Garrett Olson
Before I get to the slumping left-hander, Adam Jones played catch with Nick Markakis during batting practice. No crutches, no walking boot.
Here's what Garrett Olson said about manager Dave Trembley's decision to move him to the bullpen:
"I just showed some inconsistency and I think he feels that I'm just not relaxed out there, and I think he's right. I feel like I've been pressing too much and maybe just trying to do too much instead of going out there and making my pitches. He feels it's better to step back and go to the 'pen for the next couple days, and if they need me, come in and give us a couple strong innings. I think that was really great of him to do that for me.
"Anytime a manager or someone shows that they have confidence in you, whether you've been struggling or not, that means a lot. I did have it in the back of my mind that, 'Hey, I haven't been doing my job,' and I've been trying to make those adjustments. It's just, being consistent, it's been hard this year. I've shown brief glimpses of it, but I need to find it more. When he does something like that, it's definitely a big confidence boost."
It's obvious that Olson expected to be optioned. It still could happen, but he's relieved - no pun intended - that it didn't happen today.
Down on the farm, Mike Costanzo's three-run double highlighted a six-run third inning that helped Triple-A Norfolk to an 8-7 victory over Charlotte.
Jeff Fiorentino had three hits for the Tides. Tike Redman had two hits, including a home run. Luis Hernandez also finished with two hits.
Craig Anderson got the win and is 3-0 with a 3.55 ERA in six games (five starts) since the break.
Hi Roch,
Slightly off topic - when Kranitz came to talk to Guthrie in tonight's game, Guts looked rather upest and seemed to turn his back on Kranitz a few times... or maybe I just looked too much into it? The question - what's the relationship with this pitching staff with Kranitz so far? I imagined it would have been pretty good... just thought this was strange.
Thanks
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Overall, I'd say the relationship is solid. Not as much griping this season. - Roch
Dempsey is a tool.
Can we get Brother Low back?
I was thinking about how the young pitchers tend to lose their control when they come up so I have a solution. Get the other team to wear their triple A uniforms. It's worth a shot.
How's Luis Terrero doing at Norfolk? I remember him with the Orioles a couple years ago. Also do you think Brian Matusz will up with the O's by the end of next year?
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Before today, Terrero was batting .273 with 29 doubles, seven triples, 12 homers and 80 RBIs. As for Matusz, it all depends how he's pitching. It might be expecting too much for him to reach the majors in 2009, but he's expected to move quickly through the system. Maybe not THAT quickly, but scouts think he's close. - Roch
Roch, I fail to see what optioning Olson would accomplish? He dominated in his first 2 stints in AAA, if that didn't help his confidence, I doubt a 3rd stint will.
Roch,
When are the Orioles going to name "the player to be named" from the trade with Tampa Bay? Also, is there a list of possible players?
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The name will be revealed after the season. We believe there's a short list for the Orioles to choose from, though the two sides might have already agreed on a player. We don't know. - Roch