Melvin's moments
I figured that 10 blog entries today just weren't enough. I've got one more in me.
Melvin Mora is halfway to the cycle, and he's got the hardest parts out of the way. He's tripled and homered, helping the Orioles to a 4-0 lead over the Detroit Tigers.
When I was listing the top candidates for Most Valuable Oriole, I included Aubrey Huff, Jeremy Guthrie, Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Jim Johnson and George Sherrill - not necessarily in that order, though I've been placing Huff first.
Has Mora been unfairly excluded?
He's quietly putting together a solid season. I'm sure most of you would have taken 18 homers and 82 RBIs from him, and we still have more than a month to go.
Meanwhile, I believe Jake Arrieta is supposed to start Team USA's fifth game, against China, after being bypassed today. At least that's what I've been told.
I also hear he grew a beard since arriving in China.
That's one way to avoid the Orioles' facial hair policy.
The best way to watch your sport live is to go to the NBC olympic site. Unfortunately MASN doesn't have a piece of that, and you can't watch it here. I watched a bit of the game last night, as USA was trying to come from behind to beat Canada.
Heathir - according to the USA baseball website, US v. China is scheduled for 8/18 at 7am EST, but I can't seem to find it on the tv schedules at all...
Hey Roch,
Sorry to be late for class. Thanks for leaving the door open! Just wanted to throw my two cents in and say that it's great to see you pick up where you left off!! Don't know what we'd do without you!!
Check back through your votes, Roch. I had Mora on my list for his RISP even before this hot streak became so extended. I'll accept that tip of the hat.
Great Job Today Roch - Take a day off!
Melvin has been more than impressive offensively since the all-star break. It's incredible to think that he is likely to get 100 RBI this year, maybe 110-115 the way he's going. He certainly seems to have put to rest any real need to get a third baseman for next year. We'll just have to put up with his baserunning and occasional defensive lapses.
Kudos to MacPhail and Joe Jordan. Signing 14 out of top 15 picks is impressive. Next order of business is to figure out how to keep Brian Roberts here, extend Nick Markakis, and start zeroing in on who our shortstop is going to be next year.
I guess you'd be happy to know that Terry Tiffee played 1B for the US team in at least one game.
Yea, I was thinking of Burnett as a #2 or 3. Given what you said about his injuries, etc do you know of any other younger vet to help solidify the pitching staff?
crb- i never said add 10 hr if dunn comes here- i said 10 extra base hits, meaning a combo of doubleas and hr's. glen davis got hurt and never was That great anyway, plus Memorial was a bigger park then Camden and not quite as hitter frieindly. So Montanez wasnt as comfortable at SS as he is in th OF huh? i guess thats it then.
I wonder what the world record is for most blog entries in a day? Maybe if you train hard enough, you'll medal when they add Blogging to the 2012 Olympics in London. (That's the long way of saying that lots of posts = great!)
So I haven't seen any baseball in Beijing. Anyone know what the time frames are for the games being on TV, specifically the game Arrieta is to start?
Roch,
I have been pleasantly surprised by MM's offensive production, but he just doesnt fit in the long range plans. Who do the Birds have in their minor league system in terms of corner infielders? Also, do you see any chance in McPhail going after AJ Burnett as a middle rotation guy? A rotation of Guthrie, Burnett, DCab, Johnson, maybe Waters looks pretty formidable. Texaira at 1b also would be a nice veteran addition.
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Burnett's injury history and underachieving ways are a turn-off. You definitely don't want him as your No. 1. Bill Rowell and Brandon Snyder are corner infield prospects, though Snyder just now is starting to make people notice him again, and Rowell has had a horrible year. But we have to remember that Rowell is 19. Those teenage years can be tough. - Roch
When does the Team USA game start tonight? And what about Mr. Phelps' swim track meet?
I really think Mora would be the second half MVO in a list, but for the whole season?
I don't really think he would be on that particular list.