***Official 2018 Baltimore Orioles Thread*** Pitching Can’t Get Any Worse (2 Viewers)

[The_Man]

Orioles win their 95th game while eliminating the Yankees from playoff contention as Jeter watches the final out from the on-deck circle after going 0-for-4 in what might be the last game of his career.

This might be the greatest sentence ever.

This will be the first postseason without both the Yankees and Red Sox since 1993.

This is also a fine sentence.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Orioles win their 95th game while eliminating the Yankees from playoff contention as Jeter watches the final out from the on-deck circle after going 0-for-4 in what might be the last game of his career.

This might be the greatest sentence ever.

This will be the first postseason without both the Yankees and Red Sox since 1993.

This is also a fine sentence.

Baseball thanks you, Orioles.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Geez, I'm surprised Showalter didn't just walk a tee out to home plate last night.

 

[The_Man]

Every now and then I can't quite stand Baltimore sports fans. A lot of outrage this morning that Buck didn't intentionally walk Jeter in the bottom of the 9th.

Really? Are you really so cretinous and parochial that you can't enjoy a moment of timeless baseball drama?

I admit that I turned off the radio this morning rather than hear the replay of the hometown NY broadcast - I hate those self-aggrandizing blowhards so much - but I enjoyed watching it in the moment and thought Gary Thorne and Palmer had a great call on the MASN broadcast. It was great and I'm glad it went down the way that it did.

I also happen to believe that the baseball gods were watching and will reward the Orioles for doing things the right way, just like they would have been punished had they walked Jeter.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I'm glad they lost last night instead of playing extra innings. Any game left with no injuries or setbacks is a successful game.

3b is concerning me. Would also like Joseph to break out of his slump.

 

[The_Man]

If any Blue Jay pitcher comes near an Oriole batter, I am going to lose my mind.

3B is kind of a disaster right now, but I feel like it will be Flaherty's position in the playoffs (except vs. left-handed starters) and that it will be ok. Manny's absence is really starting to show up there. Paredes can rake but he is a very weak fielder.

Schoop and Joseph both struggling big-time right now - can't help wondering if they've hit some kind of rookie wall.

 

[Koya]

I live in NY. No athlete that is more annoying in the man love for him than Jeter. For two freakin decades...

But anyone who would suggest you walk the guy doesn't deserve to be called a baseball fan. Pathetic.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

If any Blue Jay pitcher comes near an Oriole batter, I am going to lose my mind.

Don't go completely off the rails - Buck may need someone to post bail for him if that happens

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I live in NY. No athlete that is more annoying in the man love for him than Jeter. For two freakin decades...

But anyone who would suggest you walk the guy doesn't deserve to be called a baseball fan. Pathetic.

I didn't watch (not sure who was on what base), but the first time I saw the argument for walking him was to set up the DP which I didn't think was an unreasonable stance in a vacuum. I then saw many others saying do it just to screw Jeter out of a MOMENT.

I never had a problem with Jeter himself. It's the team he played for and their fans' (not to mention the media's) constant slobbering over him that got old for me. But hell, Ripken got a lot of the same treatment on a smaller scale.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I got two ####ty upper deck seats at face value for Game 5 of the ALDS. Better than a kick in the balls.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I got two ####ty upper deck seats at face value for Game 5 of the ALDS. Better than a kick in the balls.

Sweet!

Doc, I forget - where are you? In Davidsonville?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I got two ####ty upper deck seats at face value for Game 5 of the ALDS. Better than a kick in the balls.

Sweet!

Doc, I forget - where are you? In Davidsonville?

Yeah not far from there.

 

[The_Man]

Orioles' starters ERA for the month of September:

Chris Tillman: 3.23 ERA

WeiYin Chen: 2.05 ERA

Miguel Gonzalez: 1.69 ERA

Bud Norris: 2.08 ERA

I worry about how Chen will fare vs. Detroit's potent RH hitters. Glad Norris will be pitching at night in Game 4 - he is terrible in day games and excellent at night. Orioles have been pretty crappy in day games all year, though a little better down the stretch. Still not thrilled about day games Thursday and Friday, though.

The chances of a noon game on Friday stinks, so go Pirates.

Would be pretty happy with the 3 p.m. start. It's going to be mental downtown both days - weekday afternoon games are the only times Camden Yards isn't very accessible, because the office workers are occupying all the spots in garages. Is it Thursday yet?

 

[avoiding injuries]

If Tillman gets through the 1st two innings clean, I'll feel good. Don't let MCab beat you. I still can't believe they put him in the position of hitting a walk off back in May. Don't do that again.

 

[Marvelous]

Orioles announce the ALDS roster. Biggest surprise is Jimenez is in and Matusz is off.

Here is the full roster for the 2014 ALDS:

Infielders:

• Ryan Flaherty
• J.J. Hardy
• Kelly Johnson
• Jimmy Paredes
• Steve Pearce
• Jonathan Schoop

Outfielders:

• Nelson Cruz
• Alejandro De Aza
• Adam Jones
• David Lough
• Nick Markakis
• Delmon Young

Catchers:

• Caleb Joseph
• Nick Hundley

Pitchers:

• Brad Brach (RHP)
• Zach Britton (LHP)
• Wei-Yin Chen (LHP)
• Kevin Gausman (RHP)
• Miguel Gonzalez (RHP)
• Tommy Hunter (RHP)
• Ubaldo Jimenez (RHP)
• Andrew Miller (LHP)
• Bud Norris (RHP)
• Darren O'Day (RHP)
• Chris Tillman (RHP)

Some quick thoughts;

Matusz is strictly a left handed one out guy. Apparently Buck does not think he needs that against the Tigers.

With Jimenez and presumable Gausman in the bullpen, Buck could have a quick hook for all his starters. I had projected earlier that Gausman will be in the bullpen and throw 2 innings every other game. That means if 2 out of 4 starters go 5 innings and give up 1 run, that is now a fantastic start. And Gausman then gets them to the through to the 7th. Then it is matchups and the top relievers.

With the new and improved Jimenez, he could provide the same role, and we only need 5 inning starts from all the pitchers.

I am not entirely convinced that Chen is in the starting rotation. His turn falls on game 2, but it may be the worst matchup for an Oriole pitcher.

 

[The_Man]

Wow, what if Buck rolls Jimenez out there tomorrow to start Game 2. That would be crazy - will have to look up his career stats vs. the Tigers.

Matusz is no loss, so I guess it came down to Ubaldo or McFarland and he figured he didn't need another lefty. Then the choice came down to 10 pitchers + Berry or 11 pitchers. I think he made the right choice to go with 11, still think I might have gone with Webb or Meek, because Ubaldo's control is just so unreliable.

Jim Johnson not on the Tigers roster.

 

[Marvelous]

Jimenez's last two starts: 10 IP, 5 hits, 4 runs, 4 earned runs, 7 walks, 9 strikeouts, 2 wins

Not dominant, but not bad.

The Orioles are stuck with his contract for 3 more years. They will do everything they can to get him straightened out, everything that does not include costing them games in the playoffs.

 

[The_Man]

Chen announced as Game 2 starter

 

[The_Man]

What a bunch of crap this team is.

We've come a long way.

Any pretense of work is now gone - just trying to figure out how much before 5 I can slip out of here without being apprehended.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

What a bunch of crap this team is.

We've come a long way.

Any pretense of work is now gone - just trying to figure out how much before 5 I can slip out of here without being apprehended.

They WERE crap back then, GB.

Snuck out at 3:30 to get a couple of things done before the game. Watching Os Xtra. God bless him, but Rick Dempsey drives me crazy.

For some reason, I'm more fired up for this playoffs than I was in 2012.

 

[The_Man]

What a bunch of crap this team is.

We've come a long way.

Any pretense of work is now gone - just trying to figure out how much before 5 I can slip out of here without being apprehended.

They WERE crap back then, GB.

Snuck out at 3:30 to get a couple of things done before the game. Watching Os Xtra. God bless him, but Rick Dempsey drives me crazy.

For some reason, I'm more fired up for this playoffs than I was in 2012.

Me too. 2012 was a just happy to be here year, especially after the Wild Card win.

This year feels like we have a shot - even if it's a longshot. I still think we'd be the AL favorite if Machado were playing.

Heading out now. Enjoy the game, GB

 

[STBootleg]

My daughter has karate at 6:15 tonight. <_<

At least tomorrow I can stream the game live to my work computer through Xfinity.

 

[avoiding injuries]

What a game last night. I got home at a decent time so i figured I'd do it again today. Heading back downtown in a couple hours. Go O's.

 

[MattFancy]

Awesome game! Sucks today's game is at noon. Can't say I remember a playoff game at noon before.

 

[Marvelous]

Tillman goes 5 innings, giving up 2 earned runs. That is all the Orioles need from the starting pitching. I suspect if we get a similar outing from Chen, Buck won't try to get 4 innings out of Miller, O'Day, and Britton again.

Article in the Washington Post yesterday said Detroit top three pitchers, Scherzer, Price, and Verlander, make a combined $50M this year. The Orioles are countering with Tillman, Chen, and Gonzalez, who make a combined $5M.

 

[The_Man]

What a game last night. I got home at a decent time so i figured I'd do it again today. Heading back downtown in a couple hours. Go O's.

You magnificent *******. Have a great time (again)

 

[The_Man]

A few key moments from last night's game:

Tillman getting the final out of the 5th with the bases loaded. Flaherty had a very solid game but he sure did scare me with that flip over to second to get Kinsler by an inch.

Hardy's insurance HR.

Kinsler running the Tigers into a DP right before Cabrera's HR.

De Aza hustling his butt off and scoring from second on the SS's error. Followed by AJ stealing second and scoring on the Cruz single. Those plays got buried in the subsequent avalanche of runs, but I loved the hustle and heads-up play. When Jones swiped that bag, I just knew the baseball gods were going to reward him with a run scored. He is such a great competitor.

Hope they can keep the hammer down today but Verlander is so tough: "Momentum is tomorrow's starting pitcher." Pretty concerned about what this Detroit lineup might do to Chen.

 

[Marvelous]

A few key moments from last night's game:

Tillman getting the final out of the 5th with the bases loaded. Flaherty had a very solid game but he sure did scare me with that flip over to second to get Kinsler by an inch.

Hardy's insurance HR.

Kinsler running the Tigers into a DP right before Cabrera's HR.

De Aza hustling his butt off and scoring from second on the SS's error. Followed by AJ stealing second and scoring on the Cruz single. Those plays got buried in the subsequent avalanche of runs, but I loved the hustle and heads-up play. When Jones swiped that bag, I just knew the baseball gods were going to reward him with a run scored. He is such a great competitor.

Hope they can keep the hammer down today but Verlander is so tough: "Momentum is tomorrow's starting pitcher." Pretty concerned about what this Detroit lineup might do to Chen.

Kinsler was running/stealing on the play he got doubled up. He probably figured it Hardy caught the ball, he is out, so he kept running.

Apparently the Detroit outfield defense is not very good. The Orioles were running on them all game, going from 1st to 3rd on many singles. Pearce should have had an easy double, except he started his home run trot rather than hustling out of the batters box. I bet we don't see a base running mistake like that again for a while.

 

[The_Man]

A few key moments from last night's game:

Tillman getting the final out of the 5th with the bases loaded. Flaherty had a very solid game but he sure did scare me with that flip over to second to get Kinsler by an inch.

Hardy's insurance HR.

Kinsler running the Tigers into a DP right before Cabrera's HR.

De Aza hustling his butt off and scoring from second on the SS's error. Followed by AJ stealing second and scoring on the Cruz single. Those plays got buried in the subsequent avalanche of runs, but I loved the hustle and heads-up play. When Jones swiped that bag, I just knew the baseball gods were going to reward him with a run scored. He is such a great competitor.

Hope they can keep the hammer down today but Verlander is so tough: "Momentum is tomorrow's starting pitcher." Pretty concerned about what this Detroit lineup might do to Chen.

Kinsler was running/stealing on the play he got doubled up. He probably figured it Hardy caught the ball, he is out, so he kept running.

I'm pretty sure he was running on his own there - not sure why you'd risk making an out on the bases down by 2 with your big boppers coming up.

 

[STBootleg]

If the Orioles can get to the Tiger's bullpen I think there's no stopping the birds.

Scherzer went the majority of the game but still left down by a run, their bullpen pitched 2/3 of an inning and gave up 9 runs. Someone on the radio did the math and I think it came out to be a 94 ERA or something like that.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

A few key moments from last night's game:

Tillman getting the final out of the 5th with the bases loaded. Flaherty had a very solid game but he sure did scare me with that flip over to second to get Kinsler by an inch.

Hardy's insurance HR.

Kinsler running the Tigers into a DP right before Cabrera's HR.

De Aza hustling his butt off and scoring from second on the SS's error. Followed by AJ stealing second and scoring on the Cruz single. Those plays got buried in the subsequent avalanche of runs, but I loved the hustle and heads-up play. When Jones swiped that bag, I just knew the baseball gods were going to reward him with a run scored. He is such a great competitor.

Hope they can keep the hammer down today but Verlander is so tough: "Momentum is tomorrow's starting pitcher." Pretty concerned about what this Detroit lineup might do to Chen.

Kinsler was running/stealing on the play he got doubled up. He probably figured it Hardy caught the ball, he is out, so he kept running.

Apparently the Detroit outfield defense is not very good. The Orioles were running on them all game, going from 1st to 3rd on many singles. Pearce should have had an easy double, except he started his home run trot rather than hustling out of the batters box. I bet we don't see a base running mistake like that again for a while.

Detroit's CF is clearly hurt - looks like it pains him to throw the ball. I'd challenge him every time I got the chance.

 

[The_Man]

The view at Pickles Pub this morning.

Davis is back in CF for Detroit today. Unless he's feeling a lot better than he was 15 hours ago, I think that's a mistake. The guy can't play.

 

[BobbyLayne]

The view at Pickles Pub this morning.

Davis is back in CF for Detroit today. Unless he's feeling a lot better than he was 15 hours ago, I think that's a mistake. The guy can't play.

Ezekuiel Carrera is brutal defensively. OF defense has been problematic all year for Detroit, and they haven't had a true CF since AJax got shipped to Seattle as part of the Price trade.

 

[The_Man]

The view at Pickles Pub this morning.

Davis is back in CF for Detroit today. Unless he's feeling a lot better than he was 15 hours ago, I think that's a mistake. The guy can't play.

Ezekuiel Carrera is brutal defensively. OF defense has been problematic all year for Detroit, and they haven't had a true CF since AJax got shipped to Seattle as part of the Price trade.

Thanks for the insight - just asked about this in the Series thread.

 

[The_Man]

Ugh. Can NOT believe I am stuck at work right now.

Magic Number = 10

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Ugh. Can NOT believe I am stuck at work right now.

Magic Number = 10

I had to take my cat to the vet at 11:30 on a slow Friday.

 

[Koya]

YEAH #####ES!!!

After trying to follow the game on ESPN Game Center during meetings, had to "go to the bathroom" for the last out.

YEAH MUTHAS!!!!!!

 

[The_Man]

Magic Number = 9

That was as Orioles Magic as it gets. You just knew when Earl, I mean Buck put in Terry Crowley, I mean Jim Dwyer, I mean Delmon Young, that it was going to work

 

[Koya]

When I saw 5-3 go to 6-3, got really worried.

 

[dutch]

Key for the O's was Gausman holding steady after Chen let the game get away from him. His effort also allowed the bullpen to be spared potential overuse. And thank goodness Buck was able to pull Britton early yesterday to keep him fresh for today. That was about as tidy a ninth as he's pitched all year.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Key for the O's was Gausman holding steady after Chen let the game get away from him. His effort also allowed the bullpen to be spared potential overuse. And thank goodness Buck was able to pull Britton early yesterday to keep him fresh for today. That was about as tidy a ninth as he's pitched all year.

The rally and particularly Young's hit have overshadowed Gausman's outing. Thanks for bringing that up. It deserves to be recognized.

 

[avoiding injuries]

What a game last night. I got home at a decent time so i figured I'd do it again today. Heading back downtown in a couple hours. Go O's.

You magnificent *******. Have a great time (again)

Holy Jesus. I didn't think I could have been to a better game than the one last night. Well, that lasted a little over 12 hours. It was unbelievable. I'm almost relieved that the next game is away so I can relax and see it on TV. I'm beat.

Go O's.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

What a game last night. I got home at a decent time so i figured I'd do it again today. Heading back downtown in a couple hours. Go O's.

You magnificent *******. Have a great time (again)

Holy Jesus. I didn't think I could have been to a better game than the one last night. Well, that lasted a little over 12 hours. It was unbelievable.I'm almost relieved that the next game is away so I can relax and see it on TV. I'm beat.

Go O's.

Brother, I'm so jealous. Was that place rocking as hard in the 8th after Young's hit as it appeared to be on TV? Based on the cameras, it looked liked an earthquake had hit with the epicenter on Russell St.

 

[JZilla]

Did the game in the center field bar tonight.. what a great time. Skanky babes everywhere.

 

[avoiding injuries]

What a game last night. I got home at a decent time so i figured I'd do it again today. Heading back downtown in a couple hours. Go O's.

You magnificent *******. Have a great time (again)

Holy Jesus. I didn't think I could have been to a better game than the one last night. Well, that lasted a little over 12 hours. It was unbelievable.I'm almost relieved that the next game is away so I can relax and see it on TV. I'm beat.

Go O's.

Brother, I'm so jealous. Was that place rocking as hard in the 8th after Young's hit as it appeared to be on TV? Based on the cameras, it looked liked an earthquake had hit with the epicenter on Russell St.

When he hit that ball I was jumping up and down so much that I got lightheaded and nearly passed out. When Hardy eventually scored, blood had returned to my brain and I probably hugged at least 7 strangers seated near me. Nobody sat down the rest of the game. Every strike Britton threw got a large roar from the crowd. After the game, it was at least 10 minutes before people started leaving their seats.

The bars outside were incredible after the game. Everyone was smiling, laughing, hi-fiving and just being jolly. It was a sight to see.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

What a game last night. I got home at a decent time so i figured I'd do it again today. Heading back downtown in a couple hours. Go O's.

You magnificent *******. Have a great time (again)

Holy Jesus. I didn't think I could have been to a better game than the one last night. Well, that lasted a little over 12 hours. It was unbelievable.I'm almost relieved that the next game is away so I can relax and see it on TV. I'm beat.

Go O's.

Brother, I'm so jealous. Was that place rocking as hard in the 8th after Young's hit as it appeared to be on TV? Based on the cameras, it looked liked an earthquake had hit with the epicenter on Russell St.

When he hit that ball I was jumping up and down so much that I got lightheaded and nearly passed out. When Hardy eventually scored, blood had returned to my brain and I probably hugged at least 7 strangers seated near me.Nobody sat down the rest of the game. Every strike Britton threw got a large roar from the crowd. After the game, it was at least 10 minutes before people started leaving their seats.

The bars outside were incredible after the game. Everyone was smiling, laughing, hi-fiving and just being jolly. It was a sight to see.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I've been really impressed with Cruz's approach at the plate in this series.

My God, does Schoop have a cannon. That DP was amazing all the way around, but his throw to 1st looked like it was shot out of a bazooka. What do you guys think is his potential as a hitter?

I at how fast Pearce got out of the box on his hit. I imagine Buck gave him a "I cut your ### in April and will do it again" stare after Thursday's game.

There were several heroes yesterday, but I like that Jones singled out Gausman after the game. Besides stating the obvious to the press, I think Jones - who's ALWAYS got his team's temperature and is thinking one step ahead of us mere mortals - was sending a message to KG: "dude, you are as important to us as ever, no matter that you're not 'starting'".

 

[The_Man]

I've been really impressed with Cruz's approach at the plate in this series.

My God, does Schoop have a cannon. That DP was amazing all the way around, but his throw to 1st looked like it was shot out of a bazooka. What do you guys think is his potential as a hitter?

I at how fast Pearce got out of the box on his hit. I imagine Buck gave him a "I cut your ### in April and will do it again" stare after Thursday's game.

There were several heroes yesterday, but I like that Jones singled out Gausman after the game. Besides stating the obvious to the press, I think Jones - who's ALWAYS got his team's temperature and is thinking one step ahead of us mere mortals - was sending a message to KG: "dude, you are as important to us as ever, no matter that you're not 'starting'".

Great post all the way around. In addition the Schoop's throw on the DP, look again at the laser shot from behind second base on the relay to get Cabrera at the plate. Amazing. I think he has huge potential as a hitter - he is just a giant and still so young.

I know he struggled at 3B early in the season, but he is an excellent second baseman. I can't help wonder if the future (as soon as next year) is Manny at SS and Schoop at 3B (and Hardy in pinstripes, don't get me started).

I feel like almost everyone had a huge moment in yesterday's game. Pearce with the single in the 8th to score Jones and turn the threat into a legitimate rally. Schoop's throws. Hardy running like a madman from the time the ball left Young's bat, never looking up, never stopping, and making that great slide to score. Flaherty's double play. Markakis with the HR. Just a great team effort.

The way they're using Gausman reminds me of the old Oriole Way, where a rookie like Storm Davis would learn his craft out in the bullpen before getting moved up to the starting rotation. This post-season is the last time we'll ever see him as a reliever, though - looks to me like he is making the leap and could be the #1 starter as soon as the middle of next year (he already has the best stuff of the Orioles' starters).

I have to think Chen or Gonzo or Norris is trade bait next spring. Ubaldo is locked into the rotation, and hopefully Bundy will be knocking at the door with Harvey not that far behind.

One of my best friends lives in Detroit. Seriously contemplating a road trip - looks like it's only about 8 hours from Baltimore.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I've been really impressed with Cruz's approach at the plate in this series.

My God, does Schoop have a cannon. That DP was amazing all the way around, but his throw to 1st looked like it was shot out of a bazooka. What do you guys think is his potential as a hitter?

I at how fast Pearce got out of the box on his hit. I imagine Buck gave him a "I cut your ### in April and will do it again" stare after Thursday's game.

There were several heroes yesterday, but I like that Jones singled out Gausman after the game. Besides stating the obvious to the press, I think Jones - who's ALWAYS got his team's temperature and is thinking one step ahead of us mere mortals - was sending a message to KG: "dude, you are as important to us as ever, no matter that you're not 'starting'".

Great post all the way around. In addition the Schoop's throw on the DP, look again at the laser shot from behind second base on the relay to get Cabrera at the plate. Amazing. I think he has huge potential as a hitter - he is just a giant and still so young.

I know he struggled at 3B early in the season, but he is an excellent second baseman. I can't help wonder if the future (as soon as next year) is Manny at SS and Schoop at 3B (and Hardy in pinstripes, don't get me started).

I feel like almost everyone had a huge moment in yesterday's game. Pearce with the single in the 8th to score Jones and turn the threat into a legitimate rally. Schoop's throws. Hardy running like a madman from the time the ball left Young's bat, never looking up, never stopping, and making that great slide to score. Flaherty's double play. Markakis with the HR. Just a great team effort.

The way they're using Gausman reminds me of the old Oriole Way, where a rookie like Storm Davis would learn his craft out in the bullpen before getting moved up to the starting rotation. This post-season is the last time we'll ever see him as a reliever, though - looks to me like he is making the leap and could be the #1 starter as soon as the middle of next year (he already has the best stuff of the Orioles' starters).

I have to think Chen or Gonzo or Norris is trade bait next spring. Ubaldo is locked into the rotation, and hopefully Bundy will be knocking at the door with Harvey not that far behind.

One of my best friends lives in Detroit. Seriously contemplating a road trip - looks like it's only about 8 hours from Baltimore.

You can make an argument that Gausman was THE ace during the dog days of 2014. He got some bad luck and probably should've been somewhere around 9-5 or 10-4 instead of 7-7. Dude is nails. Gausman after the game (paraphrasing): "It usually takes me awhile to get loose - after two pitches I was ready".

My guess is - without looking up contract crap - that Norris would be the one to go if any have to. But he's been fine, too, and I'd roll with the staff the way that it is for next season feeling good. I don't understand advanced stats, but the basic ERAs of the Final Five (excluding Ubaldo - meaning Tillman, Chen, Gonzo, Gausman, Norris) are all within a 1/3 of a run per game from each other and all under 4 per game.

Man, go to Detroit if you have the chance. I did it in 7 hours riding fairly easy from Howard County. I hear the ballpark is fantastic.

Hardy in NY makes me wanna puke.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

So, Buck's got Norris starting today and bumped Gonzales to Game 4 - the thinking being that he can then use Norris in relief in a Game 5. I don't know that I've ever seen an established SP get moved around (& down & back up & down, etc...) more than Gonzo.