MLB FanHouse

The Wire Creator David Simon's Latest Target: Major League Baseball

Eamonn Brennan — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, MLB Media Watch, Baltimore

I'm not going to read The Wire's obituary again, but if you don't know who David Simon is, he's one-half of the creative duo that breathed life into the best television show of the past decade, The Sopranos (arguably) excepted. He's also been labeled by The Atlantic as "The Angriest Man in Television," a title one imagines Simon is honored by.

Simon is also a baseball fan, and in this conversation with Washington Times writer Thom Loverro, Simon has a few words for Bud Selig and Major League Baseball. Specifically, that they can "kiss [his] pale, white ass,"

But let me say this about the official side of Major League Baseball: They can kiss my pale, white ass. Seriously. Although that sequence reflected in no negative way on baseball itself -- a reporter was making up a story about a handicapped fan for his own benefit -- MLB considered our request to film on stadium property and use MLB logos and then denied the request. Unless our drama pretty much exalts baseball as the greatest game ever played by the greatest bunch of people ever to play a game, MLB will not allow the use of its logos or facilities in any act of storytelling. I find this cowardly and venal and offensive. A game that claims to be the national pastime should be confident enough and respectful enough of independent storytelling to allow itself to be seen within the context of ordinary American life.

Fortunately for the show, the sequence Simon is referring to suffered little for MLB's obstinance. I can understand the league's desire to not be a target in The Wire's dangerously precise purview, but to deny an innocuous request like that one seems really weird. Then again, weird is just another day in Bud Selig's office.

The Wire Creator David Simon's Latest Target: Major League Baseball originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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And on the Seventh Day, the Orioles Rest

Matt Watson — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, MLB Fans, Baltimore

If the Orioles didn't have to play on Sunday, they'd be one of the best teams in the majors. No, seriously: as pointed out by Tyler Kepner of the New York Times, the Orioles are 1-12 on Sunday this year -- their 40-27 record the rest of the week is good for a .598 winning percentage. If they played that well all week long, they'd have the third-best record in the league, trailing only the Rays and Cubs.

Since fans attending Sunday games have been screwed all season long, the Orioles have decided to hold a promotion to help convince fans to turn out. If the O's win this Sunday, every fan in attendance will be given a voucher good for any other game this year. From the team's press release:

"The circumstances surrounding the team's Sunday struggles are highly unusual and inexplicable. We believe the situation calls for added assistance from our loyal fans to help the team deliver another Sunday victory. And if the Birds win on Sunday, anyone who does help us break this hex will be rewarded with a complimentary ticket to a future game of his or her choice."

Maybe it's me, but this seems backwards. Given the team's struggles, shouldn't the fans get another ticket if the O's lose? Maybe the team doesn't want to risk having the home crowd cheer against the O's -- that happens enough when the Red Sox come to town -- but this should about rewarding the fans who stick with the team even through the hard times.

And on the Seventh Day, the Orioles Rest originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Ghost of Carl Everett Will Forever Haunt Failed Major Leaguers

Eamonn Brennan — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:06:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, Baltimore

Jay Gibbons is suddenly a sad story. I don't know why, exactly; he's always seemed like kind of a jerk, and he cheated, and those things typically result in one being vilified forever. (*Cough* Roger Clemens *cough*.) But here Gibbons is today, the subject of a semi-empathetic story in the Baltimore Sun about how much he wants to get back to the majors. It starts out just moderately sad. Then we learn the horrifying truth:

"It's a league of misfortune," said Everett, who had a 14-season career in the majors that includes a World Series ring and dustups with umpires, managers and the media. "A lot of times mistakes are made by whomever, whether it is the club on judgment or the player. If you are one of those players that they made a mistake on you, you are going to hope someone else sees you."

Ah! Carl Everett! Where did you come from, man? Have you been here the whole time? No kidding.

Poor Jay Gibbons: He just wanted to keep playing baseball. Now he's stuck in the Land of Misfit Dinosaur Theorists.

The Ghost of Carl Everett Will Forever Haunt Failed Major Leaguers originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Should The Orioles Go All In?

Josh Alper — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, Baltimore

Anyone who tells you that they knew the Orioles would be two games over .500 near the halfway point of the season is either a cockeyed optimist or a liar. Back in March no one was predicting success, they were pointing to Andy MacPhail's trades as reason to be hopeful about the years following 2008 but not in 2008.

It's worked out much better than expected. The Orioles are in the mix and rather than dealing vets for more prospects, there's some call for them doing the opposite so they can maximize their chances at October baseball.

"We are the future," Kevin Millar said. "If we make the playoffs and win the World Series, the future is now."

Not a surprising sentiment from a 36-year old but hardly reason enough for the Orioles to sacrifice the future for the present. Making a splashy deal for a big ticket item isn't in Baltimore's best interests. It's important that McPhail look at the big picture and realize that the Orioles have been a bit lucky, four games up on their Pythagorean record, and not get pie-eyed.

That doesn't mean they should sell off their remaining veterans either. Stay the course and use this season as a building block with fans toward the future. Make small deals for a competent shortstop or a little pitching help if they come your way but don't bet the farm on a playoff run that remains a serious longshot.

Should The Orioles Go All In? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Silence: The Orioles Have Lost 11 Straight Sunday Games

Josh Alper — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, Baltimore

Baseball is full of quirky stats. For instance, did you know that Ken Griffey Jr. is one of three active players whose fathers have also homered at Yankee Stadium? Jerry Hairston Jr. and Gary Matthews Jr. complete the trio. Another one that caught my eye this morning is that the Orioles have lost 11 straight Sunday games.

They've lost at home and on the road and against teams from both the American and National Leagues. Beyond overdoing it on Saturday night, letting your mind linger on the pastor's homily or a Gremlin-like aversion to sunlight, there's no rhyme or reason to this. This isn't college where you have certain starters for certain days of the week, after all. It's the same group of players who take the field every other day of the week.

The Sunday futility is really hurting the team. The Orioles are 1-11 overall on Sundays this season and 37-25 on the other six days of the week. Just one more win a month on Sunday and the Orioles are four games out of first instead of seven, a pretty good spot for a team not expected to challenge for anything this season. It doesn't explain anything about the team's ability, no more than winning six straight Tuesdays does, it's just weird and something to ponder when the O's take the field at Nationals Park this weekend.

Sunday Silence: The Orioles Have Lost 11 Straight Sunday Games originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kevin Millar Is Killing Your Brain Like a Poisonous Mushroom

Will Brinson — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Gambling, Orioles, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Gambling, MLB Video, Baltimore

If there wasn't some sort of bet involved, I would probably believe that Kevin Millar wanted to make a plate appearance sporting platinum blonde hair and with Vanilla Ice's "Ice, Ice, Baby" blaring in the background. The fact that he did so because he lost a bet is just a hefty spoonful of gravy. From Bromoblog:

Kevin Millar came plate for his first at bat tonight with Platinum Blond hair and accompanied by "Ice Ice Baby." Our source reports that this odd appearance is due to a wager on the NBA finals made with former Red Sox teammate Jason Varitek. We are trying to confirm this, and will hopefully have pictures and video up later tonight.

God bless Bromoblog for following through on the promise.

I, for one, most certainly owned as much Vanilla Ice "music" as I could get my hands on back in the day. He did, after all, rule my middle school dances. Well, him and one of our English teachers convincing us it was funny to yell "Freebird!" every 20 minutes. It was not.

Kevin Millar Is Killing Your Brain Like a Poisonous Mushroom originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jay Gibbons is Coming to an Independent Ballpark Near You

Mullet — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:10:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, Baltimore, PEDs

Jay Gibbons, everybody's favorite admitted HGH user and alleged victim of collusion, is finally going to play some baseball again. But don't go looking for him on television. You'll have to drive out to beautiful Islip, NY to find Gibbons with his new team: the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks.

"I'm looking forward to getting back and playing ball again," said Gibbons, who will likely start working out with the Ducks in the next couple of days. "It's been 10 weeks, so hopefully I can get out on the field some time this week."

Boy, what a drop off for a 30-year-old outfielder who could probably still play some ball. Yeah, he's had some injuries lately ... and he may not be that good. But even so, there's not a major league team willing to give him a job in AAA? The fact that he has to go all the way to an unaffiliated Independent team while so many others mentioned in the Mitchell report have jobs in the majors means that it's not collusion. But it's just weird.

Jay Gibbons is Coming to an Independent Ballpark Near You originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: Still Relevant in Florida

Mullet — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Miami, Oakland, Orioles, Rays, Athletics, Marlins, Pirates, Giants, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Tampa Bay

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Florida Marlins (36-31) at Tampa Bay Rays (39-28) - 6:10 PM ET

All right, so I'm having a conversation today with a buddy of mine and we're discussing the fact that it's June 14th, and both the Marlins and Rays are still relevant in the conversation of baseball. I'm sure that neither of these teams are content with just being in the hunt in mid-June. But the question is, are either of these teams capable of being in the race all the way through? Could both teams be there at the end? Regardless of what your feeling is on this, it will be fun to see a Florida interleague game with some juice ... even though both the Marlins and the Rays have more intense rivalries out there.

P.S. If I had to choose one team there at the end, my money's on the Rays. But that's if you put a gun to my head.

Oakland Athletics (36-31) at San Francisco Giants (30-38) - 9:05 PM ET

One team was supposed to be too young ... the other: way too old. But while we're on the subject of relevance, the fact that this was supposed to be a rebuilding season for Oakland and they're 36-31 is cool enough. But I'm more impressed by the fact that the Giants aren't nearly as putrid as I thought they were going to be. Even though they're 30-38, there seems to be some hope around the corner for the Giants thanks to, among other things, Tim Lincecum pitching like the prospect he once was, and Aaron Rowand proving that last season wasn't merely a product of playing in a hitters' park. But does he really lead the team with only eight home runs?

Rowand may stay at eight with today's pitching matchup: hard throwers Rich Harden and Matt Cain ~~battle to the death~~ hook up.

Pittsburgh Pirates (33-35) at Baltimore Orioles (33-33) - 7:05 PM ET

Neither of these two teams were supposed to be any good either, but alas, both teams are either at or near .500 this season. That's reason enough to watch ... but I just wanted to go on a rant about how cool it would be to see both these teams wear their colorful jerseys from 1979, when they played each other in the first World Series I ever saw and Willie Stargell won his way into my heart and became my one of my first favorite players. But coincidentally enough, the Orioles actually did wear their throwback duds on Friday night ... and forgot to tell the Pirates about it. So even though the O's advertised that the Bucs would also be wearing the pillbox hats and bright uniforms from '79, they never did. Awkward!

Everyone else:

Phillies at Cardinals 3:55 ET
Cubs at Blue Jays 1:07 ET
Red Sox at Reds 3:55 ET
Dodgers at Tigers 3:55 ET
Twins at Brewers 7:05 ET
Yankees at Astros 7:05 ET
Padres at Indians 7:05 ET
Rockies at White Sox 7:05 ET
Rangers at Mets 7:10 ET
Royals at Diamondbacks 8:05 ET
Braves at Angels 9:05 ET
Nationals at Mariners 10:10 ET

On Deck: Still Relevant in Florida originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Has Jay Gibbons Been a Victim of Collusion?

Josh Alper — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, Baltimore, PEDs

There's been a lot of discussion about possible collusion by major league teams to keep Barry Bonds from continuing his career. For all his foibles, the man can still rake and it's surprising that no team is willing to hold their nose long enough to benefit from his 1000 or so OPS.

Buster Olney writes at ESPN.com that other players tainted by the Mitchell Report can't seem to find work either. He mentions Nook Logan and Jay Gibbons, late of the Orioles, as two players who aren't getting sniffs. He also includes a copy of a letter that Gibbons has written to all 30 major league teams.

All I need is a chance -- any chance -- anywhere. I am more than willing to begin the process of proving that I can and will be a productive major league player by playing in the minor leagues.

As you know, I have played seven seasons in the big leagues and have hit 20-plus homeruns in three seasons and have hit .277 in three seasons (2003, 2005 and 2006). At 31 years old, I have NO DOUBT that my best baseball is ahead of me.

I have some doubts about that. I'd never tell a man to give up his dream of playing in the big leagues but Gibbons doesn't have a ton of great baseball ahead of him. The only interesting thing about Gibbons's career is that he hit .277 in three separate seasons.

Honestly, it is. In three years with varying amounts of at-bats, ending up with exactly the same average is pretty impressive. Being a 31-year old corner outfielder with injury problems and minimal power isn't impressive, though. It's hard to see how the Mitchell Report is playing more of a role than that in costing Gibbons big league employment.

The problem with Olney's thesis is that Logan and Gibbons were both marginal players before teams had a reason to look in different directions. The idea that there's collusion against players named in the Mitchell Report or otherwise painted with the PED brush is hard to support. It didn't hurt Paul Lo Duca or Jose Guillen, for example, and wouldn't hurt either of the guys Olney mentions if they were better players. Not that Lo Duca is a good player but that's a different post for a different time.

At any rate, don't cry too much for Gibbons. He's guaranteed $12 million from the Orioles over the next two years and his desire to keep playing has met with success. Not in the big leagues but with a team in the independent Atlantic League where, if he plays well enough, he might generate enough interest for another shot.

Has Jay Gibbons Been a Victim of Collusion? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manny Ramirez Inspires Gymnasts and Drunken Fans Everywhere

Tom Fornelli — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: Boston, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Video, Baltimore, MLB Milestones

While this video of Manny Ramirez's 500th home run shot from behind the Boston Red Sox dugout is pretty cool in and of itself, it takes on a special significance when some drunk guy does a somersault on top of the Red Sox dugout.

If only Manny could have seen it from inside the dugout, because you just know he would have joined him up there had he known.

(Via Deadspin)

Manny Ramirez Inspires Gymnasts and Drunken Fans Everywhere originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baseball Is Boring: Orioles-Rays Live Blog

B. Thompson Stroud — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:09:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, Rays, AL East, MLB Live Blogging, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, The Dugout

Baseball is America's pastime, but had our forefathers enjoyed the modern conveniences of clocks, ball pumps, or haste, this pastime may well have been basketball or football. Instead, they had wood, leather, and a rudderless disposition. Baseball is Boring is a series of live blogs for folks who need irony and self-awareness to get through a game.

I went to my first, live Baltimore Orioles baseball game at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore when I was seven years old. Ray Knight was playing ball for the O's that season, and when he walked by me, standing alone there by the dugout with my glove and program and ink pen, I gave it a shot: "Mr. Knight!" He turned his head to look at me. I held up my program and said "Mr. Knight, could you sign my program please?" He took a few steps, looked back, and said, "Give me a minute, I'm going to take some swings and I'll be right back." He walked toward the batters box and I slumped a bit, thinking my chance for an autograph had passed. A crowd gathered around me, and when batting practice ended, Ray Knight dropped his bat, took off his helmet, and walked directly to me without looking at or acknowleding anyone else. He signed my program, softly said, "Thanks for waiting, sorry about that," and then walked into the dugout without signing another autograph. I have never forgotten his kindness. Twenty years of going to games later, the only other Oriole to sign an autograph for me is got-damn Sendy Rleal, and he can neither speak a word of English nor have a last name that exists in our proper alphabet. Even he didn't sign for me in Baltimore, he signed for me in Cleveland. He probably thought I was a delivery boy.

After the jump I make my debut for the Baseball is Boring feature with my childhood "hometown" team, and hey, maybe Radhames Liz ("coming soon") will send me an autograph for my troubles.

THE ESSENTIALS
The Orioles (24-22) start Jeremy Guthrie (2-4, 3.86 ERA)
The Rays (27-20... wait, what) start Matt Garza (2-1, 4.86 ERA)

ANALYSIS
Defensively, the Flying type (Oriole) is useful for its immunity to the common Ground-type move Earthquake (The San Francisco Giants are particularly vulnerable to Earthquake) and its resistance to Fighting. However, the Flying-type's weaknesses aren't rare types and can often offset the benefits of immunity to Ground, especially due to many combination Rock/Ground Pokémon. Water-type (Ray) are based on aquatic or amphibious creatures, and their powers are directly related to water, such as the ability to spit water at high pressure. Of all the types, this one has the most species attributed to it. By sheer number of species and classification specification alone, the Rays should come out victorious in this battle. I mean game.

PREDICTION
Rays over Orioles, 5-2.

QUICK NOTE ABOUT THIS LIVE BLOG
From here forth, my banal and worthless commentary can be read in the box below. It updates much like a one-way instant messenger conversation does, which means you do not need to keep refreshing the page. Feel free to comment in the box at the bottom -- if your sentiment is funny or poorly-informed enough, I may just post it in the blog. Enjoy!

Baseball Is Boring: Orioles-Rays Live Blog originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 23 May 2008 19:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Broadcasting Lesson 17: Don't Use YouTube Near an Open Microphone

Josh Alper — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Orioles, Yankees, AL East, MLB Video, Baltimore

An exceedingly strange moment from the broadcast booth at Yankee Stadium last night. During the third inning, Michael Kay and Ken Singleton are discussing Orioles hitting coach Terry Crowley and we'll throw it over to Yankee Stadium Insider for the video (it's a bit NSFW):
That disembodied voice saying calling Crowley "lucky he's in f------ baseball" isn't coming from Kay or Singleton nor their producers nor anyone even in the stadium. It's coming from a classic rant by Crowley's former manager Earl Weaver (full version here and a lot less SFW) that, I guess, someone was watching on YouTube while the game was going on.

I'd say it was pretty unprofessional but to get the audio about Crowley to come across just as they were discussing Crowley is pretty impressive. Nonetheless, I'd imagine there will be stricter regulations about internet usage around the Stadium today.

(H/T WasWatching)

Broadcasting Lesson 17: Don't Use YouTube Near an Open Microphone originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 22 May 2008 09:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Everybody's Getting 'Em, So Where's Nick Markakis's Long-Term Contract?

Josh Alper — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, Baltimore

Evan Longoria. Ryan Braun. Hanley Ramirez. There haven't been this many youngsters signing up for extended duty since December 8, 1941. It's only natural, then, that we look at their unsigned peers to wonder who might be the next to get a contract.

That gaze falls upon Nick Markakis of the Orioles this evening. Unlike many of the others, his arbitration years begin this winter and, unless he gets lost at the Springfield Mystery Spot, he's going to see his salary leap into the mid-seven figures.

He's 24 and doesn't have a notable flaw in his game. Wouldn't you rather have Markakis for the next seven years than Alex Rios, who signed such a deal with the Blue Jays? Rios isn't a better player now, even though he's 27, and doesn't figure to be when his contract wraps up. And not only was Rios not in the big leagues at Markakis's age, he wasn't putting up comparable numbers until last season, his fourth in the majors.

Markakis has nearly 1300 at-bats, so he's not an unknown, and is the kind of player Baltimore's been lacking for a decade. They haven't started negotiations yet but the Orioles should straightaway. By the end of the season, Markakis might be close enough to free agency to wonder how big a killing he can make, what with every other player of his generation signed into the next decade.

Everybody's Getting 'Em, So Where's Nick Markakis's Long-Term Contract? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 19 May 2008 19:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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George Sherrill's Flat Brim is Catching On

Eamonn Brennan — Sun, 18 May 2008 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, Baltimore

One is a nothing. Two is a coincidence. Three is a trend. Or something like that.

Whatever the cliche, George Sherrill's personal extreme-flat-brim style -- seen above left -- is catching on, as Teh Blogfather reports. Orioles players have taken to turning up their bills after wins, as seen above, and now kids in the stands are pulling it off, too. It naturally helps that Sherrill is on pace for roughly 4,000 saves this year, his first in the role.

I won't lie: that's tremendously cool. Namaste, Baltimore Orioles. Your success is both baffling and aesthetically enjoyable.

George Sherrill's Flat Brim is Catching On originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 18 May 2008 12:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orioles Magic! Feel It Happen!

Will Brinson — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, MLB Video, Baltimore

Back in the 1980's, music videos starring professional athletic teams were all the rage. It's nice to see that the Baltimore Orioles, who, at 21-19 seem to have forgotten exactly who, what, where and when they are, are keeping that tradition alive with Orioles Magic! Feel it hap-pen! I'm totally on board the bandwagon.

There's no way I'm the only one who can actually see Kevin Millar playing the role of lounge singer after he retires.

Via Hot Clicks

Orioles Magic! Feel It Happen! originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 15 May 2008 10:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: The Endless Search For 350

Mullet — Sun, 04 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Orioles, Angels, Marlins, Mets, Diamondbacks, Padres, Baltimore, San Diego

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

San Diego Padres (12-19) at Florida Marlins (16-14) - 1:10 PM ET

Greg Maddux has had three tries at career win number 350 ... none have gone well. First, the Diamondbacks dropped six on Maddux in the first inning to put that game out of reach early. Then, Trevor Hoffman blew a 1-0 Maddux lead in the ninth against the Giants at home. Then, it was a 7-4 loss to the Phillies in Philadelphia. Today, it's the hot Florida sun ... and the not so hot Andrew Miller, who came into the season as the centerpiece in the Miguel Cabrera/Dontrelle Willis trade. But he comes into the game with a 9.12 ERA, which is good news for Maddux in his latest quest for 350.

More good news: Maddux is a career 19-13 with six complete games and a 2.88 career ERA against the Marlins. Want good news for Maddux that's more relevant than starts he's made against the Marlins in the 90's? The current Marlins have lost four of their last five games. So is today the day?

New York Mets (15-13) at Arizona Diamondbacks (21-9) - 4:10 PM ET

Two pitchers came to the National League looking for success. Both have seemingly found it. And now, they face each other in what could be the best pitching matchup of the day as Johan Santana (3-2, 3.12) goes against Dan Haren (4-1, 3.13) to decide the series. Sure, Haren has enjoyed a little more team success with his Diamondbacks at 21-9, and the Mets at 15-13, but both pitchers are having seasons so far which have neither the Mets nor the Snakes thinking buyers remorse.

By the way, the Mets Saturday afternoon loss came with a silver lining, as Carlos Delgado hit one to the moon against Brandon Webb for a three run homer, perhaps signaling the end of Delgado's current slump once and for all (no word on whether the Mets fans in Arizona asked for a curtain call).

Baltimore Orioles (16-14) at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (19-13) - 3:35 PM ET

Some pitchers start the season like a house of fire and everyone notices. Joe Saunders starts the season 5-0, and I wonder how the heck that happened? So let's finally give Joe Saunders some love ... because without him, the Angels would have felt the sting of losing John Lackey to start the season a lot more. And amazingly, he's doing it without the benefit of striking out a lot of hitters (20 in 43 and 1/3's innings). Conventional wisdom says that Saunders will come back down to earth. But for now, Anaheim should enjoy the ride. On the other side, human rain delay Steve Trachsel goes for the Orioles, which means that you should probably get ready for a long day on the couch for this one.

Everyone else:

Royals at Indians 1:05 ET
Mariners at Yankees 1:05 ET
White Sox at Blue Jays 1:07 ET
Pirates at Nationals 1:35 ET
Giants at Phillies 1:35 ET
Rays at Red Sox 1:35 ET
Reds at Braves 1:35 ET
Brewers at Astros 2:05 ET
Tigers at Twins 2:10 ET
Dodgers at Rockies 3:05 ET
Rangers at Athletics 4:05 ET
Cubs at Cardinals 8:05 ET

On Deck: The Endless Search For 350 originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 04 May 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On Deck: Yovani Faces a Firestorm

Mullet — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago, Dallas, Orioles, Rays, Royals, Rangers, Cubs, Brewers, Baltimore, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Milwaukee

On Deck is FanHouse's look at the day's most intriguing baseball matchups.

Milwaukee Brewers (15-12) at Chicago Cubs (17-10) - 2:20 PM ET

So I'm flipping around my MLB extra innings package late last night and I see that they're still playing baseball in Chicago ... and I have to squint because the number on the screen can't be right: 19 runs? Really? The Cubs put up 19 against the Brewers? Alas, it was true. It shouldn't be that surprising. The Cubs were 13th in baseball in batting average last season and 18th in runs. This season, thanks in part to the acquisition of Kosuke Fukudome, and in part to the Cubs dedication to taking more pitches, they were second in both categories before last night's 19 run shenanigans.

The Brewers haven't been hitting as well this season, but they did win the first game of this series in Wrigley 10-7. So who better to calm down all this offense than Yovani Gallardo, who was injured to start the season but has a 0.64 ERA in his first two starts this season, and Carlos Zambrano, who's 4-1 so far with a 2.21 ERA? Maybe the wind will blow in too.

Kansas City Royals (12-15) at Texas Rangers (10-18) - 2:05 PM ET

The records may not tell you that this is one of the most intriguing matchups of the day, but the pitching matchup sure intrigues me. First off, it can't be overstated what a great story Zack Greinke is. Greinke missed pretty much all of 2006 season because of a bout with social anxiety disorder. My guess is that for someone who is in a profession where as many as 60,000 people could be watching him live, that's one of the worst things you could have. But not only has he seemingly worked through these issues (or is at least managing it well), he's having a great start to the '08 season at 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA.

And the other side of the pitching matchup intrigues me as well ... I will be interested to see how many runs Sidney Ponson can give up in the hitters haven known as Ameriquest Field.

Tampa Bay Rays (15-12) at Baltimore Orioles (15-12) - 12:35 PM ET

Matt Garza was the big fish that the Rays got back in the Delmon Young trade over the offseason. Garza, Scott Kazmir, and James Shields were supposed to be Tampa's big three ... finally, a fireballing pitching staff to go along with a nice lineup. Shields has been great this season, but for the other two, not so much. Garza has had to deal with getting bombed to start the season, and then a nerve injury to his pitching arm. With Kazmir coming back from his own injury this Sunday, today's start for Garza could be an audition to remain in the rotation.

Everyone Else:

Dodgers at Marlins 12:10 ET
Padres at Phillies 7:05 ET
Mariners at Indians 7:05 ET
Tigers at Yankees 7:05 ET
Blue Jays at Red Sox 7:05 ET
Pirates at Nationals 7:10 ET
Athletics at Angels 10:05 ET

On Deck: Yovani Faces a Firestorm originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 01 May 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dave Trembley Will Kick the Snot Out of You for Running on the Field

Josh Alper — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, Baltimore

It's been nearly six years since William Ligue and his son leaped from the stands and assaulted Royals coach Tom Gamboa at a White Sox game. It's been five years since umpire Laz Diaz got jumped in the same park. With the Orioles in Chicago for a weekend set, their manager Dave Trembley was serving fair warning that he and his team wouldn't take any guff.

Two jokers decided to sprint across the field in Seattle on Thursday night and although there was no violence, Trembley issued a warning to any would-be copycats on Chicago's South Side.

"I wish I could have taken them in the back room. I would have kicked the snot out of both of them. I'm serious. You think I'm kidding you. I don't have any patience for disrespect. These guys bust their [rear] out there every night, and for two lunatics to come out there like that -- who do they think they are? Turn them over to us one time. I'll show them where the other side of the fence is. I believe in respect and common courtesy. Those two idiots last night did not show any of that."

I'm guessing he didn't actually say snot but family publications and all. Trembley coached and managed his way all over the baseball map for 20-odd years before finally getting the top job in Baltimore so his determination should not be taken lightly.

On a more serious note, I think Trembley deserves a lot of credit for the solid play we've seen from Baltimore thus far. His circuitous route to the manager's seat is a good lesson for a team that's been written off by just about everyone. They don't do anything particularly well nor do they have an abundance of talent but they've just kept coming and coming and that's been paying off for them. That style has its limits but there's much to be said for not rolling over and dying just because the odds are against you.

Latest Baseball Photos

Atlanta Braves' Yunel Escobar is out at second as New York Mets' Damion Easley turns a double play during the eight inning of their baseball game at Shea Stadium in New York, Saturday, April 26, 2008. The Mets defeated the Braves 4-3. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)

Houston Astros starting pitcher Roy Oswalt throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday, April 26, 2008, in St. Louis. Oswalt lasted six innings and allowed three runs but the Cardinals won 4-3. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks looks down during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Chicago. The Orioles won 5-1.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago White Sox center fielder Alexei Ramirez chases the ball after missing the catch from Baltimore Orioles' Brian Roberts's double during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Chicago. The Orioles won 5-1. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Atlanta Braves' Tim Hudson delivers a pitch to a New York Mets batter during the second inning of their baseball game at Shea Stadium in New York, Saturday, April 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)

New York Mets' pitcher Billy Wagner celebrates after the Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-3 in their baseball game at Shea Stadium in New York, Saturday, April 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Ed Betz)

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Brian Burres throws against Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Chicago.The Orioles won 5-1. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher John Danks kicks the dirt after Baltimore Orioles' Guillermo Quiroz hit a two-run home during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Chicago. The Orioles won 5-1. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Baltimore Orioles' Guillermo Quiroz, right, celebrates with Adam Jones after hitting a two-run home run against Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Chicago. The Orioles won 5-1. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Baltimore Orioles' Guillermo Quiroz hits a two-run home run against Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Chicago. The Orioles won 5-1. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Dave Trembley Will Kick the Snot Out of You for Running on the Field originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dear Andy Pettitte: Thank You for Not Sucking. Love, the Bullpen

Yankees Chick — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:40:00 EST

Filed under: New York, Orioles, Yankees, AL East, Baltimore

The Yanks finally picked up a win tonight, avoiding a sweep in Baltimore and putting a stop to a three-game losing streak. The bats showed some signs of life at long last, but it was the starting pitching -- for once -- that kept the team in the game and propelled them to their 10th win.

In the previous four games, none of the starting pitchers made it past five innings -- three of the four didn't even make it that far -- forcing the Girardino to use the poor bullpen like it was going out of style (it wasn't). For a while there I was actually having flashbacks to poor Scott Proctor's arm falling off. Dandy Andy Pettitte brought his A-game to Baltimore tonight, though: seven IP, four hits, five K's, and not a single walk issued; his record is now 3-1 and he's got a super-sweet 2.45 ERA. It was just what the bullpen doctor ordered, leaving them with just two innings to cover (sidenote: Joba Chamberlain finally gave up his first run of the season... I tend to forget that he is a mere mortal). Andy actually had a no-hitter going through five, but kept his always-humble eye on the prize of winning instead of getting caught up in the excitement/pressure of a potential milestone like that:

See what Dandy Andy had to say about it after the jump!

I knew that I hadn't given up a hit. I really didn't think about it very much because I didn't think there was any way I could throw a no-hitter, because I don't think I can throw a no-hitter. ... I just assume somebody's going to get a hit off me. At that point, it was 2-0, and a jam shot and a home run and the game's tied. Mentally, I never did today get out of that approach.

His approach worked, obviously, and his teammates backed him up with seven runs, plenty to secure a win when your starting man shuts your opponent out through seven. The Yanks finally have their first day off of the season tomorrow (second sidenote: does anyone else actually feel sad and empty on the days their team doesn't play? Or is that just me, as I have no other life and nothing else to do but watch more Forensic Files on TruTV?), which, combined with Pettitte's long outing today, means the 'pen will finally be nice and rested when they return to the field in Chicago on Tuesday night!

Dear Andy Pettitte: Thank You for Not Sucking. Love, the Bullpen originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brian Roberts Bares His Soul

Eamonn Brennan — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, AL East, Baltimore, PEDs

So far, the best thing any steroid user can do is to just talk about it. Get named in the Mitchell Report, and no one's going to believe you unless you admit what you did, flash-fry a public response, and add a dash of earnest and self-effacing apology.

Why, just ask Brian Roberts. Roberts has been one of those guys that, despite admitting to using steroids, has managed not to deal with too much negative public opinion. That might be because he never broke any records. Still, it's easy to see how this happens:

"I don't know how familiar you guys are with the thing called the Mitchell Report," said Roberts, who wore jeans and a button-down shirt as he paced back and forth on the stage of a hotel ballroom in front of the students. "I knew the truth, obviously, deep in my heart, but I was trying to seek counsel from people around me, my family and friends. And I had some people that I trusted very much who were saying, 'Don't tell anybody. They don't need to know. This is your life. This is your business.' And in the end, I said you know I can't live with it like that."

That's just one of many Roberts quotes in this report from the Baltimore Sun, which covered a talk Roberts gave to a group of high school athletes. After he finished, Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings -- best known in baseball circles for his solid Clemens committee performance -- said, "When he gets up to bat, I hope people will clap a little harder and a little longer." So ... now we're supposed to cheer for the guys who did steroids? This is so confusing!

Brian Roberts Bares His Soul originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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