SB Nation - Mark Hendrickson

The State of the Rockies: A Sane Free Agency Preview

Jabberwocky — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:18:36 -0000

Ladies and Gentlemen, the siren of the MLB free agency period once again beckons, luring unsuspecting baseball fans into wrecking their ships against the sharp jagged rocks--in this case dreams of big-ticket free agents for even the smallest markets, ill-conceived trade schemes, and long soliloquies about why the owner/GM/beat writer is a complete and utter moron. This column, my dear friends, is the beeswax to put in your ears to defend you from those beautiful seductresses (and their horrible ideas) as you look forward to the 2010 Rockies.

Yes, that's right. A few minutes ago, the floodgates officially opened for major league free agency. In addition, all MLB teams are required to set their 40 man rosters in advance of the December 8th Rule 5 draft. I've written about all three subjects in Purple Row Academy before, so for those of you who are curious about how those processes are carried out, check out these primers:

Free Agency (the dates listed therein are from last offseason)

40 Man Roster

Rule 5 Draft

All three of these articles have supporting links that clarify the issues even further.

In this installment of the State of the Rockies, I opine about the puzzling Garrett Atkins decision, revisit Rafael Betancourt's situation, examine the Rockies' current 40 man roster status, and look some free agent targets that I'd like the Rockies to consider (plus, how they would fit into the budget that I've outlined over the last two weeks).

Join me after the jump if you value your sanity.

Why didn't the Rockies non-tender Garrett Atkins before the 40 man roster had to be set?

Good question. There's one main reason for doing this, and that's to extend the window of time that the Rockies have to trade the underperforming third baseman for another few weeks--until the December 12th deadline for tendering contracts for players under team control. Unfortunately for Colorado and Dan O'Dowd, the chances of such a deal being consummated reside squarely between slim and none.

It's not that Atkins isn't drawing interest from other teams. Just three years ago he was a player worth 6.4 WAR, he can play both corner infield positions somewhat passably, and he is theoretically in his prime (he'll turn 30 on the date that the Rockies will probably non-tender him). The problem is, Atkins' value as a trade asset to the Rockies is basically nil. Because by rule Atkins' salary next year unless he is a free agent can be no less than 80% of last year's total ($7.05 million), teams that would trade for Garrett would at a minimum be paying $5.64 million for a player that was flat out awful in 2009. The point is that I can't fathom another team trading the Rockies anything (and I mean anything) for him when he'd come much more cheaply once he's been non-tendered.

However, since the Rockies have seven slots open on the 40 man roster as of today (more on that later), it appears that Colorado has enough room to protect the prospects they want from the Rule 5 draft without removing Atkins from it. I'm hoping against hope that O'Dowd can finagle a deal for Atkins, but let's just say that I'm not holding my breath.

What's up with Rafael Betancourt?

From the poll results of last week's column, it appears that the vast majority of you want Betancourt back next year, preferably on a multi-year deal with less of a hit on a per-annum basis. Since the Rockies did decline his option, which was the right call in my opinion, they face a further decision with the soon to be 35 year old reliever--whether to offer him salary arbitration or not by the December 8th deadline.

It is my opinion that if he were offered arbitration, Betancourt would be crazy not to accept it. His status as a Type A free agent severely pollutes his value on the free agent market, chasing away a number of potentially interested teams that don't want to give the Rockies their first round pick for a solid set-up man. Considering Betancourt's age and the relatively high volatility of relief pitching performance, the risk for another team is particularly acute. I believe that as a result Betancourt would be very fortunate indeed to receive an offer that approaches what he would get in arbitration.

And what would that be? Let's look at some precedent--a tale of two relievers, if you will.

Last year two veteran relief pitchers (Darren Oliver and David Weathers) accepted arbitration from their clubs. Oliver was a Type A free agent while Weathers was a former closer who had once been perceived as being productive. Oliver was coming off of a 1.0 WAR season in which he was very effective, while Weathers had produced 0.2 WAR.

Oliver, who was going to be 38 in 2009, got his salary increased through arbitration from $2 million to $3.665 million, while Weathers, who was going to be 39, went up from $3.3 to $3.5 million. Those are 83.3% and 6% raises respectively, as would befit their recent performance levels. In 2009, Oliver continued to defy science and produced an even better, 1.5 WAR year at age 38, while Weathers was DFA'd and ended up with -0.8 WAR--while being paid $3.5 million. That's the risk inherent with offering arbitration--some decisions pan out and some fail.

Given that Betancourt is likely better than both of the pitchers above and a little younger (35 compared to 38-39), he’ll get a slightly higher raise, closer to Oliver's 83% raise and maybe larger. In 2009 Betacourt was making $3.5 million—which means that I’m estimating an increase of 2.9 million (or 83%) to $6.4 million—in other words, more than the option the Rockies just declined should he accept arbitration. Who knows though…arbitrators work in mysterious ways.

The draft picks should Betancourt not accept arbitration and sign with another team would be worth about $5 million, so the Rockies are gambling that they can either re-sign Betancourt for a lower price tag or that another team would be willing to offer him a crazy contract despite his free agency status. If it works, O'Dowd is a genius--but I just have serious doubts that everything will work out. Bottom line though, the worst case scenario is that the Rockies pay Betancourt well over $6 million next year--which is pretty palatable as far as worst case scenarios go.

Who is worth protecting from the Rule 5 draft?

As I mentioned above, the Rockies have only 33 spots filled on their 40 man roster, meaning that they technically have room to protect up to seven prospects from the Rule 5 draft. Of course, that's not really realistic. As I've outlined previously, the Rockies have holes on the major league roster that need to be filled--namely replacements for their ten free agents and Atkins--so in effect they can protect only a few players.

Hat tip to WolfMarauder on this, but going strictly by the Purple Row PuRP list, the Rockies have four prospects that would need to be protected from the draft: Michael McKenry (C), Cole Garner (OF), Chaz Roe (RHP), and Edgmer Escalona (RHP)--plus Alberto Alberquerque (RHP), who the Rockies received in exchange for Jeff Baker.

Now admittedly the minor league system isn't my area of expertise, but if I were to hazard a guess, the Rockies will likely protect McKenry, Garner, and Roe--leaving both Escalona and Alberquerque (among other lesser prospects) eligible for the draft. They simply won't be able to protect more than that--not if the Rockies plan to field a complete roster come Opening Day 2010. We'll see soon enough.

Who should the Rockies be looking at in free agency?

Given that, by my calculations, the Rockies currently have 23 players under contract for next year (22 if you allow that Buchholz will start on the DL), they will need to fill those holes. This might be through re-signing free agents such as Yorvit Torrealba at back-up catcher, Rafael Betancourt as a set-up man, and Joe Beimel as a lefty out of the pen. Or they could go by the cheap youth method, promoting McKenry to the big leagues come Opening Day while using Deduno and Chacin in the bullpen. Or they could make a foray into the free agent market. Finally, the Rockies could explore the trade market both as a buyer and a seller. To that end, Baseball Prospectus has a few tips for those interested in making up interesting trade rumors.

My prediction is that the Rockies will explore a little of each, signing at least one of their free agents (my guess is that they do get Betancourt back one way or another) and maybe two (Torrealba seems somewhat likely as well), while should Torrealba fall through McKenry seems to be the most cost-effective candidate. I think that the Rockies are likely to trade one of their outfielders (and I've recommended Hawpe many many times), maybe two--and O'Dowd could perform a miracle and trade Atkins. Either way, I think the Rockies will be looking for one of two things in free agency: a back-up corner infielder/veteran and a relief pitcher, preferably a lefty.

Given this and the fact that the Rockies' budget is undeniably tight, here are a few players that I would recommend at least kicking the tires on that are within the Rockies price range. By no means is this list exhaustive, but these players would fill a need for Colorado.

Free Agency Targets

Pedro Feliz: Yes, he's a pretty bad hitter and yes, he's old, but Feliz fields his position very well (he could likely play first base at a high level too) and has shown at least some power--two important characteristics for a NL bench player. He's sufficiently veteranny (he'll be 34 years old), he's right-handed, and would likely cost around $3-5 million to sign. Ultimately, he's injury insurance that gives the Rockies a lot of flexibility in later innings. Obviously, Feliz will be looking for a starting situation before he would choose to come to the Rockies, which is a big stumbling block.

Jamey Carroll: He has already been awesome for the Rockies before (3.1 WAR in 2006), plus he can play almost anywhere on the diamond (and do it well). The fans and players love him already, and he's willing to come off the bench. The problem is that the competition for the utilityman will be fierce this offseason, and he might be snapped up for close to $3 million.

Felipe Lopez: He represents an upgrade at second base, plus he has defensive versatility. His excellent year last year could price him out of Colorado's range, though in my opinion he is being severely undervalued by many. This is a pipe dream that RMN and I share.

Juan Uribe: He's another former Rockie, one who has excelled in this type of role already on the Giants. Unfortunately for Colorado, he may have performed too well for the Giants, who really want him back. My prediction is that San Francisco gets their man.

Joe Crede: He's great with the leather and serviceable with the bat. The problem is that he's looking for a starting job and he's had three back surgeries already. Give him an incentive laden salary with a low base and he's your man--but Crede's probably not coming to Colorado in a part-time role (especially since he's a Boras client).

Eric Hinske: The last three years, the teams that Hinske has been on have made the World Series, winning it twice. How much more of a veteran winner can you be? Plus he's good with the bat and is versatile (though not particularly competent) defensively.

Jose Contreras: More than any other Rockies free agents, I want Contreras back next year as rotation insurance and as a swing man with excellent stuff in the bullpen--heck, I'd like to see the Rockies pay up to $3 million for his services. Whether that would be enough is another matter.

John Smoltz: If he'd deign to sign with the Rockies, Colorado would be glad to have his power arm in the bullpen or even in the fifth starter's role.

Rodrigo Lopez: He has found success in Colorado before and would serve as rotation depth.

Mark Hendrickson and Scott Eyre (Type B): Serviceable veteran left-handed relievers that would cost around $2-3 million each.

To that effect, there are many relievers or failed starters that O'Dowd could pick up cheaply off the scrap heap that would perform at a decent level for this team--I'm not really as worried about the bullpen.

The bottom line is that I think the Rockies should sign Feliz or a similar player to replace Atkins while inking a veteran starter/reliever for the bullpen. If Colorado does move Hawpe, they'll likely receive a bullpen arm in return that could fill the void as well. Either way, I'm expecting free agency to cost the Rockies around $8-10 million, bringing their ODP to around $87 million.

O's 6, Blue Jays 3: No 100 losses this year!

Camden Chat — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:10:18 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

SCREECH. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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Tonight was a fun game. Wieters Weiners, Eat More Esskay, the fix is in, duck, and myself met up for the game and we weren't disappointed. Mark Hendrickson pitched another good game, allowing 3 ER in 6.1 innings.

Jeff Fiorentino was the hero tonight with two hits and 2 RBI. Lou Montanez also had two hits. DEAL WITH IT.

I said on Friday that I wanted the sweep and the O's are poised to do just that. Jeremy Guthrie will take the mound as the O's go for their fourth win in a row.

Poll

Who is MBP for our clinching-fewer-than-100-losses VICTORY?

Hendo (6.1 IP, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3K)

36 votes

SCREECH! (2 for 4, 1 run, 2 ribbies)

27 votes

Sweet Swingin' Lou (2 for 4, 1 run, was dealt with)

9 votes

Miss Wiggy (2 for 4, 1 run, 1 ribbie)

4 votes

76 votes | Poll has closed

Rays 3, Orioles 0: Snoozer

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

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

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!

Orioles Intend To Keep Mark Hendrickson

Matt Buggenhagen — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:50:20 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

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According to Ken Rosenthal and John Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com, the Baltimore Orioles have changed their position on left-hander Mark Hendrickson, and the team is now electing to keep the veteran lefty.

Yesterday, it was reported that the Orioles were talking to the Rockies about a deal for Hendrickson, but that deal appears to be off at the moment, which is about par for the course for this time of year.

According to a source in the story the Orioles have decided that they want to keep Hendrickson to protect their young pitchers, and following the injury to Brad Bergesen last night, the Orioles may use Hendrickson to replace him in the rotation temporarily.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Mark Hendrickson	5-4	33	7	0	0	0	1	64.0	74	41	33	11	21	45	4.64	1.48

Dodgers acquire George Sherrill

RockiesMagicNumber — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:52:06 -0000

More photos » by John Froschauer - AP

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Ken Gurnick from MLB.com is reporting that the Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired LHP George Sherrill from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for 3B Josh Bell and RHP Steve Johnson.

Sherrill , the closer for Baltimore, was 0-1 with 20 saves and a 2.40 ERA, complemented by a 3.00 K/BB ratio through 41 1/3 innings of work.

Sherrill will likely be the primary setup man for Dodgers' closer Jonathan Broxton.

What this means for the Rockies is that there is 1 less LHP bullpen candidate available for trade. The Rockies will now turn their attention toward veteran Mark Hendrickson from the O's or perhaps to Toronto for LHP Scott Downs.

Bell, 23, is putting up a .296/.386/.497 line with the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Dodgers' AA affiliate.

Johnson, 22, made the jump to AA this season, and has a 1.69 ERA in 2 starts for the Lookouts.

Olney: Dodgers Pitching Is The Biggest Need Yet To Be Filled

Matt Buggenhagen — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:07:30 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

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ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney touched upon what he feels are the biggest holes that need to be filled prior to the end of the trade deadline. Lets have a look.

I. Dodgers, pitching- Olney notes that Dodgers bullpen has been heavily overworked, and the results are starting to show. He says the team reached out to Toronto Wednesday, but the teams haven't been exchanging names.

II. Florida Marlins, closer- we all know the Marlins are looking for bullpen help, and Olney says they've been the most aggressive team for Heath Bell.

III. Boston Red Sox, mojo- Olney says they've spent a lot of time discussing Roy Halladay, Victor Martinez and Adrian Gonzalez. They know what it will take to get Halladay, but Olney thinks if they end up with any of them, it'll most likely be Martinez.

IV. Milwaukee Brewers, starting pitching- Lee is gone, and Halladay costs too much, maybe they look for a second tier starter.

V. Detroit Tigers, hitter- Tigers need a big hitter for the middle of their lineup, but they may not have the prospects or the cash to get a deal done.

VI. Chicago Cubs, left-handed reliever- some guys out there are Joe Beimel, John Grabow and Mark Hendrickson.

VII. Texas Rangers, pitcher and hitter- Rangers have prospects, but financial concerns may limit the teams' flexibility.

VIII. Los Angeles Angels, pitching- they know the price for Roy Halladay, but are they willing to pay it?

IX. Colorado Rockies, reliever- as we said this morning they're looking at Mark Hendrickson

Some other random notes:

The Phillies made their team for 2009 and 2010 much better, and managed to hang on to their best prospects J.A. Happ and Kyle Drabek.
The Giants immediately upgrade their offense with Freddy Sanchez, and with their pitching staff they could be real dangerous.
The Pirates are beginning to put together a much more dynamic lineup.
Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik values defense as much, if not more than any other GM in the league.

Rockies Looking To Add Another Left-Handed Reliever

Matt Buggenhagen — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:29:40 -0000

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

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According to Tracy Ringolsby of FOXSports.com, the Colorado Rockies may be prepping for another move, and it's believed they're looking to acquire another reliever.

Ringolsby mentions that the team is looking for another left-handed reliever to compliment Franklin Morales, and Orioles Left-hander Mark Hendrickson is high on their list.

Hendrickson, 35, went 1-4 with a 6.35 ERA as a starter this season, but is 4-0 with a 2.94 ERA as a reliever.

In an effort to further improve their bullpen this trade season, the Rockies have already acquired right-hander Rafael Betancourt from the Indians.

Hendrickson is only owed about $500,000 the rest of the season, so for a team that's not looking to add much payroll, he might be a perfect fit.

It's believed the Rockies were also targeting the Nationals Joe Beimel and the Pirates John Grabow, but it both cases the teams demanded Double-A second baseman Eric Young Jr. The Rockies have no intent on trading Young, so ultimately, they may have to settle for Hendrickson.

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

Orioles 12, Mariners 4: The Tale of Luke Scott and the 7 RBI

duck — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:44:53 -0000

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

Luke Scott did this a lot Tuesday night in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

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For the last week, the Orioles have lost just about every battle of bullpens they've been involved in. Sure, last Tuesday was fun, but since then? Not so much. The blown lead against the Red Sox the next day. The blown four-run lead against the Angels on Saturday. The blown four-run lead against the Angels on Sunday. And yesterday's one-hit affair is best forgotten all together.

Tonight was a strange, strange night, and a week's worth of breaks went against, then for, the Orioles in the game against the Mariners. First, we went up 2-0 against Erik Bedard in the first inning. Progress, you say? Sure, if the umps hadn't blatantly blown a call and cost the Orioles a run. To set the scene: Nolan Reimold is on first, Nick Markakis is on second and Adam Jones is on third with Luke Scott batting. Nick and Adam easily score when the throw from the outfield bounces off the pitcher's mound and into a camera well. Nolan Reimold, who slowed AFTER rounding second, is awarded third base, but not home. He should have scored.

Here's why. Rule 7.05 (g) is about as clear as baseball rules get. To wit:

(g) Two bases when, with no spectators on the playing field, a thrown ball goes into the stands, or into a bench (whether or not the ball rebounds into the field), or over or under or through a field fence, or on a slanting part of the screen above the backstop, or remains in the meshes of a wire screen protecting spectators. The ball is dead. When such wild throw is the first play by an infielder, the umpire, in awarding such bases, shall be governed by the position of the runners at the time the ball was pitched; in all other cases the umpire shall be governed by the position of the runners at the time the wild throw was made;...

APPROVED RULING: ...The term "when the wild throw was made" means when the throw actually left the player’s hand and not when the thrown ball hit the ground, passes a receiving fielder or goes out of play into the stands.

It got worse. Jeremy Guthrie could barely reach 90 mph tonight, and his ball was flat. He was examined by the trainer in the first inning, and was pulled during the third. Dave Trembley in his post-game confab with Jim Hunter and Jim Palmer said Guthrie told him he felt dizzy during warm-ups and his stomach was upset. Trembley said there was no issue with his arm or shoulder, Guthrie simply was sick. We'll see.

Orioles Magic started to happen once the starters left. When Guthrie left, the score was 3-2 Seattle. The Mariners would not score again until the ninth, when the game was safely out of reach,. Mark Hendrickson pitched 2.2 innings, then came Matt Albers, Danys Baez and Jim Johnson, all pitching scoreless relief, before George Sherrill gave up one run. Seattle, meanwhile, was hamstrung by Erik Bedard's 80 pitch count limit. He was filthy tonight - eight K's and just on ewalk and made it look easy after the first inning. But once he was gone, this was a whole new ballgame. Three Seattle relievers combined to allow 10 runs, and what was a one-run Seattle lead in the 5th inning became a nine-run deficit by the end of the 7th.

Luke Scott destroyed the Mariners tonight. He was a double shy of the cycle, drove in 7 runs, and his 3-run homer in the 7th capped of a 6 run inning that ended any hope of the Mariners coming back. Nolan Reimold did his part as well, with 3 RBI in a two for four night at the plate. Ty Wigginton continues to surprise with his adequacy at second base, and Melvin Mora may be slow on the basepaths, but he can still gun them out from 3B when on the field.

Tomorrow's game, the last on the West Coast for the year, starts at 4:05 Eastern. And I, and the rest of Birdland, can return to normal sleep patterns.

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Poll

Who was the Most Birdland Player for July 7, 2009?

Luke Scott (3-4, 1 HR, 7 RBI. Yeah, I said SEVEN)

283 votes

Nolan Reimold (2-4, 3 RBI)

7 votes

Mark Hendrickson (2.2 IP, W, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 K, 1 BB)

11 votes

301 votes | Poll has closed

Angels 9, Orioles 6: New day, same ending

duck — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:30:09 -0000

More photos » by Keith Birmingham - AP

Aubrey Huff watches as two runs are walked home with the bases loaded in the seventh inning. We know, Aubrey, we know. (AP Photo/Keith Birmingham)

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I didn’t see most of last night’s Saturday's Orioles - Angels game, at least not coherently. But I watched enough at my local watering hole to see the O’s cruise out to a 4-run lead, then go back into the clubhouse and watch "Matlock." I was a bit surprised at how completely the game got away from the Orioles and Jason Berken specifically, and quite frankly, I got a little depressed about whether this team will ever have enough pitching in the rotation and the bullpen simultaneously to win on a consistent basis. Maybe it was just the vodka.

Nope, it wasn’t the vodka. Today didn’t elevate my mood at all. Again, the O’s staked a 4-run lead, and again, the starter, in this case Rich "Why the" Hill "am I still here?", faltered early, and the game was lost in the later innings as the Orioles again failed to score after the first few innings.

There were a few bright spots today. Adam Jones, son! was named to his first All-Star Game, meaning so far the Erik Bedard trade has yielded 2 All-Stars. Also in that deal was Chris Tillman, whom we may see as soon as Tuesday, given the news concerning Chris Ray’s departure after today's game back to Baltimore to have his shoulder examined. Matt Wieters had his first 3-hit day – and don’t look now, but his average is creeping up to .280 rather quickly. Brian Roberts had a home run, and an apology for Dave Trembley about his recent play. Apparently, Brian reads the blogs and knows we are not pleased.

But again, the bullpen was brutal. Matt Albers gave up 3 runs in his 0.2 of an inning, with 4 walks doing most of the damage. Yes, 1 was intentional, but 4 walks are 4 free baserunners, no matter how you explain it away. Chris Ray looked like he had no idea where his release point was, and there may be a problem with his shoulder. Mark Hendrickson came on and looked like he’s found a role in the bullpen, again quenching the flames of his predecessors with 2.0 IP of scoreless and hitless pitching with 2 strike-outs. He may have found his home in the ‘pen, and it’s not as a lefty specialists, it’s as a 2 inning pitcher. Good teams need those, too.

I’ll offer some choices for Most Birdland Player, but honestly, even with The Deity’s offensive outburst, I’m not feeling too happy about this team right now. Three lefty starters in Seattle aren’t about to improve my mood this week, I’m guessing.

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Poll

Who was the Most Birdland Player of July 5, 2009?

Brian Roberts (2-5, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R)

26 votes

Adam Jones, son! (All-Star selection, 2-5)

22 votes

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

137 votes

No one - this was a game the Orioles should have won!

46 votes

231 votes | Poll has closed