Fit to be tied (updated)
Luke Scott hit his second home run since the break with two outs in the fourth inning, and Chad Moeller's RBI double further reduced the Angels' lead to 6-4.
One inning later, we have a tie game.
Nick Markakis just reached the flag court in right after Adam Jones walked. That's 14 homers for Markakis this season, and he's reached base in 36 consecutive games.
Matt Palmer is replacing Sean O'Sullivan. I liked it better when he replaced Jered Weaver on Friday.
Weaver, Palmer...oh, the memories.
Update: Howie Kendrick doubled with two outs in the sixth, and Chone Figgins singled to give the Angels a 7-6 lead. Guthrie is out of the game. So far, he's charged with seven runs and 10 hits, with two walks and two strikesouts. He threw 104 pitches, 61 for strikes.
Most disturbing for me, he allowed two runs in the top of the fourth after the Orioles scored twice in the bottom of the third. He allowed the tie-breaking run in the top of the sixth after the Orioles scored twice in the bottom of the fifth. We've seen it happen way too many times this season.
Scott also doubled today, making him 13-for-76 with seven RBIs in the second half.
I guess those flu-like symptoms are gone.
"Working harder has never been a problem with Luke Scott. He likes to work," manager Dave Trembley said earlier today.
"At one point in time, he was 10-for-70, and at one point last season, I think he went 15-for-94, so he's gone through it before. He doesn't like it, it doesn't sit well with him, but I think he's realistic enough to know it's happened before. With him it's a thing of feeling good, the same stance. I think it's more physical - feeling comfortable, the same stance, not feeling for the ball.
"Hopefully, he comes out real strong today. I'm still looking for that three-run homer for him. That would be a very good tonic for him, and for us."
Trembley will settle for a double and solo homer. At least it's a start.
Meanwhile, tomorrow will be very interesting for Nationals' fans, with the midnight deadline approaching to sign draft picks.
Sources close to the negotiations say the Nats have a $17 million deal on the table for pitcher Stephen Strasburg, with easily attainable incentives that could push it beyond $20 million.
There's some concern about exceeding $20 million because Strasburg is a power pitcher, and therefore more susceptible to an arm injury. But the Nats still think he's worth it, and negotiations will continue through the night unless Scott Boras' camp cuts them off.
The Nats' front office informed Stasburg that it hasn't ruled out selecting him again next year (with his consent).
Sooner or later, they're bound to sign their first pick.
Maybe I'm a coward, but as a college kid, I wouldn't have the nerve to walk away from $17 million. Same goes for Mychal Givens, the high school shortstop who must feel like the Orioles have low-balled him in negotiations.
I'd take the money and run, but maybe that's just me.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Off topic for a sec, watching O'Sullivan labour in the heat made me realize how much I do not miss Baltimore summers.
72 and sunny with a light breeze every day here in England.
As for the game, it's turned into a decent one. The bats awoke from their 24 hour slumber and Luke finally woke up from his 6 week nap.
Guthrie looks TERRIBLE.
Take the money and run, break your arm, and begin your new career as a day trader....
"Most disturbing for me, he allowed two runs in the top of the fourth after the Orioles scored twice in the bottom of the third. He allowed the tie-breaking run in the top of the sixth after the Orioles scored twice in the bottom of the fifth. We've seen it happen way too many times this season."
AT SOME POINT YOU HAVE TO ASK THE QUESTION: Hey Guthrie are you doing this on purpose? He inability to keep a lead or hold a tie is remarkably consistent. Maybe he is throwing games? I say it!
Gah. Who walks away from absurd money thrown at them? Mr Strasburg, I'd like you to meet Matt Harrington. Okay, maybe not now, he's busy selling car stereos at Best Buy. Maybe in a few years he could get you a gig there, too.
I think Givens is crazy, he's turning down 1st round money. It's all fine, he's taking a major risk based on his advisors. Ah well, let's get some runs offense.
Classic Orioles, leadoff man gets to second, and he doesn't even touch third that inning. At what point does the team fire Crowley and try something new? Its not like he's anything special and he's been here forever. It looks like another case of the team thinking that former Orioles are somehow better than other team's personnel.
Nice Adam. Keep bringing it o'fense.
Roch,
Is it a baseball rule of thumb that a prospect progresses farther if he spends the first three years after high school playing professionally, rather than start his pro career after three years of college?
If Givens is going to college because he expects more money in three years, he may be hurting himself because it will take him longer, maybe one year longer, to get to his first arbitration year.
Have I made myself perfectly opaque?
Roch,
Hope you don't mind me revisiting a subject from Friday night, but I'm still aggravated that Mike Scioscia apparently has designated himself the arbiter of what is and is not "professional behavior." If there any evidence that Scioscia ever reprimanded K-Rod for his histrionics after he recorded strikeouts or saves during his years with the Angels? Or is it OK for Scioscia's players to engage in unprofessional behavior, but not opponents?
Can someone tell Dave that the O's aren't hitting well lately with runners in scoring position? Maybe try a little small ball....
Whoa!!! A pinch hit and it wasn't Oscar! Come on, Felix, make it 2-2 for this game.... Whoops, that was fast, first pitch out.... Oh, well.
How could a kid out of college turn down that kind of money? At no point will he have better negotiating leverage than right now. Can't see him giving his consent to be drafted by the Nats again next year.
The other interesting guy that has yet to sign is Dustin Ackley. If neither Ackley or Strasburg sign, the top three picks next year(add Harper) would be excellent.
Strasburg has no choice but to sign. 17 million he and his family are set for life-how greedy and stupid could he be. What if he gets Brien Taylored-Zero Dollars. Plus they could pick him next year and offer $10 million out of spite. He will sign
What everyone is seeming to forget is that Strasburg has three options: play in an independent league, return to SD State, or go play in Japan in where he returns he will not be subject to the MLB Draft. Boras isn't a moron.