Thoughts on Davis' suspension and today's game
By Roch Kubatko
The Orioles didn't have much time yesterday to digest the news of Chris Davis' suspension. They had to focus on a split doubleheader, and they're back on the field this afternoon for a 1:05 p.m. game against the Yankees that airs on FOX.
The games keep going and no one feels sorry for you, as manager Buck Showalter continues to preach.
There was an uncomfortable vibe in the clubhouse yesterday as soon as the media entered it, and not for the usual reasons (we're a motley crew). A member of the organization dropped a few hints that reporters were going to be busy and a good day would take a drastic turn. We just didn't know in which direction.
Showalter's door was closed for most of the morning. Team officials sat in his office. It's typical for an Oriole to sustain an injury on an off-day, but I sensed something worse.
I'll admit that I initially wondered about an arrest, but I figured a police report would have surfaced at that hour. I scanned the clubhouse and basically took attendance, though players could have been in the trainers room, the food room or someplace else that's off-limits to the media.
I noticed that Adam Jones and Davis weren't at their lockers shortly before 11 a.m. and I hadn't seen them all morning. I took one more look before the clubhouse closed to reporters, and I saw Jones standing beside a table where teammates were playing cards, a plate of food in his hand.
That left Davis as a no-show.
It could have meant nothing. Turns out, it meant everything.
Does it mean the end of the Orioles' World Series aspirations? I'd never go that far, not with the way this club has responded to the losses of Matt Wieters and Manny Machado.
Davis was batting under the Mendoza line, but he had 26 home runs and 72 RBIs. He was still a presence in the lineup, a player who opposing managers had to account for, a player who could dictate the other team's moves in the late innings. He could change a game with one powerful swing. He was more of a run producer than his replacements at third base. He's going to be missed.
That said, he wasn't having a 2013 season and this team is as resilient as they come. They just shrug and wait for someone else to step up.
It's obvious that Davis' teammates, while being supportive, are disappointed in him. Words were chosen carefully yesterday. They'd probably appreciate an explanation at the very least.
Why no Therapeutic Use Exemption, which he obtained while playing for the Rangers? Why take the risk now, especially with a division title on the horizon and the chance for home-field advantage?
Davis hit 53 home runs last season without the drug. His concentration seemed fine.
I don't get it.
Meanwhile, the Orioles are playing only one game today. What slackers.
Miguel Gonzalez is 4-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 10 home starts. He's posted a 1.82 ERA in his last 10 outings since July 5, allowing 14 earned runs in 69 1/3 innings and lowering his season ERA from 4.56 to 3.21.
How would you use Gonzalez in the playoffs? Is he the third starter, fourth starter or an extra bullpen arm? And before you answer, think about Bud Norris and where he fits.
Gonzalez is 2-2 with a 3.81 ERA in nine career starts against the Yankees. He's allowed seven earned runs in 21 innings for a 3.00 ERA in three home starts.
Gonzalez has faced the Yankees once at Camden Yards this season and permitted two earned runs in eight innings on July 11.
Ichiro Suzuki is 6-for-22 against Gonzalez, with three doubles and two home runs. Mark Teixeira is 0-for-10 with four strikeouts.
Yankees starter Shane Greene is making his 12th major league start. He blanked the Orioles over 7 1/3 innings on July 12 at Camden Yards, keeping them hitless until the fifth.
Greene is 2-1 with a 1.98 ERA in six daytime starts this season, and 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA in five road starts.
If you missed Game 2 last night, but plan on making the trip to Camden Yards today, watch for the new fan appreciate video that plays after the third inning.
The Orioles are lip-syncing "Under the Lights" by Cassio Monroe. You'll enjoy it.
The song includes the line "we won't stop," which will become a slogan of sorts for the rest of the season. It does seem like a good fit.
The video will be available later on the Orioles' web site.
Showalter's door was closed for most of the morning. Team officials sat in his office. It's typical for an Oriole to sustain an injury on an off-day, but I sensed something worse.
I'll admit that I initially wondered about an arrest, but I figured a police report would have surfaced at that hour. I scanned the clubhouse and basically took attendance, though players could have been in the trainers room, the food room or someplace else that's off-limits to the media.
I noticed that Adam Jones and Davis weren't at their lockers shortly before 11 a.m. and I hadn't seen them all morning. I took one more look before the clubhouse closed to reporters, and I saw Jones standing beside a table where teammates were playing cards, a plate of food in his hand.
That left Davis as a no-show.
It could have meant nothing. Turns out, it meant everything.
Does it mean the end of the Orioles' World Series aspirations? I'd never go that far, not with the way this club has responded to the losses of Matt Wieters and Manny Machado.
Davis was batting under the Mendoza line, but he had 26 home runs and 72 RBIs. He was still a presence in the lineup, a player who opposing managers had to account for, a player who could dictate the other team's moves in the late innings. He could change a game with one powerful swing. He was more of a run producer than his replacements at third base. He's going to be missed.
That said, he wasn't having a 2013 season and this team is as resilient as they come. They just shrug and wait for someone else to step up.
It's obvious that Davis' teammates, while being supportive, are disappointed in him. Words were chosen carefully yesterday. They'd probably appreciate an explanation at the very least.
Why no Therapeutic Use Exemption, which he obtained while playing for the Rangers? Why take the risk now, especially with a division title on the horizon and the chance for home-field advantage?
Davis hit 53 home runs last season without the drug. His concentration seemed fine.
I don't get it.
Meanwhile, the Orioles are playing only one game today. What slackers.
Miguel Gonzalez is 4-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 10 home starts. He's posted a 1.82 ERA in his last 10 outings since July 5, allowing 14 earned runs in 69 1/3 innings and lowering his season ERA from 4.56 to 3.21.
How would you use Gonzalez in the playoffs? Is he the third starter, fourth starter or an extra bullpen arm? And before you answer, think about Bud Norris and where he fits.
Gonzalez is 2-2 with a 3.81 ERA in nine career starts against the Yankees. He's allowed seven earned runs in 21 innings for a 3.00 ERA in three home starts.
Gonzalez has faced the Yankees once at Camden Yards this season and permitted two earned runs in eight innings on July 11.
Ichiro Suzuki is 6-for-22 against Gonzalez, with three doubles and two home runs. Mark Teixeira is 0-for-10 with four strikeouts.
Yankees starter Shane Greene is making his 12th major league start. He blanked the Orioles over 7 1/3 innings on July 12 at Camden Yards, keeping them hitless until the fifth.
Greene is 2-1 with a 1.98 ERA in six daytime starts this season, and 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA in five road starts.
If you missed Game 2 last night, but plan on making the trip to Camden Yards today, watch for the new fan appreciate video that plays after the third inning.
The Orioles are lip-syncing "Under the Lights" by Cassio Monroe. You'll enjoy it.
The song includes the line "we won't stop," which will become a slogan of sorts for the rest of the season. It does seem like a good fit.
The video will be available later on the Orioles' web site.
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