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Oriole Magic
The Number Fifteen & Loewen
After an awesome win on Saturday night, 11-10, supplanted by Luke Scoot’s walkoff; Daniel Cabrera looking awful, and Detroit’s Nate Robertson even worse, the script turned out to be the same on Sunday — yet another loss — their 15th in a row. Sad to see, honestly.
Baltimore earned a split with Detroit in the four game set, but lost 5-1 on a blistering hot Sunday. Despite a potentially generous promotion, and the Orioles whipping out their batting practice jerseys to stem the losing, the Tigers got the best of Brian Burres as he wilted in the middle of portion of the game to take the loss. The bullpen was ineffective and they let the deficit grown in the latter innings.
Add poor base running, and Luke Scott’s blunder in the second inning only illustrated the problems that they’ve encountered all season.
Meanwhile, Detroit’s Verlander looked like a Cy Young candidate despite his record as he went 8 2/3 innings, only gave up three hits. He stymied the Orioles all day, and aside from a single run scored on him — Baltimore had absolutely no chance on Sunday.
Well, in the past two weeks, I have seen why most picked the Orioles to finish where they did. Honestly, a .500 would be real nice, but if you look at the team at face value, we’ve got a lot of holes and players in two years who will not be a part of the equation. Aside from Jeremy Guthrie, Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and perhaps a few other guys on the roster — things are in so-so shape. While the offense has come together, the starting rotation (aside from our own 46) has been inconsistent, and at times not very good.
Although I have said my peace about the 2008 version of this squad — which has no doubt been entertaining — you’ve got to give Dave Trembley all the respect in the world for guiding the team as he has and fostering the idea that they can be in every game. As well, this man commands respect not only for his team, but for the game, and the fans who spend their hard earned money.
Andy MacPhail must give him an extension and build up this organization.
However, it’s time to make some moves as I think we’ve seen enough. Most of us here are thinking about the future, so let’s keep that going and not be so centered on the present.
Photos: Friday set — Sunday set.
***
You’ve got to feel for Adam Loewen, as he’ll now try to start his baseball career over as a hitter in the Rick Ankiel mode; however, the tall righty who’s got the spirit of a bulldog never really made much impact for me as a pitcher. He never got the opportunity to show his ability on a regular basis, as Loewen never been healthy; alas, he’s got the physique and mindset to do well as a hitter, but it’s all easier said than done.
Finally, if we’re going to get a shortstop to perhaps make things tolerable for us, why did we have to sign a 36-year old?
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7 Responses to “The Number Fifteen & Loewen”
July 21st, 2008 at 8:58 am
I fear the Tigers more than most clubs because of their lethal line up. Their pitching is suspect, but their offense packs a whallop which is why they were able to overcome an early hole and emerge as a divisional contender.
We need 3 out of 4 for Toronto and then 2 out of 3 from Anaheim (who is the best team in MLB). Going to be a rough two weeks.
Any thoughts on Bynum getting let go?
July 21st, 2008 at 10:39 am
Not really on Bynum — he was a top draft pick by the A’s years ago, but never panned out. You would think he’s speedy and should be an asset based on his athleticism — however, when you don’t get on base, play enough and look sub-par in the field, eh, you won’t be playing much.
We could live without him.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:06 am
“Aside from Jeremy Guthrie, Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and perhaps a few other guys on the roster — things are in so-so shape.”
I’ll give some kudos to the “few other guys” - Brian Roberts has been great. Luke Scott has been better than advertised and our best leftfielder in years. The resurgence of Aubrey Huff has been a pleasant surprise. Outside of those guys and the bullpen, you’d be hard pressed to find any value in the rest of the roster, at least for this year.
July 21st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Heath — thanks. The reason I omitted Roberts, and Huff is that do we know if they are going to be here at the end of the month. Will they be part of the team in let’s say 2010?
I think I am looking forwards more than anything. B-Rob has been solid, and it’s nice to see that Huff has come around, (Luke Scott alone would have been worth jettisoning Tejada — ok, I am overstating it, but he’s very likable), but we are going to not contend for a while, and it’s worth looking at those who will strictly be here for the long run.
Scott might be here, but I only put the sure things in this post…
July 21st, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I have a question, what do you think about giving Jim Johnson the Joba treatment in September and leting him start a couple of games? I read that his starts in the minors were not the best, but Kranitz has worked with him on his sinker and it seems to be working out. As far as hit pitch count is concerned, he pitched two complete games last season in the minors. I personally would like to try it, especially if we are sub .500 (likely).
July 21st, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Jim, I’ve thought about this — at this point, why not? I like Johnson, and although he looks comfortable in his role, I’d like to see that happen considering the state of the pitching.
Right now, I think we’ll see Burres, Olson and Liz take their lumps unless it becomes disastrous. I would imagine Johnson would get his shot to be in the rotation in ‘09.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:30 pm
That’s sad news on Loewen. I think he had the chance to make a positive impact with this team. But at the same time, it’s his own fault for not being honest with himself and the team when he felt discomfort earlier this year. I understand he has a lot of heart and I respect that. But heart won’t get you too far if you don’t use your brain either. He would’ve been more help if he’d been honest and taken another 2-3 months of rehab. I guess hindsight is 20/20 but he should’ve listened to his body, not his heart.
I wish him the best of luck though. He should consider trying 1st base for his postion. The O’s aren’t exactly stacked with prospects there. But I have a feeling this is the last we’ve seen of Adam Loewen. I’d consider us lucky if he made it as a bench player.
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