After a tough loss on Wednesday night, and a thrashing on Thursday at the hands of the Detroit Tigers, the Orioles are roughly 2/3 or more through the season and with the state of the team, what’s really left to pay attention to?
As it is, the Orioles are heading to their 12th losing season, at least, we get to see the young pitching come up and see who can stick at the major league level, and who doesn’t have it. However, with all the optimism, the veteran on the squad — Jeremy Guthrie — may have had his poor season and his overall circumstances get to him this week.
One day after skipping out on his media responsibilities, Jeremy Guthrie set out to make things right. Guthrie, who had elected not to speak after his start against the Tigers on Wednesday night, made a beeline to reporters on Thursday morning and issued a heartfelt apology off the cuff.
“I’m apologetic for not making myself available,” he said, “when obviously it was a game in which I pitched and needed to make some comments, to talk about how well the team played. I think we played really, really well defensively and we got shut down by a really good pitcher who was on top of his game.”
Guthrie, who had never missed an interview before, said that he understood that he had a responsibility to his fans, and more to the point, that he sets an example to Baltimore’s quartet of rookie starting pitchers. The right-hander said frankly that he understands that speaking after his starts is part of his job.
“Ultimately, I was hoping to take a night off,” he said. “And looking back on it, it was not the right decision, especially in this circumstance. I guess my regret is that I did it and it was kind of misinterpreted. Hopefully, going forward, I anticipate making myself available for all the standard times that we have to be available.”
One can understand Guthrie’s — or anyone’s frustration — at how 2009 has gone; however, one has to be a professional and accountable not only to the media, but to the fans who pay to watch them.
Then again, who knows if the Orioles will compete this year or next, but for a pitcher like Guthrie — talented, and while he’s not an ‘ace’, he is the veteran of squad — one had to wonder if the losing is start to get to him and if he’s willing to stick through the rebuilding.
Also, what do guys like Roberts and Markakis — who signed contract extensions — feel about what’s going on?
We know the plan is getting the youngsters ready for 2011 and beyond, but what do you think a lot of guys on the squad must be feeling?
Let’s hope we can become like the Rays, along with the Twins and A’s of the early part tof the decade rather than Kansas City or a Pittsburgh.
