Talking to Bergesen
Brad Bergesen continued his running program yesterday, the third time he's picked up the pace without having any issues with his leg.
Bergesen told me that he starts with a five-minute walk, then a five-minute run, then a five-minute power walk.
"It all felt good," he said. "I've been doing my core training for three weeks now, going into a fourth. Everything's good. I still feel (the leg) a little, but I'm able to do everything. It's not like it's painful or anything."
Asked if he's concerned that he still "feels it a little," Bergesen replied: "Not at all. I say 'feel it,' but I think it's more or less just getting adjusted again. I've been lifting and training, but nothing is as hard impact-wise as running. I think it's just aches and pains from starting up again.
Team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens told Bergesen right away that a hairline fracture can go undetected in tests.
"My personal opinion is there had to have been one," Bergesen said. "I've had bone bruises and injuries before, but this thing, there's no way I could push through it."
So he'll be ready for spring training?
"Absolutely," he said. "Here we are, late November, and I'm running with no problems for five minutes at a pretty decent pace, so I don't think I'll have any problem getting to 20 minutes by the end of December or early January.
"I've been doing all my other cardio - elliptical, swimming, biking, jumping rope. I think the plan is, if all goes well, to do this program for roughly two weeks, then we'll re-evaluate it. (Assistant athletic trainer) Brian Ebel has been writing up a program for me. We'll increase it to 10 minutes if all goes well for me. My personal goal is to run a full 20 minutes by the end of the year."
After that, we can start focusing on his pitching and forget about the leg.
"I can't wait to get back out there," he said.
Now for my weekly NFL rant:
The Giants (- 6 ½) were covering just about the entire game against the Falcons until giving up the tying touchdown with 28 seconds left. They won in overtime, which did me absolutely no good.
The Packers (-6 ½) were covering just about the entire game against the 49ers until giving up a late touchdown in the fourth quarter that reduced the margin to six points. They moved into Atlanta territory in the final two minutes and took a knee to run out the clock.
At least I was smart enough to take the Skins (+11) over the Cowboys, who might be changing coaches and quarterbacks after the season. And the Raiders (+9 ½) over the Bengals was a risky choice that paid off.
The line on that Colts-Ravens game seemed awfully strange, but Indy (-1) needed a late interception and another boneheaded decision from Ed Reed to stay undefeated.
So much for the blowout that most of us were anticipating. Don't question the experts in Vegas.
Every year, I rail about Reed's manic obsession with chucking the ball to teammates after interceptions. Yesterday, his attempted lateral on a punt return with 17 seconds left denied Joe Flacco a chance to move the Ravens into field goal range.
Granted, it would have been a longshot, but Flacco was picking up yardage through the air against the Colts secondary. Give him a chance.
Reed is a playmaker and one of the finest safeties I've seen, but he's a painfully slow learner.
The inability to punch it in from the 1-yard line, Haloti Ngata's personal foul penalty and coach John Harbaugh's carelessness with his timeouts also hurt. And rather than blame the officials for another questionable call against the Ravens, fans can vent about left tackle Jared Gaither's false start going unnoticed on Flacco's INT. That's one flag that would have been welcomed, since it would have stopped the play.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Roch,
Good to hear Bergy is coming along well. Should be interesting to see how the starting rotation does if they can stay healthy for most the season. Was at the game yesterday and was extremely frustrated with the inability to score from the 1 yard line against one of the lightest Dlines in the league. As for Reed, he just needs to be more aware where he is, if he'd been on his own 10 or 20 I understand but he pitched it as the 40 and a 20 yd gain would have given us a chance at a long FG. Sometimes its easier just to get blown out I think then watch that.
Any free agency chatter, are the O's talking w/ anyone??
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I'm gonna have to refer you back to my Because You Asked entry. - Roch
The sheer fact Bergy feels anything after all this time is not positive. My concerns are "what if" comes into play. Do they have a plan B? Or is this going to be yet another excuse to cry "injuries really took its toll"
Geez Chris, are you taking over Brummie's job? Plan B?
Hey Roch, Any way the O's could make a deal today. We all feel like crap after another loss to the Colts. Signing a big bat would make us feel better.
Roch....I've seen no mention of Lou Montanez,.....is he still under the O's control or a free bird, no pun intended ?
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He's still on the 40-man and playing in Puerto Rico. - Roch
Roch-
I saw the other day you had 50+ posts. For this time of year that is amazing, right? It's not like there is a Texiera offer on the table.
Speaking of Tex, do you watch South Park?
Finally, people are talking about Boston and Adrian Gonzales. I just DON'T see how Macphail can sit back and let that happen.
Obviously, he doesn't have total control over it.
But he can make offers.
Eventually, no matter how many prospects we try to develop, and so on, we will NEVER win if we just keep letting those 2 grab every All-Star.
It seems like our organizational theory is just to keep our fingers crossed and hope our draft picks pan out. You just can't do that. They have GOT to throw some money around this offseason and bring in at least 1 of the top names at their position. Whether its Rodney or M. Gonzales, or signing Harden/Bedard. We just can't lose again next year.
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Haven't watched South Park in years. Have only seen a few episodes. Is Kenny still getting killed in every episode? For whatever reason, that part amused me. - Roch
Roch,
A question off topic.
What role does Schmidt play in the organization? After reading Steve's blog, he seems to have quite a bit on his plate?
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He's the roving pitching instructor. You'll find him all over the place. Or he'll be working with the young arms at the minor league complex. - Roch
Sorry for the "plan B" paraphrase.
It seems like the front office always puts their eggs in one basket. I am just tired of the excuses and want to see results. It will be nice to one day see the team getting back to playing competitive ball again.
Morning Roch,
Glad to hear the report on Bergy's progression. Sounds like they have him on a solid regimented plan and are working him up slowly. Goodness knows we need him in the rotation next year!
As for the other bird in town, thankfully I didn't have any heavy objects within reach during the game or my flat screen would have been toast.
Back to baseball-a question of curiosity......what is so special about the Athlete's Performance Institute?
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I guess the trainers, the workout programs and the emphasis on nutrition. A lot of guys swear by it. Roberts has meals specially prepared that he brings to the clubhouse each day in spring training. Jones cut way back on his fast-food intake. - Roch
I was satisfied with the result of yesterdays game, not that I watched it. As much as I hate the Colts, it was my bretheren who turned their back on them en masse and this cost me a chance at an expansion franchise. Embracing the Browns was and never will be an option. Now I'm watching a similar apathy play out with the Orioles, and its depressing. In fact, I have a brother who quit on the Colts and even asked me in 83' why I even went to the games, and now he's a huge Ravens fan and dosen't understand my loyalty to the O's or why I cant root for the Ravens. See I will not wish happiness for fans such as this and there are thousands more like him.
Roch-
Kenny stopped being killed a couple years ago. He Actually was off the series and they spoke of him in the past tense.
He is back now that and does not get killed.
The funnies thing, is when he was gone, every episode, Cartman would make a dead Kenny joke to the boys, and there would be awkward silence for a second before he would go, "Too Soon?" Hilarious.
I brought it up because (I don't know how they get away on basic cable with the stuff they get away with), there was an episode recently, where they appealed to Webster's to change the definition of the word "Fag".
It doesn't mean what it used to mean, they wanted it to apply for instance for bikers that drive through town on a nice day with the loudest most annoying sound and exhaust etc. Or, the guy that doesn't put on his blinker and makes you wait to see what he is going to do before you can turn etc.
OR, in my case, a guy who grows up and obviously has daddy issues because he wears the jersey of the OTHER TEAM to his hometown ballpark.
You are dead on with Ed Reed... I was screaming at my TV when he did that pitch (like he couyld hear me). Why??? But when you look at his body of work you really can't get too upset. Can you? Whay is this hex the Colts have on us, its almost as bad as a loss to the Steelers. GRRRRRRR!
As far as Bergy's injury. I had a similar situation. I got into a car accident and slammed my right (throwing) arm into the steering wheel. There was no fracture, break, or anything an x-ray or MRI could pick up being wrong in my arm. I was told a bad bone bruise that would take max 1 month to heel. It took about 4 months to heel. Not saying this is the same thing, but sometimes it just doesn't want to heel. Eventually it was fine and back to 100%. IMO there is no need to worry about his injury, he still has a few more months.
On the Ravens. I have never watched a more frustrating season. How many times can you be on the wrong end of a close game? Now we have to sweep the Steelers and win out for the playoffs, or at worst split with the Steelers and win the rest.
I have an awful feeling this isn't end of Bergy's hairline fracture. It's just typical Oriole luck.
Four of the Ravens' five losses have been by a total of 13 points.
Kickers really blew it yesterday didn't they...
Roch,
Have you placed any football bets in delaware yet? If you havent you should go one sunday i usally go to the one in harrington. Harrington has a nice bar with over 50 tv's where you place your bets. The giants and Tampa screwed some of my bets up this week i could have won $4000 on a 10 game 5 dollar bet but atleast a won $200 on another 6 game $5 bet.
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I just participate in a pool where you pick every game against the spread every week. There's a weekly winner, and overall first-, second- and third-place winners at the end of the season. I tied for first last year. - Roch
Roch-
I was just looking over the free agent list on MLB.com (bet No. 50 will get lots of offers!). Can you explain how former Oriole Latroy Hawkins qualifies as a Type A free agent? And would any team be willing to give up the compensation necessary to sign him?
Thanks.
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I don't know how it works for a middle reliever or setup man, since it's based on performance over the past few seasons. Not sure exactly what numbers are taken into consideration, but his are good enough to make him a Type A. I assumed that he would re-sign with the Astros. I know they wanted him back. - Roch
Roch, I'm one of those Colt/Oriole hybrid fans so I've seen the good and bad of Baltimore fans. Needless to say, I wish that the O's had organizations like either the Colts or the Ravens. Unfortunately, I don't think that in this immediate TV revenue day of free agent signings, that you can resurrect a team through rebuilding the minor league system. I suspect McFail will leave before we see any report card returns on his efforts.
Roch, It's good to hear that things are progressing for Bergy. At the risk of stating the obvious, the Orioles really need him well and ready to go on Opening Day. A healthy Bergesen means that more often than not every fifth day they're going to get a quality start, something that will stabilize the rotation.
As for the Ravens game, I figured it was going to take a near-perfect game for them to get by Indy, while the Colts had an off day. It almost played out that way, but Indy has been finding a way to win the close ones all season.
Along with the points you make above, Billy Cundiff's third quarter missed FG on a bad snap was another crucial play. He actually kicked better than many thought he would and might have been able to drill on had Reed not sealed the victory for the visitors.
It struck me that the Colts' defense won it for them today more than anything. They're really an underrated unit. Other defenses may allow fewer yards, but Indy's D is tops in the only stat that matters: points allowed.
They are really tough inside the red zone and who would have thought the Ravens couldn't punch it in down on the goal line. Colts safety Antoine Bethea summed it up best when he said, "A team is not going to beat us kicking field goals."
Yesterday's game emphasized a need for the Ravens: a better receiving corps for Joe Flacco. Not that they're bad, but if you compare them to who Indy has, you can see the difference between very good receivers and an elite group. Reggie Wayne is already being compared favorably with certain future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison. For my money, Dallas Clark has emerged as the best tight end in the football (a real matchup nightmare: too big and strong for most DBs to cover and to fast for linebackers to stay with).
Youngsters Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have show talent beyond their years. The Colts are so deep that they don't even miss the injured Anthony Gonzalez, who was a starter at the beginning of the season. Then there are Joseph Addai and Donald Brown, who both are adept at catching the ball out of the backfield. Hank Baskett is another decent receiver, too, who sits on the bench, while the Colts' "other" tight end, Tom Santi, caught six passes for 80 yards, while the Ravens were trying corral Clark. This is an absolute embarrassment of riches for Peyton Manning; it's like the deck is hugely stacked against the opposition. Maybe the NFL needs to step in and make a rule preventing them all from playing at the same time. LOL
By the way, Clark's TD catch was just sick. One-handed (the second hand never touched the ball at all!) and still he watches to make sure his feet are both come down in the end zone. Clearly, one of the best catches made by anyone this season--almost a work of art. Here's a link to a video of the catch below. Yes, I know some people won't want to see it, given that it's in a loss to Indy, but I've included it from the standpoint of appreciating football excellence regardless of the player. The catch could go in a time capsule, it's that good.
http://www.faniq.com/blog/Dallas-Clark-One-Handed-TD-Catch-Against-The-Ravens-Blog-32904
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I couldn't agree more about Clark's catch. Not just how he corralled the ball with one hand, but also getting his feet down. Amazing play. - Roch
Beeb,
Although I partially agree with you that you can't entirely rebuild through the minors, I believe its best to do both. You have to have a strong farm system first and then use free agency to fill the holes. MacPhail has done a good job with the farm system, now we'll see how good he is at filling the holes. Its unfortunate for us the last two years FA pool has been pretty weak in our area of need. I'm still waiting to see if this front office is willing to spend the money its going to take to compete in this division. There are still a few guys out there that can help this team get better, I hope they sign a few of them.
Roch,
Looks like another rumor is going on, Jermaine Dye is willing to move to first base and the Orioles are one of the teams interested in him there. He has played one game in his major league career at first. I like Dye, and I know we need power from either our first or 3rd baseman, but I also would like a good glove at first too, just improves your over all defense when the first baseman can rescue a bad throw, or can field his position. Fox sports had the rumor. I see Boston is wanting to get rid of Lowell now and would eat most of his contract in his final year. There is someone that would be good for one year with power.
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It says: The FOX writers speculate that Dye could make sense at first base for the Braves, Mets, Giants, and Orioles.
That's just speculation. - Roch
RichD - I was just about to mention that. Thing is, having a good fielding 1B is always nice, but it's also generally considered the throwaway defensive position. Compared to, say, SS or CF, you can get away with having a bad defender at 1B, as long as he doesn't commit an outrageous number of errors or something.
Also, we could just go with Luke Scott at 1B (if he's a better defender than Dye) and use Dye as a full-time DH. I'm not saying that's the best plan, but it's something to consider - better than using him as a full-time OF. If Dye will come on a 1-year deal for a not-too-outrageous sum of money (I dunno, $6 million? $8 million?), I'd definitely consider it. Personally I would rather stick Wigginton and Aubrey at 1B and sign a 3B, but you have to look at all your options.
Dear Roch,
Glad the Bruce show was great, sad I couldn't make it. Unfortunately, for some folks, he seems to not enjoy the right all other Americans have, to have and express their political beliefs within reason. If you don't care about or agree with his politics (it was a CONCERT, after all) enjoy the music! If you do, and someone's beliefs interfere with your being entertained, save your money. But he has the same right to act politically or choose how to spend his money as we all do.
Angle looked like a good 4th OF prospect, with GREAT wheels. His gap triple and bunt for a hit were nice to see (as a prior poster mentioned). If he can hit, he could even lead off, as he seems to have a decent eye (AFL-adjusted, of course).
Bell looks like his bat is a bit slow (like Wieters' was, and to which another poster alluded) for MLB just yet, (though he did hit the ball hard and the season speaks for itself) but what really struck me was how he executed a fairly difficult play going to second to get the lead runner after a big hop that ruined the double play. He didn't rush, didn't try to make the amazing play but kept the runner at first and got the lead out. His hands and arm looked good (on that play).
As a bat, and surely also because he's a switch-hitting black 3rd baseman who's still a little chubby, he really reminds me of Terry Pendleton. He has the same open stance, hands behind his jaw, and coils and uncoils as his weight transfers as Pendleton did to generate power. The "coiling" and subsequent failure to get his front foot down quickly will probably be what he needs to work on, as well as quicker wrists, to trust his "natural" power rather than trying to do too much. But he is also much "quieter in the box" (as they say) than Pendleton, very calm as he waits to "coil". I think IF he succeeds, Pendleton numbers would be a fairly good estimate.
Roch, It wasn;t the boneheaded fumble that cost your Ravens. It was the bone headed decision by Flaco to throw that interception in the Red Zone late in the game only down 2. You have to protect the ball at that point.
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I didn't write that the fumble is the lone reason that they lost. I mentioned the INT first. But those things happen. Reed could have avoided the fumble by not trying to lateral the ball. - Roch
Dear Jack Dunn's Baby,
Danke schoen!
The $64,000 question was a perfect storm of possibilities. Patton loved Frederick the Great and the resulting Prussian military tradition (not least because of the tradition of POLITICAL power of the German armed forces, but...), so I thought, hey, that sounds probable, but also Patton would certainly (given the Napoleonic rise and Patton's own qualities of mind) be QUITE familiar with the French Revolution and the Terror. And Lenin was known to "misquote" or, otherwise, LIE to get his ends, but the French Revolution was so dear to the Bolsheviks' hearts and required reading, so...I would love to claim having corrected you, but I was immersed in aporia myself. Would Lenin have credited a Prussian monarch for ANYTHING, even if true?
And...excellent work on giving the Skool an update on WTF we are talking about. After all, what was Patton doing with Eisenhower in WWII when he should have been rehabbing his torn labrum?
Get well Bergey; you're sure gonna' be needed.
Congratulations to Joe Mauer...he deserved the MVP.
And if the refs had thrown a flag on Gaither at the moment the ball was hiked, the Colts would have turned down the penalty anyway. Any team that has the ball first and goal at the 1 and can't get a TD (and doesn't try McClain on at least one play) doesn't deserve to win.
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A false start penalty would have stopped the play. - Roch
What's your take on Matt Albers? Do you think he would benefit from going to AFI? I know some pitchers don't need to be in shape to pitch well... David Wells CC Sabathia... is he one of those pitchers?
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Trembley told him toward the end of the season that he needed to get in better shape. I think he'd definitely benefit from some sort of workout program. - Roch
Dye might be a good option to split time at 1B/DH if he can actually play 1st and not be positioned there. He's not going to get offered arbitration by Chicago. If they offered, they might be looking at about $10 million or more for his services.
He'll have a decent start to the season, followed by a tremendous June. By then, would we be willing to trade him and bring up Snyder? (this also assumes Snyder would be ready) If not, we can look forward to his yearly slide which usually starts in July (August if you're lucky).
We'd have to wait and see on Dye, because chances are, someone is gonna overpay for him. I think he'd be worth $5-6 million w/ a team option for a 2nd year (this is all speculative, of course), but I think given that several teams may be interested (and this depends on what teams they may be), he'll probably get a 2 year deal around $7-9 million per with someone who thinks they need him more than they do. That 2nd year at that price is gonna hurt his trade-ability at deal time if the team decides they don't need him, which I'm assuming Baltimore wouldn't.
Harrisburg Steve... If you are actually a Harrisburgian (you're not Harrisburgers, are you?)... I'd be interested to pick your brain on the area. I'm moving there next month and am looking for advice from every angle I can (is Matt available? Sigh...that was lost on SO many...).
Shoot me an email...annmarieatl@aol.com... Thanks =)
I heard Andy on XM this afternoon with Kevin Kennedy. It was a good lengthy conversation. He is extremely cool to free agent starting pitchers unless they are a final piece and he gave several reasons for his lack of interest, including, "they are generally entering their fragile years" I liked that one and agree. He was also asked about the difficulty of the division and he stated that there is no use in crying about it, only that it does change our mindset in building the club, knowing full well we will never sneek in with 86 wins like you can in other divisions. There were several other interesting points too, but this isn't my job.