When one of the best teams in baseball comes into town against one of the worst teams in baseball, the result is somewhat predictable. The Yankees are currently second in the AL East with a 12-6 record and the O’s are in dead last with a 3-16 mark. Nothing has gone right for the O’s this season. When you combine the numerous injuries to key players with a lineup that can’t consistently score with runners in scoring position and a bullpen that can’t hold a lead, you get a team with the worst record in baseball, our beloved Orioles.
The defending world champs dominated this series last year, going 13-5 against the O’s. More of the same is expected this season. You would think the O’s would have somewhat of an edge in this three-game series because they are playing at home. Considering the O’s are 0-6 at home this season and the Yankees having a winning mark (7-5) on the road, that home-field advantage is anything but an advantage.
The only thing going for the O’s is that the Yankees are coming off a six-game west coast road trip with the Athletics and Angels. They went 3-3 on the trip, taking two of three from the A’s and losing two of three at the Angels. The O’s are coming off an impressive 7-6 win in Fenway where they battled back late in the game to tie it at four, then took the lead for good with three runs in 10th.
In the first game of the series that begins tonight, the O’s will send Kevin Millwood (0-3, 3.83 ERA) to the mound against Phil Hughes (2-0, 2.19). Millwood has the lowest ERA among the O’s starting pitchers, but has no wins to show for it because of his lack of run support. Hughes, on the other hand, has been extremely impressive this season, especially in his last outing where he pitched 7.1 innings, allowing one hit and one earned run while striking out 10 and only walking two.
The second game of the series will feature last season’s opening day matchup between Jeremy Guthrie (0-2, 3.46) and C.C. Sabathia (2-1, 3.00). The O’s roughed up Sabathia in his first start as a Yankee last season, as he gave up eight hits, six earned runs, walked five and struck out none in just over four innings of work. Guthrie earned the win in that game, going six innings and only allowing three runs. Guthrie is another victim of low run support this season and has pitched well enough to win in all of his starts. He hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in any of his four starts going at least six innings in each of them.
The final game of the series will feature Brian Matusz (2-0, 4.38) against A.J. Burnett (2-0, 3.20). Matusz pitched a gem in his only start against the Yankees last year. In the winning effort, he allowed four hits and just one earned run over seven innings in the Bronx. Burnett went 2-1 with a 5.84 ERA against the O’s last season, with the O’s hitting .294 off him. Out of the three games in this series, I’m most anxious to see this one. I think Matusz is going to be the ace of this staff in the next couple years and I always like to see how he does when he faces elite teams.
The bottom line is that the Yankees have the edge in virtually every statistical category. Their starting pitchers have a combined 6-1 record to the O’s 2-5 mark, which has a lot to do with little run support from the O’s bats. The Yankees are hitting .265 as a team this season compared to the O’s, who are batting .244. I would be surprised if the O’s can steal more than one win from the Yankees in this series. But let’s hope the bats come alive and they can build off the momentum from their extra inning win in Fenway on Sunday.
Well, at least they scuffled to a win last night. I thought it was interesting that Curt Shilling was on the radio yesterday saying, among other things, that teams look forward to coming into Baltimore and expect to sweep. Perhaps it was a matter of catching the World Champs a bit off guard and landing a sneak upper cut that temporarily dazed the heavy weight. Don't look for that to happen again tonight. If the Orioles have any hopes of winnign this series, they are going to have to play their best baseball of the year. They will not sneak up on the Yankees tonight. The good thing is, in winning the first one they have a chance at winning the series with their Ace on the hill Thursday. And if Cheese Cake Sabathia happens to go out and eat his way through Little Italy, maybe they could shock the world again tonight.
STG, don't know if you saw it, but Schmuck has a great piece on fantastic fans night. Perfect for our discussion yesterday.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-schmuck-orioles-0428-20100427,0,6806501.column
I just read it and I agree with nearly every word I read. Look at the history of Baltimore sports, it continues to repeat itself. The Colts ruled the roost in this town from the 1950's to the mid 70's. Despite being one of the winningest franchises in baseball, the Orioles barely drew a million fans a year and had difficulty selling out World Series games in 1966 and 1970. Then the fans ire turned to Irsay, and rightfully so…they said he was a bad owner, didn't care about the team or winning, was a money grubber, ran the team into the ground…Again, I do NOT contest any of these statements, just pointing out facts.
STD – I'm numb from your comments, especially the one about the loss of the Baltimore Skipjacks. I literally had connections to alot of Baltimore franchises from employing the Skipjacks own goon, Bennett Wolfe, for Baltimores premier softball team that I ran. Perhaps you heard of them, "Pappys Pub JackHammers" to running chains for the Blackbirds. Everybody knew that if you wanted to know anything about Baltimore sports you came to me, Skip "Steamy Drawers" Slobowski.
(Continued) The team moves to Indy and the love all gets directed to the Orioles, even after 21 straight losses and through the ownership by a cheap skate owner from New York, Eli Jacobs. Then comes 1996 and the Ravens come to town…fans were excited, but the Orioles still ruled the town. Playoffs in 96 and 97, Davey Johnson, one of our own, as manager…the Orioles ruled the land…
Then came 2000 and the Super Bowl…all of the sudden, the tide changes again. The Ravens and football rule in Baltimore, and what are the fans saying about the Orioles? Substitute Angelos for Irsay.."he's a bad owner, he doesn't care about the team or winning, he's a money grubber". I've seen this whole 3-Act play before, fellas… I hope the ending is different this time.