Matchups, Montanez and assorted notes

Tonight's game could begin with only three umpires. The fourth is heading to Camden Yards, but he might arrive a little late. However, it won't affect the starting time. Since we were kicking around lineup ideas earlier today, and I failed miserably with my assumption that Jake Fox would start at first base, I wanted to pass along some career numbers against Toronto left-hander Ricky Romero: Fox is 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Corey Patterson is 2-for-4 with two strikeouts. Ty Wigginton is 4-for-11 with two doubles. Julio Lugo is 1-for-3. Felix Pie has never faced Romero. The Orioles will miss Brian Roberts, who's 5-for-10 with four walks. They won't miss Matt Wieters, who's 1-for-10 with an RBI and four strikeouts. Luke Scott is 1-for-9, but his only hit is a home run. Romero is 0-2 with a 23.40 ERA in his last two starts, vs. the Red Sox and Yankees. More Romero: He's 4-2 with a 2.16 ERA at home and 2-4 with a 5.28 ERA on the road. Toronto has won all six games against the Orioles this season, allowing only 11 runs, including six in the first game. The Orioles have been held to two runs or fewer in each of the last five games, which includes two shutouts. Miguel Tejada has accounted for five of the 11 RBIs against Toronto and is batting .320 with one homer. That's the only home run that Toronto has surrendered to the Orioles. Beware Brad Bergesen: The Blue Jays lead the majors with 136 homers, 60 more than the Orioles. We could be out of here early tonight. The game times for Bergesen's last two starts have been 2:07 and 2:22. The Orioles haven't won five in a row since June 17-21, 2009. The winning pitchers: Jim Johnson, Matt Albers, Rich Hill, Mark Hendrickson and Jeremy Guthrie. I'm happy to report that Lou Montanez still reads this blog. He texted me earlier today with the following: "I am still part of the Orioles organization, considering they keep sending me checks on the 15th and 30th of the month." Nicely played, Lou. As for his injured oblique, Montanez wrote, "Let's say it's a work in progress. I'm doing better, but not game-ready. "I want to go on trips and play. I haven't played much in about two years now. That's what I think people don't realize. I need consistent play to get back to the level I know I can play at. "I know time is conspiring against me, but it's nothing other players haven't overcome in the past. But after I get to that level, I'm going to have to make the most of the few opportunities I have left in the bigs. My leash is short compared to that of others and I understand that. "The best shot I've had so far was my first year, which I hit .295, and last year it seemed I was going to get it, but the unfortunate injury happened. "I felt I was giving good at-bats the few at-bats I got this year. How many balls did I square up and none of them found grass? I was tired of going back to the dugout and the guys saying, 'Good job,' or 'Good swing,' and nothing to show for it. "My attitude is still positive and upbeat. I believe in that it's never too late and that's what motivates me to persevere. I will be back, Oriole or not."