Aubrey Huff has won the 2008 Silver Slugger award for DH and deservedly so. Before the season, I described Huff as a "hitter in decline" but I was wrong, at least for last year.
*****
The West Oahu Canefires will play in the Hawaiian League Championship game on Sunday. Oriole prospects haven't had a lot to do with their success (Tim Bascom, for instance, has been horrible) with the bright spot being 3B Tyler Henson hitting .261 with 16 RBI and a team high 25 walks. Adam Loewen plays for the Canefires too. He is hitting .143 with no extra base hits. And he's been hit by a pitch three times in just 8 games. Good!
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Sarasota has hammered out a proposal worth more than $30 million to become the Spring Training home for the Baltimore Orioles after two days of meetings with Oriole officials. The offer has yet to be voted on by the Lee County Commission before the offer is official.
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Former Oriole manager and universal sad-sack Sam Perlozzo has joined the Charlie Manuel's staff with the Philadelphia Phillies. God help them.
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A clip from Dave Sheinin's Nationals Journal blog as the free agent season begins. (The Nationals seem to think they have a legitimate shot at signing Mark Teixeira...oookay...)
*The Nationals' chief competitors might be just up the road in Baltimore. Someone who speaks to Peter Angelos regularly told me that he has never seen him so fixated on a player as he is on Teixeira. Others have told me that Angelos has been asking everyone in baseball what they think of Teixeira.
My educated guess is that the Orioles will end up making the highest bid for Teixeira.
*****
Song of the Week: Bringing a little country feel into the mix with the excellent alt country band out of Athens, GA, Drive-By Truckers with "Gravity's Gone" Have a nice weekend.
Showing posts with label Sam Perlozzo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam Perlozzo. Show all posts
Friday, November 14, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Base Hits: 6/27/2008
"That's how you're gonna beat 'em, Butch. They keep underestimating you."
Win Share data on the Trade Tracker is updated now. The Tejada and Bedard deals continue to look great in the short term as well as the long term.
This Jason Marquis grimace is courtesy of an Aubrey Huff double in the third inning of yesterday's game.
*****
Want to learn more about the newest Baby Birds? Nobody is doing it better than Camden Depot as they look at each draft pick the Orioles made in 2008. (Well, at least the first few picks...)
*****
Song of the Week: A sons from Canadian indie rockers Arcade Fire. This one's called Rebellion (Lies). Have great weekend and let's sweep the Nats!
- Butch Coolidge (Pulp Fiction)
Dateline Chicago: O's Just the Second Team to Take Series From Cubs at Wrigley in 2008
The Cubs were matched up against the American League East this season, but didn’t draw the Yankees or the Red Sox. Turns out, he should’ve been worried about the Rays and the Orioles...
The Cubs (49-30) won two of three at Toronto but dropped five of six against the surprisingly good Rays and Orioles.
“I thought maybe we caught a break,” Piniella said. “But this was before we played Tampa Bay and Baltimore.”
They keep underestimating you Orioles. That's how you're going to beat them!
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Buster Olney talks with some Oriole players as they continue surprise this season. And he's honest enough to admit he only had this team winning 56 games this season.
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I wonder how long Sam Perlozzo will be able to hang on to his coaching gig in Seattle? Doesn't look like Perlozzo's sunny disposition is helping anything out there.
But Dave Trembley is certainly helping things in Baltimore. A good article about the Orioles skipper over at Pressbox Online.
*****
Win Share data on the Trade Tracker is updated now. The Tejada and Bedard deals continue to look great in the short term as well as the long term.
*****
I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier but the Orioles are eliciting some great reaction shots from the opposition. So here's today's Oriole-Inflicted Grimace of the Day:
This Jason Marquis grimace is courtesy of an Aubrey Huff double in the third inning of yesterday's game.
*****
Want to learn more about the newest Baby Birds? Nobody is doing it better than Camden Depot as they look at each draft pick the Orioles made in 2008. (Well, at least the first few picks...)
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Song of the Week: A sons from Canadian indie rockers Arcade Fire. This one's called Rebellion (Lies). Have great weekend and let's sweep the Nats!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The Enigma Named Daniel Cabrera
I won't go on and on about Daniel Cabrera but the most disturbing thing about his performance last season was all the homers he gave up. For all the faults Cabrera has, the one thing he was really good at was striking out people and keeping the ball in the park.
sdfsdfsdf
Cabrera gave up two homers last night which does not bode well for his prospects this season. Only one game, yes, but out of character for the pitcher we knew before 2007.
I checked HitTrackerOnline and the Cliff Floyd homer was one they characterize as a "Just Enough" homer so you can give Daniel a little bit of a pass; maybe it was bad luck. But the Carlos Pena homer was way back there.
Just something to think about.
asd
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Alex Eisenberg tells you damn near everything you need to know about O's pitching prospect Chorye Spoone...at least everything about his pitching. Mechanics, stats, mentality...he's very thorough and there's some video. Good stuff.
*****
The Win Probability Graph from last night's game, courtesy of FanGraphs:
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The performance of the bullpen has been encouraging (0.00 ERA through two games) but let's not forget that the bullpen ERA through the first two games of 2007 was an excellent 2.09. And we all remember how that turned out.
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Sam Perlozzo is returning to Camden Yards as a coach for the Seattle Mariners.
Dan Connolly asked him about the Mother's Day Massacre against Boston last season:
Attempting to protect his inexperienced right-hander who had thrown 91 pitches, Perlozzo pulled Guthrie for setup man Danys Baez and then closer Chris Ray."I was totally taking care of [Guthrie]. I wanted him to be a good pitcher. I didn't want to blow him out," Perlozzo said. "I had the back end of my bullpen with a five-run lead and one out. How could you make a mistake there?"
He still doesn't get it. Jamie Walker and Chad Bradford both made more relief appearances in 2007 than any reliever in the 54 year history of the Baltimore Orioles (81 and 78 respectively). On May 13th, the day in question, it was the 19th relief appearances for both Danys Baez and Chris Ray and it was only the 38th game of the season.
Both these guys were on a pace to appear in 81 games in 2007! Those are crazy numbers! Perlozzo rode his bullpen hard and put them away wet. Ray had never been made more than 61 appearances in a season. Do you think this workload may have had something to do with his eventual injury? Baez wasn't that good to begin with but he too was overworked and overexposed.
asd
Now, which was worse? Letting Guthrie finish the game and resting your exhausted bullpen or bringing in the overworked hurlers?
Glad you're gone Sam. You may have been a good guy but you were a lousy manager.
*****
I sponsored the Scott Moore page over at Baseball-Reference.com. It will expire soon but I sponsored Brian Burres last year. Yes, I'm desperately cheap...
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Base Hits: 7/17/2007
Who is this guy talking about?
“The whole clubhouse likes him. He communicates well and really got us to remain focused. He definitely got as much as he could out of the guys, given everything he inherited. I’m excited for him and the team.”
Is this somebody talking about the job Dave Trembley is doing? No, this was an Oriole player commenting in 2005...about Sam Perlozzo.
I like what Trembley has done so far but let's not get carried away yet...
**********
It's July and Nick Markakis is on fire. He's hitting .373, slugging .569 and OPSing 1.017 for the month of July. So is Corey Patterson for that matter. He's come out of nowhere to hit .333 and OPS .930 for July so far.
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A great recap of the Andy McPhail/Dave Trembley Q&A with season ticket holders by Anthony Amobi on Oriole Magic (Also check out Anthony's blog, Oriole Post).
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“The whole clubhouse likes him. He communicates well and really got us to remain focused. He definitely got as much as he could out of the guys, given everything he inherited. I’m excited for him and the team.”
Is this somebody talking about the job Dave Trembley is doing? No, this was an Oriole player commenting in 2005...about Sam Perlozzo.
I like what Trembley has done so far but let's not get carried away yet...
**********
It's July and Nick Markakis is on fire. He's hitting .373, slugging .569 and OPSing 1.017 for the month of July. So is Corey Patterson for that matter. He's come out of nowhere to hit .333 and OPS .930 for July so far.
**********
A great recap of the Andy McPhail/Dave Trembley Q&A with season ticket holders by Anthony Amobi on Oriole Magic (Also check out Anthony's blog, Oriole Post).
**********
A good article by Christopher Heun over at Roar From 34 on John Maine and how well he's doing. He's not as skeptical as I but seems to think (or hope) that Maine will implode at some point this season.
**********
Steve Trachsel is coming back and there is some question about whose spot in the rotation he will take - Olson or Burres? This is not even a question. Burres has been pitching above his head all year in the rotation and Olson not only has pitched well, he is being groomed as a future star of the staff. Burres was a valuable memeber of the bullpen before his promotion and we need him back in there. Rob Bell is not the answer in long relief.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Perlozzo is Wrong...
I saw this article referenced over at the Oriole Post (who was in turn tipped off by the guys at Roar From 34). Just wanted to point out a couple of things that make me feel better about Perlozzo getting fired:
The flaws in the team: "The flaw for me?" Perlozzo asked. "Baez going south and the offense. When Danys went bad it threw the team into the kilter, and we had to overexpose (other pitchers). The offense doesn't score enough to make up for any deficiencies. When you can't score five runs playing in the American League East, you've got problems.”
True, the offense is bad and that's not all Sam's fault. But the bullpen was overexposed well before Mr. Reluctant imploded and it was overexposed and overworked by Perlozzo and nobody else.
"Kevin Millar has a high on-base percentage, but doesn't hit home runs. Do you want me to start him on the bases? Check the on-base percentage and the runs scored. It doesn't jibe. We need three hits to get him in. You want me to start running Kevin Millar, Jay Gibbons and Aubrey Huff?”
Wow. Where do I start? Yes, Millar has the second highest OBP on the team. That's good. But he does hit homeruns. Outside of Melvin Mora, he has hit more homeruns per AB than anyone else on the team. The only reason he only has 6 at this point is due to lack of playing time...and that's Perlozzo's fault. And then he makes a not-so-veiled "Millar clogs up the bases" argument? It's Kevin's fault that no one can drive him in? Three hits to get him in? A double would do.
Bad reasoning Sam. See you later.
The flaws in the team: "The flaw for me?" Perlozzo asked. "Baez going south and the offense. When Danys went bad it threw the team into the kilter, and we had to overexpose (other pitchers). The offense doesn't score enough to make up for any deficiencies. When you can't score five runs playing in the American League East, you've got problems.”
True, the offense is bad and that's not all Sam's fault. But the bullpen was overexposed well before Mr. Reluctant imploded and it was overexposed and overworked by Perlozzo and nobody else.
"Kevin Millar has a high on-base percentage, but doesn't hit home runs. Do you want me to start him on the bases? Check the on-base percentage and the runs scored. It doesn't jibe. We need three hits to get him in. You want me to start running Kevin Millar, Jay Gibbons and Aubrey Huff?”
Wow. Where do I start? Yes, Millar has the second highest OBP on the team. That's good. But he does hit homeruns. Outside of Melvin Mora, he has hit more homeruns per AB than anyone else on the team. The only reason he only has 6 at this point is due to lack of playing time...and that's Perlozzo's fault. And then he makes a not-so-veiled "Millar clogs up the bases" argument? It's Kevin's fault that no one can drive him in? Three hits to get him in? A double would do.
Bad reasoning Sam. See you later.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Perlozzo Out
He's gone. What's next?
Dave Trembley for now.
Perlozzo didn't get much out of this team. No, he doesn't have much to do with the power outage in this lineup and it's not his fault Danys Baez sucks but he made questionable decisions with the lineup and, most damaging, riding his bullpen to hard, too soon, in situations where he didn't seem to need to. He listened to his players to a fault instead of setting expectations for them. He didn't take control.
Will the O's get better with a different manager? Doubtful. They slug like the Royals (actually worse) which means their pitchers have to be lights out everyday for the team to win consistently. That has to change before anything works for this club.
No winning season this year fans. The streak will reach 10 years and a fire sale seems to be in order. Goodbye Miguel Tejada, goodbye Corey Patterson, goodbye Steve Trachsel. I imagine Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora, Jay Payton and Ramon Hernandez will all remain.
Onward into the void, people. There's a lot of baseball left and lots to look at as the season unfolds. I'll see if I can find it...
Dave Trembley for now.
Perlozzo didn't get much out of this team. No, he doesn't have much to do with the power outage in this lineup and it's not his fault Danys Baez sucks but he made questionable decisions with the lineup and, most damaging, riding his bullpen to hard, too soon, in situations where he didn't seem to need to. He listened to his players to a fault instead of setting expectations for them. He didn't take control.
Will the O's get better with a different manager? Doubtful. They slug like the Royals (actually worse) which means their pitchers have to be lights out everyday for the team to win consistently. That has to change before anything works for this club.
No winning season this year fans. The streak will reach 10 years and a fire sale seems to be in order. Goodbye Miguel Tejada, goodbye Corey Patterson, goodbye Steve Trachsel. I imagine Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora, Jay Payton and Ramon Hernandez will all remain.
Onward into the void, people. There's a lot of baseball left and lots to look at as the season unfolds. I'll see if I can find it...
Conversation Overheard...
Jim Duquette: Danys, I think we're going to have to put you on the DL.
Mr. Reluctant: What for?
J.D.: Because of that tendinitis in your right forearm.
Mr. Reluctant: I don't have any tendinitis in my...
J.D.: Yes, you do.
Mr. Reluctant: No, I don't...
Duquette: Yes, you do.
Mr. Reluctant: Um, no I feel anything...
J.D.: But you do feel like collecting your ample paycheck for the rest of the year, right? And you do feel like coming back and trying to make the team in Spring Training '08 to collect the rest of it, right? How's that forearm feeling?
Mr. Reluctant: You know my arm actually does feel a little sore...
I'm back from vacation, let the festivities begin.
Mr. Baez had finally developed an "injury" allowing some fresh blood from the minors (including James Hoey whom I called for nearly a month ago...) so we'll see if this helps right the bullpen. It certainly couldn't hurt.
The O's keep finding ways to lose, close ones and blowouts. Want to get your team on a winning streak? Head to Baltimore.
Arizona had lost 6 of 7 then swept the O's.
The Nationals had gone a mediocre 5-7 before sweeping Baltimore.
Even the Rockies had been squeaking by with a 4-4 record before taking the series from the Orioles.
The talent on this team is not that bad. They should be competing against teams of this caliber, not lose 8 of 9 to them.
It's time for Perlozzo to go.
The $42 million bullpen? Jamie Walker, Chad Bradford and Scott Williamson have been pretty good this year. 3 outta 4 ain't bad I guess...
John Maine stats since the end of April: 2-4, 4.27 ERA, 3.7 BB/9, 7 K/9. A mediocrity in a pitcher's park.
More review of the season upcoming tomorrow. I'm going to check out the other blogs...
Mr. Reluctant: What for?
J.D.: Because of that tendinitis in your right forearm.
Mr. Reluctant: I don't have any tendinitis in my...
J.D.: Yes, you do.
Mr. Reluctant: No, I don't...
Duquette: Yes, you do.
Mr. Reluctant: Um, no I feel anything...
J.D.: But you do feel like collecting your ample paycheck for the rest of the year, right? And you do feel like coming back and trying to make the team in Spring Training '08 to collect the rest of it, right? How's that forearm feeling?
Mr. Reluctant: You know my arm actually does feel a little sore...
I'm back from vacation, let the festivities begin.
Mr. Baez had finally developed an "injury" allowing some fresh blood from the minors (including James Hoey whom I called for nearly a month ago...) so we'll see if this helps right the bullpen. It certainly couldn't hurt.
The O's keep finding ways to lose, close ones and blowouts. Want to get your team on a winning streak? Head to Baltimore.
Arizona had lost 6 of 7 then swept the O's.
The Nationals had gone a mediocre 5-7 before sweeping Baltimore.
Even the Rockies had been squeaking by with a 4-4 record before taking the series from the Orioles.
The talent on this team is not that bad. They should be competing against teams of this caliber, not lose 8 of 9 to them.
It's time for Perlozzo to go.
The $42 million bullpen? Jamie Walker, Chad Bradford and Scott Williamson have been pretty good this year. 3 outta 4 ain't bad I guess...
John Maine stats since the end of April: 2-4, 4.27 ERA, 3.7 BB/9, 7 K/9. A mediocrity in a pitcher's park.
More review of the season upcoming tomorrow. I'm going to check out the other blogs...
Monday, June 4, 2007
Let The Boy Pitch...
I'm not one to second guess a manager when it comes to pulling a starter for a proven closer in a close game but...
When you bullpen has been tremendously overworked this year and....
When your young middle reliever turned starter is acclamated to his new role and has been pitching well and...
He only has thrown 88 pitches...
...wouldn't you let him try to finish the game? At least let him come out and face the first batter? Just asking. Losing to Vlad Guerrero will happen but why not save Ray's arm a bit and let you starters carry the load for awhile? Guerrero could have just as easily knocked Guthrie around to but at least you would have had some good reasons to let Guthrie try to close it out.
I guess the thing about Perlozzo that bothers me is that he doesn't seem to have reasons for the decisions he makes. If you have a philosophy and it fails, fine but you have to make a decision basedon somethign other than gut instinct or what a player may say to you...
"Perlozzo said he asked Guthrie how he felt when he returned to the dugout and the pitcher said, "'Who's coming up?' That's not an answer I wanted to hear," Perlozzo said."
Dude, who's in charge here? That's what you based your decision on?
The O's have now lost 5 straight one-run games. When that becomes a trend, that's the manager's fault.
Anyway...
What a catch by Nick Markakis on Saturday night! I'm really happy he didn't crack a rib on that one...
I didn't expect the O's to win the sereis with the Angels but they didn't get run off the field. They played nip and tuck with the best team in the west all weekend and hopefully things will bounce our way in Seattle.
When you bullpen has been tremendously overworked this year and....
When your young middle reliever turned starter is acclamated to his new role and has been pitching well and...
He only has thrown 88 pitches...
...wouldn't you let him try to finish the game? At least let him come out and face the first batter? Just asking. Losing to Vlad Guerrero will happen but why not save Ray's arm a bit and let you starters carry the load for awhile? Guerrero could have just as easily knocked Guthrie around to but at least you would have had some good reasons to let Guthrie try to close it out.
I guess the thing about Perlozzo that bothers me is that he doesn't seem to have reasons for the decisions he makes. If you have a philosophy and it fails, fine but you have to make a decision basedon somethign other than gut instinct or what a player may say to you...
"Perlozzo said he asked Guthrie how he felt when he returned to the dugout and the pitcher said, "'Who's coming up?' That's not an answer I wanted to hear," Perlozzo said."
Dude, who's in charge here? That's what you based your decision on?
The O's have now lost 5 straight one-run games. When that becomes a trend, that's the manager's fault.
Anyway...
What a catch by Nick Markakis on Saturday night! I'm really happy he didn't crack a rib on that one...
I didn't expect the O's to win the sereis with the Angels but they didn't get run off the field. They played nip and tuck with the best team in the west all weekend and hopefully things will bounce our way in Seattle.
Friday, May 25, 2007
I'm Set Free
I've been set free and I've been bound
To the memories of yesterday's clouds...
And now, I'm set free
- Lou Reed
Sorry I have not been posting, I am leaving town for Memorial Day weekend and needed to work a little extra before I left...
It's an annual tradition for me and last night that tradition has continued. I have written off the season and will be far less tortured for the next few months now that I realize there is little hope for a 2007 turnaround.
The standard was set back on May 17th after the O's were swept by Toronto. if the O's don't win the rest of the series for the month, they will have no shot at contending for anything and I will divorce myself emotionally from this team. As you all know, the O's beat the Nationals but were unable to win the rubber game with Toronto last night. Was it a lot to expect? Maybe. But if the O's aren't better than the Nationals, an injury depleted Blue Jay team, an injury depleted Oakland team and the Royals then there isn't much hope for success this year. None of those teams (save maybe Oakland) is going to be very good this year.
They are now 5 games below .500.
It's over.
After this post, I can continue the rest of the year with cold statistical analysis and looking for trends for next season and I won't be so miserable when Mr. Reluctant blows yet another game. I won't be miserable when Sam Perlozzo make some silly move to put the game in jeopardy. I won't be miserable when the infield botches double plays.
I'll still be watching but I will be a lot more at peace.
I'm set free.
To the memories of yesterday's clouds...
And now, I'm set free
- Lou Reed
Sorry I have not been posting, I am leaving town for Memorial Day weekend and needed to work a little extra before I left...
It's an annual tradition for me and last night that tradition has continued. I have written off the season and will be far less tortured for the next few months now that I realize there is little hope for a 2007 turnaround.
The standard was set back on May 17th after the O's were swept by Toronto. if the O's don't win the rest of the series for the month, they will have no shot at contending for anything and I will divorce myself emotionally from this team. As you all know, the O's beat the Nationals but were unable to win the rubber game with Toronto last night. Was it a lot to expect? Maybe. But if the O's aren't better than the Nationals, an injury depleted Blue Jay team, an injury depleted Oakland team and the Royals then there isn't much hope for success this year. None of those teams (save maybe Oakland) is going to be very good this year.
They are now 5 games below .500.
It's over.
After this post, I can continue the rest of the year with cold statistical analysis and looking for trends for next season and I won't be so miserable when Mr. Reluctant blows yet another game. I won't be miserable when Sam Perlozzo make some silly move to put the game in jeopardy. I won't be miserable when the infield botches double plays.
I'll still be watching but I will be a lot more at peace.
I'm set free.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Random O's Related Notes
I may be the only one left out here not calling for Sam Perlozzo's head at this point. Support for Sam has eroded with The Oriole Post and Oriole Central having joined Oriole Magic is calling for Perlozzo's removal. The general opinion of Camden Chat and the comments on Roch Kubato's blog echo the sentiment. Even Roch is questioning Sam's decision making and David Steele at the Baltimore Sun is calling for Perlozzo to be cut loose.
Why should Sam remain? I've got three reasons.
A) I believe a manager should be given a full two years to show what he can do. We should probably let him play out the string.
B) It's not his fault nobody's hitting.
C) It's not his fault Mr. Reluctant is a bum. (Although as I mentioned before, Baez has had enough second chances. Take him out of that setup role now!)
I don't agree with many things Perlozzo does (bench makeup, bullpen deployment, etc) but the O's should be a winning team even with a modest offensive output and they haven't been able to manage even that.
But this team will be in a lot of nip and tuck games and Perlozzo has not shown a knack for winning the close ones. Managers really don't affect the game much during games that aren't particularly close but good management is needed to guide the team to close wins. The sparkline below shows wins (up bars) and losses (down bars) for the O's this season. The red bars are games decided by one run.
That's a lot of red below the line (especially lately) and it's the most damning evidence of Perlozzo's poor management thus far.
****
John Maine got shelled on Tuesday and roughed up again last night. The beatings will continue, mark my words.
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Former Oriole "Stumblin' " Jack Cust has been making the most of his latest major league opportunity with the A's hitting .283 with 8 HR in only 14 games. Good for him and I hope it works out for him this time. He's been an outstanding minor league hitter for years.
****
Paul Bako sucks. He lives on his reputation as a defensive specialist but I haven't seen evidence of it this year. His bumble of a pop foul induced by Brian Burres in his last start merely highlights his struggles behind the plate this year. And we all know what a lousy hitter he is. Really, there was no one better? Even Alberto Castillo may be a better fit.
****
A fine article over at the Roar From 34 about the state of the overworked bullpen. Although they proclaim they are not "statheads" they do a nice job of breaking down the stats to make their point.
****
A really interesting stat that is stunning to me is Jeremy Guthrie and his ability to adjust to hitters the second and third time through the lineup.
1st PA: .326
2nd PA: .163
3rd PA: .091
Not only is it unusual for this number to drop as the game progresses, it drops dramatically. Once he's "stretched out" completely, Guthrie could become quite a workhorse in this rotation.
Why should Sam remain? I've got three reasons.
A) I believe a manager should be given a full two years to show what he can do. We should probably let him play out the string.
B) It's not his fault nobody's hitting.
C) It's not his fault Mr. Reluctant is a bum. (Although as I mentioned before, Baez has had enough second chances. Take him out of that setup role now!)
I don't agree with many things Perlozzo does (bench makeup, bullpen deployment, etc) but the O's should be a winning team even with a modest offensive output and they haven't been able to manage even that.
But this team will be in a lot of nip and tuck games and Perlozzo has not shown a knack for winning the close ones. Managers really don't affect the game much during games that aren't particularly close but good management is needed to guide the team to close wins. The sparkline below shows wins (up bars) and losses (down bars) for the O's this season. The red bars are games decided by one run.
That's a lot of red below the line (especially lately) and it's the most damning evidence of Perlozzo's poor management thus far.
****
John Maine got shelled on Tuesday and roughed up again last night. The beatings will continue, mark my words.
****
Former Oriole "Stumblin' " Jack Cust has been making the most of his latest major league opportunity with the A's hitting .283 with 8 HR in only 14 games. Good for him and I hope it works out for him this time. He's been an outstanding minor league hitter for years.
****
Paul Bako sucks. He lives on his reputation as a defensive specialist but I haven't seen evidence of it this year. His bumble of a pop foul induced by Brian Burres in his last start merely highlights his struggles behind the plate this year. And we all know what a lousy hitter he is. Really, there was no one better? Even Alberto Castillo may be a better fit.
****
A fine article over at the Roar From 34 about the state of the overworked bullpen. Although they proclaim they are not "statheads" they do a nice job of breaking down the stats to make their point.
****
A really interesting stat that is stunning to me is Jeremy Guthrie and his ability to adjust to hitters the second and third time through the lineup.
1st PA: .326
2nd PA: .163
3rd PA: .091
Not only is it unusual for this number to drop as the game progresses, it drops dramatically. Once he's "stretched out" completely, Guthrie could become quite a workhorse in this rotation.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Machismo Will Get You Nowhere...
OK, before I talk about the events of the game, I have to comment on something I've never seen in a ballgame before. Ivan Rodriguez swung the bat so hard that he hit himself in the back of the head and broke his bat. You see something new everyday in this game...
Hey, Miguel. Bonderman was not trying to throw at you! He pitched you inside and instead of acting like a leader you acted like a petulant child. Then your pitcher went out there and tried to protect you after your tirade and plunked Gary Sheffield. this wouldn't bother me normally but your team just lost 6 of 7 and is in a tie ballgame against a tough pitcher. Why on Earth would you want to give someone a free pass? Sheffield handled getting plunked like a professional hitter would. He stole second, then third and then came around to score the go-ahead run. And in his next at bat he hit a two-run moonshot to put his team ahead for good. For good measure, you committed an error on what could have been a double play ball and did nothing offensively after being "thrown at" initially. Nice job.
Hey, Sam. When Jim Leyland makes a big mistake (leaving Jeremy Bonderman in to pitch to Jay Gibbons instead of calling for the lefty Willy Ledezma) and Jay Gibbons makes him pay with a monster blast to center, this is called "a rally". When Ivan Rodriguez in behind the plate and the relief itching is wild, you do not run yourself out of the inning by trying to steal on arguably the greatest defensive catcher of his generation and 12-time Gold Glove winner? Why would this seem to be a good strategy?
Needless to say, Baltimore would not score again.
Hey, Miguel. Bonderman was not trying to throw at you! He pitched you inside and instead of acting like a leader you acted like a petulant child. Then your pitcher went out there and tried to protect you after your tirade and plunked Gary Sheffield. this wouldn't bother me normally but your team just lost 6 of 7 and is in a tie ballgame against a tough pitcher. Why on Earth would you want to give someone a free pass? Sheffield handled getting plunked like a professional hitter would. He stole second, then third and then came around to score the go-ahead run. And in his next at bat he hit a two-run moonshot to put his team ahead for good. For good measure, you committed an error on what could have been a double play ball and did nothing offensively after being "thrown at" initially. Nice job.
Hey, Sam. When Jim Leyland makes a big mistake (leaving Jeremy Bonderman in to pitch to Jay Gibbons instead of calling for the lefty Willy Ledezma) and Jay Gibbons makes him pay with a monster blast to center, this is called "a rally". When Ivan Rodriguez in behind the plate and the relief itching is wild, you do not run yourself out of the inning by trying to steal on arguably the greatest defensive catcher of his generation and 12-time Gold Glove winner? Why would this seem to be a good strategy?
Needless to say, Baltimore would not score again.
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