The O’s ended a disappointing first-week, with a brutal 3 game sweep from Toronto.
The Orioles needed to step-up and perform today, and at-least salvage one game against the Jays. I said prior to the game that I expected Millwood to do just that today, and give the Birds at-least 7 innings, and that I would love to see him work into the 8th.
With a low pitch-count in tow, that Millwood was able to work into the 8th today. With a fastball that topped 90mph twice all-day, Millwood was able to successfully keep Toronto off-pace for the first 7 innings of the game. He should have been able to get through the 8th inning as well, but Tejada picked a horrible time for the O’s first error of the year, and the inning was extended.
As soon as that happened, you had the sickening feeling the Orioles would pay for giving Toronto additional outs. Baustista and Gonzalez homered back-to-back and the wind was just knocked out of the O’s chest.
Other things I noted today:
It was good to see Albers get the grounder, and get out of the inning – but he got lucky after giving away two free-passes.
In the bottom of the 3rd, Jones tripled to lead of the inning. Simply inexcusable that the 3,4,5 hitters were not able to get Jones in to score.
Jones seemed intent on tightening up his strike-zone today. Took some additional pitches, and appeared to consciously go to right. When he locks into going to RF, and using his opposite-field power, he is so much more imposing.
Markakis added his 9th walk of the year. He seems intent on getting back to his 2008 levels (99 walks) as opposed to his 2009 season (56 walks).
After allowing 4 homers in 65.1 innings last-year, Meredith has allowed 2 homers in 2 innings to start 2010. Watch how he does these next 10 days. Right-now, I am picturing Berken being the odd-man out when Uehara returns to the O’s. However, if Meredith were to struggle over the next 10-15 days, you begin to wonder if it will be his roster spot that is in jeopardy.
At a minimum the O’s should be 3-3, but the results say 1-5. I am not pushing the panic-button yet. Unlike last April when the Orioles started the season with Guthrie, Uehara, Simon, Hendrickson, and Eaton; the O’s are putting a capable starter on the mound every night. Most nights Millwood, Guthrie, Matusz, Bergesen, and Hernandez are going to give the team a chance. The Oriole offense has been in a collective slump, but at some-point they are going to awake. Simply too much talent in the lineup for them to continue to scuffle so much, especially with runners in scoring position.
I will say, that winning tomorrow night looms large. The O’s need a win, to take the pressure of their shoulders a bit. They also need that first-game in the series if they want a legitimate chance to take 2 of 3 from Tampa.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.