With the win Sunday over Philadelphia, the Baltimore Orioles have won back-to-back series. After an off day Monday, the O’s begin a 3 game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday night.
The O’s enter the series at 34-26 overall, in 3rd place in the American League East (1 GB of Tampa Bay). As of today, New York and Baltimore would be the two Wild Card teams out of the American League.
1) Brian Roberts is expected to be activated for tomorrow night’s game. The 2x All-Star has been limited to 98 games over the past two years, and has not played in the Majors since May 16th of last year. In September 2011 ESPN’s Outside the Lines looked at what Roberts was going through: http://espn.go.com/videohub/video/clip?id=7005261&categoryid=2378529
That special really hammered home just how difficult normal living was for Roberts. Getting back to the Majors, is an accomplishment. I’m very happy for Roberts, and am looking forward to again seeing him in an Orioles uniform.
2) With Roberts coming back, someone has to leave. The logical candidates are Tolleson, and Johnson. Also Flaherty if a trade could be worked with the Cubs. Ideally I’d like to see the O’s be able to continue to keep Johnson, but if you are not going to use him; maybe it makes more sense to release Johnson vs. sending Tolleson down.
3) Pittsburgh arrives in Baltimore having won 4 in a row, and 8 of 10. At 32-27, the Pirates are tied on top of the National League Central.
4) The O’s lineup just looks different when Wieters is producing. With 5 multi-hit games in his last 10 games overall, Wieters is back up to .255/.336/.450. Can he stay hot, and be the middle of the lineup force this team needs him to be?
5) Prior to his game winning homer Saturday, there was growing concern about Jones’ wrist. With multi-hit games Saturday, and Sunday; those concerns have been reduced. However, when he went through his recent 0 for 18, it illustrated just how dependent the O’s have been on his offense. Jones has played at an extremely high level so far this year. Asking him to maintain that pace is a lot to ask. Still, for the O’s to continue to exceed expectations, Jones has to produce in every series.
6) Davis has been benched several time recently against LH starters. Does that mean he will be out of the lineup against Bedard Thursday? Nice to see the two walks from Davis Saturday.
7) Chen starts for the O’s tomorrow. He was outstanding his last time out vs. Boston, not allowing a walk for the first time all year. He also did not allow a HR, after allowing 5 in his previous 4 outings.
8) Should be interesting to see Matusz Wednesday. Going into his last start vs. the Red Sox, he had had 4 straight starts of 6+ ip, and 3 er or less. Against Boston, Matusz was chased from the game having pitched just 2 innings, and allowing 5 walks.
9) Hunter figures to be on the mound Thursday. Despite the 3 hr’s allowed against the Phillies, there were some positives from his start Saturday. He was able to go 7 innings, because he was pitch efficient. Each of the homers allowed were solo. Philadelphia hitters hit 13 grounders against him, including several double plays.
10) Betemit has not had an XBH since 5/22. Facing RHP tomorrow, and Wednesday; it would be good to see his bat get going.
10a) With Roberts liking playing 2nd tomorrow night, do we see Andino as a defensive replacement in the later innings at 3rd?
10b) Hardy is 1 for his last 23.
10c) Reynolds is 0 for his last 12.
10d) Pearce has a .530 career OPS vs. RHP (168 ab’s). Still, with him showing some defensive ability over the weekend, I’d like to see him get a chance to play in each of these games vs. Pittsburgh. I assume that will not happen though, and expect to see Chavez start Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Projected Pitchers
6/12: Lincoln vs. Chen
6/13: Correia vs. Matusz
6/14: Bedard (LHP) vs. Hunter
Lincoln: 3-1, 2.40 era, 30 ip, 22 hits, 3 hr’s, 10 bb’s, 31 k’s, .636 OPS against, 0.65 G/F
Pitch F/X: http://pitchfx.texasleaguers.com/pitcher/453184/
Correia: 2-5, 4.29 era, 63 ip, 60 hits, 11 hr’s, 20 bb’s, 24 k’s, .770 OPS against, 1.12 G/F
Pitch F/X: http://pitchfx.texasleaguers.com/pitcher/429781/
Bedard: 4-6, 3.59, 62.2 ip, 58 hits, 5 hr’s, 28 bb’s, 61 k’s, .692 OPS against, 0.85 G/F
Pitch F/X: http://pitchfx.texasleaguers.com/pitcher/407853/
C: Barajas .701 OPS
1st: Hague .508 OPS (58 ab’s)
2nd: Walker .693 OPS
SS: Barmes .518 OPS
3rd: Alvarez .665 OPS
LF: Tabata .608 OPS
CF: McCutchen .951 OPS
RF: Jones .735 OPS
Bench: McKenry, McGehee, Presley, Mercer, Harrison
Rotation: Bedard, McDonald, Burnett, Correia, Lincoln
Bullpen: Hanrahan, Resop, Cruz, Grilli, Watson, Slaten, Hughes
Current Ranks:
Pittsburgh
Runs: 30th
Batting Average: 29th
On Base: 30th
Slugging: 29th
ERA: 3rd
Quality Starts: 19th
WHIP: 7th
BAA: 6th
Baltimore
Runs: 11th
Batting Average: 21st
On Base: 25th
Slugging: 7th
ERA: 10th
Quality Starts: 25th
WHIP: 12th
BAA: 13th
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.