chad Moeller knocked a double to left field. Pie, who's exuberance is exceeded only by his speed, scored from first on the play. The Orioles final run on the night came in the 8th inning when Chad Moeller again came to the plate with the bases loaded. Moeller took a 5 pitch walk to force in Nolan Reimold. The Orioles had a chance to really break it open, but Twins reliever Matt Guerrier retired Brian Roberts and Cesar Izturis on ground balls.

After Guthrie pitched his 7 innings, Danys Baez and Jim Johnson pitched the 8th and 9th innings respectively. Baez walked Denard Span to start the inning, although the AB was interrupted by a joker running onto the field. Other than that walk both Baez and Johnson were perfect, preserving the win for Jeremy Guthrie and sending the Orioles home on a good note.

Last night's game was a messy affair for both teams. The Orioles looked like hapless cellar dwellers and the Twins didn't look much better, despite being in a playoff race. Tonight the Orioles looked totally different; they came to play. It was evident from the get go, and it was fun to watch. The Twins, on the other hand, continued to look a little sloppy. From Cabrera's error in the first to yet another walked in run, they just didn't seem to have it together. They played a tighter game than yesterday, for sure, but the Twins organization and fans have to be disappointed that their team had a chance to gain a game on both Chicago and Detroit and weren't able to capitalize.

The Orioles are back home tomorrow against the Cleveland Indians. They have four against the Indians followed by three with the Yankees and three with the Rangers. It'll be a tough homestand with the O's trying to play the role of spoiler. Tomorrow's matchup is David Hernandez vs. Aaron Laffey.

Poll

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

Jeremy Guthrie (7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K, 0 HR)

193 votes

Chad Moeller (2-2, 2B, 2 BB, 2 RBI)

16 votes

Felix Pie (1-2, HR, 2 BB, 2 R, RBI)

19 votes

Cesar Izturis (2-5, 1 R, gold glove plays at SS)

7 votes

235 votes | Poll has closed

O's 5, White Sox 1: Welcome to the Brian Roberts Show

Stacey — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 04:07:45 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Baltimore Orioles' Felix Pie, left, greets teammate Brian Roberts at home plate after both scored off Roberts' second home run of the game. Felix had 3 hits on the night, earning him an honorable mention tonight for MBP. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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Jeremy Guthrie pitched 7 strong innings and the super hot Brian Roberts hit two home runs as the O's beat the White Sox 5-1. It was their second win in a row and the first time the Orioles have won back-to-back games since July 29-30 vs the Kansas City Royals.

Jeremy Guthrie loves pitching in Chicago, it seems. He pitched his best game tonight since his last game in Chicago on July 19th. In his 7 innings, Guts allowed just 6 hits and 2 walks, and the only run came on a 4th inning home run against Jim Thome. It was inevitable that Thome would hit a home run off of Guthrie, really. Going into tonight's game, Thome has 563 career home runs. He had three hits against Guthrie in his career, two of which were home runs. And Guthrie leads the league in home runs. You do the math. Thankfully Guthrie was able to limit the damage to just the Thome home run to keep the O's in the game until the offense could come through.

Gavin Floyd looked very good tonight, and you wouldn't be an Orioles fan if you didn't think, "It figures. We finally get a good outing from Guthrie and the offense is going to just roll over." Like Guthrie, Floyd made just one mistake in the early innings, allowing a solo home run to Brian Roberts in the third inning. Inning after inning, Floyd and Guthrie traded zeroes. As each inning passed without the Orioles scoring, the more convinced I became that Guthrie would be the one to crack. For once, though, he didn't.

Going into the 8th inning, the score was still tied 1-1. Gavin Floyd struck out Matt Wieters to start the inning, then gave up a single to Felix Pie, allowing Brian Roberts to strike again, this time with a runner on. He hit the third pitch of the AB over the fence to give the Orioles a 3-1 lead.

Brian Roberts has been simply ridiculous lately. Tonight he hit home runs number 13 and 14 on the year, in his third straight game with a home run. Brian has only had more than 14 home runs once in his career, in 2005 when he hit 18. Brian is in the midst of an 11 game hitting streak, during which he is 20-for-51 (.392) with 8 doubles, 5 home runs, and 4 stolen bases (zero caught stealing). Whatever's going on, I hope it doesn't change. But back to the game...

An RBI triple to Nick Markakis three batters later made the score 4-1, leading to a little chess game between Guillen and Trembley.

With the lefty Thornton on the mound, Guillen opted to walk Reimold intentionally to get to Luke Scott. Trembley sent Ty Wigginton into the on deck circle to hit for Luke, so Guillen pulled Thornton for RHP Tony Pena. The move didn't work for Ozzie as Wiggy singled to center to score Markakis from third. The 5-1 lead put Guthrie in line for his first win in over a month.

Danys Baez came on to pitch the 8th, giving up one hit but nothing else, and Chris Ray pitched a perfect ninth to secure the win. Chris Ray is looking great lately and tonight he looked untouchable. Since returning from the DL, Ray has pitched 11.2 innings over 8 appearances, allowing 1 run and 2 walks while striking out 8. Ray has tested our patience over the years but maybe, just maybe, he's back.

O's win! Tomorrow night David Hernandez takes the mound as the Orioles look to win three straight for the first time since their five game win streak from 17-21 June.

Poll

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

Brian Roberts (2 HR, 3 RBI)

129 votes

Jeremy Guthrie (7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K)

47 votes

176 votes | Poll has closed