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***Official 2018 Baltimore Orioles Thread*** Pitching Can’t Get Any Worse (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter avoiding injuries
- Start date
The_Man
Footballguy
I just couldn't sit at a computer and think - let alone write - coherently during this. Just beenlove it!Where've you been, Man? What a game.
and pacing.I think the Orioles are a 50-50 bet vs. the Yankees. Their rotation can now set up any way they like it - Saunders is the #4 or 5 guy and just pitched his guts out tonight. But whatever happens now, I'll be content. Because this team deserved a chance to play a real post-season series, and now they'll get it.Fireworks going off in my north Baltimore neighborhood. But we ain't done yet.I agree with all of this. Ever since the all-star break this O's team has been grinding and plugging away and winning. They don't steamroll teams but they don't whatever it takes to win. I'm realistic enough to know there is a talent gap between the O's and Yanks but for whatever reason this team, this year, just seems to click. Everyone has a role, particularly the pitchers. Out pitching staff is really a strength that I don't think most people saw coming. Let me crack a brew and soak this in. I can't wait for Sunday, Camden Yards will b e insane. Damn, I wish I had tickets!I just couldn't sit at a computer and think - let alone write - coherently during this. Just been
Cheers raidergil, enjoy the moment!
Bottomfeeder Sports
Footballguy
The_Man
Footballguy
The_Man
Footballguy
Great to see you, my man. Enjoy this #### because it just doesn't get much better than this.Kind of feeling like these guys are on a free roll right now. They got through the pressure cooker and now they're coming home on fire - those last couple of tack-on runs helped wipe the stink of the Tampa series off the bats.
Tuco
Footballguy
Word.Who is going on Sunday? I'm in section 90 row 5.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Jesus. I forgot what it felt like to almost have a heart attack watching a baseball game. The 9th reminded me of Full Pack Stanhouse. When the last ball hit the bat, I immediately thought it was gone and we had a tie game. I'm up after about 3 hours of sleep and, like a kid on Christmas, doubt I'll be hitting the bed anytime til tonight.
Tuco, I'm insanely jealous. Have a blast, man. My favorite personal sports moment ever was going to all 4 games at the end of the 82 season. Old, decrepit Memorial Stadium was as loud as a Who concert that weekend. I can't imagine what CY is gonna be like Sunday. If you see one Yankees fan that will admit he bought his tix from an Orioles fan - go Breaking Bad on him.
Tuco, I'm insanely jealous. Have a blast, man. My favorite personal sports moment ever was going to all 4 games at the end of the 82 season. Old, decrepit Memorial Stadium was as loud as a Who concert that weekend. I can't imagine what CY is gonna be like Sunday. If you see one Yankees fan that will admit he bought his tix from an Orioles fan - go Breaking Bad on him.
bushdocda
Footballguy
Totally stoked for tomorrow. Great to hear the fireworks last night at midnight.
Home field at the Yard should be a legit advantage for these upcoming games.
ETA tickets seem to be sold out already on o's site unless I'm failing to work it properly.
Home field at the Yard should be a legit advantage for these upcoming games.
ETA tickets seem to be sold out already on o's site unless I'm failing to work it properly.
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Tuco
Footballguy
So pumped. I woke up with a huge smile this morning. Tomorrow will be my first ever post-season sporting event. bushdocda, I believe the only place you are able to get tickets are now on ebay or stubhub.
simsarge
Footballguy
Yup. unbelievably, lots of tickets on therse sights (at least as of this mornring). The Yard is going to be packed to the gills. Any chance of them squeezing 50,000 official into that place? I was there for the #5 statue ceremony and didn't seea seat to be had.
The_Man
Footballguy
Capacity is about 46,000. I don't know want to make of Stubhub - cheapest ticket is standing room for $110 and there are some boxes for 800 each or so. Just seems bizarre - maybe some of the locals figure NY fans will pay any amount. I can't see too many locals - or NYers for that matter - paying that kind of $It's going to be out of hand there tomorrow, I'm thinking one of the most NFL-like baseball crowds anyone has ever seen.Great quote from pitcher Darren O'Day last night: "You know, last night when I was in bed, trying to sleep, not sleeping, I was thinking about how much fun I've had this year. The one thing I thought about was if we lost tonight, we will not be able to have fun anymore."Sums it up for me. This entire season has been sheer joy and I just want it to go on as long as it possibly can. How much sheer joy do you really get in your life?
As an O's fan who has to put up with the bandwagon jumpin Nats "fans" of DC, I'd find it especially ironic to have the Os beat the Yanks in 4 and have the Nats get swept by the Cards. And who's to say it can't/won't happen!Somewhere Wild Bill Hagy is sharing a Natty Bo with Chuck Thompson and getting ready to lead the O...R...I...O...L...E...S cheer. Let's Go O'S!
JZilla
Footballguy
Oh, get over it already
Starters announced: it will be Hammell, Chen, and Gonzales. Surprised Chen was not pushed back more, but Tillman was not super sharp on his last outing.
The_Man
Footballguy
This reminds me of another post of yours from another thread. I really think the Orioles crowd tonight might approach that level of emotion for the first time since that late Sunday afternoon in October 1982.In 1982 - after a torrid month of something like 27-5 - the Orioles were still 3 games behind the Brewers with 4 to play. Just so happens those 4 games were between the two. The games were in Baltimore at the old Memorial Stadium. To add to the drama, in mid-season Earl Weaver had announced his retirement after the '82 season was over. Baltimore won the first 3 games (on a combined score of somewhere around 16-4) to tie with the winner-take-all on Sunday. Future HOFers Jim Palmer vs Don Sutton. I went to all 4 games and was hoarse by Sunday.'Uruk-Hai said:
The Orioles got beat on Sunday. As you would expect, the crowd got really quiet after the last out was made - for about 2 seconds. Then the cheering started. It was for the team having come from way back in July to almost steal a title, but more for Earl. 54,000 people were on their feet. And they kept cheering. The "O-R-I-O-L-E-S" chant started. Then the "EARL" chants came. A few minutes passed and then Weaver came back on the field. Crowd went beserk. Then the players - some half-drssed - came back out, looking around in disbelief. And the cheering got louder. The players cheered the fans. Earl cheered the fans, tears streaming down his face. The Brewers came back on the field and cheered.
I'm just guessing here - because it was 30 years ago and I'm sure much of my memory has wrapped the event in the gauze of myth - but I bet the cheering went on for at least a good 20-30 minutes. It was the most surreal live sporting moment I've ever attended.
I can only find a short live clip of it, with Howard Cosell narrating.
. I just hope I make it to the later innings. I am officially declaring today B3 Day. Beers, bud and Birds. So I'm going to need to pace myself through the Ravens game.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Jesus, T_M. I was all tearless til you posted that. Yep, I know the Boswell book and in fact e-mailed him in one of our earlier threads for the details - which I posted - of why Ted Simmons' mistake gave the Orioles a chance on that last day.
Christ/Allah/Buddah/FSM on a stick - that was THE most exciting sports day of my life. And my team lost.
Christ/Allah/Buddah/FSM on a stick - that was THE most exciting sports day of my life. And my team lost.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
To add, because I'm sure everyone cares, saw Jim Palmer in the parking lot walking into the stadium. He was wearing designer jeans and cowboy boots. He had a sheepish grin when folks started cheering him. I'm probably projecting after the fact, but he didn't look confident.
Oh, and screw Ben Oglivie who couldn't catch a cold in the Arctic making a play which knocked the Os out.
Oh, and screw Ben Oglivie who couldn't catch a cold in the Arctic making a play which knocked the Os out.
Tuco, have a blast, wish I was going too. T_M and Urak-Hai, thankls for the stories. I will have to remind myself that this is a real playoff series so there Will be a tomorrow no matter what happens. I just hope the O's play like they have fpr the last few months and give the Yanks hell for however long this series lasts.
Cheers fellas!
Cheers fellas!fyi, got the O's roster from the Camden Chat blog site:
The only position player lost from the wild card game is Omar Quintanilla. Pitchers Zach Britton, Jake Arrieta, and Steve Johnson were also removed. Added to the roster are Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Miguel Gonzalez, and Chris Tillman. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see tonight's lineups.
INFIELDERS/OUTFIELDERS/DH (11)
Robert Andino INF
Endy Chavez OF
Chris Davis RF
Ryan Flaherty INF
Lew Ford OF
JJ Hardy SS
Adam Jones CF
Manny Machado 3B
Nate McLouth OF
Mark Reynolds 1B
Jim Thome DH
CATCHERS (2)
Taylor Teagarden CA
Matt Wieters CA
PITCHERS (12)
Luis Ayala RHP
Wei-Yin Chen LHP
Miguel Gonzalez RHP
Jason Hammel RHP
Tommy Hunter RHP
Jim Johnson RHP
Brian Matusz LHP
Darren O’Day RHP
Troy Patton LHP
Joe Saunders LHP
Pedro Strop RHP
Chris Tillman RHP
The only position player lost from the wild card game is Omar Quintanilla. Pitchers Zach Britton, Jake Arrieta, and Steve Johnson were also removed. Added to the roster are Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Miguel Gonzalez, and Chris Tillman. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see tonight's lineups.
INFIELDERS/OUTFIELDERS/DH (11)
Robert Andino INF
Endy Chavez OF
Chris Davis RF
Ryan Flaherty INF
Lew Ford OF
JJ Hardy SS
Adam Jones CF
Manny Machado 3B
Nate McLouth OF
Mark Reynolds 1B
Jim Thome DH
CATCHERS (2)
Taylor Teagarden CA
Matt Wieters CA
PITCHERS (12)
Luis Ayala RHP
Wei-Yin Chen LHP
Miguel Gonzalez RHP
Jason Hammel RHP
Tommy Hunter RHP
Jim Johnson RHP
Brian Matusz LHP
Darren O’Day RHP
Troy Patton LHP
Joe Saunders LHP
Pedro Strop RHP
Chris Tillman RHP
The_Man
Footballguy
Pacing didn't work out so well. Hoping to come back a little stronger today.Feels like the air is really out of the fans' balloon, which surprises me. Orioles went toe-to-toe with Sabathia and came up just short. Too bad about the weather last night - fans were still amazing but the delay sapped it a little. And now everyone seems like they're trying to unload tickets. I guess the threat of even more rain tonight is part of that, but it also feels like the bandwagon emptied out as quickly as it filled up.Just need an early inning HR to set the tone. This team really does struggle to score when it doesn't homer - they just don't manufacture runs.I like the LH Chen on 6 days rest - hoping for another good game! Also sorry to see Steve Johnson not make the ALDS roster. That kid has been amazing.
The_Man
Footballguy
Did it again. No way Chen should start the 7th when you have the best pen in baseball. Hope it doesn't cost them here
The_Man
Footballguy
See ya Wednesday The_Man! I'm gonna sleep much better tonite.
Ain't the beer coldI told my wife before tonight's game, I wasn't going to be disappointed if the Orioles lost this series, I just wanted them to end this incredible season the right way. A big part of that was getting a home playoff win, and it was so sweet vs. the Yankees and so appropriate to be yet another one-run win.I like the Orioles chances in NY, I really do, especially with Gonzalez and Tillman coming up. They really are the O's two best starters. However, I've said all along I think this series is a 5-game toss-up and the Yankees would have a big advantage with Sabathia in Game 5.Still, nice to know this dream season lives on until at least Thursday -- and maybe longer than that.
The_Man
Footballguy
Random thoughts from last night:
The Orioles won even though it seemed like every break went against them - the Ichiro dance move to score, Hardy stopping at 3B, the ump's kicksave on the Texieria error that otherwise would have put McLouth at second and maybe even third.
What was going on at SS last night? Jeter didn't make the cutoff play that would have cost the Orioles a run because Hardy (!) was f'ing around on the bases, had the throwing error, and didn't reach the ball that Hardy should have scored on. And Hardy had the two baserunning debacles plus the error of his own.
Just say no to Strop! Seriously, when's he going to get in a game? I think he's now filling the Kevin Gregg role of mop-up man in big losses. Wondering why he got rostered and not Arrieta.
Yankees are on the verge of looking like a lineup that time has passed by. ARod flailing, Tex obviously not himself with the injury, Swisher looks awful. If Jeter and/or Ichiro can't single their way on ahead of Cano, the rest of the lineup isn't too scary.
Orioles have 0 HR in last 3 games, and somehow have gone 2-1 vs. TEX and NY in that stretch. I wonder if the Orioles went 3 straight games all year without a HR - that was usually the only way they scored all season. I feel like a power surge is imminent. Of course I'm sure Yankees fans feel the same way about their team.
I'm starting to wonder about rust in the NY bullpen. By the time Game 3 starts, Robertson will be only reliever to have pitched in at least 6 days. Eppley threw 0.2, Rapada 0.1 and Garcia 1.0 on Oct. 3. Soriano, Logan and Joba haven't pitched since Oct. 2 - will be 7 days between appearances if any of them go in Game 3. Maybe they'll be super fresh, maybe they won't be sharp. Definitely won't be battle-testd like O's pen.
Orioles went 6-3 in New York this year, winning all the series 2-1. This one sure feels like it's coming down to Game 5.
The Orioles won even though it seemed like every break went against them - the Ichiro dance move to score, Hardy stopping at 3B, the ump's kicksave on the Texieria error that otherwise would have put McLouth at second and maybe even third.
What was going on at SS last night? Jeter didn't make the cutoff play that would have cost the Orioles a run because Hardy (!) was f'ing around on the bases, had the throwing error, and didn't reach the ball that Hardy should have scored on. And Hardy had the two baserunning debacles plus the error of his own.
Just say no to Strop! Seriously, when's he going to get in a game? I think he's now filling the Kevin Gregg role of mop-up man in big losses. Wondering why he got rostered and not Arrieta.
Yankees are on the verge of looking like a lineup that time has passed by. ARod flailing, Tex obviously not himself with the injury, Swisher looks awful. If Jeter and/or Ichiro can't single their way on ahead of Cano, the rest of the lineup isn't too scary.
Orioles have 0 HR in last 3 games, and somehow have gone 2-1 vs. TEX and NY in that stretch. I wonder if the Orioles went 3 straight games all year without a HR - that was usually the only way they scored all season. I feel like a power surge is imminent. Of course I'm sure Yankees fans feel the same way about their team.
I'm starting to wonder about rust in the NY bullpen. By the time Game 3 starts, Robertson will be only reliever to have pitched in at least 6 days. Eppley threw 0.2, Rapada 0.1 and Garcia 1.0 on Oct. 3. Soriano, Logan and Joba haven't pitched since Oct. 2 - will be 7 days between appearances if any of them go in Game 3. Maybe they'll be super fresh, maybe they won't be sharp. Definitely won't be battle-testd like O's pen.
Orioles went 6-3 in New York this year, winning all the series 2-1. This one sure feels like it's coming down to Game 5.
Are you sure Tillman starts game 4? I have not seen anything and I think they will seriously consider Saunders for game 4. It could come down to whether they want a lefty or righty starting against the Yankees.See ya Wednesday The_Man! I'm gonna sleep much better tonite.
The_Man
Footballguy
You are right - I jumped the gun assuming it would be Tillman. They haven't announced it yet. Staring a lefty will play a big role and so will the result of tonight's game, I guess, though I'm not sure who'd you want in a possible elimination game vs. a possible clincher.One very interesting thing came out of Buck's post-game press conference. He was asked why did you bring in Matusz and then issue the intentional walk to Cano. He said that by having him issue the free pass, he had now faced a hitter and could be pulled if the Yankees then sent up a pinch-hitter that he didn't want Matusz to face. Whereas if O'Day issued the walk and then Matusz came in, he'd have to pitch to whoever the Yankees brought to the plate.I'm not sure who he had in mind as the pinch-hitter he didn't want Matusz to face, but I thought it was just a fascinating little detail.Are you sure Tillman starts game 4? I have not seen anything and I think they will seriously consider Saunders for game 4. It could come down to whether they want a lefty or righty starting against the Yankees.See ya Wednesday The_Man! I'm gonna sleep much better tonite.
That is pretty interesting. It iniitally looked like Buck wanted the lefty-lefty match up, but then intentionally walked the lefty so Matusz could pitch to a bunch of righties.You are right - I jumped the gun assuming it would be Tillman. They haven't announced it yet. Staring a lefty will play a big role and so will the result of tonight's game, I guess, though I'm not sure who'd you want in a possible elimination game vs. a possible clincher.One very interesting thing came out of Buck's post-game press conference. He was asked why did you bring in Matusz and then issue the intentional walk to Cano. He said that by having him issue the free pass, he had now faced a hitter and could be pulled if the Yankees then sent up a pinch-hitter that he didn't want Matusz to face. Whereas if O'Day issued the walk and then Matusz came in, he'd have to pitch to whoever the Yankees brought to the plate.I'm not sure who he had in mind as the pinch-hitter he didn't want Matusz to face, but I thought it was just a fascinating little detail.Are you sure Tillman starts game 4? I have not seen anything and I think they will seriously consider Saunders for game 4. It could come down to whether they want a lefty or righty starting against the Yankees.See ya Wednesday The_Man! I'm gonna sleep much better tonite.
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Peeking ahead, the American League Championship series has games 1 and 2 on Saturday and Sunday. The winner of tonight's game will have 5 games in a row. For the Orioles, that could mean Chris Tillman pitches game 1. That will also give Gonzalez and Chen 6 days rest between their starts. If Tillman is used tonight, we could possibly see Steve Johnson starting game 1.
The_Man
Footballguy
I was thinking the same thing last night. If the O's are lucky enough to advance, I think the rotation sets up like this.Game 1: Tillman, unless he pitches tonight, in which case it's Steve Johnson (!)Game 2: Chen (on 5 days rest, I think)Game 3: Gonzalez (also on 5 days)Game 4: Hammel (4 days rest)Game 5: Tillman or Saunders - impossible to know what Buck will doGame 6: Chen (5 days rest again)Game 7: Gonzalez (4 days rest)So Chen pitches both times with an extra day of rest, which makes him much, much more effective. Why do I feel like Buck orchestrated things just to set things up that way? Also interesting that Gonzalez would match up with Verlander in Games 3 and 7. I love that --- Orioles probably wouldn't have much chance vs. Verlander in Game 7, but if that happens, Gonzalez is the guy I want on the mound. He is so unbelievably tough.I'm pretty amazed that Buck pushed the Saunders button twice and it worked both times. Just another example of the incredible season he's had as manager.
Note that the travel days are Monday and Friday, after games 2 and 5.If the Orioles use their pitchers in order with Tillman the 5th starter, it would be: Game 1: Tillman (on 9 days rest), unless he pitches tonight, in which case it's Steve Johnson (!)(on 13 days rest) Game 2: Gonzalez (on 5 days rest) Game 3: Chen (on 5 days rest) Game 4: Saunders (5 days rest) Game 5: Hammel (5 days rest) Game 6: Gonzalez (5 days rest) Game 7: Chen (5 days rest)If Buck is comfortable with Saunders and Hamel on 4 days rest, which is normal, they could push Chen back to game 4 or 5. That would also line up Saunders for a possible game 7.It looks like Verlander will be scheduled to pitch games 3 and 7. Detroit catches a huge break with the off day. If Verlander pitched a final game today like Hammel, he would only be available for one start unless he starts on short rest.
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The_Man
Footballguy
Theoretical ALCS schedule, if Orioles make it:
Game 1: Saturday, 8:07
Game 2: Sunday, 4:07 (What a day - going straight from Cowboys-Ravens to Orioles-Tigers)
Game 3: Tuesday, 8:07
Game 4: Wednesday, 8:07
Game 5: Thursday, 4:07 (I must go to this game if it happens)
Game 6: Saturday, 8:07
Game 7: Sunday, 8:15
Though I'm hearing there's a good chance for a rainout in Detroit tomorrow. I wonder what that would mean for the schedule.
Game 1: Saturday, 8:07
Game 2: Sunday, 4:07 (What a day - going straight from Cowboys-Ravens to Orioles-Tigers)
Game 3: Tuesday, 8:07
Game 4: Wednesday, 8:07
Game 5: Thursday, 4:07 (I must go to this game if it happens)
Game 6: Saturday, 8:07
Game 7: Sunday, 8:15
Though I'm hearing there's a good chance for a rainout in Detroit tomorrow. I wonder what that would mean for the schedule.
If there is a rainout and they make it up on Monday, Detroit will also need to use a 5th starter. The Orioles can push Tillman back if they want.A rainout will level the playing field if both teams need 5 starters unless Detroit can use some of its pitchers on short rest.
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
Fantastic season fellas. Lotta heart by that bunch.
simsarge
Footballguy
Agree, but I can't help but feel like they kind of caught lightning in a bottle this year and it was going to be this year or another series of disapointments. Hope I'm wrong, it was a great ride.Fantastic season fellas. Lotta heart by that bunch.
Tuco
Footballguy
Most were predicting a 70 win season. 96 wins later, we saw the O's fighting for the AL East title on the final day of the season, an elimination game win in Texas against the defending AL champions, a home playoff game, a home playoff win, and fighting in the ALDS through all 5 games up until the last inning.
I couldn't have dreamed we would have had this type of season and I can't help but be happy for finally having a baseball team that was relevant.
O's arrive back at Camden Yards around 12:30 tonight. I know some people who are going to welcome them back and I am half tempted to join them.
I couldn't have dreamed we would have had this type of season and I can't help but be happy for finally having a baseball team that was relevant.
O's arrive back at Camden Yards around 12:30 tonight. I know some people who are going to welcome them back and I am half tempted to join them.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I was born in 1962 in AA County, MD and came to my baseball fanhood early (I can remember watching Sandy Koufax in the '66 Series, though I recall nothing else - just a friend of my dad's saying how good he was). So, until my mid-20s, I was pretty spoiled as an Orioles fan. Paul Blair (my all-time fave O) leaves? No problem - here's Al Bumbry. Davey Johnson's gone? Hello, Bobby Grich. Brooksie on the decline? Step right in, Doug DeCinces. Frank Robby off to make history? Don Baylor's waiting. Excellence and consistency were a given.
Then the FA era hit, the Os lost a bunch of front office/scouter types, and EBW wanted to be Steinbrenner Jr. The old ways were done (though it's interesting that the Yanks sucked in the 80s too), the farm system dried up, and the Orioles - who had either the best or second-best record in baseball from '64 through '83 - became an afterthought. Eddie got run out of town and Cal ('s Streak) was really all that they had going.
Then came '89, which this year's team reminds me most of. A collection of castoffs (Phil Bradley, anyone? and misfits (how's about Randy Milligan?) took a great Toronto team to the last day of the season. Losing that last game was probably the last time I felt really crushed over an Os loss. The '96/97 teams, while I rooted for them hard and wish Jeff Maier nothing but the worst, were basically a fantasy team. - lotsa hired guns. I felt kind of disoriented with them, most likely because of old-fogeyism.
This year's team, though....... it feels like the old days. I harbor no illusions that the Orioles are "back" in the '64-83 days. The world's changed. But the farm system is in better shape than it's been in for 20 years, there's a great manager in place, and the fans are interested again. I doubt they can repeat this year's magic next year, just because almost EVERYTHING went right in '12.
I have no idea who's available in FA, but I'd like to see them get a good SP and maybe a big bat to take some of the self-imposed pressure off of Jones. And - for the first time in forever - they actually have some young trading chips should they feel the need.
About 20 years ago, I was involved in a charity crab feast that had a bunch of Baltimore legends attending. We drew straws to see which tables and with which stars we'd sit with. I was initally bummed that I missed the Johnny U/Lenny Moore table (got to talk to both for a few and both were fantastic men), but brightened up when I got Brooks/Chuck Thompson. I may have laughed harder if I'd gotten Artie Donovan's table, but I'm not sure how. Brooks was EXACTLY how he comes across in the media and Thompson was a blast. They needled each other and seemed genuinely interested in asking us mere mortals what we did.
In any case, that last paragraph was to get to this: as Brooks' friend "Charlie" used to say - "ain't the beer cold?" Thanks for a great ride Buck and crew from a once-jaded-and-cynical Orioles fan.
Then the FA era hit, the Os lost a bunch of front office/scouter types, and EBW wanted to be Steinbrenner Jr. The old ways were done (though it's interesting that the Yanks sucked in the 80s too), the farm system dried up, and the Orioles - who had either the best or second-best record in baseball from '64 through '83 - became an afterthought. Eddie got run out of town and Cal ('s Streak) was really all that they had going.
Then came '89, which this year's team reminds me most of. A collection of castoffs (Phil Bradley, anyone? and misfits (how's about Randy Milligan?) took a great Toronto team to the last day of the season. Losing that last game was probably the last time I felt really crushed over an Os loss. The '96/97 teams, while I rooted for them hard and wish Jeff Maier nothing but the worst, were basically a fantasy team. - lotsa hired guns. I felt kind of disoriented with them, most likely because of old-fogeyism.
This year's team, though....... it feels like the old days. I harbor no illusions that the Orioles are "back" in the '64-83 days. The world's changed. But the farm system is in better shape than it's been in for 20 years, there's a great manager in place, and the fans are interested again. I doubt they can repeat this year's magic next year, just because almost EVERYTHING went right in '12.
I have no idea who's available in FA, but I'd like to see them get a good SP and maybe a big bat to take some of the self-imposed pressure off of Jones. And - for the first time in forever - they actually have some young trading chips should they feel the need.
About 20 years ago, I was involved in a charity crab feast that had a bunch of Baltimore legends attending. We drew straws to see which tables and with which stars we'd sit with. I was initally bummed that I missed the Johnny U/Lenny Moore table (got to talk to both for a few and both were fantastic men), but brightened up when I got Brooks/Chuck Thompson. I may have laughed harder if I'd gotten Artie Donovan's table, but I'm not sure how. Brooks was EXACTLY how he comes across in the media and Thompson was a blast. They needled each other and seemed genuinely interested in asking us mere mortals what we did.
In any case, that last paragraph was to get to this: as Brooks' friend "Charlie" used to say - "ain't the beer cold?" Thanks for a great ride Buck and crew from a once-jaded-and-cynical Orioles fan.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Great job keeping this thread interesting, TM (& dutch & Marv, etc..). I've been a slacker and have, admittedly, been late to the party here. Just couldn't believe they could keep it going.
Just a couple of random thoughts:
I hope Adam Jones doesn't carry his bad showing forward. He's the heart (besides Buck) of this team.
Why no Tillman? Hamels was fine, but I just don't get it.
Remember Brian Jones? Me either.
Those in-the-know: who won't be back?
Just a couple of random thoughts:
I hope Adam Jones doesn't carry his bad showing forward. He's the heart (besides Buck) of this team.
Why no Tillman? Hamels was fine, but I just don't get it.
Remember Brian Jones? Me either.
Those in-the-know: who won't be back?
I'll need to give it some thought on who wont' be back, but off the top of my head; Jim Thome and Omar Quintiinilla. I think Mark Reynolds enters an option year of his contract and it's not automatic that he will be back.
Eephus
Footballguy
$11M club option on Reynolds is pretty steep. He'd need to hit like 2009 to be worth anything near that.With the Red Sox (and Yankees?) in a a down cycle, there's a window of opportunity. The minor league cupboard looks bare in the immediate term after Machado and Bundy. There will be some salary creep on arbitration eligible players but they should be in a position to possibly splurge on another arm and bat.
I found this website with a lot of info on the contract status a many of the Orioles. Click on the 2012-2017 payroll obligations.It looks like the following will be free agents:
Randy Wolf - won't be re-signed and needs Tommy John surgery
Joe Saunders - likely resigned - they apparently like him a lot and have a lot of faith in him
Nate McLouth - MLBtrade rumors thought he is a likely platoon player and can only get a 1-year, $3 M contract. I think the Orioles re-sign him if he is that cheap.
Endy Chavez - won't be re-signed
Jim Thome - won't be back. Looking at retirement
Bill Hall - won't be re-signed
Nick Johnson - won't be re-signed
The following are abritration eligible and will certainly be back:
Jason Hammel
Jim Johnson
Brian Matusz
Darren O'Day
Matt Weiters
Tommy Hunter
Nolan Reimold
Chris Davis
Troy Patton
The following are arbitration eligible and may be back:
Robert Andino
Steve Pearce
Taylor Teagarden
The following are arbitration eligible and are unlikely to be back:
Omar Quintanilla
Lew Ford
Saw on an old MLBtraderumors.com article that lists Ronny Paulino as a free agent and Dana Eveland as arbitration eligible. Not sure if they are on the current 40 man roster at this point.
Finally, like last season, I see a lot of people compteting for spots in the starting rotation. The surest things are: Jason Hammel and Miguel Gonzalez. I think Chen and Tillman will be given every chance. And if Saunders is back, he will most likely be in the rotation. But I see Matusz, Arietta, Britton, and Steve Johnson being given shots at the starting rotation. And Dylan Bundy may be called up sometime next year to start.
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