Todd Williams gets the win to go to 2-3 on the season.
Rookie Adam Loewen went 5 innings, allowing 2 runs. It could’ve been worse, as he gave up 4 hits and walked 6. His control continues to be all over the place. He did have 5 strikeouts and looked dominant for small stretches. More on Loewen later… The bullpen did a great job pitching 4 scoreless innings. Todd Williams was able to bounce back after being embarrassed against the Marlins. I think you all know what I’m talking about. Chris Britton and Kurt Birkins continue to impress, proving that you can find solid relief pitching easily. I was always against signing middle relief to multi-million dollar contracts. Every year there are pitchers available for scraps or pitchers in the minor leagues that can come in and do the job just as good.
The offense again was not able to score as many runs as opportunities presented themselves. I guess its good that we’re going through a rough hitting spell the same time we’re having a good pitching stretch. Miguel Tejada went 0-5 and left 7 runners on base. He’s been having a great season, but lately seems to be struggling. There were some bright spots though. Ramon Hernandez again was the main force. He hit his 13th homerun and also singled in the game winning run in the bottom of the 9th. Javy Lopez went 3-4, Jeff Conine 2-3, and Brian Roberts 1-3 with a walk and a stolen base.
Tomorrow afternoon we go for the sweep against the Nats. Its Livan Hernandez against Daniel Cabrera. I think Cabrera will go out and dominate the weak hittings gNats and we’ll have our first sweep since Kansas City.
Transaction: Reportedly, Orioles sign RHP Russ Ortiz to the league minimum. Promised to start in the rotation right away.
Grade: D minus – I do not like this move at all. The only way I can understand it is if they felt they wanted to get Adam Loewen ready for next year by working on his control in the minors, and they felt there was nobody else ready to step in the rotation. I have a feeling though, that they did just because he had some good years in Atlanta under Mazzone. I think thats a terrible reason to sign him, he’s been one of the worst pitchers in the Major Leagues for a year and a half. I’m hoping for the best, but I don’t see him doing well here.
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Could Russ Ortiz really be any worse than Bruce Chen?
YES!! However, for the price, he’s worth the gamble. I fear he went belly up for the Diamondbacks because they laid a shitpot of money on him. Hard to pitch in 105 degrees OAT, if you happen to be a gadzillionaire.
I just think with where we are in the standings, we can afford to go with the young guys and see what they can do. The more experience guys like Adam Loewen and Hayden Penn can get in the majors now, the more they’ll be ready for next year.
Adam Loewen can compete with the jugs gun in the minors just as well as he can in the bigs. Learning how to command your stuff is a minor leauge function. Anyway, he may end up playing for the D’backs. Hayden Penn is on the DL currently.