tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88657261637658960972009-11-17T11:34:32.010-05:00News and notes about the baseball world - a statistically focused perspective from BirdLandFrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.comBlogger551125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-33923773027665111642009-06-23T20:49:00.006-04:002009-06-23T23:00:45.242-04:00

I've sold out, and can now be found blogging over at Camden Crazies. Thanks everyone, for reading all this stuff I wrote. And for the record - they picked that name without knowing me or anything. I think.

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-39874667237494110092009-06-22T18:40:00.008-04:002009-06-23T20:54:46.071-04:00

That's what Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth would say right before he would send his Planet Express crew out on dangerous mission to make a delivery somewhere out in the vast cosmos.Or on other occasions, such as when the delivery ship and crew end up stranded at the bottom of the ocean. Fry wants to go out to look for food.Hermes: Fry, no! The pressure will crush you like a green snake under a

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-19861557697405692402009-06-20T19:02:00.009-04:002009-06-20T22:16:59.953-04:00

In the first game of their series with the Phillies, the O's picked up a 7-2 win on the strength of a fortunate start by Rich Hill (only 2 runs in 6.2 IP despite 5 H and 4 BB, though he did K 5) and 2-for-4 games by Nick Markakis (plus a walk) and Nolan Reimold (including a HR).Game two features a match-up of rookies, with lefty JA Happ going for Philadelphia and Brad Bergesen trying to continue

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-76494939796344719882009-06-17T18:26:00.006-04:002009-06-17T22:05:17.099-04:00

The Orioles had interest in signing Tim Redding in the off-season, but he decided to go to the Mets instead (he'll start for NY tonight). Well, Redding is currently sporting a 6.18 ERA (though with a 4.32 tRA, partially as a result of his flukey low HR rate) so I don't think any O's fans are feeling any regret there.One pitcher the team did bring on board is Koji Uehara, and he has been even

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-7273010468188112092009-06-16T18:55:00.004-04:002009-06-17T16:04:56.211-04:00

By "head up to New York to play the Mets" (in the below post) I clearly meant "the Mets will come down to Baltimore". Or I would have, if I could read a schedule correctly.Jeremy Guthrie will take the mound for the Birds against Mike Pelfrey. These two guys are a little connected for me, as when I was looking at Guthrie's low strike-out rate for a hard-thrower, Pelfrey came up as a guy who

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-58366971232237114762009-06-14T16:58:00.004-04:002009-06-14T17:09:25.070-04:00

Guess it wasn't just Matt Wieters being behind the plate - Brad Bergesen is just on a roll. After games of 8 IP (0 R), 7 IP (2 R), and 8 IP (2 R), this time Berg finished things out himself. He only gave up 2 runs (on a pair of solo home runs by Dave Ross), walked 2, and struck out 3. That drops his ERA to a very solid 3.79, though his tRA is still high(it was 5.32 coming into this game).The

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-40868277154534113252009-06-13T22:13:00.003-04:002009-06-13T22:26:36.467-04:00

It's been 15 games since the O's have put 8 runs on the board, and 13 games since they've scored even 5 runs. Well the did the former against the Atlanta Braves tonight, and the letter in the seventh inning alone (they scored 6 to take an 8-4 lead, which ended up being the final score).Rich Hill had his second bad start in a row, walking 3 (to one K) while giving up 4 runs in 4 IP. Brian Bass

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-88218635778639593302009-06-11T19:20:00.002-04:002009-10-02T18:54:06.655-04:00

Day One of the the Draft had a surprise in the first round with the selection of high school pitcher Matt Hobgood, but was solid overall with the addition of a shortstop and a slugging first-baseman. Where would the team go on days two and three?Round 4: Randy Henry, RHP, College."Hailing from Arnett, Okla., Henry was slated to attend Texas Tech after high school. But he blew out his elbow,

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-89034768883625625762009-06-09T19:00:00.011-04:002009-06-17T22:02:12.052-04:00

The O's have lost five games in a row, but in more important long-term news for the team, today was the Rule IV draft. With the #5 pick in the first round, the Orioles chose high school right-handed pitcher Matt Hobgood. I hadn't seen Hobgood even going in the top 10 in any mock drafts, and while not it's not a really out there pick, it certainly wasn't expected. Hobgood's a big guy at 6'4" 245,

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-9191967074792889762009-06-06T19:55:00.005-04:002009-06-06T23:51:26.184-04:00

The O's got beaten pretty thoroughly yesterday (9-1) as the dropped their third game in a row. Jason Berken will try to get the Birds back on the right track against 21 year-old fellow rookie Trevor Cahill.Here's Berken's movement chart from his last start against the Tigers (7 IP, 1 R, but took the loss) courtesy of FangGraphs:Berken's fastball has been about average, coming in at 92 mph and

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-795582411426288832009-06-05T18:57:00.004-04:002009-06-06T00:27:44.181-04:00

After losing two of three in Seattle, the O's continue their West coast swing with a stop in Oakland. The A's were a popular pick for the AL West crown once the injuries beset the Angels before the season, but I was still a little hesitant (projecting 82 wins) because of the pitching staff. Well the A's (who are still one of my favorite teams in baseball) are sitting at 22-30 and in last place,

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-51953852274181145432009-06-02T22:06:00.004-04:002009-06-03T01:06:34.067-04:00

After a good pitching duel yesterday, with Rich Hill beating Jarrod Washburn 1-0, we've got another interesting match-up tonight. David Hernandez will make his second start of the season after getting the win against Detroit with 5.2 innings of one-run ball. Since the Pitch/FX for that start is strangely not available on FanGraphs, I'll talk about his opponent instead.Erik Bedard didn't have a

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-32217844151560744982009-06-01T21:56:00.004-04:002009-06-02T00:30:48.757-04:00

The O's dropped the last two games of their series with Detroit after being on a little bit of a roll. They'll try to get back in the win column out on the West coast against the 24-27 Seattle Mariners.It'll be a battle of left-handers with Rich Hill (6.14 ERA, 4.13 tRA) facing off against Jarrod Washburn (3.45 ERA, 4.55 tRA). Hill was largely ineffective in his last start against Toronto,

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-74555352449678658292009-05-31T13:15:00.005-04:002009-05-31T15:59:46.049-04:00

After the last couple of games with Matt Wieters behind the plate, today Gregg Zaun (who I still like, and I think could be a very effective back-up) will be out there with Wieters DH'ing. At first I thought that Wieters was sitting, and was a little less excited to watch the game. WIth the way Luke Scott has been hitting, he's staying in the line-up and playing left with Nolan Reimold getting

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-88363813715908395522009-05-30T19:24:00.013-04:002009-05-31T15:59:38.599-04:00

Not a full live blog today, but just some observations about the O's-Tigers game:Justin Verlander throwing 98 mph effortlessly is absurd. And then he mixes in a big hook. Filthy.Guthrie throws one of the best sliders I've seen from him this year to strike Dane Sardinha swinging. Then he gives up a home run to Clete Thomas, of all people. It's been an up and down season for Guts (mostly down

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-13704106895954624282009-05-29T22:52:00.004-04:002009-05-29T23:25:33.293-04:00

It may have been Matt Wieters day at the yard on account of his much anticipated debut, but the game belonged to starter Brad Bergesen and Luke Scott. Bergesen worked quickly (game time 2 hours 12 minutes) and kept the ball down, allowing him to get into the ninth before being removed after giving up a couple hits (Jim Johnson closed it out). Berg's final line was 8 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 3 K, and

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-48656823493857246562009-05-28T17:58:00.009-04:002009-05-28T22:00:26.546-04:00

Today I've been interviewed by Liz Farmer of the Daily Record, and Nestor Aparicio of WNST 1570 AM radio... about MattWietersFacts.com. A nice end to a crazy day is watching David Hernandez make his major league debut for the O's.I'll let Dave Cameron of FanGraphs take care of the intro, but also note that Chris Ray (9.39 ERA) was sent down to the minors today: "As a travel Thursday, there aren’

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-37858099059420495912009-05-28T10:54:00.010-04:002009-05-28T12:24:46.663-04:00

Friday is going to be Matt Wieters Day at Camden Yards, but that doesn't mean the excitement is going to stop.That's because next month - Saturday, June 27th - we're going to have Matt Wieters Facts Day. The O's are hosting the Washington Nationals, and the sections up top behind home plate (330-340, focusing on 334-336) will be filled with people wearing their favorite Matt Wieters Facts shirt

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-74199825499104335202009-05-27T19:30:00.007-04:002009-06-06T20:19:46.060-04:00

Earlier this year the O's went up to Toronto and got swept. This week they returned the favor.Game one was all about Jeremy Guthrie (hopefully) getting back on track with his 7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K performance. Brian Roberts double and tripled - and scored twice - as the O's went on to win 4-1.Game two was the major league debut of 25 year-old right-hander Jason Berken, who picked up the win

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-84557161693255803752009-05-24T13:30:00.007-04:002009-05-27T19:30:27.828-04:00

The O's go for the sweep against the Nationals today, with the Birds actually countering the Washington youngster on the mound - Shairon Martis - with one of their own in Brad Bergesen. Martis is 5-0 but has a 4.53 ERA and a 4.63 tRA, while Bergesen is 1-2 with a 5.35 ERA, a 5.29 FIP, and a 6.20 tRA. Despite those high runs allowed figures, this game has a good chance of following the last two

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-71617775346670107932009-05-23T18:55:00.004-04:002009-05-23T21:40:42.784-04:00

Both pitching staffs did a good job yesterday, though the Orioles were able to pull a win out in extra innings. Today might be similar, as Baltimore has their best starter thus far on the hill in Koji Uehara (4.34 ERA, 3.38 tRA) while the Nationals counter with another young pitching prospect in 23 year-old left-hander Ross Detwiler (making his second career start).______________________________

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-55126225214193185022009-05-22T19:08:00.007-04:002009-05-23T11:25:09.946-04:00

The Beltway series starts out with a pretty intriguing pitching match-up. Rich Hill makes his second start of the year after picking up a victory in his solid debut in KC, while the Nationals send 22 year-old right-hander and top prospect Jordan Zimmermann (6.27 ERA, 5.71 tRA) to the mound. The game also features three of the top average hitters in the game with Christian Guzman's .373 BA

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-77581166530528753842009-05-21T18:40:00.005-04:002009-05-21T22:53:48.758-04:00

The Orioles first visit to the new Yankee Stadium has gone exactly as planned. First it was CC Sabathia shutting down the Birds as Brad Bergesen and Chris Ray each gave up four runs (in 6.1 and 0 IP respectively) in a 9-1 loss in game one of the series. Then Phil Hughes K'ed 9 in his five decent innings for New York which Jeremy Guthrie couldn't match (5 R on 3 HR in 7 IP). Danys Baez let it

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-34349520388623371522009-05-16T18:51:00.012-04:002009-05-23T11:24:45.124-04:00

Left-hander Rich Hill is making his first start for the O's after being acquired from the Cubs this past off-season. Hill had a tough 2008, walking 18 batters in 19.2 IP at the major league level before being demoted to the minors (and still not showing much control). He was very good in 2007 though, striking 183 in 195 IP with fine control (63 BB) to go along with a 3.92 ERA. That's the level

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8865726163765896097.post-58423285818906685812009-05-15T22:40:00.004-04:002009-05-16T01:31:03.073-04:00

Nothing like a good baseball game to make up for a long, long day. Even after a two and a half hour rain delay.The Orioles send Adam Eaton to the mound in the second game of their four game set in Kansas City, and the Royals counter with Zach Greinke. Greinke is having a fantastic season and is working on a 13 inning scoreless streak after having a 38 inning streak broken up earlier this year.

FrostKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03525985781729611658mannymo101@yahoo.com0