The Orioles started a 6-game, 2-city road trip that kicked off against the San Francisco Giants on the left coast last night. Unfortunately, much like a recurring scene that has taken place over and over again this season, yet another Oriole starting pitcher got himself in trouble early and literally buried his team before the game ever got going.
Baltimore lost for an astounding 47th time in 64 games as San Francisco won in a laugher, 10-2.
Chris Tillman, before his callup has been succeeding in Triple-A Norfolk, took the loss again – his second of the year at the major league level. He didn’t look good at all as he gave up six runs in two innings of work, including a five-run second inning highlighted by a Pat Burrell (yes, the man cut by the Rays).
Jason Berken, who has held in own in relief for Baltimore this season, and Matt Albers each pitched two scoreless innings to stop the bleeding; however, the Giants busted the game open in the eighth by scoring four times off reliever Frank Mata.
Matt Wieters hit a absolute bomb – a solo homer – to left-center field in the second inning and Ty Wigginton had an RBI-double in the eighth, but that was all the offense Baltimore got.
Once again, the Orioles made another pitcher from the opposition look like an All-Star. Pitcher Jonathan Sanchez easily got the win as he gave up two runs on 7 2/3 innngs of work.
Considering the lack of offense the Orioles have in their lineup – especially at first base – wouldn’t Aubrey Huff be an excellent fit for the team right now?
The Orioles did trade him to the Tigers for a young arm, but I don’t think he really, really wanted to come back to the organization unless he was really desperate.
You’ve got to read what Huff says to MLB.com’s Cash Kruth. I guess considering he’s played for losing teams for most his career (with a few exceptions as a hired bat in playoff races with the Astros and Tigers), can you blame him?
Aside from yesterday’s loss, Bobby Valentine – who interviewed for the Orioles manager job last week – spoke to ESPN this morning about the chat he had with Andy MacPhail.
Let’s just say, I don’t think he may be coming to Baltimore. This is a case of, “it’s not you – it’s me”.
Of course, that cliched line is a subtle way of saying, “um, I’m not that into you…”
Then again, the problem with a potential relationship would be the Baltimore Orioles.
Take a minute to read the article from ESPN with the accompanying sound, and you’ll get the drift.
I thnk while he sees the team making steps to improve, the hole that they are in may be too deep for him to get involved in right now.
He said: ““It’s a big challenge. I like big challenges, but I like to have some reward too, and the reward is in the standings and their standings don’t look like they’re going to turn around very quickly.”
I think in the end, Valentine – assuming he wants to manage again – will wait for a better fit, or let’s say opportunity. In other words, he wants a better team to manage and one ready to compete.
