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Sunday, May 23, 2004

Angels 8, Orioles 3

Somewhere, O's fans are fuming. Not only have they been sold a bill of goods about their young pitching, but they've watched Vladimir Guerrerro pound out homers in two consecutive games against them in this Angels homestand. Cabrera never really got any breathing room, and tried -- unsuccessfully -- to get himself out of jams in a couple innings. But the pitching today was in general bad on both sides. Both Frankie and Shields wobbled through their outs, and Sele was hardly recognizeable as the Yankee-killer of last week, giving up three runs. Frankie didn't collect a single strikeout and got himself into deep counts on nearly every batter. (Of course, he only faced the meat of their order, but still...) On the other hand, all three O's pitchers gave up one or more earned runs. Ouch.

I'll say it now: Eckstein's coming back. I know, I know, maybe I'll jinx it, but 2-4 with a walk -- a walk! -- is a revelation for him lately. And that hurl-your-bat-and-save-the-runner maneuver -- I've never seen anything like that. And his sudden conversion to a 5'9" shortstop on that line drive? Fantastic.

Really, the story was all about Vlad and Guillen, and of the two, I'm far more impressed with Guillen just because he's never put it together consistently before this year. Was he being mismanaged? I don't know, but I do get the impression that Scioscia's a manager who knows how best to squeeze good performances out of this guy.

Kotchman: okay, we all know about the no-strikeout record. It's all good, but the J. T. Snow impression's getting tired. Hitting a little less with some walks, or better, some power would be nice. Okay, he's a rookie: back off, I know. But somehow... first base should be a power slot, and .289/.333/.316 isn't that impressive. Erstad's .333 SLG is starting to look that much better, crazy as I think that might be.

Gregg: the only pitcher tonight who looked like his old self. I can't tell you how grateful I was that the Halos weren't ahead by three runs or less. From a winning-the-game point of view, it's probably crucial that Percy not get the ball in late innings.

Recap


Comments:
It all depends on what team that young pitching is facing. Put When the Orioles play the Mariners, those young pitchers look like the reincarnation of McNally, Cuellar, Palmer, Pappas and Dobson. But then, the same could be said for any pitching staff facing the Mariners.
 

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