On Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies played to a 3-3 tie in Clearwater, Florida.
Once again, Brian Matusz started a game in Grapefruit League action; however, this time, the result was mixed. Overall, he gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings, gave up six hits, struck out and walked one.
Philadelphia plated three runs in the third inning off an RBI-single from Placido Polanco and a two-run double by Jim Thome.
Despite the big inning from the Phillies, Matusz did get through his outing without his best stuff. Matusz certainly was not as sharp as I’ve seen in some of his spring starts; however, he kept his team in the game.
Right now, if I were a betting man, I’d say Matusz is in the starting rotation on Opening Day – perhaps as the fifth starter.
The Baltimore batters faced Roy Halladay – who started on the mound for Philadelphia – and went 6 2/3 innings. He gave up two runs – off a homer from Nolan Reimold homer and a Ronny Paulino RBI-single – in the second inning, but after that pretty much dominated the Orioles after that. Trent Mummey plated in a run in the eighth inning off reliever Jose Contreras.
(from the Orioles.com)
With the 20th anniversary of Camden Yards this year, the Orioles released some renderings of the improvements made to the ballpark. It is a fantastic venue to watch a ballgame – or even just hang out for the night at. I do not think there’s need for too much change at the stadium, but the new additions certainly add a lot more life. I’ll be curious to visit the new roof deck in center field. I figure it is sort of like what Washington has in their ballpark, as well as Philadelphia and New York.
Of course, the highlight of all the work done in the off-season will be the statues; moreover, it is notable that the Orioles will have the section of the ballpark open on non-game days.
Briitany Ghiroli of the Orioles.com has a detailed article noting the changes. As much I appreciate the changes to the Yard, perhaps a competitive team also might be in order?
If anything, that would help fill up the Yard.
