August 2009
No perfection for Pettitte
New York’s Andy Pettitte took a perfect game into the seventh inning Monday night and was undone by a two-bounce grounder to third baseman Jerry Hairston. Hairston got down on the ball but couldn’t glove it and was charged with an error. A few moments later, right fielder Nick Markakis singled up the left-field line to break up the no-hit bid.
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
Trading day
The Orioles made a minor transaction Monday, when they dealt Minor League outfielder Freddy Guzman to the Yankees in exchange for cash or a player to be named later. Guzman had been assigned to Triple-A Norfolk and has played for three teams this season.
In 95 games — split between Triple-A clubs Norfolk, Tacoma and Pawtucket — Guzman has batted .218 with 15 extra-base hits, 16 RBIs and 38 stolen bases. The speedster last appeared in the big leagues in 2007 as a member of the Texas Rangers.
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
Uehara, Bergesen workouts
Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said that two of his injured pitchers — Koji Uehara and Brad Bergesen — are progressing in their respective rehab stints at the team’s Minor League complex in Sarasota, FL. Uehara will likely be able to throw off the mound in a couple days, while Bergesen is throwing off flat ground and making slow progress.
Bergesen, who was originally slated to be part of the team’s six-man rotation in September, may not be able to return until late in the month. Uehara, meanwhile, is expected back mid-month and will work out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season.
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
Tribute to Teddy
The Orioles flew their flags at half mast and held a pregame moment of silence for Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the “liberal lion” who served Massachusetts for nine terms and four decades. Kennedy, the third-longest serving Senator in U.S. history and the youngest brother of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, passed away Tuesday.
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
Jones inching way back
The Orioles still don’t know when they’ll get their center fielder back, but they have reason to believe he might be ready to play on Thursday. Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said he spoke to Adam Jones Wednesday and that the player’s back woes may be clearing up.
“I talked to him today and he says he feels much better,” said Trembley. ”He said he wants to go home and sleep in his own bed and he thinks that will help him. I asked him if he thought he’d be ready tomorrow and he said that was a possibility. We’re going to report to the park late tomorrow. …We’re not going to hit on the field. I’m not going to post the lineup at 3 o’clock. I’ll wait till he gets there. I’ll let him test it and see where we’re at.”
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
First things first
Brian Matusz had gotten through his first four starts without allowing a hit to a left-handed hitter, but that trend ended in the first inning Tuesday night. Matusz, who had held lefties to 0-for-8 before Tuesday, retired Denard Span but gave up a hit to Joe Mauer.
Matusz came right back to strike out Justin Morneau, another left-handed hitter. Manager Dave Trembley said before the game that he’d be interested to watch those matchups.
“I think for Matusz it’s going to be pitch ahead, stay away from the walk,” he said. ”It probably would be to his advantage if those big guys don’t come up with men on base. There’s not too many times you’re going to get Mauer to take an oh-fer. And Morneau was probably just getting back into it after missing a few days. I’d expect today he’d be a ball of fire.”
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
O’s prepare for rookie starter
How do you prepare for a pitcher who’s about to make his Major League debut? By watching video. Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said Tuesday that he doesn’t know much about Minnesota starter Armando Gabino beyond what he’s seen in film study.
“He throws a changeup, not a split,” said Trembley of the rookie right-hander. ”He throws a slider, a sinker. He was a reliever. I’m sure he’ll be very excited to pitch. “
Trembley went on to say that Gabino is just like every other rookie in one respect: He’ll be excited to make his debut and perhaps a bit anxious about the challenge in front of him.
“What I’ve always found with young guys making their first start is if you get a chance early, you’d better not let them off the ropes,” he said. ”Because if you let them off the ropes, they’ll take a deep breath and feel like they got a second wind. You can’t let them have it.”
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
O’
How do you prepare for a pitcher who’s about to make his Major League debut? By watching video. Baltimore manager Dave Trembley said Tuesday that he doesn’t know much about Minnesota starter Armando Gabino beyond what he’s seen in film study.
“He throws a changeup, not a split,” said Trembley of the rookie right-hander. ”He throws a slider, a sinker. He was a reliever. I’m sure he’ll be very excited to pitch. “
Trembley went on to say that Gabino is just like every other rookie in one respect: He’ll be excited to make his debut and perhaps a bit anxious about the challenge in front of him.
“What I’ve always found with young guys making their first start is if you get a chance early, you’d better not let them off the ropes,” he said. ”Because if you let them off the ropes, they’ll take a deep breath and feel like they got a second wind. You can’t let them have it.”
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
No catch and throw
Backup catcher Chad Moeller’s offensive difficulties have been well documented, but his defense hasn’t gotten much attention. Moeller, often labeled as a strong influence on young pitchers, has gone 1-for-22 in throwing out potential base-stealers this season. Part of that is undoubtedly on the pitchers allowing runners to take leads, but part rests on Moeller alone.
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
Jones out early with back injury
Adam Jones had an immediate impact on Sunday’s game but didn’t get to play much longer. Baltimore’s center fielder singled in a run in the first inning and was visibly uncomfortable once he made it to first base. The Orioles removed him in the bottom half of the inning and diagnosed his injury as a mild mid-back muscle spasm. Jones, who was selected as Baltimore’s representative to the All-Star Game, will be re-evaluated sometime next week.
– Spencer Fordin
http://spencerfordin.mlblogs.com/
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