Yesterday, the Orioles lost 5-2 to the Twins on the road in Grapefruit League action. The Orioles got solo home runs from Vladmir Guerrero and Adam Jones; however, the Brian Matusz struggled on the night as he lasted only 1 1/3 innings, gave up four runs on five hits.
It was not a good night for the Orioles, but they got to see a look at a part of their future as Manny Machado – the first round pick of the 2010 First Year Player Draft for the Orioles – came into the game in the eighth inning to play shortstop and got an at-bat.
He spoke about his brief appearance in the game (quotes from the Baltimore Sun):
“Oh man, it was great,” Machado said. “I was out there with a bunch of veterans and I felt great. I learned a lot from them from this game.”
I watched a bit of his appearance and he looked smooth in the field. Machado looked like he belonged out there and made quite an impressive play – that didn’t realty in an out – to almost nail a runner. Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of him as he climbs the minor league ranks en route to the majors.
Finally, the big news from Florida for the Orioles on Wednesday came off the field, rather than on it.
Right now, arguably the most popular member of the Orioles, Buck Showalter let his feelings be known about his rivals in the American League East – mainly, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees — in an upcoming edition of Men’s Journal Magazine.
Showalter aimed his ire at two of the more well-known members of the division – Derek Jeter of the Yankees and Theo Epstein, general manager of the Boston Red Sox.
From ESPN: “The first time we went to Yankee Stadium, I screamed at Derek Jeter from the dugout,” Showalter told the magazine, according to the Bergen Record. “Our guys are thinking, ‘Wow, he’s screaming at Derek Jeter.’ Well, he’s always jumping back from balls just off the plate. I know how many calls that team gets — and yes, he [ticks] me off.”
Speaking about the Red Sox, Showalter mocked the notion that Epstein’s biggest offseason acquisitions — namely, left fielder Carl Crawford and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez — were indicative of the Red Sox GM’s savvy.
“I’d like to see how smart Theo Epstein is with the Tampa Bay [Rays] payroll,” Showalter told Men’s Journal, according to the Record. “You got Carl Crawford ’cause you paid more than anyone else, and that’s what makes you smarter? That’s why I like whipping their butt. It’s great, knowing those guys with the $205 million payroll are saying, ‘How the hell are they beating us?’ “
Well, I love Showalter’s thoughts; as an Orioles fan, of course. I think of most what has been said by Showalter is absolutely true.
Much like he did with Jake Fox last week, I think Showalter is trying to light a fire under his team and tell them that despite the Red Sox and Yankees profile, plus financial advantage, they can compete. He’s trying to build his team up and also send a message to his competitors that “these aren’t the same old Orioles (at least since 1998).
Basically, last place sucks and Showalter is trying to will his team to get out of the cellar. Whether that will happen remains to be seen; however, the Orioles are improved and should make difficult at times for their rivals.
I also do think perhaps way too is being made of Showalter’s comments, but it’s good to discuss.
