(AP Photo)
Last night, I had wanted to go the game; however, because of the weather and the fact I would have not have it to Camden Yards before at least the third inning, I stayed home.
Once I turned on the TV, I was stunned by the amount of green seats in proportion to actual people in them. The crowd was announced at 9,299 – the second lowest in Camden Yards’ history – but watching on TV, there could not have been more than 2,000 or so (if even that) people at the ballpark.
Seriously, did 2/3 of the ticket holders for last night’s game just suddenly decide to stay home? Well, the weather sucked and the Royals were in town – but still?
Honestly, I don’t blame anyone who didn’t go to Camden Yards last night. The product isn’t good right now.
Baltimore lost again, this time to Kansas City, 4-3. The game was close and they had a chance to win it in ninth inning with the bases loaded with two outs, but Miguel Tejada hit a grounder to second to end things.
Again, the Orioles could not do much with runners in scoring position (they went 1-for-12 ) and left ten men on base. They mustered ten hits on the night – including two bunts – however, they could not jump on Royals starter Kyle Davies who won the game, nor closer Joakim Soria – who got his 10th save.
Brad Bergesen pitched fair enough, but instead took the loss. He issued a run in on a balk in the second inning, but went 6 2/3 innings on Monday. He gave up four runs on two hits.
The Orioles are 12-27 and sorely in need of some serious help offensively. Adam Jones has been better, but not producing much and finally blew a gasket last night; Nick Markakis has been hitting, alas, isn’t driving in any runs; Cesar Izturis isn’t hitting .210; of course, we know about Garrett Atkins and I could go on and on.
Then again, if I said to anyone that Corey Patterson – who stole two bases last night and scored three times – would be spark for the Orioles and Ty Wigginton would the team MVP seven weeks into the season, what would have said about that?
The situation isn’t good and I don’t see how it gets better. At this point, does Michael Aubrey come up? I mean, could he be any worse than Garrett Atkins or the recently-sent-down Rhyne Hughes?
Right now, “the plan” may need some serious tweaking. The Orioles may or may not play themselves out of this rut, but right now, the team that we fans see every night is what they are.
Not a good team.
We all should be positive, but right now, it’s looking very, very bleak.
I feel for Dave Trembley. I wonder how day-in, day-out how he could possibly try to be accountable for his team’s play. Yes, he can motivate the players to an extent; however, when it comes down to it — Trembley doesn’t hold the bat, pitch, nor run. It may be as simple as the talent on the Orioles isn’t there, they aren’t trying, or the basic fundamentals are still no there.
