Notes From a Winning Streak
Sorry I was mostly absent in the comments this weekend, but it’s heartening to see that it hardly mattered. You guys (including those of you who only speak up occasionally) do as good a job discussing these games as can be found anywhere, and I appreciate it. Don’t ever leave, dig?
I did manage to actually watch most of this series, and I (like every O’s fan) came away extremely impressed. We are in the midst of a stretch of Winning Team Baseball that’s as good as any I’ve ever seen from the black and orange. Certainly one of the best stretches of the past few years.
There’s a lot going on and a lot to look at, so here are a few items of note for your consideration. As always, please do add your own in the comments.
1. Robert Andino I like this guy, and the feeling grows by the day. He’s a plus in the field, maybe not as polished as Izturis but he plays with a rangy, athletic style that fits this team to a T. I think he’s settled down at the plate, too, and seems like he could be a .275-type hitter with regular at-bats. I realize his career average is only .223, but he’s only had about a half-season’s worth of ABs (238).
I also like that he’s got a bit of swagger. And some ink, too (look closely at his glove arm in this photo and you can sort of see it).
2. Ty Wigginton Don’t count me among the haters — I’m glad this guy’s on the team. He plays hard and he can either DH or start credibly at the corners, and fill in at SS in a pinch. Numbers-wise, he’s always good for some pop and a decent average (another guy who’ll be around .275).
I don’t know that I see him as an everyday starter, but I think he’s great as a bench player and a guy who should probably hit the field 2-3 times a week. There’s a lot of value in that going forward if he’s willing to stick around.
3. We’re finding ways to win. I know there’s another slump around the corner, but to see them play this way after that dismal west coast swing is seriously encouraging. In the past, a swoon like that would have taken on a life of its own. They stamped it out and got on the horse.
What’s more, they’ve done it while fighting through the struggles of guys like Jones and Markakis. Great sign.
4. Luuuuuke Scott Is there a more professional guy in all of baseball? He’s been thrust into a role involving a lot of DH time and he’s not only handled it, he’s thriving. His attitude is fantastic and his bat is always a threat. I really hope he stays. I see him as a veteran anchor next year as the young guys settle in and we start to make a real push.
5. Jeremy Guthrie So Peter Schmuck writes a column saying that he’s no ace and he responds by going seven strong innings…on a Sunday…on the road…in the final game of a series. And he out-duels Cole Hamels along the way.
Maybe he is just a #3 starter in the long run, but so what? Last I checked every team needed someone in that role, and Guthrie is a bulldog. I hope he’s back in form, but even if he isn’t I’m prepared to say that I want him on this team.
Beyond all that we could always talk about the re-emergence of George Sherrill, the impressive job that Bergesen is doing, and the joy of knowing that Brian Roberts is an Oriole.
Nothing’s changed in terms of the fact that this group will probably still finish below .500, but damn if there aren’t some seriously encouraging things going on right now. I say let’s enjoy it while we can.
I totally whiffed in that main entry by omitting Felix Pie.
When I look at him lately — now that the bad memories from early in the season are fading — I see a perfect fourth outfielder. He’s got the skills to play all three positions when needed, and his wheels off the bench are a threat. I definitely don’t believe he’s an everyday player (at least not yet, and not on this team) but if he’s happy with a bench role I’m happy to have him there.
I’m really starting to like Andino. I noticed it about a week ago and he has done nothing since to dissuade me. I get irritated when they pinch hit for him. He’s still young (25?) and you need AB’s to produce. Let the kid swing.
As long as Pie doesn’t have to hit, I’m all for it. Although I do wish he had better instincts as a base stealer to go with those wheels. Derek Jeter was never in the top 3rd of anything in speed, but he has always been one of the best baserunners around. I just don’t trust Pie to use head like he sometimes needs to.
I agree with both comments regarding Pie. Ever since he was pushed out of a starting gig, I’ve thought, “Hey.. you know, his skills match perfectly for a 4th outfielder.” Assuming he’s not going to turn into the amazing player he was once touted as being, the role he’s in now might be his ideal role. And he seems to have a good attitude being a guy off the bench, too. It’s a shame he’s so young and not getting at bats, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better speedy 4th outfielder who can play all 3 positions, has a good arm, and even a little pop on occasion. He’s a piece of the puzzle, no doubt. All you have to do is look down at AAA at Joey Gathright to tell that MacPhail wants a guy like Pie on his team, because we went out and got a backup Pie.
That being said, like Dan H was saying, he’s still a work in progress. His base running remains in question, but he’s done well in limited chances. And it should be noted that Jones’ and Markakis’ base running/stealing are still very much works in progress.
Anyway, when the team is clicking like it is now, you can see how each guy fills a role, and you can see a contender. It’s a matter of pitching, consistency as a team, and the young guys getting more experience.
Anybody gonna be at the stadium this weekend?
Because there is no game tomorrow, and because I am positively bushwhacked after a whirlwind week in Baltimore and Philadelphia capped with the 6+ hour drive from Philly to Rochester, and because there is so much to talk about, Break Up the Baysox might get out tomorrow evening, if we’re all lucky. I have a lot of work to catch up on.
Also sleep and sobriety.
God, I love baseball.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-sp.osminors22jun22,0,1396121.story
Interesting story on Arrieta’s abundant confidence. I like this. Guys like Jones and Bergesen and now Arrieta are going to do a lot to change the culture of losing, I think. We need a guy like Josh Beckett – someone with a fiery competitive attitude, but who’s a good teammate. And it looks like Matusz might be Arrieta’s counterpart – a calm, collected, well-spoken, humble guy. I’m liking the makeup of our future rotation for sure.
man, great to see us finally have some come from behind wins in our pockets. some points:
- andino has been a gem to watch the past couple weeks. some of the plays he’s made in the field he has made look routine. and that basket catch saturday was anything but.
- zaun didn’t just hit a HR on saturday…he launched one. that baby came off the bat like white lightening. maybe he should wear his socks old-school style more often
- bergeson had a great outing…too bad it was wasted by pitching to howard
- with everyone bitching about mora not producing with RISP, how about markakis? i know he can do no wrong, but the guy has not only not been clutch, but he’s mainly been striking out in these situations..here’s hoping he gets out of it.
- the thing i’ve noticed with jones is if he’s patient at the plate 9 times out of 10 he’s successful, but lately i’ve seen him regressing to some of his 2008 at bats: swinging at crap high fast balls, and low junk. here’s to him getting back to his form earlier this season.
- can we do a post on where the orioles stand in MLB (or the AL) in base running stats like times caught stealing or unsuccessfully trying to stretch out a double or 2-bags (like mora yesterday)? i would think we would be close to the lead. my next question is: does this fall on the head coach, the base running coaches, or the players?
i will be at the game saturday, sunday, and monday of next week…go o’s!
also – did anyone see how the red sox won yesterday? walk off HR in the bottom of the 9th on the first pitch (AFTER the braves had the bases loaded in the top of the inning).
god i hate that team.
@ryan97ou – Not only that, but a walkoff HR by their third-string SS that curved around the Pesky Pole. The cheapest HR you can get in any ballpark.