Oriole Post - A Baltimore Orioles Blog
Yesterday afternoon, we all witnessed Zach Britton throw a seven inning gem. He won the game for the O's, 2-0.
Well, this was not quite the case for struggling lefty Brian Matusz and Game 2.
Matusz, who is just 1-7 on the season, started late due to injuries. He never fully recovered, losing 2-5 mph off of his fastball. Also, his command looks nothing like it did at the end of last year.
In the second game of yesterdays day/night doubleheader, Matusz threw 97 pitches over 5.1 innings and gave up 6 earned runs. Those runs came from homers by Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano, and Nick Swisher.
This loss puts Matusz at 1-7 on the year, with a whopping 9.07 ERA.
These stats are nothing compared to last years Brian Matusz who went 7-1 with a 2.64 ERA after Buck Showalter took over. Actually it seems to be just the opposite.
Matusz has shown some signs of recovery, having his fastball hit 91 again. Hopefully he gets back to his old form as a solid number two guy in this rotation.
Chris Jakubauskas, Mark Hendrickson, and Brad Bergesen all made relief appearances in yesterdays game. They allowed a total of two more runs to be scored.
The final score was 8-3, Yankees.
Picking up the win for the Yankees is Rookie of the Year candidate, Ivan Nova.
Nova pitched 7 innings giving up only 3 earned runs and striking out seven Orioles batters. Those three runs were driven in by Adam Jones and Ryan Adams. Jones hit two sacrifice flies and Adams hit an RBI double.
David Robertson and Hector Noesi both came on to finish the game for the Yankees.
Today, the Orioles are finishing a series versus the Yankees. If we can get this win, it will be our first series win against the Yanks this season. Hopefully, starter Alfredo Simon can have another solid start and out-pitch veteran Freddy Garcia in this 7:05 showdown.
no commentsThe Orioles won their sixth game in a row as they put together a strong pitching performance and defeated the New York Yankees, 2-0. They took the first contest in a day-night doubleheader.
A morning that started out ugly weather-wise after Hurricane Irene swept through the Mid-Atlantic, turned out to be a gorgeous sunny, summer day in Charm City, with temperatures only in the low 70’s.
Rookie Zach Britton on the afternoon held his own against the New York Yankees, going seven strong innings against the ever-so-powerful Yankee lineup. He improved his record to 8-9.
Reliever Jim Johnson pitched a scoreless eighth, and Kevin Gregg logged his 19th save in the ninth inning. It's nice to see Britton have some success at the big-league level after struggling before June, going down to the minors and finding himself on the disabled list. Britton struggled again once he was promoted to the majors again in early August, but he's been on a roll in the past week.
New York Pitcher Bartolo Colon kept the Orioles off the scoreboard for much of the game. He threw over six-plus shutout frames until Vladmir Guerrero plated Nick Markakis with an RBI-single in the seventh inning.
Baltimore plated in a vital insurance run in the eighth inning as J.J. Hardy had an RBI-single to take a 2-0 lead.
It's amazing how much better the Orioles have played as of late since they went out on the road to Minnesota. Hey, well the results of the last weeks of season cannot be determined in six games, but let's hope that their recent run shows some promise as 2011 comes to a close.
Hopefully, game two in the doubleheader will bring the same result for Baltimore...
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We all survived Hurricane Irene, and now baseball is back this Sunday as the Orioles today play a day-night doubleheader at Camden Yards.
It looks like baseball will be a played as the crazy weather has headed up north. It looks like the damage in the area was minimal – minus some power outages, trees being uprooted and branches being snapped.
It was really windy on the drive up I-95 from Montgomery County into Baltimore with periods of rain; however, everything seems fine here as the clouds are grey, but there’s no precipitation to speak of at the moment.
Right now, the ballpark doesn’t look too full. Maybe there’s a late crowd, or the crappy weather that came through the region caused fans to stay home.
I don’t know why the two teams can’t play a straight doubleheader (oh yes, the ever-so lucrative gate money and revenue), but it is going to be a very, very long day.
In game one on Sunday, the Orioles hope to continue their winning streak as pitcher Zach Britton squares off against the rotund Bartolo Colon for the Yankees.
In game two, Baltimore’s Brian Matusz takes on New York’s Ivan Nova on the mound.
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After a miserable, a shocking badly period since June, the Orioles finally had a week to remember -- on the field. They swept the Twins and opened up their series with the Yankees with an easy 12-5 win on Saturday.
With the death of Mike Flanagan on their minds, the Orioles used a six-run second inning to defeat the Bronx Bombers for their fifth straight win. Mark Reynolds hit his 30th homer – a three run shot, J.J. Hardy hit his 25th and Matt Wieters hit his 14th. Youngsters Ryan Adams and Matt Angle each had two hits.
The Orioles pounded an awful A.J. Burnett, who was the object of complete scorn by the legions of Yankee fans in attendance. He gave up nine runs – all earned – in five innings. Burnett is 9-11 on the year, and right now in New York, I am wondering if he will even last up there.
Tommy Hunter came through with a solid performance, going seven innings and giving up four runs. The Yankees made things interesting with the bats as they started to turn in on in the latter half of game; however, they were pretty much buried after the second inning.
Like I said, it’s been a good week for Baltimore. They’ve been playing some crisp baseball and it’s amazing how much better Mark Reynolds looks at first, plus the play of Ryan Adams. As well, Matt Angle – despite being a tad undersized – has filled in nicely for Adam Jones (who has missed a few games), and shows some amazing hustle, plus energy.
The Orioles, before the game, honored Mike Flanagan in a very classy and tasteful tribute. With a win by the Black and the Orange, they paid homage to number 46 in their own way. It was nice to see all the fans in attendance – even Yankee ones – pay their respects.
Finally, the games today were cancelled, and here’s a note from the Orioles about the ticketing situation for this weekend’s series:
After consulting with Major League Baseball and the National Weather Service, the Orioles announced Friday night that Saturday's scheduled day-night doubleheader against the Yankees has been postponed due to expected bad weather as a result of Hurricane Irene.
Saturday's 1:05 p.m. ET game will be made up on Sept. 8, at a time that will be announced at a later date, while the scheduled 7:05 p.m. game will be played as part of a split-admission doubleheader this coming Sunday at 7:35 p.m.
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This Sunday's doubleheader will begin with the regularly scheduled afternoon game at 1:35 p.m., and the Orioles will send lefty Zach Britton to the hill against the Yankees' Ivan Nova. Brian Matusz will start the nightcap with the Yankees' starter to be decided.
Tickets dated for Saturday's night game will only be accepted at the 7:35 p.m. game on Sunday. No exchange is necessary, and fans should bring their original tickets to the ballpark gates for admission.
Saturday's 1:05 p.m. game will be made up on Sept. 8 at a time that will be announced at a later date. This change marks the second rescheduling of the game originally scheduled for April 22, which was postponed by rain. Tickets dated Aug. 27 at 1:05 p.m. or April 22 will be accepted only for the game on Sept. 8. No exchange is necessary and fans should bring their original tickets to the ballpark gates for admission.
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Fans who are unable to attend the regularly or rescheduled games this weekend may exchange their tickets for any remaining game during the 2011 season, subject to availability. Ticket exchanges must be completed by Sept. 28. Parking passes will be honored for the make-up games only and are non-transferable.
Fans who have purchased tickets through StubHub should visit www.StubHub.com, call 866-STUBHUB (866-788-2482) or e-mail customerservice@stubhub.com for complete information about StubHub's rainout policy.
Of course, the Yankees weren’t happy about the arrangement, but whatever…
Finally, with Hurricane Irene tearing up the East Coast, everyone please be safe!
no commentsThe Orioles got a well-deserved 6-1 win over the Twins on a somber day throughout the sport due to Mike Flanagan's untimely passing. They earned a four-game sweep in Minnesota.
Jo-Jo Reyes pitched six strong innings of one-run ball for Baltimore, and Mark Reynolds added some fireworks with his 29th homer - a three run shot. Craig Tatum also drove in two runs in the winning effort.
For the second straight day, an Orioles' victory was completely overshadowed.
Sadly, the minds on many in the media and also fans were on Mike Flanagan. Who knows what really happened with him on Wednesday, what the reasons were, or what not to lead to an ultimate decision; alas, the more I heard from others on the web, news and the radio about Flanagan, the more heart-wrenching his story became.
I spent a while yesterday after work reading how witty, smart and engaging Mike was. Obviously, a lot of us fans didn't know him super well at all; however, after the reports and tributes towards Flanagan, you felt that you knew him a little better and seemed like someone that would be an excellent friend.
It sounded like he was much more than a very good pitcher, but a man who was highly respected by his peers and will be ultimately remembered for so much good.
It was painful hearing and reading about Flanagan, but a lot of us should take solace in that he was a quality human being to those who knew him best.
The Orioles, in a press release, announced that they would be honoring Flanagan not only at tonight's game versus the Yankees, but throughout the remainder of the 2011 season.
I'm going to touch on a point that James brought up yesterday: If you or someone you know is dealing with depression or just needs someone to talk to; do not wait - act.
Please.
I've been there and it's a place no one deserves to be - no matter where they are in their life; however, with help, support, love and some faith, it does get better.
no commentsThe morning after.
Today, the Baltimore Sun is reporting that Mike Flanagan took his own life last night. He was found dead by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Please, readers. If you or someone you know is dealing with depression or just needs someone to talk to; do not wait - act.
The idea that Mike Flanagan was this despondent surely comes as a shock to everyone who watched him but it just proves the point that we never truly know what demons one man might be wrestling with. Gerry Sandusky (on WBAL) cited a source that speculated Flanagan was "despondent" over how the "community perceived his role in the organization". Frankly, unless there is a note that clearly spells out Mr. Flanagan's intentions it is completely irresponsible, bordering on insulting, to speculate on his mental state or the reasons behind his actions.
Mike Flanagan was a great ballplayer and a very nice man. He was good to the Orioles, he was good to the fans and it is a tragedy that it comes to an end like this. There will be people out there that will use this as a springboard to criticize the Orioles organization, and those people need to be no less than shouted down for being the callous opportunistic wretches they are. We may never know why Mr. Flanagan decided to take the actions he chose; and that question will never leave those friends and family he is survived by. We will eventually move on, but this will stay with them forever, please keep them in your thoughts - I know they are in mine.
Mike Flanagan, Oriole, father, husband and friend. Gone by his own hand and we are all left to wonder why.
no commentsThe Baltimore Orioles won 7-1 last night in Minnesota, finally winning a road series on the back of the offense and an excellent start by Jeremy Guthrie; however, the victory was overshadowed by some terrible news that struck pretty much every fan in the region.
Reports surfaced that Mike Flanagan - MASN Broadcaster, former Oriole pitcher, coach and executive - was found dead on his property early yesterday evening.
I figured the terrible news was true, but as nothing official came out from the team or with the major paper in town (at the time), I thought it could have been a mistake or it might have been some drifter, drunk, etc.
It was not.
Flanagan was indeed dead at 59 years old. I remarked to a friend, "I saw just him the other day on TV. Did he die of a heart attack, aneurysm or something like that?". He looked healthy, alert and I didn't see anything to indicate any health issues.
Then, I heard on the radio this morning that his death was a result of a suicide. If that's true, it is even more saddening.
Then again, it doesn't matter the way Flanagan died -- all I know is that he seemed to touch a lot of people's lives and he is no longer here.
I can only say that I met him once as a fan - where I got his autograph - and also several times as a blogger during team sponsored events, such as "Blogger Day". He seemed like a good guy, down-to-earth, with a sardonic sense of humor and definitely knew the game -- in and out.
We all will remember Flanagan as a successful pitcher for the Birds when they were good, along with pitching the last inning at Memorial Stadium. Although his stint as an executive with the Orioles was not very successful, no one cares about that now.
From what I have heard today, everyone was touched by his sense of humor, kindness and loyalty to the Baltimore organization.
Today, I'm sure we as fans are torn up. It must be worse for his family, ex-teammates, friends, the Orioles' staff and co-workers.
Rest in peace, Mike Flanagan.
no commentsYesterday, the Orioles defeated the Twins, 8-1, for their second win in a row. Alfredo Simon pitched very well, going eight strong innings and only giving up a run.
The offense came alive again, as Nolan Reimold homered and drove in three. As well, Mark Reynolds also plated in three runs, J.J. Hardy had three hits and Matt Wieters walked four times.
The big news from yesterday - aside from the win - involved Adam Jones as he left the game early due to illness (he was replaced by Matt Angle in the 2nd inning). Jones says he's fine and should be ready to play tonight; however, he had to go to the hospital for tests.
Jones complained about feeling weak, plus complained about shortness of breath along with chest pains according to various reports. It sounds like he had a muscular issue, or nausea, but let's hope it's nothing more than that.
It's good to hear he's feeling fine, but it is sure scary news to hear -- especially for a twenty-something, professional athlete.
Finally, Felix Pie was designated for assignment from the Baltimore Orioles. Whether you're happy about it or not, he basically gave the team no other option. He held himself back at times due to injury issues; however, when Pie played over the past two years, he was woefully inconsistent at the plate and on the field.
Pie showed promise at the end of 2009, but could never translate that in the following seasons. That's just too bad.
The guy should be an amazing ballplayer (based on his look), but he lacked some basic baseball instincts, and in a results-driven league, you're only as good as your recent production. I'm not sure of a team will pick Pie up off waivers, but he certainly needs to play often - whether in the majors or minors - to get better. That was not going to happen in Baltimore unless a freak injury occured to one of their regulars.
Bottom line, Pie was not doing much at all. He was basically taking up space on the squad, and it's better that the release came now, so that some viable young talent could be looked at.
no commentsThe Orioles, this afternoon in California had yet another loss as the Los Angeles Angels defeated them, 7-1.
Just watched most of the replay on MLB.tv after a long day out in the Minneapolis area, and I’ll say this: things are ugly with the black and orange. I ended up turning off the game after the sixth inning and calling it a day.
At least it was a wonderful Sunday here and I'll see them live at Target Field on Monday night.
The losing goes on and on. They got swept by the Angels in three games and maybe their luck may change facing a Twins team that has fallen on hard times.
This season has turned into a horror story and after last night’s implosion by Kevin Gregg, Sunday’s game was not much better as Brian Matusz once again got hard on the mound. I don’t know what to say about the young man, but he has to figure it out on the mound. He’s a key part of the future – still – with the Baltimore Orioles.
Blake Davis was horrible at third today, but he was the least of the team’s problems on the afternoon.
Baltimore as a whole was horrible on the field and inept at the plate – in addition, on defense. They could not push runners across home plate and squandered opportunities all day to get on the scoreboard. Aside from Matt Wieters’ homer, nothing else went right.
Sadly, that has been the mantra of the team all year.
The Birds allowed the Angels’ starting pitcher Jerome Williams – who I had no idea was even in organized baseball – to earn a victory. Good for him, but pathetic for the Orioles.
I just don’t know what to say anymore, but with 38 games left in the season, I don’t know how things could get any worse. They are yet on another swoon, and there’s little Buck Showalter can do now to help this team from going downhill. The talent isn’t there, and there’s little help from the minors – aside from Ryan Adams, who has been promoted from Triple-A.
I really don’t have much confidence in Josh Bell. He looked good at points in the field with the big league squad; however, will he ever figure out how to hit at the major league level?
It’s not going to be easy for the Orioles in the final five or so weeks as they go through the gauntlet of the American League East again. At least they have quite a bit to match the worst team in all of baseball -- the Houston Astros.
It’s now looking like 100 losses is a certainty now with the Baltimore Orioles in 2011. This team has so much more talent than last year’s squad; alas, the 2011 version may be even far worse.
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