Due to the rainout yesterday, the Orioles will play in a doubleheader today against the Texas Rangers.
The Orioles are 5-1 right now, flying high in the American League East and with their confidence high; however, the team is dealing with injuries heading into the weekend.
Aside from the pitching, the biggest issue that with the Orioles would have to deal with during the season is the health of their players.
Now that issue is sort of rearing its ugly head.
We know that Justin Duchscherer – will he ever pitch? – is hurt, so is Brian Matusz; however, J.J. Hardy was pulled out Thursday’s game and Brian Roberts didn’t suit up Friday because of a stomach issue.
Plus, Guthrie was in the hospital and is trying to recover from pneumonia. He looks to be fine now, but may not pitch this weekend as he is still on the mend.
Obviously, players get hurt every year and we as fans have seen what it can do to a team. Look at how the Orioles started last year.
Now, it looks as if Roberts will be fine and may play this weekend. Let’s hope nothing much else happens.
This weekend will be a challenge for the two young arms in the rotation – Zach Britton and Jake Arrieta – as they face the league champions. Hopefully they won’t get frazzled and show the same mettle that they had in their first two starts.
If the Orioles can somehow, take two out of three – or better yet, sweep the Rangers – they’ll have a lot of momentum heading into Yankee Stadium next week to face the Bronx Bombers.
Finally, I do want to speak briefly about Manny Ramirez. As we all know, he has told Major League Baseball that he is retiring more than likely due to failing a drug test again. That’s crazy.
Then again, he would have faced a 100-game suspension.
Ramirez was a threat to the opposition each and every time he stepped up the plate, plus had one of the most fluid swings I have ever seen from a player.
That being said, Ramirez completely bastardized his profession and the sport of baseball.
I’m sure his antics over the years would have been less tolerated if he were let’s say – a utility guy.
Some fans loved and it was kind of cute for a while; however, at the end of the day, Ramirez was a professional and he damn sure didn’t act like one from time to the time.
The only thing I’m concluding is that the guy made his money, won two rings and tried to cheat father time.
Ramirez got caught.
I don’t know whether if he’s just stupid or whatever. However, I don’t think he really cares.
The Rays must be shaking their heads right now.
So strange…
