SB Nation User Blog: the fix is in

Brady Anderson playing for the Legends in the classic old time "Base Ball" game. He was traded to...

the fix is in — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:58:29 -0000

Brady Anderson playing for the Legends in the classic old time "Base Ball" game. He was traded to the Stogies for their catcher and big bag of fake cash.

Bergesen is rehabbing in Saratosa, FL

the fix is in — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:00:30 -0000

Bergesen is rehabbing in Saratosa, FL

Another update on the status of Bergesen's recovery. He left Sunday to begin a throwing program at the Orioles spring training complex.

Awaiting Bergesen's return - with links

the fix is in — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:06:04 -0000

Photo via www.baltimoresun.com

Brad Bergesen came up on April 14, and quickly began to ~~win games~~ pitch impressive quality starts which were not always taken advantage of by the Orioles. His 7-5 record is impressive for a rookie, but his performance is actually comparable to pitchers who are 10-4 on a winning team. The numbers are simple: 13 quality starts out of 19 games started. When he returns, he will be attempting to go for his eighth QS in a row, something that an Oriole has not done seemingly ever.

On July 30, Bergesen was wrapping up the 7th inning of a beautifully pitched win against the Royals when he was hit directly in the shin on a comebacker. He displayed the badass in him by dapping his catcher and hobbling into the dugout, absolutely refusing to be examined on the field by trainers. You don't see that all the time in 21st century baseball. He almost threw up from the pain and he called it the worst he's felt in his life.

The news the next day was all about "xrays negative but it could be a hairline fracture" , which it wasn't. He was put on the 15 day DL the day after the injury, with today (Saturday) being the 15th day. On Monday, we were treated to the good news that Bergesen shed his crutches and had begun throwing from the side. In the article, he estimated that he was "5 or 6 days away from returning" and also shed some insight about how pissed off he is.

It's terrible. The whole week was just miserable. Sitting around watching the games and not being able to be there was not a good feeling.

Well, today is the fifth day since then, and another article has emerged. This one, I warn, is NOT feel-good-happy-time.

Bergesen's Recovery has setback by Spencer Fordin

Although he is able to walk without much of a limp, and although he believes he can pitch through it, the team is taking a safer route, requiring all pain to be gone before he makes his next start. He has not gotten on the mound yet, and his knee hurts when he lands. The article says the last week of August is the best bet.

The longer it takes, the greater the chance that he'll be shut down. I'm at the point where I'm saying that if Bergesen says he can pitch through the pain, let him pitch through the pain. I believe him. Pitching through an injury could be a valuable learning experience. It's not his right arm that's hurt. I'm probably delusional. He needs his rest, he's only a rookie. I really miss that small little humping motion he gives before he pitches, reminding us all that Pimping ain't E-E-Easy.

SPACE IS BIRDLAND Something new I saw on Orioles.com "Where is BIRDLAND?"

the fix is in — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:23:34 -0000

SPACE IS BIRDLAND

Something new I saw on Orioles.com "Where is BIRDLAND?"

Watching Matt Wieters in the second half

the fix is in — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:08:17 -0000

Baseball is back today from the All-Star break. Oakland and Anaheim are just getting underway in the only AL matchup. Tomorrow the Orioles start their second half in Chciago, to begin a long road trip. The game starts at 8:11, but is probably still being sponsored by 7-11. Advertising has begun to take over our sense of time, in addition to space.

Anyway, tomorrow's game will be the team's 39th game After Wieters. It will be his 32nd game started this year. His line has not been that bad at all for a catcher: .259/.316/.407/.724 . But his progress has certainly been a little slower than we had hoped. We constantly see his average improving, and it's not an illusion. Until he hit his first home run on June 17, he had an OPS of an anemic .584 . When you start your career that slowly, it's not extremely difficult to have your batting average rise. But the fact is, in July (only 7 games) he's been looking much better, posting a .304 average to OPS .863 . In those seven games, he's also taken three walks which is a good sign.

After rarely striking out in the minor leagues, Wieters struck out 31 times in his first 25 games. It was the worst sight to see all year, because it almost made you worry. But his strikeout rate has been falling; from a high of 32%, it's fallen to only 21.4%. Another seven games like he's had, and his strikeouts will be down to the league average of 17%.

His power has also been taking some time. Of his 28 major league hits, only 9 have been for extra-bases. Homeruns account for 3 of those. As mentioned before, his walks are starting to slowly trickle up. I think that it's going to be a slow process, but the power will be worth it. He has to get the Ks down and bring the BBs up. The power will come shortly after.

So I dunno.... open discussion about Wieters? I really can't wait. Although I think next year will be his true break out, seeing him hit is probably number one on what I'm looking foward to in the second half. Even if the team does that pathetic 4-25 stuff, I'm going to have fun watching this new catcher.

Where we've been and where are we going? Jeremy Guthrie

the fix is in — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:32:33 -0000

Jeremy Guthrie - Our opening day starter, he was the only starter we had who had had major league success. On Opening Day, he gave us an alright taste of what was to come: a six-inning, three-run quality start. As Oriole fans, we appreciate quality starts more than most, but sometimes you want to expect more from certain guys. And there lies the heart of the Guthrie "issue" - he is not gonna be a number one pitcher. The popular line was "he's not an ace. He's OUR ace." Anyway, Opening Day told us to be happy with a quality start. We were way too quick in demanding that 7th or 8th inning.

Halfway through the year, Guthrie is not our best pitcher. And that is a good thing. Because Guts has only been serviceable so far. He struggled in June, with an ERA of 5.76 for the month, He has allowed 20 homeruns, where most of his problems lie. When he allows baserunners, they get to trot in. When he doesn't, the home runs are generally solo shots. What I find troubling is that Guthrie has only managed 9 quality starts through 18 attempts this year. He can do better. Last year he was 19 for 30.

So what to make of it? And which Guthrie do we see in the second half? This will probably be one of the more compelling situations to watch. Let's just keep in mind that it is a BAD thing if a number three guy is your best pitcher and a GOOD thing when Guthrie takes his rightful place in the rotation (because that means that better pitchers are taking up the spots ahead of him). I think he's going to work it out and finish with an ERA in the low 4s. I just wish some people were not so harsh on him. I think he's pretty awesome, and has a place on this team for the next five years.

For 18 games, all started, he has gone 6-8 with a 5.35 ERA. He has a 1.82 K/BB rate, which is a tad down from the 2.03 he has averaged over the past six years.

Guthrie on BR

Orioles 4, Blue Jays 2: Bergesen is God

the fix is in — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:25:02 -0000

In the final day of baseball before the All-Star break, the Orioles left a good taste in our mouths that will last at least until Friday. Both teams had their managers in the dugout for the first time in this series; Trembley returning from his two game suspension and Cito returning from his sister's funeral.

The game got started easy enough. In the top of the 3rd inning, home plate ump got hit in the mask by a foul ball. After pretending he was okay, he left after the side, and Dale Scott took over, leading a three man crew for the remainder of the game. The Blue Jays' rookie pitcher, Marc Rzepczynski, seemed a bit flustered by the long delay. He let up an RBI double to Brian Roberts in the bottom of the inning, which was soon followed by a RBI single by Markakis.

Brad Bergesen and all of his excellence, held that lead for as long as he could, taking a shutout into the 7th inning. The only time he didn't look sharp was in the first couple innings, when he walked a couple and scattered a few hits. It still doesn't feel natural yet, to get a 2-0 lead, and feel confident in our chances to win. Bergesen is showing us what the future looks like. He does not get rattled. He throws strikes and does not back down. He is the Orioles best pitcher at only 23 years old. After much restraint so far this year, I think that it's time to just heap praise on Bergy. The kid deserves it, This was one of the best first half pitching performances I've seen an Oriole have. The last game he pitched was probably his worst all year, surrenduring 4 runs in 6 to Seattle. Today, he proved that to be an abberration, with a line not unlike all of his other games: 6.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R , 3K , 2 BB . Other than the Seattle game, you have to go all the way back to May 19 for his last loss. His ERA has dropped below 3.55, good for 11th in the major leagues. He is also staying in the game longer than any Oriole. He hasn't left in the 6th inning since May 24 against Washington. Even though he joined the team later, he now leads the team in ERA and IP. Reimold had better get off that ROY trophy.

Getting back to the game that was played today, the Orioles added another run in the 6th with a solo shot by Oscar Salazar, who was DHing in place of Luke Scott. Aubrey Huff also recieved the day off. Bergesen doesn't need all of that production anyway. Isn't that such a departure from earlier in the year? I used to stay away from the TV on Sundays because I believed that the team didn't even try to win. Bergesen's day finally came to an end in the top of the 7th, after Marco Scutaro hit a RBI single brought the Blue Jays to 3-2. Scutaro smirks, not unlike a michievious child, and he was also the only guy that gave Bergesen problems today. I'm starting to dislike him, and I don't even know him.

Brian Roberts got one of those runs back in the bottom of the side for a 4-2 lead, which became final after Johnson and Sherrill got the last six outs.

It was not a positive road trip for the Blue Jays, finishing 2-8 against division rivals Yanks, Rays, and the Orioles. The Blue Jays were winning this division at the quarter pole, but now sit two games under .500 at the break. I make this point because I still believe that the Orioles should be able to finish in 4th place this year. The talent is there.

Blue Jays vs Orioles boxscore | Bluebird Banter

Poll

MBP for 7/12/09

Brad Bergesen (W, 6.2 IP, 2 R, 7 H)

293 votes

Brian Roberts (2-4, 2 RBI)

13 votes

Oscar Salazar ( 2 H, HR)

21 votes

327 votes | Poll has closed

Orioles 4, Blue Jays 3, 12 innings: Melmo redeems himself

the fix is in — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 05:04:25 -0000

via www.baltimoresun.com

The Orioles, doing their best to end the first half with happy feelings, found help from the most unexpected place late Saturday night. While most people were watching UFC, having a social life, I was watching the game, half doped out from wisdom teeth. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous in Maryland this week, and the predicted thunderstorms never materialized.

Tonight's pitching matchup was supposed to be Ricky Romero against Brad Bergesen, two early ROY candidates. But with Jeremy Guthrie taking the start off tomorrow, Rich Hill got the call. Both starters did their jobs, Romero being more impressive with a 8 inning quality start. Rich Hill left the game with a chance to win in the 7th, allowing two runs.

Wieters got an RBI double in the second after the ball got away from a sliding Vernon Wells. Luke Scott, who had a web gem by robbing a home run in left in the second inning, added another run for the Orioles with a monster shot in the 4th. Currently undetermined if it hit Eutaw St. or not. Toronto tied it up in the 5th, only to have Markakis and Huff get the lead right back in the 6th with consecutive doubles. Jim Johnson allowed the tying run to score in the 8th, but it could have been worse.

The Orioles used up all of their best pitchers "early" in this game that went to 12. We used Baez, Johnson and Sherrill in the 7, 8, and 9 innings. After Bass got out of trouble in the 11th, it was Hendo time in the 12th. It really wasn't that bad this time. There were runners on the corners with two outs, and it wasn't even that nerve wracking. Hendo looked alright out there, is what I'm saying. Melvin Mora blocked a ball and got it to first for the final out. It's not all the time you feel thankful to have Mora on the team.

The bottom of the 12th started with Luke Scott striking out. He was really upset with himself. Melvin Mora then hit a home run to right-center, for a walkoff Orioles win. Yes, Melvin Mora. He of the .681 OBP. It was his first homerun since May 7, a span of 50 games. So what do you know? Is he just getting ready for another scorching hot August? The team, how are they going to do on their long road trip after the break? The annual collapse, will it happen? Is the bullpen going to hold up?

There's a game tomorrow, it will be the last game in Baltimore until July 27.

Blue Jays vs Orioles boxscore | Bluebird Banter

Poll

MBP For 7/11/09

Melvin Mora (walkoff HR, blocked ball)

85 votes

Luke Scott (HR, robbed HR)

10 votes

Rich Hill (6 IP, 2 ER, 4 K)

8 votes

Brian Bass (2 IP, 0 ER)

1 votes

Matt WIeters (double, RBI)

2 votes

106 votes | Poll has closed

Orioles 2, Phillies 1 : We Swept the Champions in Their Own House

the fix is in — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:10:00 -0000

Thanks to thewaywardO for the best thing to say about this game: We just swept the defending World Champions in their own house.

Jeremy Guthrie earned the win for the first time since Memorial Day with a spectacular pitching performance to improve his mark to 5-7. A solo home run in the second from Greg Dobbs, who was filling in for Ryan Howard again, put the Phillies ahead early. It was Guthrie's 17th homerun allowed all year, good for most in the American League. After that blast though, Guthrie "really got tough" as Joe Angel put it, retiring 18 of his final 20 batters. He didn't allow another run and ran up 4 strikouts. That was probably his best start all year, although he did not last as long as his opponent Cole Hamels, who had an equally impressive start. Hamels went for eight innings with 10 strikeouts.

The Orioles offense had a slow start, not getting the run back until the 6th inning. The biggest chance they had was in the fifth, when Melvin Mora reached on a single. Unfortunately, he proceeded to make the second of the Orioles' three outs on the basebaths by completely idiotically trying to make it to third after Ty Wigginton's single. It was the first out, and it was at third base. And it pretty much led to no runs being scored in the 5th. But we came right back in the next inning, when Brian Roberts led off with a double down the left side. He stole third and was driven in by Adam Jones with two outs. It's nice how we've been getting hits with two outs lately.

The Orioles pinch-hit and took the lead for Guthrie in the 8th inning. Another lead-off double got things started, this time by Robert Andino, the everyday shortstop for this ballclub. Oscar Salazar did his job and got high fives for hitting behind the runner, setting the stage for Roberts to do it once again, with a single to center.

It was all that the Orioles needed on this particular Sunday. Jim Johnson and George Sherrill got the final 6 outs, allowing one baserunner in the 8th. Charlie Manuel got the boot in the bottom of the 8th for arguing, honestly a bad call by the first base umpire. Wigginton went for the tag on Jimmie Rollins, look like he missed, but Rollins was called out for leaving the basepath. Thanks, Blue, not that we needed it or anything.

The Phillies wrapped up their homestand by losing 6 games in a row, a season high for the WORLD CHAMPIONS. WHO WE SWEPT. The Orioles have won five in a row and now go to Florida for a mid-week, all night-games series after a day off tomorrow. We're pitching Koji, Berken, and then Hill. The only pitcher we're seeing with anything close to a good line is Sean West (2-2, 3.97 ERA). The Orioles have won two Sunday games in a row, three series in a row, and the final game of the series three times in a row. There. That felt good. No hexes.

Orioles vs Phillies boxscore / The Good Phight

Poll

MBP for 6/21/09

Brian Roberts (2-4, 1R, 1RBI)

63 votes

Jeremy Guthrie (W, 7IP, 3H, 4K

299 votes

Adam Jones (2-4, RBI)

4 votes

George Sherrill (save)

9 votes

375 votes | Poll has closed

Orioles 6, Phillies 5 : Unused RISP are redeemable for MAGIC

the fix is in — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:10:00 -0000

Orioles vs Phillies boxscore

via www.baltimoresun.com

What can be said about tonight's win against the Philadelphia Phillies? I'm sure that a lot of folks felt like me, upset for spending more than two hours watching the game just to have THAT happen. And by that, I mean a three run home run by Ryan Howard in the 7th inning to give the Phillies a 5-3 lead. And if you weren't listening, Howard was in the hospital with a 104 fever last night, so this was all set to get played up on ESPN and everything.

And I'm sure a lot of folks ALSO felt like me, and said to themselves that it was late in the game, might as well stick around for the rest of it, unless something really bad happened. You never know what could happen, but it did not look good. The reason I was personally pretty upset, and why I still don't feel super-elated (but elated, definitely), was that Howard's homerun shouldn't have given them the lead. The Orioles should have been ahead 7-5, or at the very least, a tie game.

And that is because the Orioles left 14 runners on base. Only one (or two) of those 14 runners came after a two-out, bases empty reach. We horribly left runners on tonight. In fact, the folks in the gamethread were doing inning by inning tallies. Hold on, it's not going to sound good. I'll get the ugly one out of the way first: Luke Scott struck out with the bases loaded in the first inning. Two hits and two walks resulted in no runs. The Orioles left two more on in the second. And thanks to Timmy L. , I can tell that we had 9 LOB through 5.

The Birds did score three runs through all of this, however. Adam Jones did his best Willy Mayes Hayes impression in the fifth, bunting for an infield hit with none on, and then motoring all the around on AUbrey Huff's double. In the next inning, Robert Andino hit a double, and the Orioles used a sac hit from Bergesen and a sac fly from Roberts to bring him home. After adding one more in the 7th, it was 3-0 Birds with the Hambergeresen still on the mound. What happened next was horrible, yet almost predictable looking back on it (an oxymoron, sure). He fell apart, really really fast. After four straight hits, Trembley pulled him for Baez. Baez got an out, and that happened, and then he got the other out. After 7, the Phillies had a 5-3 lead with only six outs they had to get.

The 8th inning went by quickly, which probably helped a lot of us stick around to see the 9th. It's hard to ever leave a baseball game in the 9th inning. Baseball, obviously, doesn't end after a set time limit or anything like that. No, the Orioles themselves get to choose when the game would end.

The Phillies closer Ryan Madson who had already blown two saves this week got things started off by getting rid of Wigginton. As I was watching, I was looking foward to something like Reimold, Wieters coming up. Although many in the game thread were incensed by the non-PH for ZAUN, he did already have two hits on the night. He was also super-scruffy looking tonight. Gritty. And socks up. All of those things added up for his third hit, an absolute monster shot, a dozen or so rows back in right. It was a no-doubter even before the camera shot got turned around. With only two outs left, our birds were only down by one. Still not promising. Still deserved to lose for not driving in all of those runners.

Nolan Reimold was pinch hit for Andino, who had a hell of a night himself. He caught everything, made great throws, got a couple hits, scored a run. Nolan popped to third for the second out. With not much power coming up in the line-up, it still didn't look promising. Trembley inserted Oscar Salazar to pinch hit for the pitcher, and the not-hard hit ball magically found its' way between first and second for a basehit. We inserted Pie as a runner. Noooow we're talking. I could do a whole post just about what our defense could look like in the bottom of the inning. But there was not a bottom of the inning to be played just yet.

Roberts came to bat, and that, my friends, is where this story gets a happy ending. A line drive home run for the lead! I was watching TV through a window in the backyard (drinking and smoking), and being outside awarded me and my "homies" the opportunity to jump up and down a lot. And that's what I'll remember the most from this game. Just jumping for joy.

George Sherrill got the final three outs quickly and without drama. Wigginton was the shortstop at the time.

I don't want to jinx anything, but I have a final note: The Orioles are going to have a winning record on Sunday games after last Sunday's game. I feel change afoot.

The Good Phight

Poll

Most BIRDLAND player for 6/20/09

Brian Roberts (4 RBI, GW HR in 9th)

150 votes

Robert Andino (Glovework, two hits, run)

16 votes

Gregg ZAUN (3 hits, solo HR in 9th)

12 votes

Brad Bergesen (6.1 IP, only stopped looking great at the end)

7 votes

Dave Trembley (for outsmarting everyone about pinch hitting)

10 votes

195 votes | Poll has closed