Former Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis To Climb A New Mountain Top

1

By on May 24th, 2013

mt_kilimanjaro_122006Ray Lewis climbed the proverbial “mountain top” twice in his illustrious career with the Baltimore Ravens, winning two Super Bowl rings during his 17-year career.

In a month or so from now, he’ll literally climb the mountain top for a project that is near and dear to his heart.

Yesterday, via his Twitter account, Ray Lewis announced that he will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, raising money and awareness for clean water projects in East Africa. The project entitled “TackleKili”, will allow fans to follow Lewis’ trek up Kilimanjaro where they’ll also be able to donate to the TackleKili mission.
Read more →

“Chris Davis For AL MVP” Talk Has Officially Begun

3

By on May 24th, 2013

Chris DavisTwo weeks ago I boldly (and stupidly, according to my podcast co-host Patrick Guthrie) proclaimed that that Jim Johnson was the best closer in baseball. Then he blew three consecutive saves. On Thursday, I highlighted the Orioles stellar defensive play this season. Last night in Toronto they committed two errors.

I’m not saying I’m a jinx or even that I necessarily believe in those sorts of things, but if for some reason I am, I need to be a little more careful with my proclamations regarding my favorite baseball team.

And yeah, maybe I am a little superstitious. I do turn my hat to the side when Pedro Strop comes into a game — that didn’t work yesterday either.

Chris Davis‘s offense has been discussed on a national level all season long, but after nearly two months of solid productivity some are putting him in American League MVP discussion. Jason Churchill of ESPN.com discusses why it’s not such a crazy thought afterall.
Read more →

Geeking Out Over Kevin Gausman’s Major League Debut

4

By on May 24th, 2013

Kevin GausmanMaybe his final line didn’t show it (5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 89 pitches), but you could tell from his debut that Kevin Gausman is going to be something special in the big leagues. I wanted to hold off on evaluating and jumping to any conclusions until I was able to take a look at the PITCHf/x data and re-watch these 89 pitches on MLB.tv. I was so damn excited to watch the kid that any instant analysis would have just been Orioles fanboy cheerleadery junk.

I suppose the place to start is with Gausman’s velocity. According to the data from BrooksBaseball.net, Gausman maxed out his fastball at 99.45 MPH and averaged 97.26. It’s a very smooth delivery, nothing voilent. His high leg kick reminds me of Roy Halladay‘s.

He worked the four-seamer up in the zone and the Blue Jays hitters had a tough time catching up to it. I watched Matt Wieters set him up low several times and saw him miss the spot, but the heat was often too much to handle. His strikeout of Jose Bautista in the fifth inning particularly sticks out in my mind. Read more →

Nate McLouth diving catch

GIF: Nate McLouth Dives Into Stands For Epic Catch

3

By on May 24th, 2013

You knew the Orioles would commit two errors just a few hours after I raved about their defense. Oh well.

Regardless of the errors, Nate McLouth made an absolutely fantastic catch in the bottom of the sixth on a fly ball hit to left field off the bat of Colby Rasmus. McLouth made the catch and his momentum carried him into the stands.

Then things turned ugly and someone from the upper deck chucked a beer at him. I’m guessing it was a Molson.

GIF after the bump. Read more →

Checking In With The Orioles Minors – 5/22

2

By on May 23rd, 2013

Let’s take a look at the O’s minor league players throughout the organization.orioles-cartoon-bird Updates on all players through games on May 22nd.

 

AAA Norfolk: 31-15, 1st place in the International League South division

 

OF Jason Pridie – .325/.362/.609, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 3 SB, 151 AB
1B Travis Ishikawa – .318/.393/.547, 13 doubles, 7 HR, 28 RBI, SB, 148 AB -  Sported a .599 OPS in April, he’s been scorching hot in May with a .425/.482/.808 line and all seven of his home runs.
3B Danny Valencia – .306/.339/.600, 14 doubles, 11 HR, 35 RBI, 160 AB – Currently sitting on the Orioles bench after being promoted.
3B Russ Canzler – .282/.389/.466, 7 doubles, triple, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 163 AB
3B Brandon Wood – .341/.341/.512, 4 doubles, HR, 8 RBI, 41 AB – Former Angels top prospect, acquired from Kansas City as depth.
OF LJ Hoes – .315/.409/.425, 11 doubles, triple, HR, 20 RBI, 3 SB, 146 AB – Prototypical Hoes. If he can do it in the majors he has a future there.
2B Yamaico Navarro – .303/.395/.434, 8 doubles, triple, 2 HRs, 13 RBI, 3 SB, 122 AB – Currently splitting time at second base with Alexi Casilla in Baltimore.
2B Jonathon Schoop – .268/.331/.386, 6 doubles, 3 HR, 18 RBI, SB, 127 AB – Schoop was coming along nicely before being sidelined with a back injury. Looking like he could miss up to eight weeks unfortunately. Read more →

BSR-podcast logo

BSR Podcast: It’s Kevin Gausman Time

0

By on May 23rd, 2013

This week on the BSR Podcast, the guys discuss Kevin Gausman‘s promotion, Jim Johnson‘s recent struggles, the Orioles snapping their six-game losing streak and Jab’s new neighbor.

Join Zach, Patrick, Matt and Jab for this week’s edition of the best sports podcast in Baltimore, the BSR Podcast.

Subscribe to the BSR Podcast on iTunes or listen on Stitcher Radio. Read more →

Podcast: Play in new window

Despite Results, Command Still A Concern In Jim Johnson’s Latest Outing

1

By on May 22nd, 2013

Jim Johnson

Image Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images

With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the tenth, Orioles skipper Buck Showalter turned to Jim Johnson, who had blown three consecutive save opportunities including one in Monday’s loss. The O’s closer worked fast and retired the side in order on just eight pitches.

Baltimore rejoiced and proclaimed that their beloved closer had put this recent slump behind him and was back to his 2012 form. I may have been the only person wearing an Orioles hat that watched and disagreed.

On the surface, Johnson’s five strikes in eight pitches to the Yankees’ six, seven and eight hitters looked great. But his fastball command still bothered me.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown. Read more →

More on BSR

  • Newsletter

    Enter your email address:

  • Listen