The Orioles kicked off their double header against the Texas Rangers with a bang. Ryan Flaherty led off the game with his first career home run, then J.J. Hardy and Nick Markakis followed him in order.
Hardy’s home run traveled 424 feet, while Markakis’ reached Eutaw Street.
Here are some fun stats on the home runs from yourfriendlylocal Orioles reporters:
The last team to lead off a game with three homers was the 2007 Milwaukee Brewers with Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy and Ryan Braun.
The last time the Orioles hit three consecutive home runs was August 21, 2010 with Ty Wigginton, Luke Scott and Josh Bell.
The last time the Orioles hit three home runs in the first inning (not back-to-back-to-back) was June 12, 1999 with Brady Anderson, Mike Bordick and Will Clark.
After a wicked storm dumped heavy rain all along the East coast on Sunday April 22nd, raining out game two of a doubleheader between Norfolk and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees in Batavia NY, both teams woke up on Monday morning ready to get back at it.
One problem. Mother nature wasn’t done with her fury yet.
A Nor’easter projected to dump eight inches of snow in the town of Batavia postponed the ballgame between the Tides and Yankees. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader when the Tides host the Yankees at Harbor Park from June 1st – June 4th. The start time and date of the make up games has not yet been announced. READ MORE >>>
Bell was the future star acquired by the Orioles in the George Sherrill trade with the Dodgers. He and pitcher Steve Johnson came to Baltimore when flat breezy left in 2009. Johnson remains at Triple-A, eagerly awaiting a call up, while Bell appears to be a lost cause.
Bell hasn’t been playing at third base for the Norfolk Tides so far this season. He’s been DH’ing and played at both first base and right field. Bell has just three hits in 32 at bats. Those three hits are two doubles and a home run.
Welcome to the first edition of Tidal Waves. Baseball season is here and I’ll be covering the Baltimore Orioles Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides. The Tides are what Orioles fans hope will be the eventual pipeline between the minors and “The Show” in Baltimore for highly-touted prospects.
Last season the Tides finished 4th in the South with a 56-87 record as they struggled through injuries and inconsistencies. Of course, AAA is also a place where pieces can be moved back and forth between Norfolk and Baltimore, so that added to the end result as well.
This season under manager Ron Johnson, the Tides will look to improve on last season’s mark, relying, at least initially, on pitchers that have options after the Orioles spent much of the winter adding depth to their pitching staff.
The Tides open their home portion of the 2012 schedule, April 9th against the Gwinnett Braves. Let’s first take a closer look at what the 2012 Norfolk Tides will look like. READ MORE >>>
Spring Training is underway. It’s officially baseball season.
The Orioles position players were told to report on Thursday to prepare for the 2012 season. According to Roch Kubatko at MASNSports.com, third baseman Josh Bell was one of the last players to report, showing up with Jai Miller just before the the team’s deadline.
That’s probably not the best first impression for Bell to give new GM Dan Duquette. For a guy that sits just on the edge of slipping from prospect to suspect, you would think that Bell would have been in Sarasota a week ago.
I get that technically Bell didn’t do anything wrong. However, with Mark Reynolds likely moving to first base, Bell could take this spring to prove that he deserves a spot on the big league roster. READ MORE >>>
With all the hot Orioles talk lately from the readers of BSR, I figured I’d stir the pot some more. Trying to invoke some New Year’s spirit, I’ve decided to address the New Year’s resolutions of our beloved Orioles team. I’m not sure what the actual resolution of each guy truly is, but I can easily tell you what they should be.
2012 Baltimore Orioles New Year’s Resolutions:
Matt Wieters’ New Year’s Resolution is to surpass the offensive statistics of Brian McCann- Along with guys like Joe Mauer and Victor Martinez, McCann has been considered one of the league’s elite catchers over the past 6 years. When Matt Wieters was drafted scouts were saying that he would hit for the average of Joe Mauer and with the power of Brian McCann. Bypassing McCann would be a major feat and would immediately put Wieters into elite status. In 2011 McCann put up .270/24/71. Wieters put up .262/22/68. So they were already close. Wieters will be entering his 3rd full major league season and is still only 25 years old. If he were able to jump McCann in 2012, then the Orioles know they have a legit #3 batting switch hitting catcher. Have I mentioned that his defense has already surpassed McCann’s?
Mark Reynolds’ New Year’s Resolution is to at least reach his career batting average- It’s only a .238 career average. That seems pretty bad right? It’s actually pretty solid compared to the .198 he put up in 2010, and the .221 he put up in 2011. READ MORE >>>
When Josh Bell was called up last July, I thought he was going to be a permanent fixture on the O’s at the big league level. He hit the cover off the ball in the minors and was a formidable fielder as well, but for some reason couldn’t translate that play to the majors. Buck Showalter considered keeping Bell around as a backup corner infielder for the start of the 2011 season, but thought it would be better for Bell’s development to start him out at Triple-A Norfolk instead.
Bell had a horrible 53/2 K/BB ratio during his time in the majors last season, but played relatively well in the field. I don’t know if it was nerves or just not being able to adjust to the big league style of play, but it seems as if he just wasn’t quite ready to make the jump just yet, offensively at least. READ MORE >>>
The Orioles 2010 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Zach Britton, made the decision that he didn’t want to be just another client with Hendricks Sports so he decided to sign with Boras Corporation. Britton said that he never got the chance to meet the Hendricks brothers and he didn’t want to continue moving forward with an agency he wasn’t comfortable with. He then met with Scott Boras and was very impressed with what Boras had to offer, so he decided to sign with him. Britton joins a list of teammates that are also clients of Boras including Matt Weiters, Jake Arrieta, Mike Gonzalez, Manny Machado, Josh Bell and Brandon Erbe. Along with signing with Boras, Britton also took another big step forward when he was added to the Orioles’ 40-man roster this past week. I think making the decision to sign with Boras was a step in the right direction to accomplishing his next goal, which is to be in an Orioles uniform next season. READ MORE >>>
Before the season, there were two decidedly different camps of fans depending on their outlook for this team. There were those who said that the Orioles were ready to turn a corner (most of the BSR staff included), and those who insisted that this Orioles team was no better than any of the 12 that preceded it (most of our loyal commenters included). Even so, a direct look at the season doesn’t provide us with a clear answer as to which group was right. A direct look at the final record would indicate that those who said Baltimore would be a smoking crater were right, but the Orioles .500 record in the second half of the season and incredible record under Buck Showalter indicates those with rose-colored glasses saw the field clearly. I decided to take a look at some common beliefs held before the season to see how closely each side hit the mark on other issues. READ MORE >>>
Every year, Baseball America releases its top prospects for each organization. I am taking on the dubious honor of see how the O’s Top Prospects are doing this season. Here is the top 5. I will have 6-10 for you this weekend.
1. Brian Matusz, lhp- I am not yet calling this season a failure for Matusz. There are the moments of brilliance that we see against teams like the Sox and Yankees. Then there are the early runs he gives up against the A’s. He should have more wins this season, but the team behind him has let him down. No reason to still think that he can’t turn it around.
2. Josh Bell, 3b- Before he was called up to Baltimore, I was thinking that Josh was having a sub-par season at Norfolk. There is no reason to expect a .260 hitter to do well at the major league level. Now, that he is in Baltimore, we are seeing the defensive liability that he can be. The upside is that Miggy may be traded soon, and we will see plenty of Bell.
3. Zach Britton, lhp- Britton is probably the brightest spot on in this entirely list. After a few rough spots, Britton became lights out at AA Bowie. He earned his call-up to Norfolk last week and proceeded to have a killer outing. His second AAA start was rough, but it’s only a matter of time before Zach builds his confidence at this level.
4. Jake Arrieta, rhp- Jake has had a hell of a year. DOMINANT at AAA. It was almost becoming a joke how every other person was being called up and he was being left in Norfolk. Well, he hasn’t disappointed in Baltimore. He is currently 2-2. He has had 4 wonderful outings, and 2 lackluster performances.
5. Matt Hobgood, rhp- Hobgood has been having a mediocre season in Delmarva. He is 3-7 with a 4.41 ERA. Some people are considering him a bust already. I don’t see it. He is 19 and has some control issues. No reason he can’t turn that around. He has been out of the rotation with shoulder tendentious. He is currently working out the bullpen as he is completing his recovery. Expect him to start by the end of the month.
In what I consider a somewhat surprising move, the Orioles have recalled Josh Bell, and he will be making his major league debut. The roster spot opened when Luke Scott was put on the 15 day disabled list.
I don’t understand this move. I am excited to see Josh Bell play, but I can’t say that he seemed to be ready. He was only batting .266 (76-286) with 24 doubles, 10 home runs and 44 RBI in 74 games for the Tides. I thought Pie would take Luke Scott’s position as the DH and Patterson would remain in the LF. I guess the O’s felt like they needed Bell’s power. It really doesn’t hurt them from a 40-man roster sense, but still you don’t want the kid’s confidence to be rocked.
After the Orioles sent George Sherrill to the Dodgers for Josh Bell and Steve Johnson, the big question was “who becomes the Orioles closer?” The easy move for the club was to transition Jim Johnson, the Birds set up man, to close out ball games. Unfortunately, that transition wasn’t as easy as everyone anticipated. Johnson struggled in the role, he pitched to a 10.61 ERA with just three saves in September.
During the offseason the Orioles took care of the closer dilemma before pitchers and catchers reported, even before Christmas, by signing Mike Gonzalez from the Atlanta Braves to a 2 year, $12 million deal.
Gonzalez has a 2.57 career earned run average and 54 saves in his seven years in the bigs. Prior to spending time in Atlanta, he pitched four years with the Pittsburgh Pirates where he posted a 2.37 ERA and 28 saves.
Along the way, Gonzalez has been sidelined with injuries and undergone Tommy John Surgery. In 2006 Gonzalez had converted all of his 24 save opportunities, but was forced to end his season early due to an elbow injury. Then in 2007 he was placed on the Braves disabled list with a left elbow strain, which led to his eventual surgery. Gonzalez returned on June 18, 2008 and pitched a perfect 9th inning against the Texas Rangers. In 2009 Gonzalez made a success full season return baseball in which he appeared in 80 games pitching 74.1 innings.
I had a chance to listen to Gonzalez speak at Orioles Fan Fest and his personality seems to be a perfect fit here in Baltimore. He commended the Orioles young talent and spoke about his desire to get to know his team mates and most importantly to win.
In his spring debut, Gonzalez allowed a run and walked one against his former team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. “My arm felt great, and I got out of it healthy; that’s all you can ask for,” Gonzalez told the Baltimore Sun.
How do you think Mike Gonzalez will fare in his first year as the Orioles closer?
I hope you’re feeling warmer already because today the Orioles took the field for the first Spring Training game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Sarasota, Florida.
It was homerun derby for the O’s. They ended up with six, but here’s how the game played out.
Baltimore took an early 1-0 lead in the third when Josh Bell drove a solo homer over the right-center field fence off Matt Garza. It’s fitting that the prospect got the Orioles first run of the spring with such a shot. Andy MacPhail was in the radio booth with Joe Angel and Fred Manfra and his excitement for Bell’s at bat was heard over the airwaves. Bell hit another homer in the sixth inning, there was no question about his second one.
In the fourth inning the Orioles increased their lead to 3-0 after Nick Markakis led off with a double, followed by a Miguel Tejada single. After a Matt Wieters‘ fielder’s choice, Luke Scott drove in Tejada and Josh Bell got his second RBI on a sacrifice fly.
Cla Meredith recorded a one, two, three inning when he retired three straight on ground ball outs. Then in the sixth David Hernandez sat three down in a row as well, but he gave up a solo homer in the seventh.
The Rays put one on the board in the fifth inning when Dennis Sarfate gave up two hits and a walk.
Then the airhorn sounded again in the fifth inning when Nick Markakis hit a solo homerun to center field giving the Orioles a 4-1 lead.
Rhyne Hughes got the Orioles third homerun of the day in the sixth inning, giving Baltimore a 5-1 lead, he hit another one in the seventh to secure an 11-2 lead.
Baltimore finished the day with 12 runs scored, topping the Rays 12-2. Their next scheduled broadcast is March 5th at 7 PM against the Pirates.
After a decade of service at third base, Melvin Mora and the Orioles parted ways. Andy MacPhail and company filled that hole in the George Sherrill trade with the acquisition of Josh Bell. While Bell grows in the minors, the Birds needed a stop gap, so they brought back Miguel Tejada for his second stint and second position with the O’s.
While many wondered why the Orioles would want to bring Tejada back to Baltimore, to me it was a no brainer.
Tejada is coming off arguably his best season at the plate in 2009 with the Houston Astros. He hit .313, knocked in 86, had 46 doubles, and 14 homers. It was a season reminiscent of his 2004 performance with the Orioles and it even got him a few MVP votes and a trip to the All Star game.
Now, at age 35 Tejada makes the switch from shortstop to third base. He’s got the support of the beloved Cal Ripken, Jr. and brings back a spirited leadership into the locker room at Camden Yards.
Miggy’s fielding percentage is .971 for his career and has been above .970 since 1998, his second season in the bigs.
If he comes into Baltimore and plays solid defense with decent numbers at the plate, he’s the perfect guy to hold the position for Josh Bell. If he doesn’t and Bell heats up down on the farm, move over Miggy. No one expects a .313 season from Tejada in the AL East, but he’s proven that his bat is still alive and will be a vital part of the Orioles line up.
His numbers throughout 2009 were very well balanced. He hit .326 against left handed pitching, .380 in May, and .362 in September/October. He hit best in the 2 hole at .367 with on on base percentage of .393, but hit .280 in the three whole with 24 RBI.
It is projected that Tejada will hit clean up for the O’s, meaning he will get plenty of chances with men on. He hit .331 in 175 plate appearances and had 63 RBI with runners in scoring position last season and .328 with 22 RBI will runners in scoring position and two outs.
I think Tejada brings Baltimore a few more wins, more on offense than defense. He’s the man for the job and will make Bell work even harder to get the gig at third base, which is exactly what the Orioles are hoping.
Yesterday, Manager Dave Trembley sat Melvin Mora for the third time in four days. MelMo had seen enough.
“I don’t appreciate the disrespect, because I’ve been playing hurt for a guy who won’t respect you. I don’t deserve it,” Mora said.
Mora is the last of a dying breed in Baltimore. He’s a 37 year old third baseman who heated up in the second half of 2008, but can’t seem to get above .260 and is currently in his worst major league season of his career. The O’s have cleaned house under Andy MacPhail and hope to get back to their winning ways with quality pitching and defense from their young stars. Mora doesn’t fit the mold and on Sunday he went off.
“Whatever he wants to do, he can do it. But like I told you before, I need to have my respect. This is not a guy who just came to the Orioles. This is a guy who’s been here for nine years busting his butt for the organization.”
Like most managers would when they’re attacked by the media about a controversial statement from one of their players, Dave Trembley played it down.
“Melvin’s been a very good player for a long time. We don’t show disrespect toward anybody.” Trembley said.
Mora might have dug his own grave with his comments. He’s clearly on the way out of Baltimore and the only thing stopping him this season is his no trade clause. The Orioles hope that Josh Bell will be that future corner infield stud and Ty Wigginton will fill the role in the mean time since he has a two year deal.
But disrespect? Come on Melvin. Just about any other team would make MelMo a bench player and he wouldn’t see $8 million from anyone else. Mora has been highly respected for what he has brought to the club since 2000, but if he feels unappreciated then he needs to step up and perform or understand having less playing time.
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