tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40004631037125689492024-03-05T05:32:58.613-05:00Warehouse WorthyJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-26042942255420328262012-10-12T14:07:00.001-04:002012-12-02T22:31:02.174-05:00Joining Baltimore Sports and LifeI just wanted to explain some of my inactivity on the blog recently. I have received an offer to write for <a href="http://baltimoresportsandlife.com/" target="_blank">Baltimore Sports and Life</a>, something that was definitely exciting for me in terms of exposure and getting to talk even more about Orioles baseball.<br />
<br />
As for Warehouse Worthy, it will continue to operate, with myself as a part-time contributor. There will likely be a month or two of inactivity as we work out the kinks with transitioning much of the ownership of the site to Chad, but you'll still be able to find the same O's analysis here that you've always gotten.<br />
<br />
If you want a taste of what I'm doing at BSL, check out my first post. <a href="http://baltimoresportsandlife.com/?p=4534">http://baltimoresportsandlife.com/?p=4534</a><br />
<br />
<br />
- JeffJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-37479704676900648832012-09-16T20:42:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:31:17.627-05:00Catching UpFirst I want to apologize for the absence of posts over the past week or two. I moved, started a new job and attended a Ravens' game and two O's games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday of last week. Busy is probably a good way to describe it.<br />
<br />
That said, there's something I find really interesting about the O's playoff run. Having gone to two games early this past week I noticed something special about the attendance. People on twitter, including myself from time to time have called out "O's fans" for not showing up to the yard and supporting the team. I can tell you that it was amazing to have 45,000 fans at the Cal Ripken game screaming their heads off and supporting the team. However, the Rays series this past week saw between 20,000 and 25,000 fans.<br />
<br />
Again, calls for people to show up rang out and they might have been warranted. That's irrelevant though. If people don't want to enjoy this run and take in the Oriole magic, it's their loss. I'm perfectly happy to have 25,000 people around at the yard supporting the team. O's fans, I urge you to stop worrying about what everyone else is doing and just get out to the yard for the Jays and Red Sox series to see this season to a close.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-48538162497319765602012-09-05T16:34:00.001-04:002012-09-05T18:51:55.596-04:00Is Zach Britton Back?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzP-wPimPkVtpvqplozjIUgfqrWpqLokfh7xKwCnRi_ZDZn1Oha3MINaZ6PYcmWyXVOpsgKSszTwZJDE3InBchP8mrvUpi-aHMA9-L1HM3q1d4yw2LHfLYipGPQZkveEWTafjvfeqarM/s1600/Zach-Britton-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzP-wPimPkVtpvqplozjIUgfqrWpqLokfh7xKwCnRi_ZDZn1Oha3MINaZ6PYcmWyXVOpsgKSszTwZJDE3InBchP8mrvUpi-aHMA9-L1HM3q1d4yw2LHfLYipGPQZkveEWTafjvfeqarM/s400/Zach-Britton-8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dominating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is the only word that can be used to explain Zach
Britton’s last four starts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his last for outings, Britton is 4-0 with 0.94 ERA and
has a K/BB ratio of 29/7. He has also been able to produce at least 10
groundball outs in each of his last four starts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A big part of Britton’s success is being able to locate his
fastball and sinker in the lower-half of the strike zone and the ability of his
slider to become an out pitch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Blue Jays were absolutely fooled by his slider last
night, and were unable to make good contact on any of his fastballs or sinkers.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the Zach Britton that Orioles fans were used to
seeing in the first half of the 2011 season when Britton was arguably the
Orioles best starter until June, when he hit a brick wall (not literally) and
ended up on the DL with a strained left shoulder. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the Britton of the 2011 first-half is back and possibly
even better. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While Britton has a still needs to lower his WHIP, 1.44, his
strikeout total is starting to increase, going from 5.66 K/9 last season to
7.96 this season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his last four starts he has lowered his ERA considerably,
going from 6.23 on August 18<sup>th</sup> to 4.15 as of September 5th.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Britton just needs to keep attacking hitters the way he has
been, using his fastball, sinker, and slider. If he continues being aggressive
on the mound and being able to locate his pitches, he will continue his
dominant ways.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Britton is an integral part of the Orioles rotation right
now and his recent success has helped vault the Orioles into a First Place tie with
the ailing Yankees. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hopefully Zach Britton will be able continue to build upon
his recent success against American League hitters, because dominate
performances will go a long way in bringing the Orioles the AL East title. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer to if Zach Britton is back is yes. If he continues to pitch like this then he's more than back. </div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08439017316129787294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-27948224865629001202012-09-04T17:53:00.001-04:002012-09-04T18:06:43.721-04:00Unfamiliar Territory for an Unexpected Team<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijer935ChlrsWP-4IIO4BiZNg13miFgm26jecPjaPOzf1sqHXB6sG4cmV8HLMK2Gcbagkw-YOjPx3H6DdaWMtC-DHvqkNHBzLyW9lVDjVPu77Y7IrzN7D-anUe-8Upv_-69jGrltZSVk/s1600/hi-res-150712343_crop_650x440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijer935ChlrsWP-4IIO4BiZNg13miFgm26jecPjaPOzf1sqHXB6sG4cmV8HLMK2Gcbagkw-YOjPx3H6DdaWMtC-DHvqkNHBzLyW9lVDjVPu77Y7IrzN7D-anUe-8Upv_-69jGrltZSVk/s400/hi-res-150712343_crop_650x440.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s September 4<sup>th</sup> and the Orioles are 75-59.
They are one game out of first place, behind a Yankees team that is having
problems with injuries and old-age. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you were to ask a baseball fan at the beginning of the
2012 MLB season about the possibility of the Orioles making the playoffs, let
alone possibly winning the division, I guarantee <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no one</i> would have said they could make the playoffs. Not even close.<br />
<br />
The only people that would believe the Orioles would make the playoffs were the following: Peter Angelos, Peter Angelos again, someone who is experimenting with hard drugs, and that overly-optimistic Orioles fan that says that team will make the playoffs every year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While many experts and fans alike believed that the Orioles
winning ways were all due to luck, it is no such thing as luck anymore. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe it was luck in April, May, and June. But July, August,
and September are the months that show which teams are for real. Despite the
Orioles being “lucky”, I do not think luck is the case anymore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While their run differential is -31, it only shows that when
the O’s win it is usually in close games and when they lose, they really lose
badly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main reason for their successful ways is because of
their Einsteinian manager Buck Showalter and because their bullpen has been
near-lights out the whole season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, a team cannot just win with two good qualities. The
O’s may have an unstable rotation, but that rotation has won them plenty of
games this year, even with the mixing and matching Buck Showalter has had to
do. The O’s lineup may be considered average to below-average, but different
players throughout the whole year have been able to contribute each and every
day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the O’s may have a more difficult schedule left than
AL East opponents New York and Tampa Bay, going .500 (14-14) still gives the
Orioles a great shot of making the playoffs as one of the two Wild Card teams. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you still don’t believe in the Orioles chances then I’m
not sure what to tell you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They have been proving everyone wrong this season, and can
continue to do so for the next month. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Orioles could end a 15-year playoff drought and I really
believe that they can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The question all O’s fans have been asking is “why not us?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why can’t we do it? The Orioles still continue to prove
everyone wrong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A playoff berth would really be “lucky”, wouldn’t it?!</div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08439017316129787294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-10528657959495379212012-08-23T14:54:00.001-04:002012-12-02T22:31:33.923-05:00What Ails Mark ReynoldsA little over a month ago I took a stab at analyzing some of the <a href="http://warehouseworthy.blogspot.com/2012/07/fun-with-pitchfx-for-hitters.html" target="_blank">Oriole hitters</a> using the Pitch F/x for hitters tool from <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/" target="_blank">Baseball Prospectus</a> and <a href="http://brooksbaseball.net/" target="_blank">Brooks Baseball</a>. Here's a second go-round with the data, this time looking at everyone's favorite 1B/3B/DH Mark Reynolds:<br />
<br />
Mark Reynolds has been well, Mark Reynolds this season with one glaring exception. In fact, look at these numbers from this year and last year:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWZbiCD0-Xj4c39yn5fkJ0OZ1eknblMXlGsQpi-armOIpAOfvx8FhgpEgUUNv_ojrM0YnRK5kFbhjcgv1HcslXkf_4RUu77wolzP4G3s8cBoneaDMZkEVfOdjYUriwG_Ds6PXxvMHw3rd/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWZbiCD0-Xj4c39yn5fkJ0OZ1eknblMXlGsQpi-armOIpAOfvx8FhgpEgUUNv_ojrM0YnRK5kFbhjcgv1HcslXkf_4RUu77wolzP4G3s8cBoneaDMZkEVfOdjYUriwG_Ds6PXxvMHw3rd/s1600/Untitled.png" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see, his numbers this season compare fairly favorably to last year with the exception of one little thing. Those two numbers out to the right highlight the severe power outage that Reynolds has experienced this season. A drop of .081 in his SLG and ISO (ISO or isolated power is a component of SLG which is why the numbers match) shows that Reynolds has lost considerable power. For reference, that's the difference equivalent to 2012 Michael Young (0.79 ISO).<br />
<br />
So what is the problem? Well, it's not his ability to hit fastballs, as you can see below:<br />
<br />
<center>
<h3>
2011 ISO vs. Hard Pitches (FB, Sinkers, Cutter, etc.)</h3>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/hitter_cards/scout_table.php?player=448602&inf=&month=&year=2011&throws=&pi_type=fast&report=iso&color=&normType=&iFrame=1" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
<h3>
2012 ISO vs. Hard Pitches (FB, Sinkers, Cutter, etc.)</h3>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/hitter_cards/scout_table.php?player=448602&inf=&month=&year=2012&throws=&pi_type=fast&report=iso&color=&normType=&iFrame=1" width="500"></iframe></center>
<br />
While there are some differences in these two depictions, the changes are, in my opinion, nominal and don't explain Reynolds' drop off in power. The following graphs however, might. They show Reynolds' ISO on breaking pitches, which is how pitchers have been attacking Reynolds since he came to Baltimore.<br />
<br />
<center>
<h3>
2011 ISO vs. Breaking Pitches (Curveball, Slider, etc.)</h3>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/hitter_cards/scout_table.php?player=448602&inf=&month=&year=2011&throws=&pi_type=break&report=iso&color=&normType=&iFrame=1" width="500"></iframe><br />
<br />
<h3>
2012 ISO vs. Breaking Pitches (Curveball, Slider, etc.)</h3>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/hitter_cards/scout_table.php?player=448602&inf=&month=&year=2012&throws=&pi_type=break&report=iso&color=&normType=&iFrame=1" width="500"></iframe></center>
As you can see, Reynolds has been demonstrably worse this season against breaking balls than he was in 2011. Last year Reynolds was able to cover almost the entire strikezone with breaking balls, meaning pitchers would need him to chase. However, this season pitchers should have no fear of leaving a breaking ball in the zone, so long as it's not right down the middle.<br />
<br />
Reynolds' inability to hit breaking balls for power is definitely something O's fans should watch for as the season comes to a close. If he improves, then maybe bringing him back in 2013 seems like a good idea. However, if he continues to struggle against breaking balls then he may never get back to those power numbers he once used to be known for.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-75007918361009099272012-08-20T13:28:00.003-04:002012-12-02T22:31:51.319-05:00Why Not Us? (#WhyNotUs)Last night I watched the ESPN 30 for 30 movie about the Boston Red Sox improbable comeback in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees. While the stakes were significantly higher for Boston at that point than they are for us now, their motto rings true for O's fans.<br />
<h3>
Why Not Us?</h3>
<div>
Baseball is a sport where change is slow, teams must build up organically and players often "regress to the mean". Unlike any of the other big 4 major US sports, baseball is a game where strategy and planning is vital. A 162 game season demands teams make hundreds if not thousands of personnel decisions each year. Dan Duquette, Buck Showalter and the rest of the Oriole staff have continually put this team in a position to succeed this season, and the team has paid them back with wins. Nobody saw this coming, heck, we had the over/under for the season at 74 wins. 74 wins and we weren't even the low end of the predictions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So why not us then? Well, our pitching isn't terribly reliable. We're hitting Nate McLouth third in our lineup that occasionally features other offensive juggernauts like Omar Quintanilla. Half the starting lineup at any given point this season was comprised of bench guys, role players, AAAA guys or minor league journeymen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We've won a completely unsustainable number of 1-run and extra inning games. If you listen to the industry pundits, our run differential is the most absurd thing they've ever encountered in a winning team.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After 15 years O's fans have begun to expect the team to falter. Every dip in performance is expected to be the beginning of the end for this fairy tale. When the team struggled earlier this summer O's fans jumped off the bandwagon because it's not fashionable to support a team like the Orioles.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Our Time</h3>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTILE7tC92A0TZvMqA0zYK5u5fuVP6HJbNIusMqR5dByuLVGZtqZy5BJZ2SQEmQn3u8ZZKftZQeob6jnyAPurnj0oqa-8wBepWdLuEwluQh_xn8qTqFawuvR7a-QbqoUH-rgSQVbTo8dL/s1600/bal-pictures-baltimore-365-apriljune-20120327-060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTILE7tC92A0TZvMqA0zYK5u5fuVP6HJbNIusMqR5dByuLVGZtqZy5BJZ2SQEmQn3u8ZZKftZQeob6jnyAPurnj0oqa-8wBepWdLuEwluQh_xn8qTqFawuvR7a-QbqoUH-rgSQVbTo8dL/s400/bal-pictures-baltimore-365-apriljune-20120327-060.jpg" width="400" /></a>This is our time damnit. Adam Jones has risen to the level of the elite CF in baseball, and is the superstar that Baltimore and the Orioles have missed since guys named Ripken, Murray, and Robinson gave O's fans something to cheer about. The young guys like Manny Machado, Matt Wieters, Dylan Bundy and more have fans buzzing about the minor leagues and flocking to the yard to see these kids play.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wei-Yin Chen has been a huge find for the O's, as has Jason Hammel's resurgence. Guys like Steve Johnson, Miguel Gonzalez and others have stepped in and filled holes with good starts for the team. They've battled through injuries and their strong bullpen has given the team 51 wins when they lead after 7 innings.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This team isn't sexy. This isn't Detroit with their 800 pounds of man hitting 3-4-5. This isn't the Angels who have the former and current best players in baseball in their lineup everyday. We're not the Yankees with a $200 Million payroll. We don't have a reliable rotation like the Nationals or famous owners like the Dodgers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This Orioles team is fun, and above all else, they win. I don't know if this team will catch the Yankees and Rays to win the division. They certainly could, but they might not. I don't know if this team will beat out the Tigers or White Sox and Angels to get in the wild card this season. They certainly could, but they might not.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm not really worried about the O's making the playoffs this season. This season has been fun and I'm just trying to take it all in. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a series of runs into the playoffs for the team, and I'm just glad to be a part of it. Are you?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's magic in the air folks.</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-11896993241179157302012-08-12T02:12:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:32:28.055-05:00So Far, So Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-l_1d3vPwSN28ejlRKPnnLm8EBp5hULyd_iUN9Uq6_RAM9IRmwZ6BL182Ffn1F0XUvmYsivGqzSimaHAHurf_cdstz-PD98nC_nSUH9UZRDtjCnzMbCCjT213SAKtiNoC4OSlaFMUSQ/s1600/manny-machado-usp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-l_1d3vPwSN28ejlRKPnnLm8EBp5hULyd_iUN9Uq6_RAM9IRmwZ6BL182Ffn1F0XUvmYsivGqzSimaHAHurf_cdstz-PD98nC_nSUH9UZRDtjCnzMbCCjT213SAKtiNoC4OSlaFMUSQ/s320/manny-machado-usp2.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just a few days ago the Orioles called upon their top position
prospect Manny Machado.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Machado, the 3<sup>rd</sup> overall pick in the 2010 MLB
Draft, was called up to play third base for the O’s, a position where he has
limited experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scouts were surprised by the early call-up for the 20 year-old
Machado, because his numbers in Double-A were sub-par. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So far the call-up of Machado has paid off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manny is hitting .417, with 2 HR, and 5 RBI.
He has also provided an upgrade on defense from Wilson Betemit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, O’s fans should still temper their expectations. It’s
not going to be a piece of cake for Manny. There is no doubt that Manny has
started off great, but there will be struggles to come. It takes a while to
adjust to playing every day in the Major Leagues. Other teams will also make
adjustments to Machado, figuring out his weaknesses at the plate (yes, he will
have some weaknesses). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not saying that Machado will slump for a long period,
but he is human. He will have struggles, but I’m sure he will have many
successes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Machado is going to have an extremely successful
career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for now limit your
expectations. There will be an adjustment period for Manny. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the call-up of Manny Machado has brought a new sense
of belief to O’s fans. It shows fans that the organization is doing everything
it can to put a winning product on the field. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next two months will be exciting to watch. Hopefully
Manny can make a significant contribution to the Orioles playoff run.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The O’s may not be done with big name call-ups. There could
be another top prospect called up in September...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dylan Bundy?!</div>
Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08439017316129787294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-84083684773495284442012-08-07T00:29:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:32:50.199-05:00(Don't) Blame It On AngelosI may catch some flack from some O's fans for saying this. I don't mean to offend those of you that this post addresses, it's just that... well, we've gotten lazy. You see, I've been watching the Orioles lose for the past 14 years just like the rest of you.<br />
<br />
I've been listening to Orioles fans curse the name of Peter Angelos for years now. After all, it's his fault for not putting a winning team on the field, or so the logic goes. Now listen, I'm not here to say that Angelos is without blame.<br />
<br />
The truth is, I honestly don't know the full extent to which the Angelos family is involved in baseball / business decisions. I would imagine it's safe to say they have significant input given their positions within the organization:<br />
<br />
Peter Angelos - Chairman of the Board / Chief Executive Officer (Owner)<br />
John Angelos - Executive Vice President<br />
<br />
The problem is, we don't know what input or decision-making power the Angelos' have in baseball or business decisions. There has been A LOT of speculation, but at the end of the day we just plain don't know. <br />
<br />
The most egregious complaint in my mind however, is about the money the team spends. Fans often claim that Peter Angelos doesn't want to spend money, that all he cares about is pocketing revenues. To address this, let's look at some data from the past few years...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">FACT 1 - The Orioles were the last team not named Yankees to lead MLB in payroll.</span></b><br />
According to <a href="http://www.stevetheump.com/Payrolls.htm#98_payroll" target="_blank">this website</a> the Orioles outspent the New York Yankees by about $6 Million in 1998, spending a total of <b>$71,860,921</b> on player contracts. To give some context, that would be the equivalent of <b>$101,070,212.38</b> in 2012 dollars.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">FACT 2 - In 2000 the Orioles spent the equivalent of $108,451,977.36.</span></b><br />
The Baltimore Orioles 2000 payroll came in at <b>$81,447,435</b> putting them in 4th place behind the Yankees, Dodgers & Braves. That doesn't sound like an owner pocketing money to me.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">FACT 3 - The Orioles have spent over $90 Million on payroll within the past 5 years.</span></b><br />
Hard to believe, but in 2007 the Orioles payroll came in at <b>$93,554,808</b> according to <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/?page_id=144" target="_blank">Cot's Baseball Contracts</a>. In today's dollars that comes out to roughly <b>$103,489,831.86</b>. Even at $93 Million the O's weren't among the top five in the league, coming in at 10th overall in terms of payroll.<br />
<br />
<br />
Listen, I get it. Payrolls of $67 Million, $73 Million, and $84 Million don't exactly make us believe that they're putting in a full effort to build the team. The facts though are that as the team gets younger, more of the players are cost-controlled and will receive big raises when they are closer to free agency (a la Adam Jones). The team likely can and very well might expand payroll as attendance picks up and the roster demands it. I just don't see using player salaries as a good point of emphasis when complaining about the team's leadership.<br />
<br />
So, sorry Orioles fans. You're going to have to find something else to complain about because the facts just don't support your opinions here. If you're interested in looking at inflation adjusted values, I'd recommend using this pretty cool & intuitive tool: <a href="http://www.davemanuel.com/inflation-calculator.php?" target="_blank">Inflation Calculator</a>.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-87263832050282773922012-07-31T12:53:00.012-04:002012-07-31T13:20:04.232-04:00Exploring Trades and What the O’s Should Do<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
With less than four hours until MLB’s Trade Deadline, the O’s
have yet to make a move but are currently engaging in talks with different
teams.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The biggest name that the O’s have been targeting so far is
SP Joe Blanton of the Philadelphia Phillies. The O’s have been in constant
talks with the Phillies the past few days. The biggest issue is that the
Phillies want the O’s to pay the rest of the $3M Blanton is owed the rest of
the season. However, if the O’s do not want to pay the rest of Blanton’s
contract, then the Phillies want a more highly-regarded prospect such as a
Jonathan Schoop. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trading Schoop for two more months of Joe Blanton would be a
trade the O’s should never ever make. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With that said, trading prospects is always something teams need
to look into before they make the move. Some trades can make or break a
franchise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this column we will talk about the impact of trading prospects
for major leaguers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There have been a few deals where trading prospects for
above-average or average major leaguers have to yet to have a determined
outcome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take for example one of the trades that the Boston Red Sox
made the past off-season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Boston traded Josh Reddick and two minor leaguers for Andrew
Bailey and Ryan Sweeney. While Sweeney has done a great job filling in for
Boston this season, Reddick has enjoyed a breakout season for Oakland and leads
the team in the majority of offensive categories. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The jury is still out on this trade however, because Bailey
has been injured, but still has the potential to be a top-5 closer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another trade that has yet to be determined is the deal the
Reds and Padres made this off-season for Mat Latos. The Reds received SP Mat
Latos from San Diego in exchange for C Yasmani Grandal, 1B/OF Yonder Alonso, SP
Edinson Volquez, and RP Brad Boxberger. Latos is currently 9-3 for the Reds and
is helping lead them to a playoff berth. Grandal recently strained his quad and
will likely land on the DL, Alonso has had his ups and downs so far this
season, Volquez has been extremely inconsistent, and Boxberger has been
dominating Triple-A. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The jury is still out on this trade because five years from
now Grandal, Alonso, and Boxberger could be three of the best players on the
Friars. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one thing to notice about these two trades is that they
both happened last off-season. Therefore there hasn’t been enough time to judge
their impact on each respective team. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It takes at least five years to determine whether a trade
was “won” or “lost”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One trade O’s fans are familiar with is the Erik Bedard
trade. This could be considered one of the most lopsided trades in history.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The O’s sent Erik Bedard to the Mariners for OF Adam Jones,
SP Chris Tillman, RP George Sherrill, RP Kam Mickolio, and LHP Tony Butler.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bedard was coming off a career year and was
arbitration-eligible for the first time. The O’s sold as high as they could,
getting a great haul for the lefty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jones had played some for the Mariners, but they were never
sure if he would turn out to be the player they envisioned him to be. Tillman
was one of the Mariners’ top prospects and had a lot of promise. Sherrill was
an older relief pitcher who the Mariners believed was not really needed.
Mickolio and Butler were two pitching prospects also added to the deal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four years later I don’t think any GM would trade Adam Jones
for Erik Bedard. At least I hope not...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took a few years to develop, but Jones has become one of
the premier players in the American League. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides the Bedard trade, there are so many more trades that
have worked out in the favor of the team getting the prospects.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But back to the Orioles… since this is an Orioles blog and
all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the Orioles want to trade for an impact player, they have
to really think about the risks of doing it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the Phillies want Jonathan Schoop for Joe Blanton, we
shouldn’t even come close to considering it. Schoop could end up being our future
second baseman, while Blanton is a free agent five days after the World Series.
I don’t think two months of Blanton is worth five years of control of Jonathan
Schoop. Blanton is a homer-prone pitcher, already giving up 22 this year. As
one insider said “he’s an above-average Tommy Hunter”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would only take Joe Blanton if the Orioles had to send a
low-ceiling prospect or future utility-man, as well as the Phillies paying the
$3M owed to Blanton.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides Blanton, it has been reported that the Orioles have
been interested in Phillies OF’s Shane Victorino, Hunter Pence, and Juan Pierre.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Victorino and Pence are reportedly on their way out,
Victorino going to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pence to the San Francisco
Giants. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Pierre is still available and would be a good acquisition
for the O’s. He will not cost much at all and could play left field and hit
lead-off for the Orioles.<br />
<br />
There is one thing the Orioles need to try to do at the deadline though
and that is upgrade their starting rotation. If they want to continue to
stay in the playoff hunt they will need to upgrade their pitching. But to upgrade their pitching they should not trade any of their top prospects.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main point that the Orioles should stick to is that
their top prospects are not available in trade. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Making a trade that involves
their top prospects could possibly help the team now, but what will it do to
the team in five years? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the Orioles do trade in the next four hours or so, they
need to really calculate the risks of trading their prospects<br />
<br />
Before making any trade, they really need to calculate the pros and cons.<br />
<br />
Hopefully the O's can make some upgrades today!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stayed tuned to Warehouse Worthy for news on O’s acquisitions!</div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08439017316129787294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-56461919257284789812012-07-29T18:20:00.001-04:002012-07-29T18:52:02.841-04:00Recap of the Orioles/A’s Series and The Week Ahead<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQZ_20Bg2TFChcnzviLgJiH5mvc0sngVzt6NJg7kehacKbZBvRfq4OfXwlk6E9xz0PxBorNY-smqgCs54rWT8CUxaw8ykLtfzKGd2eeCUSbFnIYV0V6E5tr5BibfIbw1JBFTWS6cBY18/s1600/Chen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQZ_20Bg2TFChcnzviLgJiH5mvc0sngVzt6NJg7kehacKbZBvRfq4OfXwlk6E9xz0PxBorNY-smqgCs54rWT8CUxaw8ykLtfzKGd2eeCUSbFnIYV0V6E5tr5BibfIbw1JBFTWS6cBY18/s320/Chen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After losing the first 2 games of the series against the
scorching-hot A’s, the Orioles, behind Wei-Yin Chen, were able to win the last
game of the series 6 to 1. Chen pitched 5.2 innings and struck out 12. With the win, Chen improves to 9-6 on the year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To recap the series the Orioles started the series against
Oakland on Friday night, where Zach Britton faced off against A’s rookie
right-hander Jarrod Parker. This game went back-and-forth, with the A’s getting
off to a 5-0 lead by the 2<sup>nd</sup> inning. However, the O’s rallied back
with a homerun by Chris Davis in the 2<sup>nd</sup> inning and a homerun by
Adam Jones in the 5<sup>th</sup> inning. Jones homerun put the O’s up 6-5. In
the 6<sup>th</sup> inning the A’s pinch hit Seth Smith for Johnny Gomes and
Smith hit a base-clearing double to put the Athletics up 8-6. However, the O’s
battled back in the 8<sup>th</sup> inning and eventually took the lead 9-8. The
A’s came up in the 9<sup>th</sup> against O’s closer Jim Johnson, who has pitched
extremely solid this season, and scored six runs off of him. The O’s fell 14-9.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the second game of the series, Tommy Hunter squared off
against Bartolo Colon. The game was kept scoreless until the 4<sup>th</sup>
inning, when smoking-hot A’s OF Yoenis Cespedes hit a two-run homerun off of
Hunter. Hunter, who has been plagued by the long-ball all year, gave up another
homerun to A’s 1B Chris Carter in the 6<sup>th</sup>. The O’s lone run came in
the 9<sup>th</sup> inning when Nick Markakis homered. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully for the Orioles, Chen was able to put together a
great outing today and Matt Wieters finally showed some sign of life with a
three-run homerun in the 3<sup>rd</sup> inning off of A’s success-story Travis
Blackley. Recently-acquired Omar Quintanilla also homered for the O’s. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Another note from the today’s game is that the Orioles
started OF Lew Ford in left-field today and he batted 5<sup>th</sup>. Ford hasn’t
played in the big leagues since 2007, when he was a member of the Minnesota
Twins. It’s great to see Ford make it all the way back to “The Show”.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the two losses against Oakland did hurt the O’s in
the Wild Card Standings. They are still 2.5 games back of Oakland and Anaheim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Orioles have some very crucial games in the upcoming
week. If the O’s want to stay at the top of the playoff hunt they must win both
series against the Yankees and the Rays. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next week could really determine whether the O’s stay in
the playoff hunt or return to their former ways of being at the bottom of the cellar in the
AL East. <o:p></o:p></div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08439017316129787294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-44149930769433715612012-07-24T17:44:00.003-04:002012-07-24T18:34:29.672-04:00Going Fishing?<div class="MsoNormal">Earlier today, it was reported by Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe that the Orioles and Marlins were discussing different trade scenarios. It was also reported by ESPN’s Jim Bowden that the Marlins could make a blockbuster deal within the next day. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With that said, it could be entirely possible that the Orioles are interested in acquiring 3B/SS Hanley Ramirez and possibly SP Josh Johnson as well.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeesrmxtbfHDDiOE1fiP4RkGr-VF9ddAfOBUC6ONSvIbVmG5GEjKxkpnvL1CjLrAfketrBP-e9fwyrI9agWPaCSBLx4f_A2EIiH2n26VcNxxoEVCHxA5TM9anfclWbkv_5UXcLRxzz0fA/s1600/Hanley+Ramirez+Miami+v+Miami+Marlins+6WRaLSPWtUfl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeesrmxtbfHDDiOE1fiP4RkGr-VF9ddAfOBUC6ONSvIbVmG5GEjKxkpnvL1CjLrAfketrBP-e9fwyrI9agWPaCSBLx4f_A2EIiH2n26VcNxxoEVCHxA5TM9anfclWbkv_5UXcLRxzz0fA/s320/Hanley+Ramirez+Miami+v+Miami+Marlins+6WRaLSPWtUfl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ramirez (pictured above) is only 28 years old and is signed through 2014. Ramirez has put together some very solid seasons with the Marlins, especially from 2006 to 2010. In 2009, Ramirez led the NL in batting average, hitting an impressive .342. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, Ramirez has struggled the past few seasons, hitting an underwhelming .246 this season. The on and off field struggles have led to Ramirez falling out of favor with the Marlins organization.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ramirez has the ability to be one of the top players in baseball, but a lot of scouts have questioned his desire to reach the level of peak performance.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now a change of scenery could really benefit Ramirez. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwgAxLSdWYKeTvkuxdtErOY9hf5FhjDHg56uwEUKFpeIxC5C0KI2UavrNL_aelKEprneSdvwWAAYSq2MbsAVHiS9CDTtKe94W_2SCtPuitm8z9JO2BPG5FFiWOWkU-_bMot8dbOgoKVA/s1600/Johnson-Marlins-beat-Braves-3P1TU0LF-x-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwgAxLSdWYKeTvkuxdtErOY9hf5FhjDHg56uwEUKFpeIxC5C0KI2UavrNL_aelKEprneSdvwWAAYSq2MbsAVHiS9CDTtKe94W_2SCtPuitm8z9JO2BPG5FFiWOWkU-_bMot8dbOgoKVA/s320/Johnson-Marlins-beat-Braves-3P1TU0LF-x-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Johnson, also 28, is an imposing right-handed pitcher, who at times has the ability to be one of the most dominating pitchers in baseball. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The only issue with Johnson (pictured above) is his history of injuries, ranging from shoulder inflammation to undergoing Tommy John Surgery.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So far in 2012, Johnson has shown flashes of brilliance but has been extremely inconsistent. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The real question is what would it take to acquire these two players?!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They definitely won’t come cheap. Despite both of their values being at their lowest point right now, both are extremely coveted by teams around the league. Johnson even more so than Ramirez due to the fact most teams have a lack of starting pitching and are looking to add a front-line starter.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the Orioles to get these two talented Marlins, it would probably cost top prospects such as Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop. It would also cost underachieving pitchers like Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With that said, it would be great if they O’s could acquire Hanley Ramirez or even Josh Johnson but it is extremely unlikely to happen. The Marlins would do better to maximize both of their values by trading them in separate deals. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, the Orioles could look into trading for other Marlins such as Logan Morrison and Ricky Nolasco. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">While they may not make the impact that Ramirez and Johnson would make, they still would provide immediate upgrades to the Orioles lineup and starting rotation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08439017316129787294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-58391717563434142532012-07-23T13:42:00.000-04:002012-07-23T13:43:26.592-04:00Adam Jones: Offensive Savior?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje73DpUsdSwfhm0RNBqS-JldFH2DHMpqlJMWga-NTUvEVZ5kc0HrQN5_oPSiL-lBSBFQl0Dq-shYb-qxVdrm3akCmmwukrCadkmwCVFG5I_vFdDJSK8squbPxI5o0NTnQvxkq50qJGaeI/s1600/Adam+Jones+savior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje73DpUsdSwfhm0RNBqS-JldFH2DHMpqlJMWga-NTUvEVZ5kc0HrQN5_oPSiL-lBSBFQl0Dq-shYb-qxVdrm3akCmmwukrCadkmwCVFG5I_vFdDJSK8squbPxI5o0NTnQvxkq50qJGaeI/s320/Adam+Jones+savior.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many experts and knowledgeable Orioles fans believed that
this was the year that Adam Jones finally launched himself onto the level of
baseball star.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I do not believe that Jones is a star, I do believe
that Jones is a very, very good player and has carried the Orioles offense this
season.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jones currently leads the team in almost every offense
category and carries an Offensive Wins-Above -Replacement (OWAR) of 3.7. His
3.7 OWAR currently ranks 9<sup>th</sup> in the Major Leagues.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who knows where the Orioles would be without Adam Jones this
season. Yes, he may still have some things to improve on, i.e. walks and his
defense, but he has been the player that has been carrying the Orioles on his
back. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, if the Orioles want to keep up their winning ways,
they need other players to step up and help Jones lead the Orioles to the
playoffs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jones is one of the main reasons why the Orioles are
currently tied for the American League Wild Card. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without the successful season that Adam has been having, who
knows where the Orioles offense would be right now, and who knows where the O’s
would be in the standings.<o:p></o:p></div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08439017316129787294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-14545346535754180512012-07-20T19:45:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:33:11.542-05:00From One Bay to Another<h3>
Trading Season</h3>
It's trading season. Personally, this is my second favorite time of the baseball year, slotting in just behind the playoffs but ahead of the draft. We have about 11 days until the trade deadline, but already the trades have been pouring into the commissioner's office for approval. This morning the Jays and Astros worked a deal that lead to 10 players switching teams. Shortly thereafter, the Rockies worked out a trade that sent ex-Oriole Jeremy Guthrie to Kansas City for ex-Giant Jonathan Sanchez. This afternoon the Orioles, not to be left out of the fun, acquired Omar Qunitanilla for cash considerations from the Mets.<br />
<br />
The most obnoxious part of the trade deadline involves experts and novices proposing trades left and right. I will now try my hand at proposing an obnoxious trade.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Deal</h3>
<div>
Baltimore sends JJ Hardy, Darren O'Day and a prospect or two to the Giants for Brandon Belt and a prospect or two.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0KoPBmNtRhFnHplFVPrXt5YiSFbjZyQTyOJ5gpzzYqSARnnbXMvkyu4ipMuAEYG39fNNFWtYQ0MEkwAdQur1eacpDQCOHgQ_rQWT4VuRJkxE6msatl70xezjULEqaO9cU7KAa_L90gG5/s1600/200px-Brandon_Belt_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0KoPBmNtRhFnHplFVPrXt5YiSFbjZyQTyOJ5gpzzYqSARnnbXMvkyu4ipMuAEYG39fNNFWtYQ0MEkwAdQur1eacpDQCOHgQ_rQWT4VuRJkxE6msatl70xezjULEqaO9cU7KAa_L90gG5/s1600/200px-Brandon_Belt_2011.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F2bDt-WwPXn12L_mco_qlbbpMk4aie3wrMGNVyD0xk9uEUb90gB2TMEqJ457rLkSooE5P3zYacFc2eCJa_xAgssO1wkQAoM7WfBRHT_kHk8bO5gi71ntmg5VaYG1qq3CdD0HJ8CjRYIL/s1600/250px-J._J._Hardy_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F2bDt-WwPXn12L_mco_qlbbpMk4aie3wrMGNVyD0xk9uEUb90gB2TMEqJ457rLkSooE5P3zYacFc2eCJa_xAgssO1wkQAoM7WfBRHT_kHk8bO5gi71ntmg5VaYG1qq3CdD0HJ8CjRYIL/s1600/250px-J._J._Hardy_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F2bDt-WwPXn12L_mco_qlbbpMk4aie3wrMGNVyD0xk9uEUb90gB2TMEqJ457rLkSooE5P3zYacFc2eCJa_xAgssO1wkQAoM7WfBRHT_kHk8bO5gi71ntmg5VaYG1qq3CdD0HJ8CjRYIL/s1600/250px-J._J._Hardy_2011.jpg" /></a> </div>
<br />
<h3>
Justification</h3>
<div>
Orioles' fans may not be a big fan of this deal, but for the O's this trade makes a lot of sense. We haven't had a big time first baseman since Rafael Palmeiro, and Belt could step right in and play a very solid 1B for us. Trading Hardy is a hard pill to swallow as he's a fan favorite, but running a baseball team is about winning. Belt clearly fills a hole and adds another solid core player to this building Orioles squad. While Hardy provides immense value to the team now, he'll likely be supplanted by Manny Machado on the next 90-win O's team.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Giants are in a similar situation where this deal won't make many fans happy as they would love to see Belt get more playing time. However, the Giants have a chance to make a serious run this season and Hardy & O'Day help fill big holes on the team. While Hardy hasn't played well lately, he's a superb defensive SS and is slowly coming out of his slump the past few days. The Giants could use the offensive bump he'd give them. Belt is beloved by the fans, but the organization has shown that they won't give Belt regular at-bats for a reason far beyond me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The "& prospects" listed on both sides is just a nod to the common swapping of lower level prospects to balance a deal. A perfect example of this was in the Pineda/Montero trade where both sides sent a lo-A player along with the headliner.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do you think this trade makes sense for the O's? How about the Giants?</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-58555605740612977322012-07-13T01:45:00.001-04:002012-12-02T22:34:11.461-05:00Fun With PITCHf/x for HittersRecently <a href="https://twitter.com/brooksbaseball" target="_blank">Dan Brooks</a> of <a href="http://brooksbaseball.net/" target="_blank">Brooks Baseball</a> fame and <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/" target="_blank">Baseball Prospectus</a> teamed up to supply some pitchf/x data for hitters in really unique way on the Baseball Prospectus website. Dan is constantly adding functionality to the application, and his most recent update has some pretty cool implications for understanding the data behind batter performance. This post is going to highlight a lot of the really cool visualizations that this new tool allows us to create.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Adam Jones</h3>
<div>
This first breakdown compares Adam Jones' True Average on breaking balls down & away versus his True Average on those same pitches this season. Keep in mind that the typical Small Sample Size (SSS) warning applies here, but it's interesting nonetheless. For a description of True Average check out Baseball Prospectus' glossary <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/glossary/index.php?search=TAv" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxTA24F5y4pFrn1tbKlCBXUxAXEILsD006KLFwxgKAUjNw5tBRbYzuFLxWI8oZRDpIQB-jqUex1AUbI1j-ORbs__6sQOUYdiAAEvH6pc_wtWB1seNBPu-0vJTRnl8fpPpka5haG8XzbEN/s1600/AJ+Career.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxTA24F5y4pFrn1tbKlCBXUxAXEILsD006KLFwxgKAUjNw5tBRbYzuFLxWI8oZRDpIQB-jqUex1AUbI1j-ORbs__6sQOUYdiAAEvH6pc_wtWB1seNBPu-0vJTRnl8fpPpka5haG8XzbEN/s1600/AJ+Career.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam Jones TAv Career - Normalized for RHH</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDOfEQ5h_I4WLp_A6gtlAECPcRqCOC9NkUylJlZTgqsHZ-SV6fRSP1K88InnXQGNmlqorfYevXKO9OWBXyjkKc0_j5-2Fk8lpqX9uh_Ssq5LimynyoCOAR_Llm15EOH8rYgyPeS5qGfkj/s1600/AJ+2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDOfEQ5h_I4WLp_A6gtlAECPcRqCOC9NkUylJlZTgqsHZ-SV6fRSP1K88InnXQGNmlqorfYevXKO9OWBXyjkKc0_j5-2Fk8lpqX9uh_Ssq5LimynyoCOAR_Llm15EOH8rYgyPeS5qGfkj/s1600/AJ+2012.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam Jones TAv 2012 - Normalized for RHH</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The interesting point here is that, over his career, Jones has performed well below average on breaking balls down & away compared to other MLB right-handed batters. However, so far this season, Jones' performance has been above league average (.260) in all 4 quadrants of the low and away portion of the zone. This is certainly interesting, and could be a reason for Jones' success thus far this season.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Chris Davis</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here we're going to look at how pitchers have been pitching to Chris Davis so far this season, something that I think shows how well pitchers adjust to hitters over the course of a season. The first image will show, compared to other left-handed hitters how often Davis sees "hard pitches" (fastballs) in a certain zone. The second image shows Davis' True Average over the various zones against "hard pitches".</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9hM3alc9MVtTkJpp51N5KOgCsK8Dj50jyrj3s2FmrTbh6ggoLIzf0yu9_evX6Tkov3hL7GptuCxYoypRZFU0t0jTVZx5eRHXRRZne3lU877rMzNf0jxNbJGEHT1WJMf_ixq-tpVRMvoz/s1600/Davis+Hard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9hM3alc9MVtTkJpp51N5KOgCsK8Dj50jyrj3s2FmrTbh6ggoLIzf0yu9_evX6Tkov3hL7GptuCxYoypRZFU0t0jTVZx5eRHXRRZne3lU877rMzNf0jxNbJGEHT1WJMf_ixq-tpVRMvoz/s1600/Davis+Hard.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Davis Frequency 2012 - Normalized for LHH & "Hard Pitches"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToKjm5VYkgfRbd2MAo9tFK5O2LgMGLa5ZhhwSwf-cIit7QFelYHErWvSNqHZmTw6eba_9a8mN1nKhbKJ6wPRH2P3sTVJpYMXo-3Mrqr3JTA1N4651xd0rY2tqpl-m3DsZYPgU5rDh9F6D/s1600/Davis+Hard+TAv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToKjm5VYkgfRbd2MAo9tFK5O2LgMGLa5ZhhwSwf-cIit7QFelYHErWvSNqHZmTw6eba_9a8mN1nKhbKJ6wPRH2P3sTVJpYMXo-3Mrqr3JTA1N4651xd0rY2tqpl-m3DsZYPgU5rDh9F6D/s1600/Davis+Hard+TAv.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Davis TAv 2012 - Normalized for LHH & "Hard Pitches"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see, the league has adjusted. Davis sees many more hard pitches, basically fastballs of various types, up in the zone compared to other lefties. Consequently, hard pitches down in the zone, typically a staple for many pitchers, are not being seen by Davis. This is likely because of his performance on those pitches, as exhibited by the True Average image above. Davis has multiple zones where his TAv is significantly above the league average figure of .260.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Nick Markakis</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The last player we'll analyze today is another long-time Oriole, Nick Markakis. The interesting thing about Nick's data is that it seems nobody knows where to pitch Nick. The lowest % in terms of pitch frequency is 85.63% which is quite high. The second image shows how Nick has performed against pitches in the various zones, and highlights the lack of a hole in the zone for the most part.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3AbxcK6wktitP_NVclWP83DUNJggRfBUWl_s5EwGffcyD9V2ewWUOCKsNDZWKy2IoVChFLDEJFLE-YDoiW7AL42p4xHyOEle_W4_u1a-wxeS3hjAyaX26OfONzYBLlAZiQ32EGQFxYIO/s1600/Markakis+Frequency.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3AbxcK6wktitP_NVclWP83DUNJggRfBUWl_s5EwGffcyD9V2ewWUOCKsNDZWKy2IoVChFLDEJFLE-YDoiW7AL42p4xHyOEle_W4_u1a-wxeS3hjAyaX26OfONzYBLlAZiQ32EGQFxYIO/s1600/Markakis+Frequency.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Markakis Frequency Career - Normalized for LHH</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF41AZBQJ20hv-I8yX1_ULzWuytvc_8-qAgKVJPzmmQbn5fJnBK72ge4x9sEeKMmC2yuTiP_dAFSrHxQWQPeDVofMuaDY4_bgCMx69nE7hb9V8G4yZDHIQyY2i0lrGvW31-wJIc95hBjOY/s1600/Markakis+TAv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF41AZBQJ20hv-I8yX1_ULzWuytvc_8-qAgKVJPzmmQbn5fJnBK72ge4x9sEeKMmC2yuTiP_dAFSrHxQWQPeDVofMuaDY4_bgCMx69nE7hb9V8G4yZDHIQyY2i0lrGvW31-wJIc95hBjOY/s1600/Markakis+TAv.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Markakis TAv Career - Normalized for RHH</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This color scheme shows just how good Nick has been at covering all zones across the plate. Of the 25 zones in the breakdown, only 4 of them show TAv values that deviate significantly from the league average figure.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Takeaways</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All in all this tool is very cool. If you haven't already, you should play around with it <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pitchfx/hitter_cards/hitter_card.php?player=430945&month=&year=&throws=&pi_type=&report=count&color=&normType=R" target="_blank">here</a> and see if you can find any interesting data. I hope to do more of this in the future, and I really think the applications for this data are truly endless. Let me know any interesting points you notice from the graphs above, or feel free to link to new graphs in the comment section.</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-56378529994883527862012-07-09T15:10:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:34:25.609-05:00First Half ReflectionsI'll start with a personal note - for those loyal readers out there (do I have loyal readers?) my move is pretty much completed and I now have internet & cable hooked up so expect more frequent posts from here on out. We should be back to the 2 posts a week standard we were on through May or so.<br />
<h3>
First Half Reflections</h3>
Ok, so this post is going to be less statistical and more of an overview of my opinions about the Orioles' first half. We'll talk about the pitching first, the hitting second and wrap it up with a description of the team as a whole. I might throw in some statistics as we go, but I want this to be more of a stream of consciousness type piece.<br />
<h3>
The Pitching</h3>
<div>
I'm going to refer to this section as the regression to the mean group. We'll start with the starting pitching who, as a group started out pretty strong, but stumbled lately. Or so it seemed... month by month breakdown of ERA/FIP/xFIP for the starters looks like this:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
March/April - 3.63/4.42/4.39</div>
<div>
May - 5.16/4.40/4.08</div>
<div>
June - 5.45/4.42/4.19</div>
<div>
July - 4.79/4.39/4.16</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As you can see the Starters' FIP has fluctuated between 4.39 and 4.42 this season, which is oddly consistent. Some months they've been lucky, but others they've been pretty unlucky. Overall, this is above league average (surprise) which currently sits at 4.08. It would be great for the team if the starters could come down to league average, and this is definitely reachable given the tumultuous nature of our rotation through the first 5 months of the season.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The relievers on the other hand have been less consistent, but better as a whole. Here's a month by month breakdown for the relievers by ERA/FIP/xFIP:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
March/April - 1.83/3.46/3.91</div>
<div>
May - 2.64/3.97/3.85</div>
<div>
June - 3.24/3.56/4.02</div>
<div>
July - 4.43/5.97/5.13</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are two things to note here that I think are important for O's fans to understand going forward. The first is that they have outperformed their peripherals (FIP) every month, suggesting that they aren't as good as they've been. Also, they have trended upwards in ERA towards their FIPs (season average is 3.87). I would expect them to be closer to that number than the 2 ERAs we have seen them put up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A league average FIP would be 3.84, meaning the O's bullpen would fall in the middle of the pack as opposed to the top 2 or 3 teams as they have been all season. This is not the end of the world, and if the starters can pick up their game a bit in the second half, the O's can still contend with the AL East powerhouses, though not necessarily for a playoff spot.</div>
<h3>
The Hitting</h3>
<div>
Let's start with some numbers here, as this is perhaps the most surprising development of the first half. The Orioles currently boast a .305 wOBA, which would rank 21st in MLB to this point. Only the Rays, A's and Mariners rank lower among AL teams to this point. This likely stems from the Orioles ranking 26th in MLB in batting average, hitting only .240 on the season. To be fair though, they rank 27th in BABIP at .278, besting only the Rays, A's and Mariners.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ironically, the offense was the least of my worries going into the season, as the team ranked 12th in MLB last season for wOBA. It seemed they made some upgrades over the winter & we expected young guys like Wieters and Jones to continue improving.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This isn't necessarily a fair judgment though as the team has been without some major players for much of the season, and frankly has started AAA guys at 3/9 of the lineup spots. I honestly think that Markakis coming back will significantly improve the lineup, not necessarily because he's that significant of an upgrade, but because of the ramifications it will have on the rest of the lineup. Similarly the offense will likely tick up as guys like JJ Hardy bounce back (.233 BABIP would be a career low). I think the offense will likely be league average for the second half, assuming no significant Markakis-like injuries.</div>
<h3>
The Team as a Whole</h3>
<div>
There's kind of been a running theme throughout this piece, maybe you've noticed my opinion on the team to this point. The Orioles are not as good as they have been so far this season, but they're not as bad as they've seemed the past few weeks. Coming into this season, if I told you "this team will go .500 this season", you'd have been ecstatic. Now though, that seems like a failure. This team smells like a .500 team to me. The offense is below average but has been unlucky. The relievers look to be right around average if not slightly better. The starters have a very real chance to get back to league average I think, especially given the lack of consistency to this point.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before the season I had the Orioles' over/under for wins at 75 games. It looks to me like they'll beat that, but not make the playoffs. You know what? I'm just fine with that.</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-1560811387316735302012-07-05T00:53:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:34:36.359-05:00The Reinvigorated Chris TillmanIt's a small sample size. Against arguably the worst hitting team in baseball (especially at their home field). That said, Chris Tillman wowed. Many of us were at friends houses or barbecues or picnics to celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Chris Tillman and the birds took on Seattle and Tillman showed why he was such a prized pickup in the Erik Bedard trade years ago.<br />
<br />
I always liked Tillman because he throws a knuckle-curve (and a nasty one at that) which was the same curveball I threw growing up. You might remember a former Oriole pitcher that was pretty successful with that same pitch as well. As a result, Tillman has a soft spot in my heart, and I've always been pulling for him, beyond what you typically would for any young Oriole.<br />
<br />
We've been hearing for weeks that Tillman has been pitching well in the minors, albeit not going very deep into games. He'd pitched to a 3.63 ERA in Norfolk but his FIP suggests he'd pitched better than that. Tonight he went 8.1 IP with 2 Hits, 2 Runs, 2 Walks and 7 Ks. Here's how he did it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KVZmDCMBuZnEJBVaOJfCVvaNI3OvlML4gfvY4vqPit8LbIzJO839idXq6Q6IoGVE8KdYZDKl8SP_h7GkvueuoThfWdDW1aH-AJV6JzekAICXh_kCDsstY6te1YgPmYlxyDao0rYM_9nU/s1600/Tillman.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KVZmDCMBuZnEJBVaOJfCVvaNI3OvlML4gfvY4vqPit8LbIzJO839idXq6Q6IoGVE8KdYZDKl8SP_h7GkvueuoThfWdDW1aH-AJV6JzekAICXh_kCDsstY6te1YgPmYlxyDao0rYM_9nU/s640/Tillman.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulled from <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/pfx.php?month=7&day=4&year=2012&game=gid_2012_07_04_balmlb_seamlb_1%2F&pitchSel=501957&prevGame=gid_2012_07_04_balmlb_seamlb_1%2F&prevDate=74" target="_blank">Brooks Baseball</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
As you can see, Tillman sat in the mid 90s with his various fastballs, the 4-seamer averaging 95 MPH and the Cutter coming in at 93. Tillman topped out at 97.2 MPH on the night, much higher than he threw last time O's fans saw him (in 2010 Tillman's FB averaged 90.2 MPH, in 2011 it was just 89.3). The Cutter was a pitch that Tillman added to his repoirtoire in 2011, but only threw it about 5% of the time. This trend holds here as just 7 of Tillman's 121 pitches were cutters. The Cutter is a useful tool for him though, as you can see below:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfoHYFDic2cIC2W2-mFVBU1tc7rVhyEAicSs7H0GvzHOZt6qgc6WVkqX3DgufJ8t7v1Xr9VoE6k6O-qe75Ns2omFv94uOhM2lwAT8Hp6dmT4Y1QreqFGRHVx3Lx95bHgXOQZYhc558i9z/s1600/horzspeed.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfoHYFDic2cIC2W2-mFVBU1tc7rVhyEAicSs7H0GvzHOZt6qgc6WVkqX3DgufJ8t7v1Xr9VoE6k6O-qe75Ns2omFv94uOhM2lwAT8Hp6dmT4Y1QreqFGRHVx3Lx95bHgXOQZYhc558i9z/s1600/horzspeed.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/pfx.php?s_type=2&sp_type=1&batterX=0&inning1=y&inning2=y&inning3=y&inning4=y&inning5=y&inning6=y&inning7=y&inning8=y&inning9=y&month=07&day=04&game=gid_2012_07_04_balmlb_seamlb_1%2F&year=2012&pitchSel=501957&prevGame=gid_2012_07_04_balmlb_seamlb_1%2F" target="_blank">Brooks Baseball</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This image shows the horizontal movement by speed for Tillman in the game. The key is on the right, and you can see that 4-Seamers are green, Cutters - black, Changeups - yellow, Curves - purple. You can see above the distinct clusters for Tillman on his 3 main pitches the 4-Seam Fastball, Curveball and Changeup. The Cutter is clustered to the right of the 4-Seamer, with slightly less velocity, but positive movement. This means that all of Tillman's fastballs moved to the arm side (as you would expect) except the Cutter which Tillman can use to fool hitters. A perfect example of this is in the 4th inning where Tillman struck out Casper Wells with a well placed Cutter:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZdjvE3ScGC7N0G-D6XuqPPLqrZtGzIIW-wYWxQpXRGPh6YxWQlsO6R5H5ztt1KdB0Jl_gkXWIWQ2RHWCSwDUAe7anDb78Oyk8fa8WdFcNZfxSsxVDN5NEEOpDqHQbNvZLdUm4LiKR5V2/s1600/numlocation.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZdjvE3ScGC7N0G-D6XuqPPLqrZtGzIIW-wYWxQpXRGPh6YxWQlsO6R5H5ztt1KdB0Jl_gkXWIWQ2RHWCSwDUAe7anDb78Oyk8fa8WdFcNZfxSsxVDN5NEEOpDqHQbNvZLdUm4LiKR5V2/s1600/numlocation.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/pfx.php?s_type=2&sp_type=1&batterX=28&inning1=y&inning2=y&inning3=y&inning4=y&inning5=y&inning6=y&inning7=y&inning8=y&inning9=y&month=07&day=04&game=gid_2012_07_04_balmlb_seamlb_1%2F&year=2012&pitchSel=501957&prevGame=gid_2012_07_04_balmlb_seamlb_1%2F" target="_blank">Brooks Baseball</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The 5th pitch in the AB was a perfect Cutter on the inside corner that Wells presumably expected to continue moving in off the plate. Again, we're talking about 5% of all the pitches Tillman will throw in a game, but that's also why it's an effective tool for him.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm emphasizing the Cutter here because I think at the velocity he had today, Tillman really has multiple tools at his disposal to put away hitters. I've always found Tillman's curve to be especially filthy. For him it was a question of velocity and control. Today Tillman showed he had velocity and he had control. His excellent secondary offerings are what made him so intriguing just a few years ago. It's a small sample size, against one of the worst hitting teams in baseball. Despite that, I'm intrigued and I can't wait to see Tillman's next turn after the All-Star Break. If this Tillman is what we'll get for the rest of the season, we may have just found our new #3 starter.</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-41132798661985872572012-06-30T19:04:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:34:48.521-05:00Orioles Trade Lino, Simon for Thome<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmdFZaiUVi_xDK2QnC4Fq0GaGUYUpcr0EzvpOZ4Wu4SssyQQV1ek-2LyBDYOts3WHvcnjt43EcSs799IPmv3rCNFioUw5wk3FQpWw_wvN0w0AhVySl3S1dzSzRKvT-7LaMJ_8DRAupvp4/s1600/Slugger-Jim-Thome-returns-to-Phillies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmdFZaiUVi_xDK2QnC4Fq0GaGUYUpcr0EzvpOZ4Wu4SssyQQV1ek-2LyBDYOts3WHvcnjt43EcSs799IPmv3rCNFioUw5wk3FQpWw_wvN0w0AhVySl3S1dzSzRKvT-7LaMJ_8DRAupvp4/s320/Slugger-Jim-Thome-returns-to-Phillies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warning: Eutaw Street-goers beware.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
The Trade</h3>
<div>
The O's have sent two minor leaguers to the Phillies for Jim Thome, who will likely DH for the club going forward. The minor leaguers in question are RHP Kyle Simon and C Gabriel Lino. Simon was a 4th round pick who has been putting up decent numbers at Frederick: 3.96 ERA, 1.48 WHIP in 14 starts. Lino is a 19 year old prospect who has the potential to be plus defensively behind the plate and could hit for big power. Question mark on Lino is his ability to hit enough to get to that power according to Kevin Goldstein.</div>
<h3>
Thoughts</h3>
<div>
Lino isn't lighting the world on fire, but has shown flashes of the potential he has at Delmarva this season. The real question for me is one of value. What does Thome give you that Betemit, Reynolds and Johnson don't? Thome just isn't a huge upgrade for the O's because he represents a slightly better version of a guy we already have 3 of.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So the value for us is marginal, and the value for the Phils is pretty solid. Thome likely wouldn't start at 1B so they're selling high on a guy who is raking as a DH in interleague play. The O's give up Simon, a decent relief prospect and Lino. My big issue here is Lino, as he's a high upside guy. Granted, he isn't likely to reach that upside, but he's an interesting prospect nonetheless.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the moment this seems like an overpay for a guy that likely won't help the O's win all that many more games this season. That said, this is hardly the end of the world, and we could certainly use some more pop in the middle of our lineup. At the end of the day, it's really not a big deal either way. I just think that if the O's are going to be sending prospects elsewhere they should be focusing on guys who could be bigger upgrades to the roster.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As with any trade, time will tell. Would love to hear your thoughts on the move in the comments.</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-66119761326855756842012-06-22T00:50:00.001-04:002012-12-02T22:35:00.637-05:00Buck Showalter: Tactical Genius?<h3>
Jim Johnson's Dominance</h3>
<div>
Let's start this conversation by saying that this is going to be one of those stat-heavy posts. In this case we'll be utilizing the win probability data from fangraphs, which you can find <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=10&type=3&season=2012&month=0&season1=2012&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&players=0&sort=2,d" target="_blank">here</a>. The first point I'd like to note is that according to Win Probability Added, Jim Johnson is the best pitcher in baseball this season with a fairly sizable lead over Justin Verlander. Here's an explanation of <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/library/index.php/misc/wpa/" target="_blank">WPA</a> if you're not familiar with the stat. Not necessarily that important, just something interesting to think about as we look at the bullpen usage more in depth.</div>
<h3>
Buck Showalter's Bullpen Usage</h3>
<div>
The stat I really want to focus on is <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/library/index.php/misc/li/" target="_blank">gmLI</a> which basically gives an indication of how intense the situation is when the pitcher enters the game. Using the same page from before we can sort the pitchers who have thrown at least 10 innings in MLB by gmLI. If you want more info on Leverage Indices and how they work, click on the link in the first sentence of this section.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As you can see, Jim Johnson is tied for 9th in MLB with an average leverage index of 1.79 for the games he enters. As stated in the fangraphs explanation, anything above 1 is an average leverage appearance, so that figure shows that Buck is using his best pitcher in the most critical situations. Johnson's 1.79 leverage index leads the Orioles, but looking at the rest of the staff gives more insight into how Buck has used the bullpen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If we sort out the <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=10&type=3&season=2012&month=0&season1=2012&ind=0&team=2&rost=0&age=0&players=0&sort=8,d" target="_blank">Orioles' pitchers</a> we can look at the average leverage index when each guy enters the game, and get an idea of who pitches in the highest leverage and lowest leverage appearances. Johnson paces the O's with a gmLI of 1.79, followed by Strop at 1.71. These two guys have pitched in the most crucial situations, and their performances have backed up Buck's aggressive usage.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWWwoYXQhHWj1NT3IXvfcotPwS8EIBIosO_IIkfRGlAj8oyJQi05Xo8T0PWbi4Sh7Q-H3bLKdffTm6tOSO5q5-SdxgYsYdqYH2haRE4E6VzIaBcApsZbkv7MvZotbwvxwOpIpH91gYi75/s1600/gmLI.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWWwoYXQhHWj1NT3IXvfcotPwS8EIBIosO_IIkfRGlAj8oyJQi05Xo8T0PWbi4Sh7Q-H3bLKdffTm6tOSO5q5-SdxgYsYdqYH2haRE4E6VzIaBcApsZbkv7MvZotbwvxwOpIpH91gYi75/s640/gmLI.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The O's also have a bunch of pitchers between average leverage at 1.00 and 1.16, slightly above average. From most to least these guys are: Ayala, Lindstrom, O'Day and Patton. All of these guys have provided quality innings out of the bullpen, though these mainly come earlier in games which might play a role in their lower gmLIs. At the opposite end of the spectrum Kevin Gregg and Dana Eveland bring up the rear with 0.81 and 0.60 gmLIs. These are almost certainly a function of their usage, as Gregg rarely pitches in close games and Eveland is the de facto long-man coming in when a starter exits early.</div>
<h3>
What Does It Mean?</h3>
<div>
Well to assess the seasons these guys have had, we'll use a stat called ERA-. <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/era-fip-xfip/" target="_blank">Basically ERA-</a> adjusts a pitchers ERA for their league, home park, etc. For this particular stat a score of 100 would be league average, and the lower your number is the better. Here are the ERA- stats (among other stats) for the O's pitchers:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJK0WZy1TGubqKz1Cb1WSqbvuwykQO_dFiMWSBlNVVhvrzkUAG7FxEArKR0p4ECtzEKZ6VavHxty6kzUS8-yQ3TC4YrZbYy49tD11YDEQbeN1DU3OvdxnE7M71CjQJwkXiOF1wkA3hFMH/s1600/ERA-.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJK0WZy1TGubqKz1Cb1WSqbvuwykQO_dFiMWSBlNVVhvrzkUAG7FxEArKR0p4ECtzEKZ6VavHxty6kzUS8-yQ3TC4YrZbYy49tD11YDEQbeN1DU3OvdxnE7M71CjQJwkXiOF1wkA3hFMH/s640/ERA-.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Johnson, Lindstrom and Strop have absurd ERA- stats of 29, 31 and 34 respectively, showing that they've been absurdly better than league average to this point. O'Day and Ayala both also have scores below 50. This presents an opportunity for Buck to perhaps spread out some of the high leverage situations among these guys as well as they've shown the capability to handle it. Will they be this good for the whole season? Probably not. What we have, and can hope to continue to see is that Buck using his pitchers well. I'm thinking of Buck putting Jim Johnson out there in tie games against the Phils and Yankees earlier this season rather than saving him for the "traditional save chances".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Buck has used the bullpen really well so far this season despite them having to throw a lot of innings. That said, he needs to continue to manage the bullpen well to put guys in positions to succeed. Using Johnson as he has allows him to utilize his best pitchers in the most critical situations - giving the O's the best chance to win. Buck's decision on the lineup and who starts where might be questionable, but his usage of the pitching staff has been really solid so far.</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-87893183431037587792012-06-18T12:14:00.000-04:002012-06-18T12:14:17.397-04:00Who in the world is Steve Pearce?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGTLFm5Scay0ync6tyxOvgOt2ADYiHVkNozgNiGS725eDo6_37YJjmU7FZb_fu_8Ar1jx-Kr5gOEyN1hoRAWjhIpAWMHrkQb7WCbX5t6AwRYTt9xuF_SDrg_89jQfvcrJ2KX-4GBT8vk/s1600/300px-Steve_Pearce_on_June_10,_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGTLFm5Scay0ync6tyxOvgOt2ADYiHVkNozgNiGS725eDo6_37YJjmU7FZb_fu_8Ar1jx-Kr5gOEyN1hoRAWjhIpAWMHrkQb7WCbX5t6AwRYTt9xuF_SDrg_89jQfvcrJ2KX-4GBT8vk/s1600/300px-Steve_Pearce_on_June_10,_2012.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the injury bug hitting the Orioles outfield they have
had to try different players in different positions. One of them is Steve
Pearce. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pearce was acquired by the Orioles on June 2<sup>nd</sup> in
a deal with the New York Yankees. Pearce was absolutely crushing in Triple-A
Scranton Wilkes-Barre, hitting .321 with 11 home runs and an OBP of .422. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For fans that follow baseball really closely Pearce may be a
familiar name. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pearce was drafted in the 8<sup>th</sup> round by the
Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2005 MLB Draft after attending the University of
South Carolina and leading the team in average, home runs, and runs batted in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pearce never had a hard time hitting in the minors. However,
his big year came in 2007 when he was named MLB.com Minor League Player of the Year
and he was also a Futures Game Selection. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout three levels Pearce hit
.333 with 31 home runs and 113 runs batted in. On September 1<sup>st</sup> the
Pirates called Pearce up and he played 23 games for them in September. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2008 Pearce was called up on several different occasions
and in 2009 he failed to make the Opening Day roster but he got his chance when
the Pirates traded their starting first baseman Adam Laroche. Pearce failed to
impress however. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2011 Pearce finally the Pirates Opening Day roster but
only hit .202 in 50 games.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pearce’s time with the Pirates finally came to an end and he
signed with the Minnesota Twins. However, the Twins released him at the end of
Spring Training and he was immediately scooped up by the Yankees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the O’s traded for Pearce, he immediately was inserted
into the line-up the next day. Pearce has had a very solid start with the
Orioles, hitting a cool .324 in 10 games, to go along with 1 home run and 9
runs batted in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t get too crazy though Orioles fans, Pearce has yet to
prove it in the major leagues and is considered a “Quad-A” player, which is
someone who can hit in the minor leagues but can’t hit in the major leagues.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Orioles fans should hope Steve Pearce can be a
solid fill-in while the Orioles wait for Nick Markakis and Nolan Reimold to
return from injury. </div>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08439017316129787294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-70924393182835852312012-06-12T12:58:00.001-04:002012-12-02T22:35:38.615-05:00Baltimore Orioles: Trade Deadline Buyers?<h3>
Buy/Sell/Hold</h3>
Dave Cameron of Fangraphs wrote a piece yesterday breaking down every MLB as either potential buyers, sellers or holders at this year's trade deadline. He broke down the buyers into two groups: 'likely buyers' and 'buyers' so separate out those firmly entrenched in picking up talent from those who might buy, but might not.<br />
<br />
Cameron listed the Orioles as 'likely holders' at the deadline suggesting that despite playing over their heads to this point, they could hope to hold on to veterans with the outside shot at a second wild card spot. Cameron suggests that teams like the Orioles, Mets or Pirates could benefit greatly from a rare playoff appearance with a 're-energized fanbase'.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Are The O's Buyers?</h3>
<div>
Many fans certainly want the O's to be buyers at the deadline. Over the past month or so fans have been clamoring for the home team to go look for a third baseman, starting pitch depth, even an ace to anchor our rotation. <a href="http://baltimoresportsandlife.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1491" target="_blank">Apparently Dan Duquette said</a> some thing along the lines of, "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px;">If we're in it in July we'll be in it to win it. We're out right now taking stock of our minor league system to see what we have to offer teams" </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">prior to the game on Friday June, 8th. Does this mean the O's are looking to trade? Who can we get? Is Garza up for trade? These, and hundreds of other questions undoubtedly start surfacing looking for ways to push the Orioles into contention.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know what Dan Duquette and the baseball operations team in the warehouse are thinking with regards to trade targets. If you want an answer for that, try calling up the executive offices and ask the operator to speak to Dan himself.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I can tell you is what I would do if I were GM - what I think the Orioles should do.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">What We Should Do</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">Recent success in MLB is predicated on developing and bringing up a stream of talented young players that can fill in holes left by veterans. We're not talking about the Yankees here, the Orioles are not the Yankees and likely never will be. What the Orioles can be is a middle ground between the Rays and Red Sox. The model used by Tampa, Texas and Boston to a lesser degree has proven to be successful time and time again.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">What exactly is that model you ask? Fill the farm system with talent, build up a strong core on your roster, and then add pieces to fill in holes as necessary. This does not require, nor does it preclude you from making splashy free agent signings. A perfect example is Texas, the best team in baseball the past 2 seasons despite missing out on winning rings. Texas built up a core of Hamilton, Andrus, Kinsler, Young, Cruz etc by acquiring talent and letting it develop. Then, when the team was ready to compete they went out and brought in Adrian Beltre to hold down 3B.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">The Orioles are starting down this path with promising young players surrounding established young veterans like Wieters and Jones. The future of Machado, Schoop and Bundy gives the Orioles a core to build around and add to. This should be the basis of the team going forward.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">So Let's Trade For Our Core!</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">Not so fast. Trading, especially in a seller's market, will be expensive as Cameron points out. It will take 2 or 3 top prospects to get a guy like Matt Garza. Sure, maybe acquiring a guy like him puts us in the playoffs this season, but we won't have guys to call up a year or two from now to add on to our roster. We'd be trading in long-term sustainable success for one potential playoff appearance.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">I know Oriole fans have been waiting way too long for a playoff run. I know that being patient is hard and knowing we <i>could </i>have made the playoffs if we just made one move is worse. The fact of the matter is that baseball is getting younger, and the Orioles can't afford to be short-sighted and accept another long stretch of losing for one shot at the postseason.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">It's been a long and arduous journey as an Oriole fan, but there's finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Rather than sprinting to the light and having to stop just outside the exit of the tunnel let's pace ourselves so we can keep running once we break through.</span></div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-68580354509472528912012-06-09T19:34:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:35:50.034-05:00Mike Trout. That Is All<h3>
Background</h3>
Occasionally on Warehouse Worthy we like to <a href="http://warehouseworthy.blogspot.com/2012/05/witnessing-history.html" target="_blank">write about non-orioles</a> so long as we can, at least tangentially, connect them back to the local ball club. Here is that tangent:<br />
<br />
Last summer I went to an O's game and sat in some of my favorite seats - out in section 94 off Eutaw Street. I ended up sitting right in front of and behind a group of folks that made the long trip from Millville, NJ. These people happened to be friends and family of the 19-year old Mike Trout who was playing on the East Coast, allowing everyone from his town to head down to the Yard to see him play. It should be mentioned that all the people I met were awesome, and seemed like genuinely great people. Ever since, I've kept an eye on the career of super-prospect Mike Trout.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Mike Trout - Super Prospect</h3>
<div>
Trout has been at the top of many scouting lists, and his name has obviously been tied to fellow super-prospect Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals. Not only do I prefer Trout to Harper, Trout has out-performed Harper so far this season (although he is a bit older).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj0yObeaaBjN2aL-hk95U5m4t6jIm-VQz_oZBsD2lVZS1DYdVC34OZSCnBULDhtVAS9tepdKz_nYnnNP7flURTOq1zfaIY5qckA92CUWJB0YPQ7cVaMWVNcXG30VRb6bVlxqpK9u2wkKZ/s1600/Mike+Trout+Minnesota+Twins+v+Los+Angeles+Angels+Sa8ZeHkBRk3l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj0yObeaaBjN2aL-hk95U5m4t6jIm-VQz_oZBsD2lVZS1DYdVC34OZSCnBULDhtVAS9tepdKz_nYnnNP7flURTOq1zfaIY5qckA92CUWJB0YPQ7cVaMWVNcXG30VRb6bVlxqpK9u2wkKZ/s320/Mike+Trout+Minnesota+Twins+v+Los+Angeles+Angels+Sa8ZeHkBRk3l.jpg" width="320" /></a>Trout's triple slash this season is: .340/.398/.544 and he's posted 2.6 fWAR in just 37 games. Over the course of an entire season, that kind of production would translate to an fWAR of 11.4. For those of you keeping score at home, that would be the 8th highest fWAR since 1950. The guys ahead of him? Barry Bonds (3x), Mickey Mantle (2x), Yastrzemski and Mays. That's not bad company to be in.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since May 9th Trout has failed to reach base just 4 times - the same number of times he's homered over that same span. Granted, Trout's .395 BABIP suggests he might come down to Earth a bit, as he's been fairly lucky so far in that regard. However, he's also only 20 and will likely develop more power as he grows and matures.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=10155&position=OF" target="_blank">Mike Trout</a> is truly a phenomenal talent, and one that any baseball fan can enjoy watching play.</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-57944989677891285092012-06-02T21:55:00.001-04:002012-12-02T22:36:05.475-05:002012 MLB Draft - If I Were a GM<h3>
The 2012 Draft</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sZMfIhsiNQXggSnjEe9JLHszCWmQwiAvQ5P1YflYNCB7m37AUSj6dFSiFpgfF-oX0hruvmQGUo40niPrFe_hVJEaafyOq5gF9hFCI7vTMUt3FEjekIIZbGNdL0ZeHlUCcShIsg-orrDO/s1600/U9Y7iZNl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sZMfIhsiNQXggSnjEe9JLHszCWmQwiAvQ5P1YflYNCB7m37AUSj6dFSiFpgfF-oX0hruvmQGUo40niPrFe_hVJEaafyOq5gF9hFCI7vTMUt3FEjekIIZbGNdL0ZeHlUCcShIsg-orrDO/s1600/U9Y7iZNl.jpg" /></a>The 2012 MLB Draft (well the first round at least) is scheduled to begin this Monday night, and fans across the country are waiting to see just who their favorite team will pick. The Orioles have the 4th overall pick, just as they did last year in selecting Dylan Bundy from Owasso, OK. Bundy has been, well, a revelation. Fans can debate until their faces are blue about who they think the team will take, but my question is this - what would you do if you were the GM?<br />
<br />
<h4>
The Road to 2011</h4>
<div>
It all started in the summer following the 2010 draft as I began to scan the prep and college landscape for potential targets in the first round in 2011. Typically this involved watching a lot of college baseball in the CWS and scouring sites like <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/" target="_blank">Baseball America</a> and <a href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/" target="_blank">Baseball Prospectus</a> to see guys putting up good numbers as underclassmen. For about 6-9 months my pick was set. I hoped and prayed that the 3B from Rice named Anthony Rendon would fall to the O's at 4. He put up crazy numbers, had a good glove, and seemed like the future at 3B for the Orioles. Then he got hurt... a lot. Doubt crept in.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The weeks leading up to the draft had me pulling up Dylan Bundy's stats weekly, checking to see how he performed the week before. I followed Bundy's run through the state playoffs, losing to Archie Bradley (though Bundy did not pitch) in the Oklahoma state championship. I had officially changed my mind and Bundy was 'my guy'.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When Bundy and Rendon both fell to Baltimore, I felt conflicted. Do I want them to take my first choice, or the new guy that had blown me away in recent weeks? The birds took Bundy, just as I hoped, and the rest is history.<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
My Draft Philosophy</h4>
<div>
This year I've thought a lot about who I would want, and why I would want to take them. In the recent weeks my draft preferences have changed a lot, as you can see <a href="http://baltimoresportsandlife.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=750" target="_blank">here</a>. My final rankings are this:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Buxton Correa Giolito Gausman Appel Almora Fried Zunino Zimmer Hawkins</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You might notice that I have an awful lot of high school guys in my top 10, but really I think there's something more fundamental here. I'd rather take a chance on a guy who can become a superstar than draft a guy who is more of a sure thing. I should mention that this is more for the first round or handful of rounds only, and that teams definitely need a balance of high floor guys as well. My opinion is just that you need to take the guy with the highest upside possible in the first round and hope you can build him to meet that potential. For the most part, I weigh hitting ability higher than fielding, but that's with the caveat that a lack of fielding abilities certainly hurts a player's potential impact on the field.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The MLB Draft is the most difficult draft in pro sports to manage because the players are so far removed from being MLB players that you really just have to focus on what they could be and how you will get them there. Some players have huge upsides (Byron Buxton) but are still incredibly raw in terms of polish. Others (Marcus Stroman) could likely step onto the field and hold his own this summer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So for me, guys like Correa, Gausman, and Giolito present opportunities to really draft and develop a franchise player. It's not that I don't think the guys in the lower half of my top 10 could help a team like the Orioles, it's just that I think that given the chance to draft a star player, you take it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below about how you'd like to draft. Prep arms? Athletic college OF? What would you do if you were your favorite team's GM?</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-72680151748729658712012-05-28T19:45:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:36:14.613-05:002013 Free Agency Targets<h3>
Cost of Winning</h3>
To this point in the season, the Baltimore Orioles have spent $859,283.10 per victory. This compares favorably to others in the AL East as you can see in the graphic below:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBpoKvdFkWd1uLwsEruM1B6Ia74CdTv3hzpB3mGqV1c5oFo_KzeJJVqn_v-ZjqkKAq5-avKQtWjJ38H5NpzIApIkaB2Zi_p1jTlj0n-U7u5JO4KNmU-6cfRMWD41S8OKJAoZQNyQU_RkA/s1600/Orioles+Salaries.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBpoKvdFkWd1uLwsEruM1B6Ia74CdTv3hzpB3mGqV1c5oFo_KzeJJVqn_v-ZjqkKAq5-avKQtWjJ38H5NpzIApIkaB2Zi_p1jTlj0n-U7u5JO4KNmU-6cfRMWD41S8OKJAoZQNyQU_RkA/s640/Orioles+Salaries.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Only the Rays have paid less money per victory than the Orioles to this point in the season. Expect those numbers to come down for the Red Sox and Yankees however, unless you expect them to finish right around .500 on the season.<br />
<br />
<h3>
2013 Free Agency</h3>
<div>
With that said, let's figure out how to spend more of the Orioles' money. <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/05/2013-contract-issues-baltimore-orioles.html" target="_blank">MLBTradeRumors</a> assessed the O's 2013 contract situation, and we can see that there aren't a lot of core players that should be leaving the team, so there's definitely the opportunity to make the team better for 2013. <a href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/04/2013-mlb-free-agents.html" target="_blank">MLBTradeRumors</a> has also supplied us with a list of 2013 free agents, so we have an idea of who is going to be available. Remember that some players could be DFA'd by their teams resulting in a larger free agent pool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Positions We Don't Need</h4>
<div>
Catcher, First Base, Shortstop, Center Field and Right Field are probably locks for 2013, meaning we will likely only potentially be targeting backups at those positions. There are some intriguing names at those positions, so we shouldn't dismiss them off-hand given we still have almost 70% of the season left to go.</div>
<h4>
Second Base</h4>
<div>
Cano won't see the light of day as far as the free agent market goes, and there really aren't any other intriguing options outside of him. The O's will go in-house for a second baseman if Brian Roberts can't play the positions full time next season.</div>
<h4>
Third Base</h4>
<div>
There are really only two interesting options here and they are Kevin Youkilis and Mark Reynolds. Everyone else is either under-performing or on the wrong side of 35. The O's will almost certainly decline Reynolds' option but could pursue him on a cheaper deal. Similarly, the team could opt to use him almost exclusively as a DH, replcaing him at 3B with an internal option like Robert Andino.</div>
<h4>
Left Field</h4>
<div>
Interesting players here are (obviously) Hamilton, Bourn, Upton, Victorino, Sizemore, and Torii Hunter. Hunter and Sizemore would be upside plays, while Victorino, Bourn and Upton are more known quantities that will require long-term commitments. On the other side of the coin, Josh Hamilton is a superstar, and would likely require a commitment north of $100 Million. Realistically I think Reimold might be the best value for us, and we could always let Xavier Avery get full time ABs in left field next season.</div>
<h4>
Pitching</h4>
<div>
There are honestly too many targets to consider, especially since good pitching will always be in demand for the Orioles. I just want to take a moment to bring up Brandon McCarthy, my favorite non-Oriole right now. McCarthy has an ERA of 2.95 this season. McCarthy has seen a career resurgence in Oakland, and seems to be aa generally good guy. Just me being selfish here, but I defy you to tell me he can't help this team. It should be noted that McCarthy is a ground ball pitcher, so he could be successful in Oriole Park, he isn't being buoyed by the massive confines in Oakland.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At some point in later in the season I'll break down specifically, by position the potential free agents the O's could pursue. The point of this post is really to just get everyone to start thinking about the options on the market and the direction the birds could take. We'd love to hear the players you think the O's should keep an eye on for the rest of the season.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-55767247426173817642012-05-26T00:05:00.000-04:002012-12-02T22:36:28.650-05:00This Is BirdlandIf you're looking for the statistical analysis we usually try to do here at Warehouse Worthy, this isn't the post for you. No, this post is on something that's been on my mind lately and really became obvious to me this evening. Also, for those of you interested in the free agency post I promised on twitter - that will come later this weekend.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The story starts this past Wednesday, I was taking a late lunch at the Uno Pizzeria in Harbor Place downtown. I specifically picked Uno because I knew they would have the game on and I wanted to catch some of it before heading back to work. What did I notice? Waiters, customers, managers, etc all stopped and stood and watched. They just watched the Oriole's game instead of walking by it. I know this seems silly, but that's new for me - I haven't seen people stop what they were doing to watch a game like that in a long time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tonight I decided to meet up with some friends at Camden Yards to check out the game. I knew I wouldn't be able to go this weekend and then the O's have a 9-game roadstand so it seemed like a good choice. I ended up watching the game from the CF bar until the 5th inning, before making my way to the real seats by the RF foul pole.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Orioles announced in the 8th inning that tonight, against the Kansas City Royals, that game had the largest walk-up attendance in Oriole history. It was a student night, high school just ended for many seniors, it's a holiday weekend, Adam Jones' deal is being finalized and the team is in first place. These are all factors that helped create this, don't get me wrong - but there's something more here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQST4zjdk8P2fCKHrc86Ya_vldfrlPA6HZSHYcJvoFvYkIqUDpoFXNw5BOhxcRCb60vH-IBWrdtnrrD_aYp0i0lSkJdtlKbErDJgIxZ8PXTFKEs8NI9og_GJYxTiBCCDl9BittCHW8Tuo5/s1600/AtyfvUTCIAAUJnO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQST4zjdk8P2fCKHrc86Ya_vldfrlPA6HZSHYcJvoFvYkIqUDpoFXNw5BOhxcRCb60vH-IBWrdtnrrD_aYp0i0lSkJdtlKbErDJgIxZ8PXTFKEs8NI9og_GJYxTiBCCDl9BittCHW8Tuo5/s640/AtyfvUTCIAAUJnO.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, and fireworks. Courtesy of: <a href="https://twitter.com/BalSportsReport/status/206224681710264320" target="_blank">@BalSportsReport</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
There's a tangible buzz around the city right now. People are talking oriole baseball, their going to games, and dammit they're excited. People are excited about the current team, and the future possibilities. More so than ever before, Baltimore is Birdland.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Oh, and I know what some of you are thinking - Baltimore has always been Birdland, just with Ravens instead of Orioles. Let's get one thing clear here - Baltimore is a baseball town. Always has been and always will be. The Ravens benefitted from moving up while the O's were free-falling, but a winning O's team captures more hearts than a winning Ravens' team in my opinion. I love the Ravens, but Boh knew baseball before he knew football.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's the season of magic, perhaps of the Oriole variety.</div>
Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4000463103712568949.post-54217772748334977102012-05-22T16:57:00.002-04:002012-12-02T22:36:42.658-05:00The Curious Case of Adam Jones<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNUC5ka7L4-PBRhq9ojWDdH_-XPfEHbFIsfD0DRLSmiXQEqejNEH7FvumeIlCpMYSrvNMbLpq-bi-k2tDHAD6jGCNvBNImmztmuAfKiuuCnt2UhXEV4nIhRWJQLLm4NcWnXcfViymxkAX/s1600/Adam+Jones+Bryce+Harper+Baltimore+Orioles+TftuJGG92uul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNUC5ka7L4-PBRhq9ojWDdH_-XPfEHbFIsfD0DRLSmiXQEqejNEH7FvumeIlCpMYSrvNMbLpq-bi-k2tDHAD6jGCNvBNImmztmuAfKiuuCnt2UhXEV4nIhRWJQLLm4NcWnXcfViymxkAX/s400/Adam+Jones+Bryce+Harper+Baltimore+Orioles+TftuJGG92uul.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Future meets The Present</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First I want to apologize for my lack of posts recently. I finally feel like I'm back in the groove, just over a week after getting back from China. Yesterday was the first time since getting back that I could sit down and watch an entire O's game and chat with the good folks over at the <a href="http://baltimoresportsandlife.com/forum/index.php" target="_blank">Baltimore Sports and Life Forums</a>. That said, something hit me while discussing the dominance that is Adam Jones (or <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SimplyAJ10" target="_blank">@SimplyAJ10</a>) - is he really a top 5 player in the AL?<br />
<br />
Dave Cameron wrote an interesting piece last week titled, "<a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/is-adam-jones-pulling-a-matt-kemp/" target="_blank">Is Adam Jones Pulling a Matt Kemp?</a>" where he talked about the career trajectories of Kemp and Jones as well as his potential future payday. It's funny because we heard Braves fans essentially bashing Jones all offseason, as they couldn't believe that the O's would balk at an offer of Jair Jurrjens and <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=3312&position=2B/3B" target="_blank">Martin Prado</a> for Jones. The first note about that trade is that Prado has quietly crushed this season to a triple slash of .316/.392/.481 while putting up 2.3 WAR. Jurrjens has been apocalyptically bad posting a -.5 WAR before being demoted.<br />
<br />
This basis of Duquette's refusal was presumably the potential of Jones, knowing that any day now he had the ability to become one of the best in the game. Well, Duquette (<a href="http://warehouseworthy.blogspot.com/2011/12/trade-that-didnt-happen.html" target="_blank">and those who panned the proposal</a>) look pretty good now, given the emergence of Jones as a star.<br />
<br />
I ran across one funny note yesterday. Jones has produced 2.8 fWAR (WAR as calculated by fangraphs) so far this season, just .1 WAR below his career high. He's currently on pace to put up a WAR figure above 8 to be conservative (assuming he keeps up similar production) which would have landed him among the top 10 hitters last season. One reason for this tremendous turnaround in WAR production might be a result of Jones' UZR figures beginning to match the eye test for Jones' ability. Jones has a career UZR of -9.2, but this season has put up a respectable 4.6 Ultimate Zone Rating. I should note that quoting 43 games worth of UZR data is essentially useless as sample sizes need to be around 3 years for reliable figures. However, UZR's evaluation of Jones as a well below average defender has never passed the sniff test for me.<br />
<br />
Jones has benefited from an absurd HR/FB ratio of nearly 27%, almost double his career rate. However, his Line Drive % is also a career low this year, so the HR numbers will likely slow (he's not a 50 HR guy) but not as much as we might think. His K rate has also dropped a bit which means that he's making more contact as he's not swinging significantly less than before. Adam has also stolen 6 bases, half way to his career high of 12.<br />
<br />
What does it all mean? Adam isn't going to keep slugging .602 this season, and won't threaten the 50 HR mark. However, he does have the potential to hit .295 or so with 30+ HRs, 20 SBs and above average defense in CF. That makes him mighty valuable to both the O's and other teams. The question then becomes: do you trade Adam Jones while his value is high? Or do you sign him to a long-term deal and hope he can be a cornerstone of the next playoff Oriole team.<br />
<br />
As for me, I'd love to see Jones in Orange & Black for many years to come (and not just because I don't want the black Jones jersey I have go unused). We'd love to hear your opinions in the comment section below about the future of the O's CF.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08420163988002041291noreply@blogger.com0