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Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Game Stories: Orioles offense again fails to support Gausman in 3-2 loss in Oakland The Sun 8/9 Machado homers again, but O's fall to A's MLB.com 8/9 Showalter on resting players, Jimenez and McFarland (O’s down 3-2) MASNsports.com 8/8 A's beat Orioles 3-2 to drop Baltimore into first-place tie AP 8/9 Gausman Pitches Well, Gets Little Support In 3-2 Loss CSN Mid-Atlantic 8/9
Columns: Orioles thoughts and observations on Brad Brach and looking at Wade Miley against the A's The Sun 8/9 Ubaldo Jimenez's last two outings have been helpful for the Orioles The Sun 8/8 Orioles plan to make a decision on potential Pearce DL stint midweek The Sun 8/8 Orioles on deck: What to watch Monday at Athletics The Sun 8/8 Orioles prospect Chance Sisco not the flashy type The Sun 8/8 Peter Schmuck’s Orioles grades for the week of Aug. 1-7 The Sun 8/8 Gausman solid, but remains winless on road MLB.com 8/9 In earning first save, Ubaldo also saves 'pen MLB.com 8/8 Miley seeks first win with O's in second start MLB.com 8/8 Alvarez, Davis and tonight’s game in Oakland MASNsports.com 8/9 Hearing from Showalter, Gausman and Jones after 3-2 loss MASNsports.com 8/9 Machado homers again in 3-2 loss MASNsports.com 8/9 Updating Pearce, McFarland and pitching matchups MASNsports.com 8/8 Jimenez on his first career save MASNsports.com 8/8 Afternoon notes from Oakland MASNsports.com 8/8 A look at the inconsistent offense, Aberdeen’s All-Stars and more MASNsports.com 8/9 O’s bats are quiet in series-opening loss at Oakland MASNsports.com 8/9 O’s game blog: Gausman faces Oakland, plus home run notes MASNsports.com 8/8 At 19 games under .500, Triple-A Norfolk is a playoff contender MASNsports.com 8/8 Sweet relief: Can Zach Britton win the AL Cy Young? ESPN 8/9 The week in interesting and unusual stats ESPN 8/8 Showalter Not Sure If He'll Rest Regulars CSN Mid-Atlantic 8/8 Orioles Hope To Have Decision On Pearce By Wednesday CSN Mid-Atlantic 8/8 Jimenez Unknowingly Saves His First Game CSN Mid-Atlantic 8/8 Tracking The Orioles' Chase For Home Run History: 110-Game Checkpoint PressBoxOnline.com 8/8 Tap-In Question: How would you fill Steve Pearce’s spot if he goes to DL? BaltimoreBaseball.com 8/9 Believe In Baltimore: O's Are For Real Sports On Earth 8/8
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-orioles-fall-short-in-oakland-3-2-20160808- story.html
Orioles offense again fails to support Gausman in 3-2 loss in Oakland
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun August 9, 2016
Kevin Gausman certainly pitched well enough to win on Monday night on the road against the Oakland Athletics, but his misfortune away from Camden Yards continued.
The Orioles right-hander has not won a start on the road in nearly two years, dating back to Aug. 17, 2014. That draught continued with the Orioles’ 3-2 loss to the Athletics on Monday night on front of a sparse announced crowd of 10,407 at Oakland Alameda Coliseum
Despite holding the A’s to two runs on six hits over six innings, Gausman is now 0-8 in 12 road starts this season.
One day after scoring 10 runs for rookie Dylan Bundy in Chicago, the Orioles, with a change of scenery, couldn’t duplicate that kind of offense in the series opener. A’s right-hander Kendall Graveman flummoxed the Orioles.
“He pounds the strike zone,” center fielder Adam Jones said of Graveman. “That’s what I’ve seen out of him the first start against him, looking over tape. He just pounds the strike zone. He uses his sinker, he uses his infield, and tonight we hit some balls on the button, but right at them. We had some opportunities, just didn’t come through.”
The Orioles handed Graveman his shortest outing of the season back on May 8, chasing him from the game after 2 2/3 innings when he allowed six runs – including four homers. But on Monday night, the Orioles scraped just one run off Graveman over seven innings.
Graveman induced 14 groundball outs and no fly-ball outs.
“He wasn’t sinking the ball [then] like he was tonight,” manager Buck Showalter said of the first meeting. “… If you see a lot of groundballs and everything, you’ll know he’s on top of his game, and he was.”
Gausman – who has been the victim of poor run support throughout the season – has received an average of just 2.4 runs per game.
“It’s just part of the game,” Jones said. “It’s crazy. Yesterday we scored 10 runs. Today we scored two. Sometimes you think we wished we could have used some runs from yesterday, but it’s just how the game works. He’s been throwing the heck out of the ball. Tonight, threw the heck out of the ball. He’s controlling what he can control, and that’s on the mound. As an offense, we’ve got to clean it up when he’s out there starting because he’s been giving us some really, really good quality starts.”
The Orioles' best scoring opportunity against Graveman came in the third inning, when they loaded the bases with three consecutive one-out singles, but only managed one run in the inning.
After loading the bases that inning, Graveman (8-7) retired 14 of the final 16 hitters he faced.
Gausman (3-9) took a tied game into the sixth inning before a leadoff walk to Stephen Vogt led to the go-ahead run. Gausman allowed a pair of two-out singles, the latter an RBI single by Billy Butler that scored Vogt.
Vogt tied the game a 1-1 in the fourth inning, opening the frame with a solo homer to right field on a 1-2 fastball from Gausman that caught too much of the plate.
“I was trying to throw a fastball up,” Gausman said. “I felt like I had him set up for it and didn’t get it up there. Kind of left it middle-middle, really, and I think he was looking for a fastball and obviously didn’t miss it.”
The A’s scored the eventual winning run off right-hander Logan Ondrusek, a reverse-split reliever who entered the game to face a lefty-heavy top of the Oakland order in the seventh.
But a leadoff walk to No. 9 hitter Ryon Healy hurt Ondrusek, who allowed a two-out RBI single to Vogt to give Oakland a 3-1 lead.
Machado power surge continues: Third baseman Manny Machado followed his three-homer game Sunday in Chicago with another home run in the eighth inning Monday.
Machado – who received boos from the crowd during every at-bat from fans still angry about the dustup he had with former A’s third baseman Josh Donaldson two years ago – punished a 3-2 pitch from Oakland reliever Ryan Dull and sent it an estimated 446 feet deep into the elevated left-center field of the Coliseum.
Machado, who now has 26 homers this season, homered in each of the first three innings on Sunday.
“Since he’s come up to the big leagues, he’s been quite an impressive player,” Jones said of Machado. “He’s only going to get better and better. That’s the scary part.”
Orioles score unlikely run on infield popup: It’s rare that a run scores on a popup to the first baseman, but there’s so much foul ground at Oakland Coliseum that that’s how the Orioles plated their first run in the third inning.
The Orioles loaded the bases against Graveman with three straight one-out singles by J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones and Hyun Soo Kim. Manny Machado then lifted a foul ball that Oakland first baseman Yonder Alonso tracked down in foul ground near the Orioles bullpen.
Hardy tagged from third base, beating Alonso’s throw home to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/194431834/athletics-edge-orioles-in-opener-at-coliseum/
Machado homers again, but O's fall to A's
By Mark Chiarelli and Rick Eymer / MLB.com August 9, 2016
OAKLAND -- Kendall Graveman threw seven strong innings, Stephen Vogt snapped out of a slump with two RBIs, and the A's held on to beat the Orioles, 3-2, on Monday night to snap a three-game losing streak at the Coliseum.
The loss dropped Baltimore (63-48) into a tie for first place in the American League East with the Blue Jays after Toronto beat the Rays, 7-5. Oakland (49-63) won for just the second time in its past 10 games, and did so behind the suddenly reliable Graveman, who won his career-high eighth game.
The sinkerballer allowed one run on six hits over seven innings and is 7-1 over his past 13 starts. Baltimore mounted one serious threat against the righty, scoring a run in the third on a sacrifice fly by Manny Machado after loading the bases with one out, but Chris Davisgrounded out to end the inning. Graveman surrendered only two singles over his last four innings, and neither runner advanced.
"This is only the second time I've ever seen him," Orioles center fielder Adam Jones said. "But I saw him pound the strike zone with that sinker. We had opportunities. We just didn't come through."
Baltimore starter Kevin Gausman's only misstep through the first five innings was a solo homer by Vogt in the fourth. He walked Vogt to begin the sixth and Yonder Alonso later singled, setting up Billy Butler's two-out RBI single to make it 2-1. The A's had been 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, following a weekend series against the Cubs in which they scored three runs in three games. "Today was big for me," Vogt said. "It's been a couple weeks since I felt like I've really driven the ball or felt comfortable at the plate."
Vogt added an RBI single in the seventh to give the A's a 3-1 lead. Machado blasted a homer (446 feet per Statcast™) to left off Ryan Dull in the eighth, his 26th of the year and fourth in two games. Machado's villain status -- he was involved in a series of controversies with Oakland in June 2014 -- wasn't lost on the Coliseum crowd, which showered him with boos every time he stepped to the plate.
Baltimore couldn't rally, however, as Ryan Madson pitched a perfect ninth to earn his 23rd save.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Graveman remains steady: Oakland's injury issues among starters is well documented, and Graveman's the only pitcher that has remained in the rotation all season. He's become the A's most reliable pitcher, allowing three earned runs or fewer in six of his past seven starts. He induced 14 ground-ball outs in seven innings, which is typically an indicator of his success.
"They're a great hitting team," Graveman said of the Orioles. "[They have] the most home runs in the league by a lineup. You just try to keep them in the park."
"In a year that's been plagued by injury in the starting pitching department, he's been our steady," Vogt said. "He's pitched like a pro, he's taking the ball and he's learning a lot about himself."
Kim extends hitting streak: Hyun Soo Kim singled in the third to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. His single to center loaded the bases ahead of Machado's sacrifice fly.
Hardy hustle: J.J. Hardy tagged up and scored on Machado's foulout to first base. Given the foul territory in Oakland, it was a smart play. Without it, the Orioles may not have scored after loading the bases with one out.
"We didn't generate enough offense," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "Even those three hits in the third weren't hit that hard."
Vogt stays involved: Vogt was hitting just .116 over his past 12 games before his fourth-inning homer to right field, which went 394 feet, according to Statcast™. All nine of his home runs have been solo shots off right-handers. Vogt scored the go-ahead run in the sixth and added an RBI single in the seventh, reaching base three times.
"Big night. He had been struggling a little bit, pressing a little bit," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "Certainly once you hit a home run, it kind of alleviates some of the pressing. Just as big was his next hit."
QUOTABLE
"I don't know that anything surprises me about him any more. He's one of the best in the game. He has an idea of what pitchers are trying to throw him. You don't see him take very many ugly swings up there." -- Gausman, on Machado
WHAT'S NEXT
Orioles: Left-hander Wade Miley makes his second start with the Orioles on Tuesday at 10:05 p.m. ET. He lost his club debut, but pitched well enough to earn praise from Showalter. He's lost seven of his past eight games, though he's pitched well enough to win a couple of those.
A's: Zach Neal makes his second start Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. PT at the Coliseum. He hopes it's better than his first, when he allowed seven runs in four innings to the Mariners on May 25. Neal's on his fourth stint with the A's this year and has pitched primarily in relief, posting a 5.25 ERA in 12 appearances.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/08/showalter-on-resting-players-jimenez-and- mcfarland.html
Showalter on resting players, Jimenez and McFarland (O’s down 3-2)
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com August 8, 2016
OAKLAND - With outfielder Mark Trumbo absent from yesterday’s lineup, second basemanJonathan Schoop is the only Orioles player to play in all 111 games, including tonight’s series opener at O.co Coliseum.
Manager Buck Showalter had three lineups ready yesterday before deciding to sit Trumbo. More rest is coming for other players.
“Somebody thought that someone talked their way into the lineup. That wasn’t the case,” Showalter said, referring to first baseman Chris Davis, who started and hit his first home run since July 10.
“We had three and I talked to all three guys and came up with the decision that Trum would be the best fit yesterday. Will try to do it on this trip. We’ll see. I’m going to take each day as it comes, see if something changes.
“I’ve got three or four guys I’d like to give a day if I can.”
That could include Schoop, though Showalter may be more inclined to rest the older players.
“I don’t have to,” Showalter said. “There are other guys that have some ... not with the same age group that he is. We’ll see. He’s one of the guys that we’re considering, but we’re also considering not doing it. So we’ll take each day as it comes.”
Ubaldo Jimenez won’t be available for a few days after facing nine batters yesterday in relief ofDylan Bundy and retiring all of them.
“That was big, being able to give a bunch of our guys a second day off down there, especially on the road,” Showalter said. “It also keeps us from having to make moves. We have a seven-man bullpen, which is challenging this time of year in the American League. I think they’ve got eight or nine over there.
“He pitched well out of the ‘pen for us when he was there before and it really allows us to have two guys who can pitch multiple innings. I wouldn’t want to do it without proper rest for him. Vance (Worley) is a little more equipped to pitch out of that role with less days off. But that would give us a second guy there.
“That was huge for us, regardless of what happens. That was as much of a highlight for me as Dylan’s was. I know our bullpen had a big smile on their face and he got a bunch of pats on the back from them when they came in after the game.”
As I wrote earlier, left-hander T.J. McFarland will pitch Tuesday for the Gulf Coast League team. He went on the disabled list retroactive to June 29 with left knee inflammation, and it’s been a slow climb back into competition.
“Once they got the diagnosis that we could stay away from surgery if we did this, we knew that we were going to be very diligent and, what’s the word when you move slowly? Deliberate,” Showalter said.
“We think we’ve gotten over that. I’m really anxious to see how he feels tomorrow after he pitches. I think it’s two or three innings. He’s been throwing for a while.”
Update: The Orioles took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on singles by J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones and Hyun Soo Kim, and Manny Machado’s foul pop up to first baseman Yonder Alonso.
There’s so much foul ground here, Hardy was able to tag up and score while Alonso made an over-the-shoulder catch.
Kim extended his hitting streak to 10 games after Coco Crisp and Danny Valencia let his fly ball drop between them.
Update II: Stephen Vogt led off the bottom of the fourth by homering on a 1-2 pitch from Kevin Gausman to tie the score.
Update III: Billy Butler broke a 1-1 tie in the sixth with a two-out RBI single off Gausman, who walked Vogt to lead off the inning.
Update IV: Vogt’s two-out RBI single off Logan Ondrusek in the seventh gave Oakland a 3-1 lead.
Gausman allowed two runs and six hits in six innings, with two walks, six strikeouts, a home run and a wild pitch. He threw 100 pitches, 55 for strikes.
Update V: Manny Machado homered again, his solo shot off Ryan Dull with two outs in the eighth reducing Oakland’s lead to 3-2.
http://scores.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=360808111
A's beat Orioles 3-2 to drop Baltimore into first-place tie
Associated Press / ESPN August 9, 2016
OAKLAND, Calif. -- It took about four months, along with injuries to some key starters, for Kendall Graveman to evolve from a pitcher at the back end of the Athletics' rotation to the anchor of manager Bob Melvin's staff.
He certainly looked the part against one of the best-hitting teams in baseball, relying heavily on a nasty sinker and an even more effective cut fastball.
Graveman pitched seven strong innings, Billy Butler hit a tiebreaking single in the sixth and Oakland beat Baltimore 3-2 on Monday night despite another home run from Orioles slugger Manny Machado.
"He was kind of splitting the plate with the sinker and cutter today," Melvin said. "When he has both those working, he can use both sides of the plate and it can be effective against any team."
Stephen Vogt homered, scored twice and had two RBI for the A's. Butler added two hits.
Machado, who homered in his first three at-bats Sunday, belted his 26th of the season off A's reliever Ryan Dull with two outs in the eighth.
It wasn't enough to prevent the Orioles from falling into a first-place tie with Toronto in the AL East. The Blue Jays beat Tampa Bay 7-5 earlier Monday.
Vogt homered leading off the fourth against starter Kevin Gausman (3-9), walked and scored the go-ahead run in the sixth and added an RBI single in the seventh.
Adam Jones had three hits for the Orioles.
"We wanted to give Kevin some breathing room," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said. "We saw a lot of groundballs. We knew (Graveman) was on top of his pitching, and he was."
Oakland scored three runs total while getting swept in a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs last weekend and didn't get much going against Baltimore, either.
Graveman (8-7) and two relievers made three runs hold up.
Oakland's best pitcher over the past two months, Graveman allowed one run and six hits with four strikeouts.
"The second and third time through we started mixing in some of the breaking balls that I haven't thrown in the past four or five weeks," Graveman said. "I thought that really got hitters off and it kind of got us some early strikes."
Dull retired three batters and Ryan Madson worked the ninth for his 23rd save.
Gausman pitched well but is winless in 12 road starts this season. He struck out six and allowed two runs over six innings.
THE GOOD AND BAD
A's center fielder Coco Crisp made a leaping catch at the wall to rob Mike Troutof extra bases in the second. The following inning, Crisp and right fielder Danny Valencia appeared to have trouble communicating on Hyun-Soon Kim's one-out fly ball that landed just in front of both of them for a single that loaded the bases, one batter before Machado drove in a run. "Danny's just starting to play some right field," Melvin said. "It might have had something to do with it there."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Orioles: Steve Pearce received a cortisone shot in his right forearm that Showalter hopes will prevent the newly acquired outfielder from having to go on the DL. Pearce has been bothered by a flexor mass strain for the past few days.
Athletics: An MRI on RHP Sonny Gray's right forearm revealed some inflammation and light fluid buildup but he won't require surgery, Melvin said. ... INF Jed Lowrie (bunion) will see a foot specialist later this week. ... LHP Ross Detwiler will be called up from the minors Wednesday to make his A's debut. The left-hander was acquired from Cleveland in a July 17 trade.
UP NEXT
Orioles: LHP Wade Miley (7-9) makes his second start since getting traded by Seattle. Miley left his Baltimore debut after taking a line drive off his left calf in the fifth inning.
Athletics: RHP Zach Neal (1-1) will come out of the bullpen to make his second career start. Neal has not allowed a run in three relief appearances since July 21.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/baltimore-orioles/gausman-pitches-well-gets-little-support-3-2- loss
Gausman Pitches Well, Gets Little Support In 3-2 Loss
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic August 9, 2016
OAKLAND, Calif. – Buck Showalter likes to say that momentum is the next day’s starting pitcher. A night after the Orioles’ home run barrage in Chicago, Kevin Gausman hoped that he would get some of that support.
Unfortunately for Gausman, despite pitching well, the Orioles didn’t support him, and he allowed two runs in six innings, usually good often for a win, but in this case, the Oakland Athletics beat the Orioles 3-2 before 10,407 at O.co. Coliseum.
“I don’t think our guys get up in the morning and say, ‘Kevin’s pitching today. Let’s not score any runs,’” Showalter said. “If he continues to pitch well, he’ll get his share.”
On Sunday, the Orioles scored 10 runs and hit five home runs in Chicago with Manny Machado hitting three in the first three innings.
Against Kendall Graveman, who allowed four homers in 2 2/3 innings in Baltimore on May 8, they were limited to six singles in seven innings.
Machado hit a home run, his 26th against Ryan Dull in the eighth.
“I don’t know if anything surprises me anymore that he does. He’s one of the best in the game. Obviously, his ability has always been great, but really the last two years it seems like he’s got a great idea what the pitcher’s going to throw at him. You don’t see him take many ugly swings and misses where he spins around anymore. Kind of seems like he has a good idea up there all the time,” Gausman said.
Gausman (3-9) allowed a home run to Stephen Vogt leading off the fourth, and an RBI single by Billy Butler in the sixth. He gave up six hits, walked two and struck out six.
“I felt locked in from the first pitch on, really. Had a really good split tonight. Kind of relied on that more than anything. And it was really good against right-handed hitters. When my split’s going good against righties, that’s when I know it’s on,” Gausman said.
He obviously wasn’t pleased with the pitch to Vogt.
“I was trying to throw a fastball up. I felt like I had him set up for it and didn’t get it up there. Kind of left it middle-middle, really, and I think he was looking for a fastball and obviously didn’t miss it,” Gausman said.
With one out in the third, J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones singled against Graveman (8-7). Hyun Soo Kim extended his hitting streak to 10 games when his fly ball fell between center fielder Coco Crisp and right fielder Danny Valencia.
Machado popped out in the massive foul ground to first baseman Yonder Alonso, who caught the ball with his back to the infield. Hardy scored ahead of Alonso’s throw.
That was the only run scored in the six innings Gausman was pitching.
"He pitched well again. It was good to see. He had little hiccup last time out, but he threw the ball good. We just didn’t mount much offensively. The three hits we got to load the bases were pretty cheap variety too. We had some good people up, just didn’t have a chance to get a hit there, maybe open it up and get some breathing room. Kevin hasn’t had much breathing room,” Showalter said.
The Orioles (63-48) who lost their game lead in the AL East because Toronto won.
Vogt had an RBI single in the seventh against Logan Ondrusek to give Oakland (49-63) a 3-1 lead.
Machado hit a long home run to left-center field off Ryan Dull in the eighth.
“Since he’s come up to the big leagues, he’s been quite an impressive player. He’s only going to get better and better. That’s the scary part,” Jones said.
Ryan Madson earned his 23rd save of the season by pitching a scoreless ninth.
“It’s just part of the game. It’s crazy. Yesterday we scored 10 runs. Today we scored two. Sometimes you think we wished we could have used some runs from yesterday, but it’s just how the game works. He’s been throwing the heck out of the ball. Tonight, threw the heck out of the ball. He’s controlling what he can control, and that’s on the mound. As an offense, we’ve got to clean it up when he’s out there starting because he’s been giving us some really, really good quality starts,” Jones said.
NOTES: Gausman is 3-19 on the road with a 5.56 ERA. … Wade Miley (7-9, 5.08) faces Zach Neal (1-1, 5.25) on Tuesday night.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-thoughts-and-observations-0808- story.html
Orioles thoughts and observations on Brad Brach and looking at Wade Miley against the A's
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun August 9, 2016
In a late-inning situation that’s often been reserved for right-hander Brad Brach,Orioles manager Buck Showalter instead turned to newcomer Logan Ondrusek in the seventh inning Monday night against the Oakland Athletics.
With the Orioles trailing by one run with a left-handed part of the batting order looming, Ondrusek – a right-hander with a history of success against lefties – came on to keep the game close. He allowed the decisive run in the Orioles’ 3-2 loss to the A’s.
Ondrusek, all of four appearances with the Orioles under his belt, immediately walked the first batter he faced in No. 9 hitter Ryon Healy. Healy eventually scored following a two-out RBI single by left-handed hitting Stephen Vogt, giving the A’s a 3-1 lead.
Usually, that’s a situation gift-wrapped for Brach, who has been exemplary against both left- handers and right-handers. Plus, he was well rested, having not pitched since Friday.
Showalter constantly talks about keeping his relievers out of harm’s way, and we all know how well he works his bullpen.
He used Brach in the first half of the season more often than he typically would, partially because of Darren O’Day going on the disabled list and also because Brach emerged as a rubber- armed All-Star reliever.
But Brach hasn’t pitched all that often lately. He’s pitched just four times over the past two weeks, which is peculiar even for a reliever that a manager is looking to give a rest.
Brach’s results haven’t been the same. He’s allowed four runs – three earned – over his last six appearances, posting a 5.06 ERA after recording a 0.86 mark over his first 43 games this season.
In those six appearances, left-handed hitters are 7-for-15 with two walks. Lefties are now hitting .265 against Brach (compared to .081 against right-handed hitters). Getting left-handers out was one of the keys to Brach's breakout first half and Brach said earlier this season that he really concentrated on getting lefties out more this season.
It will be interesting to see how Brach is used over the remaining days in Oakland. The A’s are heavy on left-handed bats, so Brach should see time over the next three games.
…
Left-hander Wade Miley will make his second Orioles start Tuesday against the Athletics. He’s seen success in limited action against Oakland.
Despite pitching in the American League West with the Mariners this season, Miley hasn’t faced the A’s this season, but owns a 2-0 record and 1.29 ERA in two career starts against the Athletics, with both outings coming last season when Miley pitched for the Red Sox.
In one start at Oakland Alameda Coliseum, Miley threw 6 2/3 shutout innings against the A’s on May 13, a game in which he allowed five hits and walked four.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-ubaldo-jimenez-s-last-two-outings-have-been- helpful-for-the-orioles-20160808-story.html
Ubaldo Jimenez's last two outings have been helpful for the Orioles
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun August 8, 2016
Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, who had all but disappeared in the back of the Oriolesbullpen, isn’t used to pitching in relief, and has rarely pitched in a game over the past month.
After Jimenez tossed three perfect innings of relief of starter Dylan Bundy in Sunday’s 10-2 series-clinching win over the White Sox in Chicago, he didn’t know he had earned his first major league save until he was told by fellow reliever Brad Brach.
It was Jimenez’s second appearance in nearly a month – he went into Sunday having pitched just once since July 10 – but he didn’t show any signs of rust, needing just 26 pitches to retire all nine batters he faced, including three on strikeouts.
“I didn’t know it was a save,” Jimenez said. “It was big to get on a mound; the best thing was being able to help the team, especially being able to throw some innings so the main guys didn’t have to come into the game. It was a good feeling. Those guys [in the bullpen] are trying to do everything to help the team, and I’m trying to do the same. I really haven’t had the opportunity to go out there and give them a chance to give them another day off.”
Jimenez’s effort allowed manager Buck Showalter to rest other relievers for the team’s four- game series in Oakland, which begins tonight at O.co Coliseum.
Even though he pitched in relief in 2014, the lack of work over the past month has been difficult for Jimenez. No longer entrenched in the routine of a starter, he said he makes sure he throws off a mound every three or four days after games to stay fresh.
“I don’t want to lose the command of the fastball,” Jimenez said. “It’s hard going so many days without throwing. It’s not easy at all, but like I said, it’s the situation I have to go throw right now and there’s nothing [else] I can do.”
“It’s tough. Now, it’s the second time being in the ballgame. But being healthy and being back there and not getting any work, I’ve never been in that situation before. But it’s part of the game. It’s what it is. I have to go out there and do the best I can whenever they ask for it and be there for the team."
Jimenez didn’t pitch for 20 days after he was booted from the rotation following a start on July 8, but he gave the Orioles a strong spot start on July 28 in the team’s make-up game in Minnesota, allowing just one run on five hits over five innings. Combine that and Sunday’s outing, and Jimenez has a 1.13 ERA over his last two outings.
It’s not only yesterday,” Jimenez said. “The game I threw before I felt good. I had [20] days without pitching and I was able to give the team a chance to be close on the scoreboard. I’ve been feeling good. I’ve been working on some things and everything is getting where it’s supposed to be. I have better command of the fastball, and I know every time I get on the mound, I can command the fastball and throw breaking balls behind in the count when I need it, so I’m confident right now.”
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-orioles-plan-to-make-a-decision-on-potential- pearce-dl-stint-midweek-20160808-story.html
Orioles plan to make a decision on potential Pearce DL stint midweek
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun August 8, 2016
Steve Pearce’s nagging right throwing arm was feeling much better Monday, a day after receiving a cortisone shot in his elbow, but the team is still one or two days away from finding out whether Pearce will need to go on the disabled list.
Pearce left Sunday’s game in the fifth inning with a strained flexor mass muscle following a gimpy throw home from right field on a sacrifice fly ball off the bat of White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier.
“He’s improved today,” said manager Buck Showalter, who added it was possible Pearce could help the team off the bench in a “couple” ways. “In fact, I was talking to him and [head trainer] Richie [Bancells], and it was a lot better than usually. So hopefully, that’s a good sign that we can stay off the DL. …Maybe, we’ll get lucky. Steve said on the plane that they definitely hit the spot.”
Showalter said the club will likely be able to make a decision on a possible DL stint with Pearce by Wednesday afternoon, which will be after the 48 hours it takes for cortisone shot to take full effect.
“We’ll definitely know something before we go to San Francisco,” Showalter said, referring to the team’s interleague series against the Giants that begins Friday.
The Orioles acquired Pearce from the Tampa Bay Rays at the non-waiver trade deadline to bolster the team’s lineup against left-handed pitching, specifically in the corner outfield spots. Pearce played the infield exclusively with the Rays, and when the Orioles acquired Pearce, Showalter said there were some physical issues Pearce was working through.
Pearce, whose start in right field Sunday allowed Showalter to give Mark Trumbohis first day off, is hitting .345/.449/.672 against left-handed pitching this season.
McFarland returns to game action Tuesday: Left-hander T.J. McFarland will pitch in his first game in six weeks Tuesday, throwing two to three innings in a Gulf Coast League game in Florida.
McFarland, who is currently on the disabled list with left knee inflammation, hasn’t pitched in a game since June 28, when he allowed three runs in a one-inning relief outing in San Diego.
Showalter said McFarland could go on a minor league rehab assignment and join a higher affiliate after Tuesday’s outing.
“Once they got the diagnosis that we’d be able to stay away from surgery if we did this, we knew that we were going to be very diligent and deliberate with it and I think we’ve gotten over that,” Showalter said. “I’m really anxious to see how he feels tomorrow after he pitches. … He’s been throwing for a while now.”
Around the horn: Showalter said he will continue to try to get some of his most heavily-used starters a day off on this road trip. Trumbo received his first off day Sunday in Chicago. 2B Jonathan Schoop is the only Orioles starter who has played all 111 games this season. “We don’t have to,” Showalter said of resting Schoop. “There are some other guys who [are] not of the same age group as he is. He’s one of the guys we’re considering. ... The Athletics announced that former Orioles farmhand RHP Andrew Triggs will start Thursday afternoon’s series finale. Triggs, who was in big league camp with the Orioles this spring, was claimed off waivers by the A’s in March. He owns a 5.35 ERA in 33 2/3 major league innings, mostly in relief. This will be his second major league start. “We were trying to keep him this spring,” Showalter said. “It just didn’t work out. He’s a good pitcher. He’s a smart guy, sinkerball, has multiple ways to get you out. … We knew somebody was going to take him.”
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-on-deck-what-to-watch-monday-at- athletics-20160808-story.html
Orioles on deck: What to watch Monday at Athletics
By Josh Land / The Baltimore Sun August 8, 2016
Orioles (63-47) vs. Athletics (48-63)
Where: Oakland Alameda Coliseum
First pitch: 10:05 p.m.
TV/Radio: MASN/105.7 The Fan
Starting pitchers: Orioles RHP Kevin Gausman (3-8, 4.08 ERA) vs. Athletics RHPKendall Graveman (7-7, 4.46 ERA)
What to watch
1. Western struggles: The Orioles have a winning record against every division in baseball with the exception of one: the American League West. The Orioles begin their series in Oakland 10- 16 against the division, but 2-1 against the A's. The Orioles head to the opposite coast leading the AL East by one game after taking two of three from the White Sox in Chicago. With the Athletics having lost eight of nine games, can the Orioles add to their division lead and improve their mark against the AL West?
2. Slump busters: The Orioles scored in double figures for the first time since June 29 in Sunday's 10-2 win, and have scored at least seven runs in two of their past three games. Could they finally be ending their month-plus offensive slump?
3. Gausman's turn: Kevin Gausman faces the challenge of piggybacking another good start on a strong outing from Dylan Bundy. Gausman did it his last time out with two earned runs in seven innings. Can he do it once again and make it two good starts in a row?
Orioles lineup
CF Adam Jones LF Hyun Soo Kim 3B Manny Machado 1B Chris Davis RF Mark Trumbo DH Pedro Alvarez C Matt Wieters 2B Jonathan Schoop SS J.J. Hardy
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-chance-sisco-20160808-story.html
Orioles prospect Chance Sisco not the flashy type
By Jake Lourim / The Baltimore Sun August 8, 2016
Before a recent game, while teammates played cards at a table in the middle of the clubhouse and others snuck glances at the TV, Chance Sisco — the top hitting prospect in the Orioles organization — stuck behind the scenes, going about his pregame preparation.
Sisco is growing comfortable in Double-A Bowie, settling in to the point where he's able to go about his business without sticking out — the way he likes it. As the nonwaiver trade deadline came and went this month, the Orioles passed on trading Sisco, indicating that he can stay comfortable in Bowie for now, and perhaps that they plan to keep him around for a while.
The California high school catcher the Orioles drafted in the second round in 2013 now stands as the No. 1 prospect in the organization according to ESPN.com and No. 2 according to MLB.com, though nothing about him — from his understated behind-the-scenes pregame regimen to the final pitch he catches — is flashy.
He's just above-average height (6-foot-2) and average build (195 pounds). He makes few highlight plays — he has just two home runs this season for the Baysox, and hasn't hit more than six in a season in his professional career. And he plays catcher, perhaps the least flashy position on the field.
And then there's his demeanor. Those close to him struggle to put a finger on it. His high school coach, Ty De Trinidad, said he's "not eye-popping." Bowie manager Gary Kendall calls him "quiet."
"I remember having to get him to kind of speak up," said Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph, who worked with Sisco at major league spring training this year.
Those descriptors, especially on the field, hardly fit the model of an organization's No. 1 prospect, the kind that fans anoint as a future face of the franchise. But that's OK, because the Orioles don't need him to be the face of the franchise.
"You know what, I've seen a lot of players in the big leagues that weren't outspoken that went up there and waited their turn," Kendall said. "Years ago, the presence of a rookie in the clubhouse didn't say a whole lot of anything. You only spoke when you were spoken to."
Although the wallflower type, Sisco said he doesn't shy away from the spotlight.
"I'm extremely comfortable with it. You have to be," Sisco said. "You're playing professional baseball, you're always in the spotlight. Someone's always watching, doesn't matter where you're at. You get used to it. I'd say I'm extremely comfortable with it."
His demeanor doesn't begin to describe what makes him such an asset: his bat.
In his first year out of Santiago High School in Corona, Calif., Sisco hit .371 in 97 rookie-ball at- bats in the Gulf Coast League in 2013. He followed that by hitting .340 over a full season at Low-A Delmarva in 2014, winning the South Atlantic League batting title.
A .308 average over 263 at-bats at High-A Frederick last season earned him a promotion to Bowie in August. He hit just .257 in 20 games with Bowie in 2015, but this year he's off to another scorching start, hitting .319 as the everyday catcher and slowly drawing the attention of eyes across baseball.
"He thrives on competition," Kendall said. "I don't think he's a guy, he doesn't let 0-for-4s get in his way. He has a quick turnaround, and after a couple games where he feels he could have been better, he's a guy that will go out there and get big hits for us."
Now 21, Sisco has hit .300 at every level from the GCL to Double-A, except for the Arizona Fall League and a two-game stint at Short-A Aberdeen.
"To be able to do what he's done offensively is really special," Orioles director of player development Brian Graham said. "He's a left-handed hitter that puts good at-bats together. He understands the strike zone. He hits the ball all directions. It's an impressive approach to hitting by a young hitter."
Still, his contributions at the plate are unassuming. He has more games with three or more hits (six) than home runs (two) this season. And if you ask Kendall, Sisco prefers the former.
Like many left-handed hitters, he sometimes struggles against left-handed pitching, but has only had limited at-bats in such situations. His on-base numbers are strong, with his 12.5 percent walk rate this year the highest it has been since his first season in 2013. That's another contribution that sometimes flies under the radar. Before a recent Orioles game against the Colorado Rockies, in which the Rockies started newly called up and highly regarded outfielder David Dahl, Joseph compared Sisco to other more heralded prospects.
"[Sisco] may not catch your eye in the general evaluation of what a prospect should look like," Joseph said. "He probably doesn't look like [Dahl], but if you compared him to the catchers who are being evaluated, there's a lot to like there.
"Now, is it going to look sexy? No, but neither did I. The only thing that's keeping him from being on the front of Baseball America like [Matt] Wieters was is him hitting 30 homers. That's the only thing."
One perceived weakness Sisco has is on defense, though Graham said the Orioles plan on keeping him as a catcher for now, He became a catcher in his senior year of high school, the 2012-13 academic year, when he moved from shortstop to fill a need on his high school team. He played the position for one season before he started catching pro arms and 2 1/2 seasons before he started catching Double-A arms.
Naturally, the Orioles are optimistic for several reasons. His ability to throw out would-be base stealers has slowly improved, from 5-for-25 (20 percent) in the GCL to 25-for-96 (26 percent) this year. Kendall points out that while catchers at Sisco's age don't often gain a new level of arm strength all of a sudden, they can make more subtle improvements to their pop time by changing their footwork or release. Graham notes that a catcher's proficiency is increasingly determined by the pitcher at the big league level. And Joseph draws on his own experience of switching to catcher late in the game and learning to call pitches as he developed.
"You have to learn certain players and leagues, and it's a huge chess game," Joseph said. "I don't think anybody over the span of one or two years figures out the game of chess. It just depends maybe on the competition and playing. So you may think you figured it out if you're playing somebody of equal talent as you are. But if you play a world champion, you may find out, well, maybe I haven't improved as much as I thought. So it's kind of a trick question. You progress."
If Sisco stays at catcher, his path to the big leagues is complicated but promising. Matt Wieters, the current Orioles starter, is a free agent after this season. Joseph and Triple-A catchers Francisco Pena and Audry Perez are also in front of Sisco. But Graham hopes to see Sisco finish this season in Bowie, return to big league camp next spring and move to Triple-A Norfolk next season, with a possible call-up to the majors later next year if circumstances allow.
As a high school draft pick, Sisco has a long way to go to reach that day but also a long time to get there, and he knows his hitting so far has put him on the right track.
"I mean, being able to play in Double-A and the Eastern League, you feel like you're almost there," he said. "So to get that feeling of you're just one call away gives you something to look forward to, I guess. Something to work for."
The fact that the Orioles traded promising High-A Frederick catcher Jonah Heim to the Tampa Bay Rays for Steve Pearce shows the organization's confidence in Sisco. As shy as he appears to some, Sisco says he embraces the expectations.
"Who doesn't want to play in the big leagues and be a big role on an AL East team?" he said. "I mean, the Orioles gave me the chance in the first place, so I mean, to be able to come up and hopefully be the starting catcher in Baltimore one day, that's a dream come true."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck-blog/bal-peter-schmuck-orioles-grades-for-the- week-of-aug-1-7-20160808-story.html
Peter Schmuck’s Orioles grades for the week of Aug. 1-7
By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun August 8, 2016
Every week, Orioles columnist Peter Schmuck will grade the performance of the Orioles in five categories. The letter grades are not directly tied to any particular statistic, but are representative of a cumulative evaluation of everything – tangible or intangible – that falls under that particular category.
Click on the photos above to see how they did.
Hitting: B
The Orioles' offensive attack is finally starting to come around after a very disappointing July, but it remains a gradual process. The O’s averaged five runs per game for the week and batted a combined .279 with 14 home runs. That’s all pretty good, but the numbers were juiced a bit by Sunday’s breakout performance, which featured more than a third of the club’s offensive production for the last week. Still there were some strong individual performances, most notably Manny Machado’s record-tying three-homer game on Sunday and Pedro Alvarez’s continuing hot streak. He appeared in five games and batted .500 with five home runs. On paper, Chris Davis continues to struggle with just three hits last week, but he hit his first homer in a month on Sunday and walked enough to register a .360 on-base percentage. Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy and Hyun Soo Kim all had solid weeks. It’s not all good yet, but it’s getting better.
Defense: B+
Every once in awhile the Orioles have one of those games like they had on Friday night, but the four errors they committed in the series opener against the White Sox didn’t leave a mark. The O’s won that game and did not commit an error in any of the other games last week. The defense, which hiccupped early in the season and fell deep into the major league rankings, has climbed back to sixth in the majors in fielding percentage and into a tie for fifth in fewest errors. Chris Davis committed two errors on a rare off night with the glove on Friday, but the overall defensive performance for the week was quite good.
Rotation: A-
The Orioles introduced a new pitcher to the starting rotation after the midseason trade deadline and Wade Miley gave up four earned runs over five innings against a very strong Texas Rangers lineup. It wasn’t a great performance, but the good news is that it was – by far – the worst performance by any Orioles starter last week and it wasn’t all that bad. The rotation averaged six innings per start and registered a very solid 3.16 combined ERA. Obviously, young Dylan Bundy has made a tremendous contribution. He started twice and allowed just two earned runs in 13 innings. Kevin Gausman bounced back from the awful start against the Blue Jays to pitch very well against the Rangers last Wednesday. Yovani Gallardo also pitched well, and Chris Tillman lost because the O’s could only manage two runs for him.
Bullpen: B+
Orioles relievers were not quite as dominant as usual, but it didn’t matter. Darren O’Day had a rare lapse of command on Friday night and was charged with three earned runs in only a third of an inning, but the Orioles won the game anyway. Throw that appearance out and the bullpen allowed three other earned runs over 15 2/3 innings. Zach Britton remained perfect at the top of the American League save rankings. Brad Brach gave up an earned run on Tuesday, but he also saved that uncharacteristic performance for a game in which the Orioles had a four-run lead and went on to win. It was only the second time he had allowed an earned run since June 16. Ubaldo Jimenez came out of the bullpen to pitch three perfect innings in relief of Bundy to earn his first career save in a game the Orioles led by eight runs. Overall, the O’s bullpen compiled an 0-0 record and a 3.38 ERA.
All things considered: B
Everyone knows that the Orioles must play better on the road if they are to hold their place at the top of the American League standings and they did that over the weekend against the White Sox. Though they didn’t score a ton of runs in the home series against the first-place Rangers, they also won that series against a team they may have to get past in the playoffs. All in all, it was a pretty good week and Sunday’s breakout offensive performance could be a sign of good things to come. But a word of caution: If the O’s spend the next four games in Oakland swinging for the fences, they could miss a golden opportunity to beef up their road record. That ballpark is built more for a line drive attack.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/194505358/orioles-kevin-gausman-0-9-away-from-home/
Gausman solid, but remains winless on road
By Rick Eymer / MLB.com August 9, 2016
OAKLAND -- Kevin Gausman has left a game tied or with the lead seven times this season. The Orioles right-hander's record in those games is 0-1 with six no-decisions. Five times he's left a game when the offense had yet to score a run.
It's not that Gausman is unlucky, it's just a way to understand that he's pitched much better than his record would indicate. He fell to 3-9, including 0-8 on the road, as the Athletics edged the Orioles, 3-2, on Monday night at the Coliseum.
"He's throwing the heck out of the ball," Orioles center fielder Adam Jones said. "He's controlling what he can control. It's crazy; we score 10 runs [Sunday] and tonight we score two. You wish you could use some of those runs tonight. It's a part of the game."
If Gausman is frustrated, he's certainly not showing it. He even joked about the distance between the mound and the dugout in the cavernous Coliseum.
"I had to pace myself running to the mound," he said. "It's a long way. There's a lot of foul territory here and a lot foul balls are going to stay in. It's very different from the parks on the East Coast."
The Orioles took the early lead because of the spacious area near the visitors' bullpen.
With the bases loaded in the third, Manny Machado, who homered in the eighth, hit a high pop foul that Yonder Alfonso was able to track down near the seats in short right field. J.J. Hardy alertly tagged from third and scored. The Orioles could not take any more advantage of the opportunity.
Gausman left the game down, 2-1. The A's tacked on a run in the seventh and Machado responded with his 26th home run of the season and his fourth in two games.
"Since he's come to the big leagues, he's been an impressive player," Jones said of Machado. "And he's only going to get better and better."
Gausman hasn't won on the road in over a year. All he can do is shrug his shoulders.
"I've pitched well in some of those outings," he said. "Some of them I haven't at all."
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/194446676/orioles-ubaldo-jimenez-allows-bullpen-to-rest/
In earning first save, Ubaldo also saves 'pen
By Rick Eymer / MLB.com August 8, 2016
OAKLAND -- Orioles right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez did more than earn his first career save by pitching the final three innings of Sunday's 10-2 victory over the White Sox. He saved the bullpen and the O's avoided having to make any pitching moves.
"He gave a bunch of guys a second day off," manager Buck Showalter said. "That was huge regardless of what happened."
Jimenez, who has 105 wins, took the responsibility to heart.
"It's not easy, not facing hitters for a few days and then coming in," Jimenez said. "You have to find a way to be ready. I can help take the pressure off the main guy."
Jimenez has made 18 starts, and Sunday was his second relief appearance.
Worth noting
• Outfielder Steve Pearce, who received a cortisone shot for an inflamed right elbow, "looks a lot better than initially," Showalter said. "By Wednesday, we'll have an idea what we're dealing with."
• Lefty T.J. McFarland will throw a bullpen session for the Orioles' Rookie League affiliate in the Gulf Coast League on Tuesday. If all goes well, he'll be sent on a rehab assignment.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/194429608/os-miley-as-neal-match-up-at-coliseum/
Miley seeks first win with O's in second start
By Rick Eymer / MLB.com August 8, 2016
Athletics right-hander Zach Neal makes his second career start Tuesday. He's no stranger to throwing the first pitch, though. He was a starter throughout his Minor League career with the Marlins and A's.
"What it comes down to is I'll do whatever they need me to do," said Neal, who threw 60 pitches in his last start May 25. "I'll pitch until they take the ball away from me."
The Orioles send veteran left-hander Wade Miley to the mound for his second start since being acquired from the Mariners.
"He presented himself well," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said. "He's been in both leagues. There's not much of an adjustment."
Miley won both of his previous starts against the A's and has a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings against them. Neal has no history with the Orioles.
Things to know about this game
• Yonder Alfonso, Billy Butler and Khris Davis have each hit a home run and driven in three runs against Miley.
• Miley has a career opponents' batting average of .279 in August, his second worst month.
• The O's Hyun Soo Kim has a 10-game hitting streak.
• Adam Jones singled in his first three at bats Monday night, giving him 1,402 hits with the Orioles. He needs one more to match Al Bumbry for 10th on Baltimore's all-time list.
Coco Crisp is a career .302 hitter against the Orioles.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/08/alvarez-davis-and-tonights-game-in- oakland.html
Alvarez, Davis and tonight’s game in Oakland
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com August 9, 2016
OAKLAND - With Ross Detwiler’s insertion into the Athletics’ rotation on Wednesday, Pedro Alvarez figures to sit out one of the four games in the series. Otherwise, he’s going to be the designated hitter while attempting to reach the 20-home run mark for the fourth time in five seasons.
Alvarez has hit 18 home runs, including nine since the All-Star break. Five have come over six games this month, and he contributed an RBI single to Sunday’s win in Chicago.
Alvarez went 0-for-4 last night, with first baseman Yonder Alonso making a diving stop and flip to record the out in the fourth inning. He was batting .301 with four doubles, 15 home runs, 27 RBIs and 23 runs scored over his past 38 games since June 2.
“Pete’s been a solid teammate since Day One,” said manager Buck Showalter. “It’s almost like you go through spring training and say, ‘Boy, there’s no way anybody’s that good of a guy and that good a teammate.’ He is.
“Once he got comfortable with the new league, the new pitchers, the new teammates, he’s been solid. He’s been a big contributor for us the last month especially when he’s been getting out there consistently.”
First baseman Chris Davis has remained in the lineup against left-handers and right-handers despite a prolonged slump that finally loosened its grip Sunday when he launched a prodigious home run.
Davis also walked twice and was hit by a pitch.
“I think there are only two players in the American League who have more walks than him,” Showalter said. “He was on base four times and he’s playing Gold Glove defense. It hurts our team when he doesn’t play. And it also affects our batting order in terms of what teams can do out of the bullpen. We create situations where they can use one pitcher to go through multiple hitters, and that’s not good.
“Chris is always a game or two away from going into one of those streaks, and I’ve never seen a guy go on a streak not playing for two or three days. But he impacts our club every day. And I know it’s frustrating for him when he’s not able to get to that power and that run production that we know he’s capable of, and maybe (Sunday) will get him going.”
Davis began last night tied with the Twins’ Joe Mauer for the third-most walks in the American League with 63, trailing the Angels’ Mike Trout (75) and the Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson (73).
Davis went 0-for-4 last night, but he figures to start again tonight against right-hander Zach Neal, a rookie making his 12th major league appearance and second start. Left-handers are batting .333 against Neal, a 17th-round pick of the Marlins in 2010 out of the University of Oklahoma, and right-handers are hitting .271.
Neal is 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in 24 innings, with 14 runs and 29 hits allowed, one walk and 10 strikeouts. He’s registered a 2.70 ERA in five home games and a 7.07 ERA in six road games, including his only start on May 25 in Seattle, when he permitted seven runs and eight hits in four innings in a 13-3 loss.
Left-hander Wade Miley makes his second start with the Orioles after being hit on the left calf in the fifth inning of his debut. He’s 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two career starts against the Athletics, with two runs allowed in 14 innings. In his one start in Oakland, he tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings on May 13, 2015 while pitching for the Red Sox.
The current group of A’s are 16-for-48 (.333) against him. Khris Davis is 2-for-5 with a home run, Marcus Semien is 3-for-8 with a triple, Billy Butler is slow and also 3-for-11 with a home run, and Alonso is 4-for-14 with a home run.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/08/hearing-from-showalter-gausman-and- jones-after-3-2-loss.html
Hearing from Showalter, Gausman and Jones after 3-2 loss
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com August 9, 2016
OAKLAND - The Orioles don’t score runs for Kevin Gausman and he doesn’t win on the road. Pick your favorite story angle.
Gausman won’t join you. Manager Buck Showalter also prefers to stay out of it.
Gausman left tonight’s game after six innings with the Orioles trailing the Athletics 2-1, and they finished on the wrong end of a 3-2 score at Oakland Coliseum.
“He pitched well again,” Showalter said. “It was good to see. He had little hiccup last time out, but he threw the ball good. We just didn’t mount much offensively.
“The three hits we got to load the bases (in the third) were pretty cheap variety, too. We had some good people up, just didn’t have a chance to get a hit there, maybe open it up and get some breathing room. Kevin hasn’t had much breathing room.”
Yeah, what’s up with that?
“It’s not really something ... It’s something you’ll ask about and he’ll probably say the same thing,” Showalter replied.
“It’s just a part of baseball. I don’t think our guys get up in the morning and say, ‘Kevin’s pitching today. Let’s not score any runs.’ Sometimes, it can work the other way, but it’s not really a topic for us. If he continues to pitch well, he’ll get his share.”
Gausman hasn’t won on the road since April 2015 and he hasn’t won a road start since August 2014.
“Yeah, I’ve pitched well in some outings on the road. Some I haven’t at all,” he said. “I don’t really have anything to say about that.”
Gausman allowed two runs and six hits in six innings, with two walks and six strikeouts. He was done after 100 pitches, including 55 for strikes, and fell to 3-9 with a 4.02 ERA.
“I felt locked in from the first pitch on, really,” he said. “Had a really good split tonight. Kind of relied on that more than anything. And it was really good against right-handed hitters. When my split’s going good against righties, that’s when I know it’s on.”
Stephen Vogt hit a game-tying solo home run leading off the fourth inning after Gausman got ahead 1-2 in the count.
“I was trying to throw a fastball up,” he said. “I felt like I had him set up for it and didn’t get it up there. Kind of left it middle-middle, really, and I think he was looking for a fastball and obviously didn’t miss it.”
The Orioles didn’t do much with Kendall Graveman, settling for an RBI popup from Manny Machado in the third inning. Machado homered off reliever Ryan Dull in the eighth inning. Graveman usually gets knocked around by the Orioles.
“He wasn’t sinking the ball like he was tonight,” Showalter said. “If you see a lot of ground balls and everything, you’ll know he’s on top of his game and he was.”
Machado is on top of the baseball world with four home runs in his last two games.
“I don’t know if anything surprises me anymore that he does,” Gausman said. “He’s one of the best in the game. Obviously, his ability has always been great, but really the last two years it seems like he’s got a great idea what the pitcher’s going to throw at him. You don’t see him take many ugly swings and misses where he spins around anymore. Kind of seems like he has a good idea up there all the time.”
Adam Jones had three of the six hits off Graveman, who completed seven innings.
“He pounds the strike zone,” Jones said. “That’s what I’ve seen out of him the first start against him, looking over tape. He just pounds the strike zone. He uses his sinker, he uses his infield, and tonight we hit some balls on the button, but right at them. We had some opportunities, just didn’t come through.”
The loss left the Orioles tied with the Blue Jays for first place in the American League East and lowered their road record to 24-31. They piled on the runs yesterday in Chicago, but the offense got quiet again tonight with Gausman making the start.
“It’s just part of the game,” Jones said. “It’s crazy. Yesterday, we scored 10 runs. Today, we scored two. Sometimes, you think we wished we could have used some runs from yesterday, but it’s just how the game works.
“(Gausman’s) been throwing the heck out of the ball. Tonight, threw the heck out of the ball. He’s controlling what he can control, and that’s on the mound. As an offense, we’ve got to clean it up when he’s out there starting because he’s been giving us some really, really good quality starts.”
Machado will try to add to his home run total Tuesday night. It swelled to 26 tonight with a 446- foot shot.
“Since he’s come up to the big leagues, he’s been quite an impressive player,” Jones said. “He’s only going to get better and better. That’s the scary part.”
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/08/machado-homers-again-in-3-2-loss.html
Machado homers again in 3-2 loss
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com August 9, 2016
OAKLAND - Manny Machado didn’t hit home runs in each of the first three innings tonight. If anyone made that wager, the money could have been spent more wisely.
He had to settle for one monstrous shot in a losing cause.
Machado grounded out in the first inning, scored J.J. Hardy with a foul popup in the third, lined to short in the sixth and hit a solo homer with two outs in the eighth in the Orioles’ 3-2 loss to the last-place Athletics before only 10,407.
The Orioles (63-48) are tied with the Blue Jays for first place in the American League East. They’re 24-31 on the road.
Machado, accompanied by the usual chorus of boos in Oakland, drove a Ryan Dull pitch an estimated 446 feet for his 26th home run and fourth in two games. He got the last word, a small victory on a night when no others were forthcoming.
Billy Butler singled with two outs in the sixth to score Stephen Vogt, who drew a leadoff walk off Kevin Gausman, and break a 1-1 tie. The A’s were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position before Butler came through.
Reliever Logan Ondrusek gave up Vogt’s two-out RBI single in the seventh after walking No. 9 hitter Ryon Healy to start the inning.
Gausman allowed two runs and six hits in six innings, with two walks, six strikeouts, a home run and a wild pitch. He threw 100 pitches, 55 for strikes, before Ondrusek replaced him.
Vogt led off the bottom of the fourth with a game-tying home run, and Butler’s RBI single guaranteed that Gausman would remain winless in road starts since Aug. 17, 2014.
There’s so much foul territory at O.co Coliseum, Hardy was able to tag up and score on Machado’s popup to first baseman Yonder Alonzo, who ran down the ball with his back to the infield. But the Orioles couldn’t give Kendall Graveman the usual beating.
Chris Davis grounded out to end the third inning. Adam Jones was stranded in the fifth after a two-out single and Matt Wieters was stranded in the seventh after a one-out single.
Gausman stranded Coco Crisp at second base after a leadoff double in the first inning, an important moment in the game if you consider the right-hander’s early struggles this season. Gausman had allowed 13 runs in the first for a 5.68 ERA before tonight’s game.
If only the Orioles could have dialed up some run support, but that’s usually not available to Gausman.
Jones singled in the first, third and fifth innings.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/08/updating-pearce-mcfarland-and-pitching- matchups.html
Updating Pearce, McFarland and pitching matchups
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com August 8, 2016
OAKLAND - Steve Pearce’s right arm is feeling much better today after the cortisone injection, the improvement more pronounced than Orioles manager Buck Showalter had anticipated. Pearce seems like a good bet to avoid the disabled list. Showalter said he’ll have a better idea on Wednesday.
“He’s improved today,” Showalter said. “I was talking to he and Richie (Bancells). A lot better than usually, so hopefully that’s a good sign that he can stay off the DL.”
Pearce felt discomfort in his right forearm and left yesterday’s game in the fifth inning. The injection is working.
“Steve said on the plane that they definitely hit the spot,” Showalter said. “The first time they hit a nerve and his arm went straight out. Then they went back in there.
“The doctor gave him the ‘oops.’ You ever had an ‘oops’ with a needle? I have. In my knee. It’s OK, doc, just jam it in there.”
Pearce could be available tonight without having to throw the ball.
“There’s a couple things he could do for us on the field tonight, but probably tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday afternoon, somewhere in there, we’ll have an idea of what we’re dealing with. We were thinking Wednesday afternoon we’ll be able to make a decision. Definitely before we go to San Francisco.”
Left-hander T.J. McFarland is scheduled to throw two or three innings Tuesday in the Gulf Coast League while recovering from a knee injury. He hasn’t pitched since June 28 in San Diego.
McFarland is expected to go on an injury rehab assignment following his appearance with the GCL team.
The Athletics will start left-hander Ross Detwiler and former Orioles farmhand Andrew Triggs in the last two games of the series. They purchased Detwiler’s contract from the Indians on July 17.
Triggs, selected off waivers from the Orioles on March 16, will be making his 20th major league appearance and second start.
“Guys change a little bit,” Showalter said, downplaying the Orioles’ possible advantage. “We were trying to keep him this spring. Just didn’t work out. Good pitcher. He’s a good signing by them.”
Triggs, 27, posted a 1.03 ERA and 0.869 WHIP in 43 relief appearances with Double-A Bowie in 2015. He pitched one inning against the Orioles and struck out the side in the second game of a May 7 doubleheader.
“He’s a smart guy,” Showalter said. “Can sink the ball. Has multiple ways to get you out. We just didn’t have room for him. We knew somebody was going to take him. We tried to work out a way to keep him. Can’t keep them all.”
The Orioles are starting Yovani Gallardo and Chris Tillman in the last two games. Left- handerWade Miley opposes Zach Neal on Tuesday.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/08/jimenez-on-his-first-career-save.html
Jimenez on his first career save
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com August 8, 2016
OAKLAND - Orioles outfielder Steve Pearce wasn’t at his locker this afternoon while the media gathered in the clubhouse. Manager Buck Showalter will provide a health update in less than an hour.
Pearce received a cortisone injection to alleviate discomfort in his right flexor mass. He exited yesterday’s game in the fifth inning and probably won’t be available tonight.
Ubaldo Jimenez kept the ball yesterday from his first major league save in 289 games. He retired all nine White Sox batters that he faced to complete a 10-2 victory at U.S. Cellular Field.
“I think my last two games have been the same,” Jimenez said, referencing his July 28 start in Minnesota, when he allowed one run and struck out eight batters in five innings. “Not only yesterday but the game before, I was able to command the fastball, I was able to throw the breaking ball behind in the count when I needed. I feel confident when I’ve been on the mound the last two games.”
Jimenez is 105-103 with a 4.17 ERA in 11 major league seasons. He made the National League All-Star team and finished third in Cy Young Award voting with the Rockies in 2010. But earning a save, in his sixth career relief appearance, was a new experience.
It also was a surprise.
“To tell you the truth, I didn’t even know until after the game,” he said. “Brad (Brach) was the one who asked me, ‘Hey, is this your first one?’ I was like, ‘My first what?’ He said, ‘Your first save.’ I didn’t know that was a save, but I’ll take it.
“It’s going to be part of my baseball history, I guess, my stats when I retire. It was good. But the main thing was I was able to go out there and give the main guys in the bullpen a break from throwing and to give them a day off, so that was good.”
Jimenez hadn’t pitched since the July 28 start in Minnesota and was making only his second appearance since July 8.
“It’s not easy at all when you have so many days without facing a hitter, but it is what it is,” he said. “Whenever they ask for me, I have to find a way to be there for the team. That’s what I owe the team.”
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/08/afternoon-notes-from-oakland.html
Afternoon notes from Oakland
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com August 8, 2016
OAKLAND - The Orioles won’t post their lineup for a few more hours, but third baseman Manny Machado most definitely will be in it. Look for him in his usual third spot behind Adam Jones andHyun Soo Kim.
Just don’t be disappointed if he can’t hit three home runs tonight. Making history has its limits.
Machado became the first Oriole to hit three home runs in a game since Chris Davis on May 20, 2014 in Pittsburgh. He was the first to hit three homers in a game at U.S. Cellular Field since Paul Konerko on July 7, 2009 versus the Indians and the first opponent since the Twins’ Justin Morneau on July 6, 2007.
According to STATS, LLC., Machado is one of nine players in major league history to homer in three consecutive innings and the first since the Rangers’ Kevin Mench on June 30, 2005 versus the Angels.
It’s especially impressive when considering that Carl Reynolds of the 1930 White Sox is the only other player to hit a home run in each of the first three innings.
Reynolds played parts of 13 seasons in the majors with the White Sox, Senators (twice), St. Louis Browns, Red Sox and Cubs. He totaled 80 home runs, including a career-high 22 with the White Sox in 1930.
Reynolds went 5-for-6 with three homers, eight RBIs and four runs scored in the second game of a July 2 doubleheader against the Yankees. He hit two the following month, both coming on Aug. 2 against the Tigers.
The Yankees’ Red Ruffing served up Reynolds’ first two home runs and Ken Holloway gave up the third.
Babe Ruth had one at-bat, driving in a run, before Dusty Cooke replaced him in right field. Still waiting for an explanation.
Shortstop J.J. Hardy needs one more home run to reach 100 with the Orioles. Second basemanJonathan Schoop needs one home run for 50.
Dylan Bundy is 3-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 17 strikeouts in seven appearances and 18 innings against the American League Central.
Down on the farm, Triple-A Norfolk outfielder Dariel Álvarez is tied with Brandon Snyder for the most games played (285) since the Tides became an Orioles affiliate.
Mike Wright is starting tonight just three days after facing Charlotte. However, he threw only 13 pitches due to a rain delay that lasted 1 hour, 32 minutes.
In case you missed my tweet earlier, former Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz cleared waivers and remained in the Cubs organization after they designated him for assignment. He’s reporting to Triple-A Iowa, where he’s expected to rejoin the rotation.
The Cubs could bring him up again later and use him out of the bullpen during the stretch run if he isn’t needed in the rotation.
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/08/a-look-at-the-inconsistent-offense- aberdeens-all-stars-and-more.html
A look at the inconsistent offense, Aberdeen’s All-Stars and more
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com August 9, 2016
The Orioles offense has been inconsistent this season and on this road trip. That inconsistency continuted last night as they lost 3-2 at Oakland and are 2-2 on the trip.
In the two road wins the Orioles have hit .359 (28-for-78) with seven home runs, 17 runs and a mark of 5-for-12 with runners in scoring position. In the two losses they have hit .197 (13-for- 66) with one home run, four runs and a mark of 3-for-12 with RISP.
According to a stat from MASN’s “O’s Xtra” postgame last night, the Orioles are now 12-33 when scoring three runs or fewer.
Dylan Bundy gave up two runs in six innings Sunday and won big. Kevin Gausman gave up two runs in six innings and took his ninth loss. Gausman is now winless over his last 24 road starts dating to August of 2014. That is pretty incredible. The O’s have scored three runs or fewer in 14 of Gausman’s 20 starts this season. His run support is often sadly lacking.
On the plus side, the Orioles’ starting rotation came up with a fourth straight quality start last night and that ties a season-high. They also had four in a row from May 7-11. In the last four games, the starters’ ERA is 3.38 as Yovani Gallardo, Chris Tillman, Bundy and Gausman have pitched solid games.
Once again the Orioles find themselves tied for first with the Toronto Blue Jays. They are 63-48 with a .568 win percentage to Toronto’s 64-49 and .566 win percentage.
Aberdeen’s All-Stars: Left-handed pitcher Alexander Wells and outfielder Cole Billingsley of the short season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds have been named to play in the New-York Penn League All-Star Game. The game is set for Aug. 16 at Hudson Valley.
The 19-year-old Wells was signed by the Orioles for $300,000 last August out of Newcastle, Australia. In nine starts he is 3-5 with an ERA of 2.27. Over 43 2/3 innings, he has allowed 36 hits and just one is a homer. He has walked only four batters with 30 strikeouts and a .228 average against. Wells was literally knocked out of the game after facing just one batter on Sunday when he was hit in the leg with a line drive.
The 22-year-old Billingsley was the club’s 19th-round draft pick this year out of South Alabama. In 34 games he is batting .279 with three doubles, a triple, three homers, 11 RBIs and an OPS of .739 for Aberdeen. He was hitting .330 in late July before his bat cooled off recently.
On the farm last night: Triple-A Norfolk (48-68) lost 6-5 at home versus Gwinnett. It was just the third loss in 10 games for the Tides, who are 3-15 against Gwinnett this season.
Starting pitcher Mike Wright went six innings, allowing eight hits, including two homers and six runs. Wright yielded a three-run homer to Rio Ruiz in the first inning and a two-out, two-run shot by Reid Brignac in the sixth frame. He falls to 3-2 with an ERA of 3.21. Tides starters had pitched to an ERA of 1.62 their previous 11 games. Outfielder Dariel Alvarez went 2-for-5. Alvarez has played in 286 games with Norfolk, the most by a Tides player since the franchise became an Orioles affiliate. Alvarez was tied with Brandon Snyder at 285 games going into last night’s contest. Michael Almanzar had a two-run triple for the Tides.
Single-A Delmarva lost 7-5 at home to Lakewood in 10 innings. Shortstop Ryan Mountcastle hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at 5-5 and force extra innings. It was Mountcastle’s ninth homer and fourth in his past 11 games.
Shorebirds starter Cristian Alvarado did not get a decision. Over seven innings he allowed six hits and three runs (two earned) with no walks and five strikeouts. His ERA is 3.38. Christian Turnipseed gave up three runs over 1 1/3 innings to take the loss.
Aberdeen (21-28) won 6-3 at Connecticut. The IronBirds had 12 hits as Kirvin Moesquit, Ryan McKenna, Preston Palmeiro, Austin Hays and Jeff Kemp had two hits each.
Right-hander Matthias Dietz, the Orioles’ second-round pick this year, made the start. He went 2 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and two runs and has an ERA of 3.52 in his first three pro games. James Teague (1-0) got the win in relief with 2 2/3 scoreless innings on one hit.
The Gulf Coast League Orioles (20-19) lost 4-0 to the GCL Twins Monday afternoon. The baby Birds were held to five hits, all singles. Glynn Davis went 2-for-4. Davis presumably was there on a rehab assignment from Double-A Bowie where he is batting .243 in 64 Baysox games. Shortstop Irving Ortega went 2-for-3 and is batting .283. He is 8-for-16 in August. Losing pitcher Willie Rios, the Orioles’ 16th-round pick in June, gave up four hits and three runs over two innings.
Double-A Bowie (49-65) and Single-A Frederick (56-56) were off Monday.
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/08/os-bats-are-quiet-in-series-opening-loss-at- oakland.html
O’s bats are quiet in series-opening loss at Oakland
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com August 9, 2016
On Sunday in Chicago, the Orioles scored 10 runs in the first three innings. Tonight at Oakland, the Orioles produced two over nine innings in a 3-2 loss to the Athletics to begin a four-game series.
Right-hander Kevin Gausman has now made 24 consecutive road starts without gaining a win. He gave up just two runs, but the Orioles scored him just one when he was in the game as he fell to 3-9 with an ERA of 4.02.
Manny Machado hit another homer tonight. His solo blast in the eighth off Ryan Dull pulled the Orioles to within 3-2. It was his fourth in two days and No. 26 on the season. Machado’s blast to left-center had an exit velocity of 109 mph and traveled 446 feet according to Statcast. The Orioles have hit 15 homers in the last seven games.
Now 2-2 on this 10-game road trip, the Orioles are 63-48 overall and they lost ground tonight to the Blue Jays, who beat the Rays 7-5. The clubs are once again tied for first in the American League East.
The Orioles scored first tonight and took a 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly to the first baseman. Three straight third-inning singles by J.J. Hardy,Adam Jones and Hyun Soo Kim loaded the bases against right-hander Kendall Graveman. Kim’s fly ball to right center fell in when two Oakland outfielders converged but did not make a play on the ball. The O’s took advantage when Machado lifted a foul popup. First baseman Yonder Alonso made an over-the-shoulder catch with his back to the plate. His throw home was too late to get Hardy and it was 1-0 Orioles. Machado has nine RBIs over his last two games.
Oakland tied it 1-1 when catcher Stephen Vogt homered to lead off the fourth. He hit No. 9 on a 1-2 fastball at 95 mph that went 392 feet. In the sixth, Vogt drew a leadoff walk and scored the go-ahead run later on Billy Butler’s single. It gave Oakland a 2-1 lead.
Oakland took advantage of another leadoff walk to make it 3-1 in the seventh off reliever Logan Ondrusek. He walked Ryon Healy to start the inning. Vogt came through again, this time with a two-out RBI single for the two-run lead.
Gausman went six innings allowing six hits and two runs with two walks and six strikeouts. He recorded his sixth quality start in his past eight games, but he has not won on the road since Aug. 17, 2014 at Cleveland.
Graveman got the win, allowing one run and six hits over seven innings. He is 8-7 with an ERA of 4.29. The Orioles hit four homers against him and scored six runs in 2 2/3 on May 8 in Baltimore, but they could not get much off him tonight. Oakland is 49-63 and won for just the second time in 10 games.
In the second game of this series on Tuesday night, Wade Miley (7-9, 5.08 ERA) makes his second O’s start facing right-hander Zach Neal (1-1, 5.25 ERA).
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/08/os-game-blog-gausman-faces-oakland- plus-home-run-notes.html
O’s game blog: Gausman faces Oakland, plus home run notes
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com August 8, 2016
After seeing Orioles who were drafted in the first round in Manny Machado (2010) and Dylan Bundy (2011) lead the team to a win Sunday in Chicago, can 2012 first-round pick right- handerKevin Gausman pitch the Orioles to victory tonight?
Gausman (3-8, 4.08 ERA) has recorded five quality starts in his last seven outings, going 3-3 with a 3.61 ERA. He’s allowed two earned runs or fewer four times. Take away the outing where he gave up six runs in three innings on July 29 at Toronto and his ERA is 2.52 in this stretch.
Gausman is out to end a long streak tonight. He has not recorded a win in his past 23 road starts, dating back to a win at Cleveland on Aug. 17, 2014. This season, Gausman is 0-7 with an ERA of 5.62 in 11 road starts. In those games, he has given up 14 homers in 57 2/3 innings. In 32 career road starts, he is 3-18 with an ERA of 5.65.
Gausman is coming off a strong outing on Wednesday at home against Texas. He went seven or more innings for the third time in seven starts, allowing seven hits and two runs. He threw 108 pitches as he picked up his third victory.
Oakland is starting 25-year-old right-hander Kendall Graveman (7-7, 4.46 ERA), who is making his 22nd start of the season. Graveman went 4-1 with a 2.68 ERA in five July starts. But in his last outing on Wednesday versus the Angels, he gave up six runs and nine hits over four innings.
Graveman is 0-2 with a 10.13 ERA in five career games against Baltimore. When he started at Camden Yards on May 8, the Orioles bashed four homers off him and he allowed six runs in 2 2/3 innings. He gave up homers to Machado, Pedro Alvarez, Jonathan Schoop and Mark Trumbo, and that was his shortest outing of the year. But Graveman is 3-3 with a 2.92 ERA in eight home starts, allowing just three homers in 52 1/3 innings.
Speaking of home runs, the Orioles hit five in Sunday’s 10-2 win at Chicago with four coming in the first two innings, three by Machado.
That was the fifth time this season the Orioles hit five or more homers in a game. The season high is seven home runs on June 2 versus Boston. The Orioles have homered 10 times in the last four games and 14 in their past six contests.
The Orioles have hit 168 homers in 110 games. They are on a pace to hit 247 this year. That would be the sixth-most ever by one team and second-most by an Orioles team. The 1996 Orioles hit 257, tied for third-most all-time behind the 2005 Texas Rangers (260) and the 1997 Seattle Mariners (264).
MLB team home run leaders:
168 - Orioles 159 - Blue Jays 156 - Mariners 149 - Cardinals 147 – Nationals
The Orioles (63-47) have won five of their last seven games and are 2-1 on this 10-game road trip. Oakland (48-63) has lost eight of its last nine games, falling a season-high 15 games under the .500 mark.
Shorebird honored: Single-A Delmarva outfielder Randolph Gassaway has been named the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the period ending yesterday.
Gassaway went 13-for-27 with four doubles, two home runs, four runs scored and four RBIs in seven games. He finished the week with a slash line of .481/.500/.852 and is batting .343 in 29 games with Delmarva.
This is the first career honor for Gassaway in the South Atlantic League. He is the fifth Shorebirds player to be recognized by the league office this season, joining Yermin Mercedes (twice), Ryan Mountcastle, Cristian Alvarado and Ofelky Peralta.
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/08/at-19-games-under-500-triple-a-norfolk-is- a-playoff-contender.html
At 19 games under .500, Triple-A Norfolk is a playoff contender
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com August 8, 2016
One year after the Orioles’ farm system produced division winners at the Triple-A and Double-A levels and saw Bowie win the Double-A Eastern League championship, the O’s could end this season without one playoff team on the farm.
As we sometimes say, “if the season ended today” no O’s farm teams would qualify but a few still have a shot while others are well out of it with about a month to go in the minor league regular season.
First let’s look at the strange case of the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. They are 48-67, 19 games under .500, yet are just 4 1/2 games out of first place. This is not a misprint. Here are the current standings in the International League South division:
Durham, 53-63 Gwinnett, 52-63, 1/2 game behind Charlotte, 50-66, 3 games behind Norfolk, 48-67, 4.5 games behind
Yep, this is strange and unusual, and the Tides could make the playoffs and finish well under the .500 mark. They still have three teams to try and pass, however, in the final weeks. Norfolk is playing better lately, winning seven of its last nine games. Since June 13, the Tides are 27-24. So we’re saying there’s a chance for Norfolk.
Right-hander Mike Wright (2-2, 2.47 ERA) starts for Norfolk tonight and Tyler Wilson (1-0, 5.23 ERA) pitches tomorrow. Right-hander Joe Gunkel has allowed just one run over 19 2/3 innings (ERA of 0.46) his past three starts. Norfolk starting pitchers have an ERA of just 1.62 their last 11 games.
Tides closer Jason Stoffel has earned 21 saves between Bowie and Norfolk this year, a mark that ranks eighth in all of minor league baseball. Stoffel has posted a 0.77 ERA in 21 games, as he’s held IL batters to a .179 average while posting 30 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings.
Double-A Bowie is 49-65 and 12 games out of second place and a playoff berth. It’s not happening this year at Bowie. Single-A Frederick is 20-22 in the second half and nine games out. Frederick is 56-56 overall and one of three O’s minor league teams with a .500 or better record.
Single-A Delmarva is 17-26 in the second half and eight games out. The Shorebirds finished 42- 27 in the first half and missed a playoff berth by a half-game. Delmarva’s overall record is 59-53 and the Shorebirds’ .527 win percentage tops all O’s teams.
Short-season Single-A Aberdeen is 20-28 and eight games out. The rookie-level Gulf Coast League Orioles are in the hunt at 20-18, two games out of first place. The Orioles’ two teams in the Dominican Summer League are well out of first place with the DSL-1 team at 19-35 and DSL-2 at 23-31.
Overall, the O’s farm teams have a combined mark of 294-353 and a winning percentage of .454 that ranks 27th among all organizations.
It should be noted that we can’t determine the quantity or quality of prospects just by looking at a won-loss record. The O’s have had plenty of players producing good years like Chance Sisco,Trey Mancini, Aderlin Rodriguez, Yermin Mercedes, Ryan Mountcastle, Matthew Grimes and Brian Gonzalez to name just a handful. Several of the 2016 draft picks are off to good starts.
More farm notes:
* Norfolk first baseman Mancini went 2-for-3 Sunday with a walk, double, home run and two RBIs. Mancini’s .295 batting average ranks 10th in the International League.
* Bowie catcher Sisco has hit safely in five consecutive games, batting .474/.524/.684 (9-for-19) with four doubles and two runs scored in that span. He ranks third with a .322 batting average and first with a .409 on-base percentage in the Eastern League.
* Frederick outfielder DJ Stewart has gone 6-for-12 (.500) with a triple, two runs scored and one RBI over his last three games. He is batting .280 with an OPS of .821 in 31 games since joining Frederick.
* Delmarva outfielder Randolph Gassaway went 2-for-5 with a home run and career high-tying three RBIs yesterday. He has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games, batting .421 (24-for-57) with nine doubles, two home runs, six runs scored and four RBIs, and is batting .343 in 29 games with the Shorebirds.
* Aberdeen outfielder Austin Hays went 1-for-3 with a double and run scored in Game 1 of a doubleheader. He is batting .317/.378/.488 (13-for-41) in his first pro season.
Here are the O’s farm system ERA leaders among qualifying pitchers with their current team listed:
2.27 - Alexander Wells (Aberdeen) 2.32 - Matthew Grimes (Bowie) 2.50 - Brian Gonzalez (Delmarva) 3.40 - Travis Seabrooke (Aberdeen) 3.42 - Cristian Alvarado (Delmarva)
The Orioles RBI team (ages 13-15) reached the semifinals in the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) World Series in Cincinnati. This is the first World Series appearance for the Baltimore RBI team in the tournament’s 24-year history. The team won the Junior Division Mid- Atlantic Regional championship to advance to Cincinnati.
http://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-orioles/post/_/id/1189/sweet-relief-can-zach-britton-win- the-al-cy-young
Sweet relief: Can Zach Britton win the AL Cy Young?
By Eddie Matz / ESPN August 9, 2016
With less than two months remaining in the season, it’s time to start asking the question: Could Zach Britton win the Cy Young?
Don’t laugh. Yeah, it has been over a decade since the last time a reliever won the award (Eric Gagne, 2003). Sure, it has been nearly a quarter-century since the time before that (Dennis Eckersley, 1992). But Britton, who has blossomed into one of the game's most dominant closers since taking over as the Baltimore Orioles' guy early in the 2014 season, is putting up video game numbers.
For starters, the 28-year-old lefty hasn't blown a single save opportunity this season, going 34- for-34. If you count the All-Star Game, it's 35-for-35. His ERA is lower than the limbo bar at a Lilliputian bar mitzvah (0.58). His WHIP is more like a blip (0.75). And he anchors a bullpen that is one of best in the biz and a key reason why the surprising Birds have been at or near the top of the American League East since Day 1. Add it all up, and Britton has to at least be in the conversation.
Speaking of adding it all up, that’s what ESPN.com's "Cy Predictor" is meant to do. Based on an algorithm created by Bill James and Rob Neyer, the Cy Predictor keeps a running tally of each league's Cy Young contenders right up to the end of the season. In the 13 years since it was first introduced, the CYP has correctly forecasted nearly 70 percent of award winners (18 of 26) -- including Gagne in 2003. In related news, through Sunday's games, guess who the Cy Predictor had ranked No. 1 in the American League. Go ahead ... guess. Hint: His name rhymes with Schmach Schmitton.
But just because some computer model says so doesn't mean Britton will win the award. After all, he's a reliever, and this is the enlightened age of analytics. Gone are the days when a pitcher could put up a 9.2 WAR season (like Kansas City's Kevin Appier did in 1993) and still lose out to a guy who wasn’t even half as valuable (Chicago's Jack McDowell, 4.3 WAR) simply because balloters were blinded by win totals (McDowell went 22-10, Appier was 18-8). Just how much are today's voters valuing value? Over the past decade, every Cy Young winner has had a WAR that ranked among the top four hurlers in their league that year. Then there's this: It has been 30 years since a reliever finished inside the top five in pitcher WAR (Toronto's Mark Eichhorn was the last to do it in 1986). Do the math, and it seems as if there's no earthly way that a closer could possibly win the Cy Young.
"Being a starter is extremely valuable to the team," said Washington's Max Scherzer, a Cy Young winner in 2013. "They provide more innings, and not just on the day they pitch. When you have a starter that works deep into the game, it saves the bullpen so that they're able to be more fresh on other days, so that has an added effect on the team. That's why you always see starters win the award. Those relievers that won the award, they were pitching multiple innings. That's a whole different thing than what we see today, with just a one-inning closer."
For the record, Britton's current 2.8 WAR leads AL relievers but ranks just 18th among all AL hurlers. He has thrown more than one inning on five different occasions this season. While that might be a lot by today’s standards, he’s still on pace for throwing fewer than 70 innings. Compare that to the 140 innings that Tigers closer Willie Hernandez worked in 1984, when he won the Cy Young, or the 208 innings that Dodgers reliever Mike Marshall threw in his 1974 Cy season, and it's easy to see why starters have been hoarding the hardware lately. It's also easy to see why, when bookmaker Bovada released its most recent AL Cy Young odds last week, Britton's name was nowhere to be found on an 11-person list that was comprised entirely of starters (Chris Salewas the favorite). For what it's worth, Britton is well aware of the uphill battle he's fighting.
"For a reliever to win it, they'd have to do something pretty much off the charts to get it," Britton said.
He should know. A Southern California native, he remembers being a young teenager and watching Gagne in person during his Cy Young year, when the Los Angeles closer went 55-for- 55 in saves in the midst of converting an MLB-record 84 consecutive chances over three seasons. "Usually, at Dodger Stadium, you leave in the sixth inning to avoid the traffic, but there were a few games when he was going through the streak where my dad would be like, 'Let's stay and watch Gagne come in.'"
While the odds of Britton matching Gagne's streak are roughly equivalent to the odds of you stumbling upon Mew in Pokémon GO, there's no denying that what the O's closer has done so far is special. Opponents are batting a major league-low .138 against him. He has allowed just 22 hits all season. He hasn't given up a run -- earned or otherwise -- since April and has a chance to break the record for lowest ERA ever by a pitcher with at least 50 innings (Fernando Rodney, 0.60).
The question is, has Britton been special enough to warrant Cy Young consideration?
If the Orioles were in the National League, the answer would probably be no. With blue-chip names such as Stephen Strasburg, Johnny Cueto, Madison Bumgarner, Jake Arrieta and Scherzer all having standout seasons, Britton's body of work would likely get lost in the shuffle.
But in the American League, the contenders have more warts than the Wicked Witch of the West. J.A. Happ doesn’t whiff enough guys. Cole Hamels walks too many. Chris Tillman’s ERA is unbecoming. Sale has come back to earth. And the list goes on. Meanwhile, Britton is putting together a season unlike anything we've seen from a reliever since ... 2012.
Wait, what?
That's right. It was only four years ago that Fernando Rodney broke the ERA record. That season, the Tampa Bay Rays reliever posted a 0.77 WHIP that was in the same neighborhood as Britton's WHIP in 2016, and all of Rodney's peripheral numbers were more or less comparable to those of Britton's this season. So why didn't Rodney win the Cy Young (he finished fifth)? Because in order for today's relievers to stand a chance, all the planets have to be perfectly aligned. The list of things that didn't go Rodney's way that year included him blowing two saves, David Price and Jered Weaver each winning 20 games, and the Rays not making the playoffs.
That last reason can't be underestimated. Even in today's more evolved awards climate, a team's performance matters. It's the reason the James/Neyer predictor incorporates something called a "victory bonus." The logic is this: All other things being equal, voters tend to give the edge to the guy whose team makes the postseason. That doesn't mean you can't score a Cy Young pitching for a bad team (R.A. Dickey, Felix Hernandezand Zack Greinke have all done it in recent years). What it does mean, though, is that in a year when there's no clear-cut favorite, being on a contender counts just as much, if not more, than any single statistic.
"You can have all the numbers in the world, but they can't describe the human aspect of the game," Scherzer said. "You've got to have some human thought about what each player did for their team. Sometimes, the human aspect is knowing that at the end, you have a closer that absolutely shuts the game down. There's something to that. You can't find that in a number. You've got to have some human touch, some human thought about the intangible value of what a guy is able to do for his team.”
In other words, if the O's unravel down the stretch, Britton can probably say sayonara to the Cy. If Britton has a hiccup or two, then that would probably kibosh his case, too. Of course, those two scenarios aren’t entirely unrelated. But if the Orioles keep doing what they’ve been doing, and if Britton continues to bring the filth, well … stranger things have happened.
http://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/122500/kernels-the-week-that-was-in-mlb
The week in interesting and unusual stats
By Doug Kern / ESPN August 8, 2016
This week in Major League Baseball was rife with quirky scoring situations. With thanks to our friends at Baseball Reference and the Elias Sports Bureau, where were you when...?
Manny Machado, Sunday: First player to homer in first, second, and third innings since Carl Reynolds for the White Sox at Yankee Stadium on July 2, 1930.
Baltimore Orioles, Friday: Seven runs and 16 hits with four errors, the first "7-16-4" linescore in the majors since Cleveland posted it at Tiger Stadium on Apr. 18, 1958.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/baltimore-orioles/showalter-not-sure-if-hell-rest-regulars
Showalter Not Sure If He'll Rest Regulars
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic August 8, 2016
OAKLAND, Calif.—Buck Showalter told reporters in Chicago Sunday that he hoped that Chris Davis, J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones could get a day off on the road trip. Mark Trumbo sat out his first game.
“We’ll try and do it on this trip,” Showalter said. “I’ve got three or four guys I’d like to give a day if I can.”
Jonathan Schoop is the only Oriole who has played every game. Showalter isn’t committing to giving him a day off.
“Yeah, but I don’t have to. There are some guys [who are] not in the same age group as he is,” Showalter said. “He’s one of the guys we’re considering. We’re also considering not doing it.”
NOTE: T.J. McFarland, who has been on the disabled list with inflammation in his left knee since June 29, will pitch for Gulf Coast on Tuesday. Showalter said that he’ll pitch two or three innings.
McFarland will likely go on a rehab assignment if Tuesday’s outing goes well.
“I’m not sure where he’s going from there I’ve talked to Dan [Duquette] a couple of times today. They’ll wait and see how it goes tomorrow,” Showalter said.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/baltimore-orioles/orioles-hope-have-decision-pearce-wednesday
Orioles Hope To Have Decision On Pearce By Wednesday
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic August 8, 2016
OAKLAND, Calif. –Steve Pearce left Sunday’s game with a strained flexor mass, and he wasn’t in the lineup on Monday. Don’t’ expect him to be there on Tuesday, either.
However, the Orioles aren’t necessarily pessimistic about Pearce, who received a cortisone shot Sunday. They didn’t rush to bring another outfielder in, and haven’t put Pearce, who they acquired a week ago, on the disabled list.
“He’s improved today,” manager Buck Showalter said. “A lot better…Hopefully it’s a good sign that he can stay off the DL…[Hopefully] we’ll get lucky.”
Showalter spoke with athletic trainer Richie Bancells about Pearce, and he hopes to have an idea of what the Orioles are dealing with by Wednesday afternoon.
“There are a couple of things he can do on the field for us tonight,” Showalter said.
If Pearce is placed on the disabled list, there are only two outfielders, Dariel Alvarez and Christian Walker, currently on the 40-man roster. Julio Borbon, who was up while Hyun Soo Kim was on the disabled list, was outrighted to Bowie.
NOTES: Former Nationals left-hander Ross Detwiler will start Wednesday for Oakland, and Andrew Triggs, who was with the Orioles in spring training, starts Thursday.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/baltimore-orioles/jimenez-unknowingly-saves-his-first-game
Jimenez Unknowingly Saves His First Game
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic August 8, 2016
OAKLAND, Calif. – Ubaldo Jimenez never realized that he had collected his first major league save on Sunday. Jimenez relieved Dylan Bundy and retired all nine Chicago White Sox batters to face him, and got the save.
“To tell you the truth, I didn’t even know after the game. Brad [Brach] was the one who asked me: ‘Is it your first one?’ I was like ‘my first what? Your first save. I didn’t know it was a save,” Jimenez said.
“I’ll take it. It’s going to be part of my baseball history, I guess, my stats, when I retire. The main thing is that I was able to go out there and give the main guys in the bullpen a break from throwing, and give them a day off, and that was good.”
It was only Jimenez’s second appearance since July 8, and that has been hard.
“It’s not easy at all when you have so many days not facing a hitter,” Jimenez said.
“I have to find a way to, whenever they ask for me, I need to find a way to be there for the team. That’s what I owe the team.”
https://www.pressboxonline.com/2016/08/08/tracking-the-orioles-chase-for-home-run-history- 110-game-checkpoint
Tracking The Orioles' Chase For Home Run History: 110- Game Checkpoint
By Paul Folkemer / PressBoxOnline.com August 8, 2016
This just in: the 2016 Orioles are still good at hitting home runs.
The Birds exploded for five roundtrippers during their series finale against the Chicago White Sox Aug. 7. Leading the way was third baseman Manny Machado, who had the game of his life by smashing a career-high three homers and seven RBIs. Machado tied a major league record by hitting one home run apiece in the first, second and third innings.
Elsewhere, slumping slugger Chris Davis snapped a 19-game homer drought by going back-to- back with Machado in the second inning -- Davis' first blast since the All-Star break. Shortstop J.J. Hardy joined the fun with a solo shot as well.
The home run party rejuvenated the Orioles' chase for the single-season franchise home run record of 257, held by the 1996 Orioles. With the O's having just passed the two-thirds point of the 2016 season, let's see how they stand up against the 1996 Birds at the same point.
2016 Orioles 1996 Orioles (through 110 games) (through 110 games) Record 63-47 55-54* Home runs 168 166 Percentage of games with a home run 74 percent (81-of-110) 74 percent (81-of-110) Percentage of runs scored via home run 49 percent (254-of-522) 43 percent (269-of-630) Brady Anderson (34), Rafael Palmeiro Mark Trumbo (31), Manny Machado (27), Cal Ripken (19), B.J. Surhoff (16), (25), Chris Davis (23), Adam Jones Roberto Alomar (15), Chris Hoiles (16), (21), Pedro Alvarez (18), Jonathan Bobby Bonilla (14), Jeffrey Hammonds (7), Schoop (17), Matt Wieters (10), J.J. Mike Devereaux (6), Mark Smith (4), Hardy (5), Nolan Reimold (5), Joey Eddie Murray (2), Luis Polonia (2), Bill Home run Rickard (5), Hyun Soo Kim (4), Ryan Ripken (2), Tony Tarasco (1), Gregg Zaun hitters Flaherty (3), Francisco Pena (1) (1) Most home runs in a Six (twice: April 11 vs. Cleveland; May 28 game Seven (June 2 vs. Boston) at Seattle) Average home runs per game 1.53 1.51 Home run pace projected to 162 gms 247 244 *Includes one tie
If there's one thing the 1996 and 2016 Orioles can count on, it's getting contributions from nearly everyone in the lineup. At the 110-game mark, both teams had seven hitters with double-digit home runs. In 1996, all seven of those hitters ended up with 20 or more homers. This year's club will probably only include six, barring a homer explosion by Wieters during the last two months.
Overall, the 2016 Orioles' team-wide offensive slump in July -- during which they scored the third-fewest runs in the American League -- has somewhat stalled their bid for making home run history. They're now on track to hit 247 homers this year, nine fewer than their pace at the halfway mark of the season.
Yet the 2016 Orioles still have more home runs at this point of the season than the 1996 Birds did. The 1996 club, too, went into a bit of a homer funk during games No. 82-110, hitting 40 during that span just as the 2016 Orioles did. In 1996, the Orioles were able to go on a tear during the remainder of the season to rapidly pick up the home run pace. Beginning Aug. 3 against Cleveland, that club strung together nine consecutive multi-homer games.
Will the 2016 Orioles be able to follow suit and get on a record-breaking pace, especially once the weather starts getting cooler in September? Stay tuned.
http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2016/08/09/tap-question-fill-steve-pearces-spot-goes-dl/
Tap-In Question: How would you fill Steve Pearce’s spot if he goes to DL?
By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com August 9, 2016
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette thought he filled one of the Orioles’ primary holes on Aug. 1 when he dealt High-A catcher Jonah Heim to the Tampa Bay Rays for infielder/outfielder Steve Pearce.
I talked to some people who believe the Orioles paid a lot more for Pearce than they did for veteran lefty Wade Miley, who was acquired July 31 from the Seattle Mariners for lefty Ariel Miranda.
Miranda has already made his Mariners’ debut, and Heim is probably three seasons away. But Heim is already considered an above-average defender. He hasn’t hit, but he is a big guy (6-foot- 3, 190), and the belief is that he’ll begin driving the ball as he matures. So, there is still upside there for the 21-year-old.
The reason the Orioles were willing to give up Heim for a part-time, two-month rental is twofold: One, the Orioles were extremely familiar with Pearce, who played in Baltimore from 2012 to 2015. They know his ability, work ethic and personality.
Secondly, with the exception of not being able to play center field, Pearce was the perfect fit for what the Orioles needed: A right-handed hitter with pop who mashes left-handed pitching and can play multiple defensive positions adequately.
One of the unfortunate things the Orioles know about Pearce, however, is that he has been beset by injuries for much of his career, partially because he works so hard to prepare for games. In the past, Orioles manager Buck Showalter has practically banned Pearce from the batting cage because he wasn’t allowing his sore wrists to heal.
It was reported Sunday that Pearce has undergone a cortisone shot in his right elbow because he is dealing with flexor mass discomfort. Anytime that phrase is mentioned, baseball people wince. So many times a flexor mass issue has turned into elbow ligament surgery.
At this point, the Orioles and Pearce don’t think the situation is serious. He told reporters he could be back in a couple days. But, if he isn’t, the Orioles need to figure out a solution to fill the void that Pearce just filled.
That’s where Tap Room patrons come in. I want to hear what you would do if you were Duquette, and Pearce has to be shelved. In a little more than three weeks, rosters expand and several outfielders can be called up. Joey Rickard (thumb) could be off the DL by then.
But, in a heated pennant race, can the Orioles afford to do nothing to bridge that gap?
One possibility is, as manager Buck Showalter would say, take the governors off outfielder Hyun Soo Kim and see if the Korean lefty can solve left-handers the way he has handled right-handers. Play Kim full-time and see what you really have.
Another possibility is handing the left field keys versus left-handers to Nolan Reimold. Make it unquestionably his job, play him some against righties to keep him sharp, and let this be the final exam.
The 32-year-old has been with the Orioles for parts of seven seasons. We’ve seen him good, not- so good and hurt. He has struggled this year in limited action (.230, five homers in 180 plate appearances) and has been particularly rough against southpaws (.197 in 76 at-bats).
Maybe you ratchet up Reimold’s playing time this month and watch him sink or swim.
There are plenty of outfield options in the minors, but none particularly inspiring. That’s why the Orioles acquired Pearce. But for a stop-gap, they could recall Julio Borbon or Dariel Alvarez or promote someone else and give them a chance such as Mike Yastrzemski, Christian Walker, Xavier Avery or L.J. Hoes. None in that foursome has torn it up at Triple-A though (Walker has the best average of the group at .257).
The other alternative is for Duquette to go back to the trade route. He can still make deals in August, but any big leaguers switching clubs must first clear trade waivers. Anyone the Orioles would target at this point as a fourth outfielder should get through without being claimed. But, the flip side of that, is you’re only going to get a gap-filler and may have to give up another Heim-type to do it.
Maybe I’m getting too far ahead of things right now. It’s possible Pearce is barely out and the Orioles quickly weather another storm. But we like to plan here at Connolly’s. And I guarantee you Showalter has done that, too. He’s probably got Plans B through J already figured out.
So put on your GM/manager’s hat (it’s made of bar napkins). If Pearce is lost for 15 days, how do you bridge the gap to September call-ups? Do you make a trade, do you promote someone from the minors and give them lots of playing time or do you rely on a current player to pick up the slack?
Tap-In Question: If Pearce goes to the DL, how would you fill his vacancy?
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/194347252/baltimore-orioles-world-series-contenders-mlb
Believe In Baltimore: O's Are For Real
By Will Leitch / Sports on Earth August 8, 2016
Quick, fast, first answer that pops into your head: Which American League team has won the most games since the beginning of the 2012 season?
Red Sox? Tigers? Yankees? Blue Jays? Rangers? Royals?
Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope and nope. Here are the five teams that have won the most games in the AL since 2012:
1. Baltimore Orioles, 418 2. New York Yankees, 407 3. Detroit Tigers, 406 4. Texas Rangers, 404 5. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 399
The Orioles are one of only five teams (Cardinals, Yankees, Dodgers and Nationals are the others) that haven't had a losing season since 2012. That's five years, a lifetime in sports, basically Mike Trout's whole career so far. I don't even remember a universe before Trout. And the best team in the AL, over that five-year span, has been the Orioles.
Suffice it to say, this is not generally how people talk about the Orioles. I don't remember a time in the last five years when the Orioles' success was not belittled and/or dismissed within minutes of it being noted. The Red Sox were about to make a run; the Yankees are hanging on; the Rays have young talent ready to sprout; the Blue Jays are finally having the season we've all been waiting for them to have. The Orioles? Well, the Orioles are bound to fade. They're playing above their heads. They can't keep this up.
The Orioles have kept this up. After briefly falling out of first place last week, they've grabbed it back and are now a game up on the Blue Jays and three games up on the Red Sox. On Sunday, Manny Machado had three homers and seven RBIs … by the third inning.
There isn't a team that's more fun to watch than the Orioles right now. After a July in which they went 12-14 (their first losing month of the season), they're 4-2 in August and knocking homers all over the place. They have one of the best five players in baseball (Machado), seven guys in double figures in homers in the lineup and, secretly, perhaps the best closer in the sport in Zach Britton. What they lack in rotation depth -- though here comes Dylan Bundy! -- they make up for bombast and a quietly excellent defense. This is a fantastic team.
But in case you thought they had won over their statistical doubters … they haven't. Baseball ProspectusPlayoff Odds still thinks they will finish third in the AL East. Fangraphs says the same thing. BP gives them a 63.3 percent chance of making the playoffs, which is barely above the Tigers. (I did the same thing last week.)
This is often seen as typical "haters gonna hate" reductionism, but there is a reason statheads are always skeptical of the Orioles. When a team overperforms its Pythagorean record -- what its record should be based on their runs scored and runs allowed -- history tells us that regression is coming, that such an overperformance is unsustainable. That's not statheads being mean to the Orioles or disrespecting them. It's simply looking at the past to help explain the future, the foundation of what human beings do to try to figure out anything.
But an argument could be made that the stathead view of the Orioles is still stuck in 2012, when the Orioles dramatically outpaced their Pythagorean record, winning 93 games when they should have won only 82. That outlier year made us think the Orioles were about to fall off a cliff. (And leads to headlines like the one in FiveThirtyEight this year that previewed the division back in March: "Even the Orioles Have a Chance in the AL East.") But in 2013 they hit their Pythag right on the head (85-77). In 2014, they were two games better than Pythag claimed they should be … but they won 96 games! That's an outstanding team by any measure; one or two games either way is simply a blip. Last year, they were actually two games worse than their Pythag. You didn't hear anyone claiming the Orioles had been screwed over by fate last year.
This year, they are overperforming by four games while Toronto and Boston are under their Pythag, which is bringing back out all the doubters. But five seasons is a pretty large sample size. If five seasons isn't a large enough sample size, what is?
Plus, when you take a step back, this Orioles team looks like a dangerous playoff team to me. For all the talk of pitching and defense in the playoffs, postseason games are usually won by the team that hits the most home runs. Home runs are pretty important! The Orioles lineup goes top- to-bottom with power, from Machado to Mark Trumbo to Chris Davis to even Jonathan Schoop. Oh, and have you noticed Hyun Soo Kim? Here's a fun Kim stat:
Platoon that guy with newly acquired lefty killer Steve Pearce and, as Camden Chat put it, "You have Voltron."
The bullpen and defense have been strengths all season, but of course it has been the rotation that makes everybody question the Orioles. But … that's sort of coming around too? Chris Tillman has been solid all season -- to give up one home run per nine innings in that stadium feels like an act of magic -- and Kevin Gausman is a solid No. 3. Wade Miley had a rough first start for the Orioles but is the sort of low-cost addition that fit exactly what the Orioles needed. And seriously, look at Bundy -- who, I remind you, hadn't pitched in the Majors before this season since 2012, when he was 19 -- in his last four starts (after a difficult debut in the rotation on July 17): 23 2/3 innings, 5 earned runs, 12 hits, 29 strikeouts, 3 walks, 1.90 ERA, 0.63 WHIP.
He also had a perfect game through 5 1/3 innings in one game and a no-hitter through 5 2/3 in another one. Teammate Darren O'Day said about him, "He was born with a gift to command the baseball. It's fun to watch."
He was also up to 92 pitches in his last outing, and he has thrown only 65 innings this season. In other words: Green light go.
If Bundy is this the rest of the way, or even close to it, the Orioles have an ace atop their rotation and solid 2-4 guys -- as solid as any other team in their division or, for that matter, their league. Get the Orioles a reasonable rotation with an ace up top, and considering all their other attributes, why wouldn't you consider them a favorite?
Am I crazy? Doesn't this team look just as good as Texas or Cleveland or Boston or Toronto or any of the other teams slotted in as the default AL favorite? Why wouldn't you pick Baltimore as often as anyone else at this point? This team doesn't look like a fluke to me. This looks like a team that, right now, at this exact point, is starting to put it all together.
Which brings us, at close, to two people.
The first is Buck Showalter, a manager who seems to combine the competitiveness of Tony La Russa, the dugout respect of a Terry Francona, the tactical flexibility of a Joe Maddon and the stoicism of a Bruce Bochy. He is the model for what a manager should be and the best argument yet against the idea that the Orioles have simply danced between the regression raindrops this year and in 2012. In Buck They Trust, and with good reason. I wish he managed my team.
But the second is Adam Jones. In similar ways as his own team, Jones has always been underappreciated by analytics folks, mainly because he, still, 11 years into his career, just can't take a walk. But he is now putting together his eight consecutive positive offensive season in a row, and he is the unquestioned leader of a team that often needs that leadership. In particular, he has protected Machado, a young player who, in a different context, might have been lambasted more after his big tussle with Yordano Ventura earlier this year. But Jones was right there, immediately, saying, "I'm glad for Manny for defending himself. Screw it. Defend yourself. If someone's trying to hurt you maliciously, you go out there and defend yourself."
Jones is as much a face of his franchise as any player in baseball, even if it's sometimes lost in the Machado/Trumbo/Crash Davis pyrotechnics. He has played (almost) his entire career in Baltimore and is signed for two more years after this one. The fan base adores him in ways that transcend just the team itself, and he seems destined to follow in the steps of Cal Ripken Jr. as a lifelong Oriole. Does your team have two guys like that, face-of-franchise guys who played for 15 years with the total adoration of the fan base? Almost nobody has even one. The relationship between the Orioles and Jones is as concrete and intrinsic as any in all of professional sports right now. This is his year as much as it is anyone's.
Only one downside to Jones' career: He has struggled in the postseason, batting .151 in 13 games and 58 plate appearances. All he is missing is his signature October in Baltimore moment. I'm done being skeptical about this team, about him, about all of it. I think this is the year he gets that moment. I think this Orioles team has magic in it. I think these are they guys we should all be cheering for.