SB Nation - Jim Johnson

Fantasy Baseball: Early AL Closer Watch.

Ian, yo — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:04:26 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

8 months ago: New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera delivers to a member of the Phillies AAA club during a spring training baseball game at the Yankees minor league complex in Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, March 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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We've seen a lot of trade rumors and trade analysis as of late and there really hasn't been any mention of the many teams with closer situations. We will check back in after a few months and see if anything has changed, but this is how things are looking as of now.

AL East

Yankees- I think we all know this answer. Mo' should be one of the top closers in the game again. One day, he may fall apart, but for a player of his caliber, he may retire before than happens. Next in line: Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Mark Melancon.
Red Sox- Jonathan Papelbon. In 2009, Papelbon posted a 1.85 ERA, which would lead you to believe he had a successful season. If you look at the peripheral stats, you'd see that Papelbon had an FIP of 3.05 and while he kept his K/9 above 10, he posted a BB/9 over 3 for the first time since his rookie season where he threw only 34 big league innings. I wouldn't be surprised to see Papelbon traded with the closer in waiting in Daniel Bard likely getting more work in the later innings. Next in line: Daniel Bard, Hideki Okajima, Manny Delcarmen.
Orioles- Mike Gonzalez. The Orioles signed Gonzalez to be their closer and I can't really see anyone challenging him for the job this year. Next in line: Jim Johnson, Kam Mikolio.
Blue Jays- Jason Frasor. While there is nothing concrete in Toronto, I think Frasor will be the guy in 2010. Frasor saved 11 games in 2009 and ended the season with an FIP of 2.99 and a K/BB of 3.50. I think if the season were to begin today, Frasor would be the man, but he could lose it fairly easily. Next in line: Scott Downs, Jeremy Accardo.
Rays- Rafael Soriano. The Rays either didn't seem confident or have other plans for J.P Howell in 2010. After trading prospect Jesse Chavez to Atlanta, the Rays are set at closer with Soriano. If he were to get hurt (which he does somewhat often) I would think Wheeler is the next on the list with Howell being the late inning lefty. Next in line: Dan Wheeler, J.P. Howell and Grant Balfour.

AL Central

Twins- Joe Nathan. See Mariano Rivera. Next in line: Jon Rauch, Pat Neshek, Matt Guerrier, Jose Mijares.
Tigers- Joel Zumaya. Currently the Tigers depth chart lists Zumaya as the closer. He's always been thought of as the closer of the future, but the Tigers have never really given him an extended look due to durability concerns. If made a closer, Zumaya could be a top level closer but he'll have to get his walks under control for that to happen. Next in line: Ryan Perry, Daniel Schlereth, Casey Fien, Phil Coke.
White Sox- Bobby Jenks. As we speak, Jenks seems to be the closer and is listed as such on the depth chart. Matt Thornton is the better pitcher, but experience could be key here. I still think Thornton ends up with the job at some point. Next in line: Matt Thornton, J.J. Putz.
Indians- Kerry Wood. Wood struggled in and there are a few more guys in waiting that could make this one of the more interesting (aka: avoidable) closer situations in 2010. Next in line: Chris Perez, Rafael Perez.
Royals- Joakim Soria. One of the more talented relievers in the game. He was hampered by injuries a bit in 2009 and still saved 30 games with a 2.21 ERA. I don't see him going anywhere. Next in line: Juan Cruz, Kyle Farnsworth.

AL West

Angels- Brian Fuentes. Didn't have the greatest season, but the Angels paid him to close, so I don't see him doing anything else. Next in line: Fernando Rodney, Kevin Jepsen.
Rangers- Frank Francisco. Francisco spent time on and off the DL in 2009 and the Rangers bolstered their bullpen by adding Chris Ray and Darren Oliver, making the closer role available to C.J. Wilson, Chris Ray, Francisco or fireballer Neftali Feliz. If the Rangers decide not to prepare Feliz to start, he could very easily become an elite closer. Next in line: Chris Ray, C.J. Wilson, Neftali Feliz.
Mariners- David Aardsma. The Mariners seem to be pushing for a playoff berth in 2010 by trading away Brandon Morrow for Brandon League and prospect Johermyn Chavez. League brings a big time GB% (which fits in with Seattle's league leading defense.) While I do think Aardsma will be the closer and will be successful, I wouldn't totally rule out a trade of one of the young, power arms in Seattle's pen. Next in line: Mark Lowe, Brandon League, Shawn Kelley, Joshua Fields.
Athletics- Andrew Bailey. The reigning AL Rookie of the Year is likely to be the closer for the A's in 2010, but that's what we thought about Brad Zeigler in 2009. I still see Bailey as the closer, however. Next in line: Brad Ziegler, Joey Devine, Michael Wuertz, John Meloan.

Top Moments '09: No. 8 - Papelbon's Payback

ltrain2 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:00:16 -0000

by Michael Dwyer - AP

Jonathan Papelbon, who thanks to OTM's memorable moment #8, is the Boston Red Sox's all-time saves leader.

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OTM COVERAGE: Randy Booth's recap of the Red Sox's memorable moment #8 of 2009

GAME RECAP: 07/01/2009 - Baltimore Orioles 5 Boston Red Sox 6 (11 innings)

Less than 24 hours after the Baltimore Orioles had completed the greatest comeback in the history of their franchise at the hands of the Red Sox, coming from 10 runs behind using just their final six outs, Boston got themselves a little redemption in a similar fashion.

Just one game prior to the events that led to OTM's #8 moment of 2009, the Orioles staged a 10-run comeback stunning the visiting Red Sox at Camden Yards, leaving closer Jonathan Papelbon still searching that elusive save that would leave him alone atop the franchise's list of career saves leaders.

Watching this game, I remember for a short-period of time almost rooting for the Orioles as they closed the once insurmountable gap, impatient and excited about the opportunity to see Papelbon become the Red Sox's all-time saves leader. After the game, I felt guilty, regretful, and somewhat responsible for what had transpired. Needless to say, the game for which this article is based on was a relief for not only Papelbon and the rest of the Red Sox, but myself as well.

The Red Sox had to enter the game with a little bit of a hangover-effect, and despite having their ace Josh Beckett slated to start, the first inning seemed to be a continuation of the last few innings from the nightmare that occurred the night before. After the Sox left Dustin Pedroia stranded in the top half, lead-off man Brian Roberts did his job by drawing a walk and advancing into scoring position via a theft of second base, ultimately scoring on a Felix Pie RBI-single. 1-0 Orioles after one (sigh, I thought we were playing Baltimore?).

Inning number two was accompanied by more anguish, in both halves of the frame. In the top, the Red Sox were again victimized by a struggling offense and added another zero to the scoreboard. Luke Scott wasted no time in adding to the lead starting off the bottom of the second, blasting the first pitch that he was offered from Josh Beckett over the center field wall to make it 2-0 in favor of Baltimore.

Boston would finally get on the board in the third, albiet adding just one run, only to continue the trend that was evident to this point. 'Anything you can do, we can do better,' seemed to be the home club's motto in the beginning of this particular contest. And that they did scoring two runs in response to Boston's one by way of a Nick Markakis 2-RBI double. 4-1 now, Orioles continuing their domination.

Baltimore would add yet another run in the following inning, making it four straight frames in which Beckett surrendered at least one run, and bringing the two teams to the 5-1 score that would remain until the 9th.

The top of the ninth began with the Orioles' decision to remove Bergesen (8 inngings, 1 run, 6 strikeouts, 0 walks, and only two base-runners advancing past first base) in favor of reliever Jim Johnson. This is where everything started to go wrong, or right depending on where your allegiance lies in relation to these two teams.

Johnson proceded to walk Dustin Pedroia, serve up a 2-1 fastball that Kevin Youkilis sent into the seats, then take a walk to the dugout giving way to George Sherrill. Sherrill started off in a positive way, striking out David Ortizfor the first out, but that's about where his success ended in this outing. Ellsbury singled with one out, Bailey and Varitek both drew walks, and with the bases loaded pinch-hitter Rocco Baldelli plated two with a single knotting the score up at 5-5. After walking Drew, Johnson exited much to the appreciation of Orioles fan everywhere, and new pitcher Danny Baez got Pedroia to foul out ending the inning.

After a rather uneventful following inning and a half, the Red Sox offense struck again in the 11th. Ellsbury led off the inning with a double, subsequently moving to third on a Bailey sacrifice fly. In steps defensive wiz and always potent offensive threat Julio Lugo. Sure, maybe a little too much credit awarded in the previous sentence (or a lot depending on how strong your grip on reality is), but during this particular at-bat you wouldn't know it. Lugo shocked the world, mainly the fans who watched him play with the Red Sox on a regular basis, by coming through with what would eventually become the game-winning RBI single.

Lugo's hit in the top half of the inning set the stage for Papelbon's most notable save to this point in his career, number 133, surpassing former Red Sox saves leader Bob Stanley.

Papelbon and the rest of the relievers involved in this game were the biggest reason that Boston was able to come back and get the victory (sorry, Julio). After Beckett turned in a sub-par outing, the first four frames in particular, Red Sox's pitchers retired the game's final 24 hitters to give the offense a chance to complete the epic comeback.

All-in-all, this game was memorable for several reasons. One, Boston completed an impressive come from behind victory, made even more notable by the previous night's events. Also, the 24 straight retired by the Boston pitching staff to end the game was astonishing to watch. But most of all, this game's significance lies with Jonathan Papelbon and his place in the Red Sox's record books.

Poll

What will you remember most regarding OTM's memorable moment #8 from the 2009 season?

Free Agent Profile: LaTroy Hawkins

davoag — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:49:55 -0000

by David J. Phillip - AP

Will the Hawk be back in Houston?

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We already covered the basics of the reliever market with Jose Valverde's profile, so I thought the most illuminating thing to do with Hawkins is to see which teams might actually need a closer this winter. That, of course, is going to be the difference in him signing for 5-7 million and 2-3 million.

Hawkins has saved almost exactly the same number of games in the American League (44) as in the National League (43). Heading into his Age 37 season, he's probably not looking at more than a two-year deal and probably only a one-year contract.

Will it be a big deal if the Astros don't sign Valverde or Hawkins this winter? It will, but only because that's likely the only move they will make this winter. With the news that the Braves are shopping both Derek Lowe and Javier Vasquez, why wouldn't the Astros move on one of those guys instead? I'd rather have 200 innings in the starting rotation than 50 in the back of the bullpen. Remember the Cardinals went into last season with no closer at all and found one in Ryan Franklin (after a bumpy start to the season). Why couldn't the Astros do something similar? Throw Fulchino, Gervacio, Chad Paronto and any other cheap, hard thrower you want at the wall and see who sticks.

A quick note: I wrote up a quick scouting report of Jason Castro's AFL Rising Stars performance, for those who didn't get to see him on my minor league blog, Minor Musings. I'll avoid reposting by just directing you that way, if you are so inclined. At any rate, here are the teams who could be in the market for a closer...

Atlanta Braves

2009 saves: Rafael Soriano (27), Mike Gonzalez (10)

Notes: With both Soriano and Gonzalez becoming free agents, the Braves may be in the market for a closer. Of course, they also have a ridiculous amount of pitching depth, so they may end up picking up a closer in a trade for Vasquez or Lowe. Don't rule out converting a guy like Jo-Jo Reyes into the role of closer as well.

Baltimore Orioles

2009 saves: George Sherrill (20), Jim Johnson (10)

Notes: Johnson took over the closer's role once Sherrill was traded to the Dodgers, but it's anyone's guess whether the Orioles will keep him there. McPhail has not been shy about pursuing the top names on the market and could make a play for Valverde. It's more likely that the Orioles fill this gap from in-house guys, though.

Detroit Tigers

2009 saves: Fernando Rodney (37), Brandon Lyon (3)

Notes: Like the Braves, both Rodney and Lyon are free agents. Also like the Braves, the Tigers have a couple of candidates to fill the void. Remember Joel Zumaya? After three straight years of throwing less than 34 innings, he's probably not a great candidate to land the closer role, but he is still just 24 years old and has potential. I could see the Tigers investing in a mid-tier guy with a one-year deal. Maybe someone like Billy Wagner?

Tampa Bay Rays

2009 saves: J.P. Howell (17), Randy Choate (5), Grant Balfour (4), Troy Percival (6), Joe Nelson (3)

Notes: As you can see, the Rays definitely went with a closer-by-committee approach last season. I'm not sure what payroll flexibility they will have this offseason, but if they do have money to spend, it definitely makes sense for them to find a back-end bullpen guy. Competing in the AL East, they need a solid closer and don't have one right now.

Toronto Blue Jays

2009 saves: Jason Frasor (11), Scott Downs (9), B.J. Ryan (2)

Notes: With the transition at the top of the organization, I doubt the Blue Jays make a splash in free agency again for a closer. This isn't a bad situation due to free agents leaving as much as guys just not performing. Look for one of the Jays young pitchers to be slotted into this role next year. Either that or a trade for a guy like Matt Lindstrom from the Marlins.

Other teams possibly shopping: Arizona (depending how they view Qualls), Cincinnati (Only if they move Cordero), Colorado (Huston Street is arb-eligible), Washington (McDougald had hip surgery).

All in all, there are just not that many spots open for closers. It's a bad offseason for guys like Valverde and Hawkins. I'd expect at least one of them to stick with the Astros, but I'm not sure which one the team values more at this point.

Orioles 3, Rays 2: Finally

Stacey — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:38:07 -0000

More photos » by Chris O'Meara - AP

Good job, Chris. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

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Our long national nightmare is over! The Orioles won their first game since September 16th. I couldn't even remember that game, so I looked back at the recap. Wow. I was happy back then. Sadly, even then Jim Johnson pitched poorly as he blew the save that night and was saved by Matt Wieters' walk off home run.

Matt Garza made the start for the Rays and pitched 6 innings, giving up three runs. He didn't pitch poorly by any means. The only extra base hit he allowed was a first inning double to Cesar Izturis, who would score on a single by Nick Markakis that deflected off of Jason Bartlett's glove. The O's other two runs were scored on singles by Melvin Mora and Jeff Fiorentino. Most days 3 runs wouldn't be enough for this team and its pitching staff, but tonight it held up.

Chris Waters made his first start of the year and came through in a big way. He pitched 5 innings, allowing 1 run on just two hits. He was rolling after 5 innings, but since he hadn't started a game since September 5th in Norfolk, he probably didn't have much left. The effective and decidedly un-Oriole like pitching continued as Cla Meredith, Alberto Castillo, and Danys Baez pitched the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings without allowing a hit.

The O's entered the 9th with a 3-1 lead when poor, sad, awful Jim Johnson came into the game. The perfect way for this losing streak to end would be if JJ had been strong and looked good. If he'd thrown that sinker we all know he's capable of, struck a few guys out, and restored our faith in him.

Yeah, that didn't happen. Johnson allowed a lead off double to Ben Zobrist, who is pretty much my least favorite Ray ever. He retired Upton on a popout, and Willy Aybar hit a fly ball to center field. It wasn't hit deep and Jeff Fiorentino, who was playing on the warning track, couldn't get to it. Zobrist moved to third and then scored on Pat Burrell's sac fly. Gregg Zaun hit a pinch hit ground ball single that just eluded Brian Roberts and the tying run was on third with two outs. Jim Johnson looked miserable. He and Matt Wieters couldn't agree on any pitches so Wieters had to go to the mound. Kranitz also went out for good measure. I've never seen anyone sweat more in a temperature controlled dome than Jim Johnson. But he ultimately got the job done, getting Iwamura to ground out right back to him.

O's win! It wasn't pretty, but it worked. They now head home for the final three games of the season where Jason Berken, Mark Hendrickson, and Jeremy Guthrie will do their best to go out on a good note.

Poll

Hey it's been forever since we've done this, but who was tonight's Most Birdland Player of the game?

Chris Waters (5 IP, 2 H, 1 R)

87 votes

Cesar Izturis (2-3, 2B, BB, R)

6 votes

Melvin Mora (RBI single, several sweet plays at 3B, plus there are only three more days to ever vote for him again)

48 votes

141 votes | Poll has closed

Orioles 4, Rays 2: Matt Wieters rewards his faithful disciples

Stacey — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:51:17 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - AP

Carl Crawford raises his hands to the heavens, wondering what he did to deserve the wrath of Wieters. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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Do you know what September 16, 2009 and April 10, 2007 have in common? They are the only two games in Carl Crawford's career in which he was thrown out stealing twice. Twice tonight Crawford got on base, twice he tried to steal second, and twice Matt Wieters gunned him down. In fact, neither of the plays were particularly close as both times Crawford slid right into Brian Roberts' glove. In a game where the offense was dead for both teams, those plays were huge.

I was checking Crawford's game logs tonight after he got thrown out twice and saw that before tonight he's been thrown out twice in a span of 24 games. And do you know who threw him out one of those times as well? That's right, our savior.

Chris Tillman pitched a very good game today, going 6.2 innings and allowing 1 run on a solo HR by ZAUN. He didn't strike anyone out, which was weird, but he was effective all the same. He retired the first 10 batters he faced and ended up giving up just 5 hits. I suppose now we sit around and wait to hear if Tillman will be joining Matusz in being shut down for the year.

The Orioles scored their first run of the game in the 2nd inning. Melvin Mora led off the inning with a double, moved to third on a fly ball by Luke Scott, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Wieters. Their second run came in the 4th. Brian Roberts hit a sharp ground ball to first that Willy Aybar couldn't handle. Two outs later, Luke knocked Brian in with a shot off the top of the scoreboard. That was all the offense the Orioles would muster until the bottom of the 9th.

Of course, it's a shame the O's even had to go to the bottom of the 9th. They took a 2-1 lead into the top of the 9th (after a rain delay of over an hour) and Jim Johnson continued to look like garbage. Ben Zobrist took him deep to center field to tie the game at 2. Thanks for nothing, Jim.

While I may have a hard time forgiving Jim's transgressions, Matt Wieters is compassionate and loves unconditionally. Matt Wieters doesn't blame Jim Johnson for his faults because he's just a human. Matt Wieters saved Jim Johnson from doom when, in the bottom of the 9th, he hit his first career walk off HR. It wasn't as beautiful as his home run last night, but ten times as important.

Thank you, Matt Wieters, for the blessings you have bestowed upon us.

Poll

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

Matt Wieters (Sacrifice fly, threw out Crawford twice, walk off HR)

223 votes

Chris Tillman (6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R)

17 votes

240 votes | Poll has closed

Orioles 7, Yankees 3: Brian Matusz makes us happy

Camden Chat — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:32:20 -0000

More photos » by Frank Franklin II - AP

Brian Matusz made Derek Jeter so mad he almost said a bad word to the umpire. Siddown, Jetes. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Last June, according to the story told by Gary Thorne on today's telecast, Brian Matusz had just signed with the Baltimore Orioles. He was in New York for the draft, and saw the new Yankee Stadium being constructed. He said to himself, "I'm going to pitch there someday." He had yet to throw his first professional pitch.

Fast forward 15 months. Brian Matusz got his wish, or, more accurately, earned his destiny and took the mound at the new Yankee Stadium today against the New York Yankees. He entered the day having won his last two outings, and having gone 7.0 IP in both. He'd given up just 5 ER in those 14 innings, and O's fan might have been cautiously optimistic about today's game.

Throw caution to the wind, people - Brian Matusz will be winning a lot more games in Yankee Stadium over the next six years.

Matusz went 7.0 IP again today, and aside from a SAC fly in the 1st inning, didn't allow a run in his last six innings of work. Sure, he had his troubles, but not many. There was a 20-pitch inning, and the Yankees sent five men to the plate in the 7th. That was the most he faced all day - five batters in an inning. It's great to win. But to face just three or four batters an inning, almost every inning? And by a rookie? Against a team that's up by eight games in the AL East? I'll take it.

The offense did its best, for one inning, to make this an easy day for Matusz. In the second inning, AL ROY candidate Nolan Reimold led off with a home run to left-center, Matt Wieters walked after Luke Scott looked terrible, again, and Ty Wigginton singled Wieters to second base. Michael Aubrey singled the two runners over, and Robert Andino singled Wieters in.

Then Brian Roberts came up. Then the ball went out, over the wall in right-center. Pretty quickly, too.

The grand slam by Roberts, his 15th HR of the season, made the game a 6-1 lead for the Orioles, and the way Matusz was pitching, you could almost feel comfortable. Next year, when he's allowed to complete games, a 6-1 lead may be as automatic a win as you can earn in the majors. But, for now, we're at the mercy of Diamond Dave's decisions with the bullpen.

The sight of Chris Ray warming up in the 7th inning was not needed. Really, Dave, really? Chris Ray? In New York? You do remember what happens when Chris Ray pitches in New York, right? Instead, sanity prevailed, Matusz was allowed to finish the 7th, and Danys Baez came in to pitch the 8th, and did so in a completely professional and non-exciting manner. Thank you, Danys. Jim Johnson finished the game. That's all I'm saying about Jim Johnson today. I will not spoil the good mood.

The Orioles go for the improbable series sweep tomorrow, and here's hoping the O's close them out. -duck

Poll

Who was the Most Birdland Player for Sept. 12, 2009?

Brian Matusz (W, 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 3 K, 2 BB)

158 votes

Nolan Reimold (2-3, HR, RB, amazing first-row catch of foul ball)

6 votes

Brian Roberts (3-4, Grand Slam, 4 RBI, 1 R, and, oh yeah, a GRAND SLAM. Plus a walk.)

62 votes

Danys Baez (1.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1K, not being Chris Ray while in New York)

0 votes

226 votes | Poll has closed

You had me at Melmo: And oh, yeah, there was a game last night, too.

duck — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:32:08 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

His bat may be broken, but not our hearts. Not anymore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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It was a dark and stormy Melmo….

It was the best of Melmo, it was the worst of Melmo…

You had me at Melmo.

Last night ended on an unexpectedly down note, with me yelling "No! No! No!" at my TV screen as Andy Marte drove a pitch deep into the night to provide the 5-4 lead that would serve as the final score. But we will not remember the game for that. Oh, no.

This was a Melmoment to savor in Camden Chat Gamethread history.

You could argue getxstoked started it all at 7:35 with "MELMOSITY!" But the true beginning of last night greatness started a few Melmoments later, when Wieters Weiners posted this simple classic:

4 MORE YEARS!!!! 4 MORE YEARS!!!!!

It gathered Melmomentum from there. Timmy L. came back with "We Like Melmo," a parody of Gen. David D. Eisenhower’s 1952 campaign slogan, "I Like Ike." And boy howdy, did it go downhill from there.

MELMO: Building a bridge to the 21st century

54 - 40 or MELMO!!!

A melmo in every pot

yes melmo can!

Tippecanoe and Melmo too

You just need to go back and read the rest, folks.

As for the game, our new patron saint, Melvin Mora, actually did quite well. He went 3-4 with a HR, 2 R, and 1 RBI. But after the game, he said his biggest regret was a timeout he didn’t call. From The Sun:

Seconds before Orioles closer Jim Johnson reared back to throw a ninth-inning, two-out fastball that would undo an entire night's worth of hard work, Melvin Mora had one thought running through his head: Call timeout!

Mora noticed that Cleveland Indians first baseman Andy Marte had opened his stance just a hair and was going to try to crank the next pitch over the left-field fence. In that instant, Mora wanted to freeze frame his pitcher and walk to the mound. He would tell Johnson to relax, take a deep breath and bust Marte inside. The Orioles would then wrap up a much-needed victory.

But Mora was the one who was frozen. He couldn't get the words out in time.

"I was really upset with myself," Mora said.

Somehow, I think we’ll find it in our hearts to forgive him. After all...

"We'll always have Melmo. We didn't have, we, we lost it until you came to Casablanca. We got Melmo back last night."

Poll

Who was the Most Melmo Player last night?

Melvin Mora (3-4, 2R, RBI, HR) There will be no other choices.

97 votes

97 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

4 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 4: A Series Win, Finally.

Stacey — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:19:52 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

4 months ago: Baltimore Orioles' Nolan Reimold launches a two-run home run off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buehrle, that also scored Nick Markakis during the third inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009 in Chicago. Watching on the play is catcher Ramon Castro and umpire on Ron Kulpa. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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The Orioles beat the White Sox 5-4 to win their first series since July 10-12 against the Blue Jays. Jason Berken battled through poor defense in the first inning and pitched 5.2 innings to earn his third win. Home runs by Felix Pie and Nolan Reimold and a 3 hit game from Brian Roberts fueled the offense, while Kam continued to be the man. Jim Johnson took a page out of Flat Breezy's book but in the end there was never a doubt as he earned his 6th save.

Jason Berken pitched one of his best games this year, although it didn't start out so well. In the first inning he induced a routine ground ball by Scott Podsednik that was booted by back up shortstop Robert Andino. That was followed by another routine ground ball by Gordon Beckham. Mora picked the ball cleanly but airmailed the throw into the camera well. Podsednik, who had stolen 2nd base, scored on the error and Beckham went to 2nd. Berken didn't get rattled as he retired the next three batters, but instead of getting out of the inning 3 up-3 down in 14 pitches, he had to get five outs on 22 pitches, and a run scored.

After the first inning, Berken went on to pitch the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th without any trouble or any defensive miscues. He retired the first two batters in the fifth, but then lost his control, walking the number 9 hitter Brent Lillibridge. Podsednik hit a double that bounced up into the stands to score Lillibridge and Beckham singled in the second run. He got out of the inning and came back to retire the first two hitters in the 6th before giving up a single to Carlos Quentin. That would be it for Berken, but he'd done enough to be in line for his 3rd win of the year. With his family making the trip down from Wisconsin to see him pitch, Berken came through.

The offense had a good day against White Sox starter Mark Buehrle, and they started in the first inning. Brian Roberts hit his major league leading 47th 2B of the year and scored on a single by Adam Jones to take a 1-0 lead, and in the 4th inning Brian again led off the inning with a hit, this time a single. He stole 2nd, moved to third on a groundout by Robert Andino, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Felix Pie (Pie entered the game for Jones in the 2nd as Adam was having back spasms). Two batters later, with Nick Markakis on base via a single, Nolan Reimold took Buehrle deep for his 12th HR of the year. Buehrle would give up one more run on HR by Felix Pie in the 5th. Buehrle exited the game after 5.2 innings and the White Sox bullpen allowed just one more hit, a double to Chad Moeller in the 9th.

After Berken exited the game, Kam Mickolio took over and again impressed us all, going 1.1 innings without allowing a hit. His season line is now up to: 9.2 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 11 K. Danys Baez followed Kam with a perfect 8th inning, leaving it to Jim Johnson to close out.

JJ was shaky, allowing a leadoff double to Paul Konerko. He struck out Carlos Quentin and then Alexei Ramirez singled, putting runners on first and third with one out. JJ bucked down, though. Pinch hitter AJ Pierzynski grounded to shortstop, scoring Konerko, and Mark Kotsay struck out to end the game. Never a doubt, Jimmy!

O's win to take the season series from the White Sox 5-4, their first series win against them since 2001. Tomorrow night they start a 3 game series with the Twins to conclude their 9 game road trip.

Poll

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

Jason Berken (5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K)

62 votes

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

70 votes

Felix Pie (HR, Sac Fly, 2 RBI)

34 votes

Nolan Reimold (2-4, 2 R HR)

82 votes

248 votes | Poll has closed

Yankees 2, Orioles 1: Losers find a way to lose.

Stacey — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:30:12 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

5 months ago: Baltimore Orioles pitcher David Hernandez delivers in the first inning against the New York Yankees in a baseball game at Yankee Stadium on Monday, July 20, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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Frustrating. It's the only word I can think of after a game like this. David Hernandez pitched an amazing game, Mark Hendrickson followed with a perfect inning, and Jim Johnson a perfect inning after that. For the first 8 innings of the game the Yankees could only manage 3 hits off of the Orioles pitching staff. They added a fourth hit in the bottom of the 9th, a HR by Hideki Matsui.

Hernandez started off the game a little rocky, but considering he is a 24 year old with 6 major league starts who was making his first ever start in Yankee Stadium, I'm certainly willing to cut him some slack. He allowed two hits and a walk in the first but didn't allow a run. In the 2nd he gave up his third hit, a home run to Eric Hinske. That would be the last hit the Yankees would get until the 9th inning.

The Yankees lead the MLB with runs scored per game at 5.54. For the Orioles to hold them to two, even if that second one came in the form of a walk off, is impressive. For a rookie pitcher to give up only 1 run over 6 innings is definitely a positive we can take from this game.

That is the end of the positives. After a first inning Nick Markakis home run, the Orioles were unable to score any more runs despite having numerous opportunities. And here they are:

Third inning: Matt Wieters led off the inning with a single and advanced on a wild pitch with zero outs. Cesar Izturis and Brian Roberts struck out and Markakis flew out to right field, stranding Wieters.
Fifth inning: With one out, Nolan Reimold walked and Matt Wieters singled him to third. Izturis struck out and Brian Roberts flew out to center to strand them both.
Sixth inning: Adam Jones hit an infield single with one out. Aubrey Huff grounded into a double play on the first pitch he saw.
Seventh inning: Melvin Mora led off with a single. Luke Scott struck out and Reimold GIDP.
Eighth inning: With one out, Izturis singled to left. Roberts doubled down the right field line but Izturis, thinking the ball was caught, started to go back to first and ended up between first and second at the same time as Brian. He got the gist and ended up on third but probably could have scored if he looked at the 3B coach. Markakis then swung at the first pitch and hit a grounder to Teixeira, who threw Izturis out at home. With Adam Jones at the plate, Phil Coke threw a wild pitch. Roberts raced home from third but in trying to avoid the tag with his headfirst slide missed the plate altogether and was tagged out by Coke.
Ninth inning: Adam Jones led off the inning and was hit by the pitch on his foot. After Huff lined out, Jones stole second. Mora flew out to centerfield. Luke was intentionally walked. Nolan Reimold flew out to left.

That's a lot of chances, right? And they couldn't score one more run. Frustrating. This loss is on the offense, because the pitching did its job. I suppose you could assign some blame to Jim Johnson, but if the Orioles had scored even one more run he wouldn't have pitched the 9th inning, and he hardly ever pitches more than one inning. No, this one is on the offense.

Poll

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

David Hernandez (6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K)

301 votes

Nick Markakis (1-4, HR)

8 votes

Mark Hendrickson (1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 R)

4 votes

No One.

39 votes

352 votes | Poll has closed