Category Archive:
Roch Kubatko
|
Roch Kubatko Orioles
Another observation from the game
You probably know that manager Dave Trembley and catcher Gregg Zaun keep referring to baseball as being "the universal language," meaning it will cut through any communication barriers between the club and pitcher Koji Uehara.
Now here's what you don't know:
After a runner reached first base against Uehara today, the right-hander turned and pointed to Brian Roberts. He wasn't placing blame. He was indicating that Roberts would receive the throw if Uehara fielded a comebacker.
Everyone understood it. No need for an interpreter.
"The guy's played the game," Trembley said. "It's the same game everywhere."
 |
Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Roch, nice bit of insight. But it might be nice to ask Koji for what reason he didn't point to the shortstop, and if there are instances when he will. More confidence in Roberts because Brian's the veteran, as opposed to the kid who was playing SS in the game? What reasons go into the pitcher deciding who he'll give it to if the ball's hit back to him, and what was the reason in this one case?
Thanks, nice job as usual.
I would hope that Uehara would know that. The pitcher re-affirming who will cover the bag is something they teach in little league. Be fun to see how Uehara does second and third time thru a lineup. It is a whole lot different facing the Yanks and Boston then the Dominican country men.
My guess is once word gets out on his repitoire, he is going to get lit up in MLB.
But again, we like this signing because Andrew told us it was a great one. And oh....we are getting in the Asian market.
Roch,
Cool observation. Thanks.
You're busting your gut down there for us. It is appreciated.
Can't wait to see what Koji thinks of Blue Crabs. This guy is going to make the early season extra fun.
Gotta admit man - I wouldn't make it through the day without these blogs. I'm on here every day at work. It's addicting.
It's not just the frequency of the blogs... it's the CONTENT. There's so many interesting stories to touch on, it makes for great reading and writing. Thanks Roch! Your work is definitely appreciated.
And it's nice that no one has asked about Chad Bradford in the last 10 minutes.
Roch, I was writing my last comment when a couple of blackhawks flew so low it shook my room real bad...my excuse for a few typos.
As far as the O's and observations this ST, was wondering what will be Trembley's strategy for the O's on running the basepaths this year? Last year we seemed to hurt ourselves more than help with his aggressive approach to running the bases. What are the coaches doing this ST to improve the O's situational baserunning skills?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm sure the drills are familiar, but the players running them are not. Pie, Freel, Izturis, plus Jones being under instructions to run more, should give the Orioles a different look on the basepaths. - Roch
Roch, Your old buddy Luis Matos, (O in 2000-2006) is in spring training for the Twins. Any word on his progress? Arigatou =thanks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'll shoot an e-mail to Joe Christensen, who used to cover the Orioles with me at The Sun before returning home to Minny. - Roch
Hey Roch
If Pie turns out to be a permanent fix in left field,
has there been any discussion about trying Reimold out
at 1st Base. Also what is the birds feeling about
Rowell, what a boost he would be if he could take control of
3rd base.
Thanks Mark
I like Koji's thinking. He seems like he is focused. Uehara is kakkoii or cool.
Hey Roch, any chance of getting an interview with Brian Bass? He's pitched just as well as anyone else in camp for the most part and generally gets no recognition in the media. Just curious for a little more info on the guy.
Roch,
" The guy's played the game. It's the same game everywhere."
Fortunately Trembly was only mostly right, because today we had the perfect example of how the game is played differently in Houston and Cincinnati than it will be in Baltimore this year. Today we saw what hustle and heads up play can do when Wiggington turned an infield pop-up into a double, and did it to one of the two biggest slugs in recent O's history. Sadly Miggy and Hernandez will never understand the drive, determination, and leadership a play like this shows.
Our search for leaders on this team is over, as if Zaun,Huff,Mora,Roberts and Guthrie weren't enough you can put WIGGY in there with them.
Thanks Roch, Leon
Roch,
jus enrooled in skool......
wish my wife could uderstand this "universal language"
I'm try'n to teach her but i think she is deaf
Roch,
I really enjoyed meeting you at ST. Thanks for posing for the picture with me. Here's hoping the O's have a great turnaround season. We're heading in the right direction.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g218/rileyspaw/ORIOLESSpringTrainingPICS2009014.jpg
Roch,
Ask Koji if he's aware that games in the States don't end in ties...
And then go to Dave Trembley and remind him that the game isn't the same everywhere.
I'm wondering if they'll understand Koji when someone boots an easy grounder.
Everyone in baseball can learn something from this guy. I am so glad he is an Oriole and I hope all of our vets are taking in his work ethic.
Roch, you have to officially change his name to "COOL HAND, KOJI"
Hey Roch, it seems like that Hendrickson has been hurt all spring up until now. Is there a possibility that he could be replaced in the bullpen, perhaps Alberto Castillo? Also who has the inside track on being the backup catcher at this time? Great job of keep us informed. I read your blog several times a day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Lynn. Hendrickson could end up on the DL if he keeps up this pace. Would be pretty extreme for the Orioles to cut him, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. As for the backup catcher, Chad Moeller is the favorite. - Roch
Roch- I was trying to describe Bergeson to someone using a current or former player. I came up with Scott Erickson. In his prime. I can not remember if Erickson through very hard, but he was very effective because of his sink and control.
Maybe Steve Avery? I don't know. I am trying to find someone who had early success and got to the post season relatively early.
If he is really on and cranking, can he hit the mid 90s?
I am guessing more around 90.
Guthrie
Uehara
Hill
Penn
Bergeson
I'm riding the dark horse.
Roch, it's just really cool that you're happy to see your readers and will pose for photos with them. That shirt (with Jeff Becker) even fit! Thanks for all your hard work, and for being so accessible and approachable.
I actually like Ryan's rotation. I also have Penn penciled in because he is pitching well in ST and he's out of options. The guy has always had good stuff but also a lot of bad luck. This is his time to gtive it a shot.
As for Bergesen, he's further along than prospects Tillman, Arrieta, Matusz, etc. He's not a hard thrower; he pitches to contact and gets a lot of ground balls. I could definitely see him taking that last rotations spot.
The Danys Baez experiment is over. The only other possibility for the rotation--in my mind--is Matt Albers. However, with Albers coming off of an injury, they might want to use him in the bullpen to limit his innings. Besides, he was very effective in the 'pen last year before his injury. I like Albers, but I think he's a better fit in the 'pen.