Recapping a loss
Kam Mickolio said he felt more relaxed tonight than during his major league debut, but he was guilty of trying to be "too perfect" with his first pitch, which bounced wide of catcher Ramon Hernandez and allowed the tying run to score.
"I was far from it," he said.
"It was really a tough situation to come into, but as a relief pitcher, you live for that."
Mickolio wasn't going to place any blame on Hernandez for flipping the ball to him as he covered the plate, rather than making a stronger, lower throw.
"There really shouldn't have been a play at the plate either way," he said.
Added Mickolio: "Next time, I'll try harder and try to get the job done."
The Orioles really missed George Sherrill tonight. Jim Johnson should have been pitching the eighth inning instead of being saved for a possible save. But without Sherrill, relievers are taking on different roles, which seems to happen to this club every season, without fail.
Well, there's lots of failing when it happens, but you know what I mean.
Trembley noted that he had two choices in the eighth: Walk Xavier Nady and let Jamie Walker attempt to get a double play out of HIdeki Matsui with the bases loaded, or bring in Mickolio and go for a ground ball or strikeout. He wanted Mickolio to pound Nady inside, but the rookie's first pitch was way too outside.
Asked about the two pitches Radhames Liz threw to Robinson Cano and Jose Molina in the fifth that resulted in back-to-back home runs, Trembley said, "They had 'hit me' stamped on them."
What about the back-to-back home runs served up by Fernando Cabrera to Cody Ransom and Nady in the ninth?
"The ones Cabrera threw at the end might have had 'double hit me' on them," Trembley said. "They just hung there."
Double-A Bowie clinched its playoff berth tonight by defeating Binghamton, 7-1. Jason Berken improved to 12-3 with seven scoreless innings.
why is Jamie Walker still on this team? why? why?
This game was over from the minute Jamie Walker entered the game. As soon as I heard his name, I was ready to flip off the radio. Sorry. He was great last year and he never makes excuses, but as far as 2008 goes you can stick a fork in him.
It's hard to beat the Yankees with AAA pitching. There is a very good chance that none of the 7 Orioles pitchers from today's game will make next year's opening day roster. ( perhaps only Sarfate). Our future pitching staff is mostly at Bowie and on the disabled list!
This is what I mean. Liz did pretty well but he gave up 2 home runs and then wasn't the same pitcher. He was doing so well before these home runs.
I still would have wanted Brad Bergesen. And what was that decision by Trembley to leave Walker in!? I immediately knew there was trouble when he was left in to face A-Rod. Do you actually think Walker could get A-Rod out? That's like asking a kid to race against Michael Phelps and win.
I agree with putting Mickolio in that situation. He needs to learn how to pitch in these situations and he only had an inning under his belt. If he gives up runs, so be it. It just means he's learned not to do that again, i.e., the wild pitch and the pitches he made.
Now let's win the last two games!!!!
And, for the love of the team and the fans, cut Jamie Walker. He's not doing us any good anymore.
I love Trembley, but I'm not sure why he is such a %*(% when critiquing the younger players, yet says nothing about veteran mistakes. What purpose does it serve to so publicly rip young guys?
Hey Roch, is it too late to change my answer on the "most obnoxious fans" question?
My only solace in being surrounded by sore winner Yankee fans at the end of the game tonight was that I fully believe that it is all for naught. The Yankees have no legitimate at making the post season this year and - even though I know I should be a better person than this - I'm thrilled with the thought that the lights will go out for good in Yankee Stadium after a regular season game. (If the O's can drill them that day it would be even better!!)