Things can’t get worse…right? After a dismal April to start the season, the Baltimore Orioles have somewhat leveled out in May and are hoping to build on this to get back in the AL East mix. Thanks to a few moves by general manager Andy MacPhail, things seem to be slightly improving.
The injury bug bit the O’s early and hard this year, taking out star second baseman Brian Roberts and newly acquired closer Mike Gonzalez, which led to their horrid start. Baltimore started the year off by posting an April record of 5-18, but have improved so far in May by going 7-7 on the month. A sweep of the hated (really hated) Boston Red Sox to start the month made people forget about their early swoon, but that quickly came to a halt at the hands of the New York Yankees who then swept the O’s. Since that sweep by the Yankees however, the O’s are 5-4 (Hey, I know it’s not much, but you have to start somewhere!).
The starting pitching has been good. The bullpen is another story. (Photo by Shawn Levin)
A big bright spot has been the Orioles starting pitching. Kevin Millwood has done a decent job as their ace, even though he is still searching for his first win. Young whipper snapper Brian Matusz has been consistently solid all year, and Brad Bergesen has been on fire since his recent call up, winning three starts in a row. Another bright spot for the O’s would have to be Ty Wigginton, or as editor Jackie Watts likes to call him, “Babe” Wigginton. Wiggy is second in the American League in home runs with 12, one behind leader Paul Konerko. Not bad for a ‘utility infielder’.
Speaking of the O’s bats, has anyone seen them? Baltimore ranks third-to-last in on base percentage with a paltry .309 OBP. What is even worse is their clutch hitting. The O’s are hitting a horrific .227 with runners in scoring position which is third to dead last. What MacPhail has done to help alleviate this was send down Nolan Reimold and call up Corey Patterson. Where this really helps is by having Patterson as their leadoff hitter, that will allow Adam Jones to do his thing in the two slot, where he is a much better hitter. Nick Markakis has been improving this month and Matt Wieters has been solid all year, but they will need help from everyone else if they plan on competing.
As for the Orioles bullpen, well at least Will Ohman has been pitching well. If you guys really need me to tell you about the bullpen, I will, but I might need a few stiff drinks before I even think about how miserable they have been….
—Andy Mindzak
3 Comments on "Has anyone seen the Orioles’ bats?"
When Cesar Izturis is your best hitter for the night, you know you’re having some issues….
I am not a strategist but I can’t see why Trembley ran Izturis for Wigginton in the eighth. I hope it doesn’t come back to bite him–we’re getting to that part of the order in the tenth.
Looks like tonight was the battle of pitchers who have horrible bullpens and even worse run support. Greinke got his first win his last start even though his ERA is under 3. Millwood who has been pitching decently (minus his start against Seattle) still has yet to get win number one. Pretty appropriate these guys squared off tonight, and in true Kansas City fashion, the ‘pen couldn’t nail down Greinke’s start. And in case you haven’t noticed, Luke Scott is absolutely on fire.