Yesterday, the Orioles defeated the Twins, 8-1, for their second win in a row. Alfredo Simon pitched very well, going eight strong innings and only giving up a run.
The offense came alive again, as Nolan Reimold homered and drove in three. As well, Mark Reynolds also plated in three runs, J.J. Hardy had three hits and Matt Wieters walked four times.
The big news from yesterday – aside from the win – involved Adam Jones as he left the game early due to illness (he was replaced by Matt Angle in the 2nd inning). Jones says he’s fine and should be ready to play tonight; however, he had to go to the hospital for tests.
Jones complained about feeling weak, plus complained about shortness of breath along with chest pains according to various reports. It sounds like he had a muscular issue, or nausea, but let’s hope it’s nothing more than that.
It’s good to hear he’s feeling fine, but it is sure scary news to hear — especially for a twenty-something, professional athlete.
Finally, Felix Pie was designated for assignment from the Baltimore Orioles. Whether you’re happy about it or not, he basically gave the team no other option. He held himself back at times due to injury issues; however, when Pie played over the past two years, he was woefully inconsistent at the plate and on the field.
Pie showed promise at the end of 2009, but could never translate that in the following seasons. That’s just too bad.
The guy should be an amazing ballplayer (based on his look), but he lacked some basic baseball instincts, and in a results-driven league, you’re only as good as your recent production. I’m not sure of a team will pick Pie up off waivers, but he certainly needs to play often – whether in the majors or minors – to get better. That was not going to happen in Baltimore unless a freak injury occured to one of their regulars.
Bottom line, Pie was not doing much at all. He was basically taking up space on the squad, and it’s better that the release came now, so that some viable young talent could be looked at.
