Yesterday, the Orioles lost to the Phillies on Saturday, 7-5; however, the big news of the day was that first baseman Derrek Lee finally saw some action in a Spring Training game. The big man walked and struck out in his appearance at the late, and he looked fine on the field.
Sadly, he left the game early due to a sore foot – thanks to a foul ball that hit it – however, he told the media that he was happy with the results and felt good. He’s not played much at all, and who knows if Lee will be ready by Spring Training – as the season begins next Friday doen in Tampa Bay.
As of for the pitching, Jake Arrieta struggled once again as he gave up four runs in 4 1/3 innings. Clay Rapada would come in relief of Arrieta in the fifth inning and give up a three-run shot to Shane Victorino. The pitching suffered again late in the game as reliever Mike Gonzalez gave up a solo homer to Erik Kratz in the seventh inning that decided the game.
The Orioles got another nice performance from Vladmir Guerrero, who went 3-for-3 with two RBI’s.
It’s pretty obvious now that how the Orioles do in 2011 will come down to health and pitching. So far, the starting pitching has been mediocre at times and everyone is concerned about the state of Brian Roberts, Derrek Lee, Koji Uehara and Justin Duchscherer.
The Orioles need everyone in their projected starting lineup healthy. It’s as simple as that. Oh yes, they need some offense too – especially from Luke Scott and Mark Reynolds (who are both struggling).
It looks like Roberts is on the mend and should make his presence known on Sunday against the Rays on the road. Everyone knows he has to be healthy, because let’s not forget how the Orioles struggled last year without him in the lineup.
