Catch Up-August, September, Some October

I figure now it's probably best to combine all three months into one post.

Rangers (8/2-8/4...Home)
GAME 1 WON 5-1
GAME 2 WON 3-2
GAME 3 LOST 3-5
White Sox (8/5-8/7... Away)
GAME 1 WON 7-5
GAME 2 LOST 2-4
GAME 3 WON 10-2
Athletics (8/8-8/11... Away)
GAME 1 LOST 2-3
GAME 2 LOST 1-2
GAME 3 LOST 0-1
GAME 4 WON 9-6
Giants (8/12-8/14... Away)
GAME 1 WON 5-2
GAME 2 LOST 2-6
GAME 3 WON 8-7
Red Sox (8/16-8/17... Home)
GAME 1 LOST 3-5
GAME 2 LOST 1-8
Astros (8/18-8/21... Home)
GAME 1 WON 13-5
GAME 2 LOST 8-15
GAME 3 LOST 2-12
GAME 4 LOST 3-5
Nationals (8/22-8/23... Home, 8/24-8/25... Away)
GAME 1 WON 4-3
GAME 2 WON 8-1
GAME 3 WON 10-8
GAME 4 LOST 0-4
Yankees (8/26-8/28... Away)
GAME 1 LOST 4-14
GAME 2 LOST 5-13
GAME 3 WON 5-0
Blue Jays (8/29-8/31... Home)
GAME 1 LOST 1-5
GAME 2 WON 5-3
GAME 3 LOST 3-5

Yankees (9/2-9/4... Home)
GAME 1 WON 8-0
GAME 2 WON 2-0
GAME 3 LOST 2-5
Rays (9/5-9/7... Away)
GAME 1 WON 7-3
GAME 2 WON 11-2
GAME 3 LOST 6-7
Tigers (9/9-9/11... Away)
GAME 1 LOST 3-4
GAME 2 WON 11-3
GAME 3 WON 3-1
Red Sox (9/12-9/14... Away)
GAME 1 LOST 2-12
GAME 2 WON 6-3
GAME 3 WON 1-0
Rays (9/15-9/18... Home)
GAME 1 LOST 6-7
GAME 2 WON 5-4
GAME 3 LOST 2-5
GAME 4 WON 2-1
Red Sox (9/19-9/22... Home)
GAME 1 LOST 2-5
GAME 2 LOST 2-5
GAME 3 LOST 1-5
GAME 4 LOST 3-5
Diamond-Backs (9/23-9/25... Home)
GAME 1 WON 3-2
GAME 2 WON 6-1
GAME 3 WON 2-1
Blue Jays (9/27-9/29... Away)
GAME 1 LOST 1-5
GAME 2 WON 3-2
GAME 3 WON 4-0
Yankees (9/30-10/2... Away)
GAME 1 WON 8-1
GAME 2 LOST 3-7
GAME 3 WON 5-2
Blue Jays (10/4... Away)
GAME 1 LOST 2-5

Woohoo! Finally caught up. Now there can be discussion between now and Spring Training games.

Catch-Up (again)... July, August, September and October Games Up and Coming

That was a huge hiatus on my behalf. But now it's back to business and there's a lot to discuss.

First, I'll start out posting the July results of the Orioles (and hopefully the rest of this week will be caught up):

Seattle Mariners (Away)
Game 1 LOST 5-2
Game 2 LOST 12-6
Game 3 LOST 9-4

Los Angeles Dodgers (Away)
Game 1 LOST 7-5
Game 2 WON 4-1
Game 3 WON 6-4

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Home)
Game 1 LOST 9-5
Game 2 WON 3-2
Game 3 WON 4-2

Tampa Bay Rays (Away)
Game 1 WON 4-3
Game 2 WON 2-1
Game 3 LOST 5-2

New York Yankees (Away)
Game 1 LOST 2-1
Game 2 LOST 7-1
Game 3 LOST 5-0
Game 4 WON 4-1

Cleveland Indians (Home)
Game 1 WON 5-1
Game 2 WON 5-2
Game 3 WON 5-3
(the very fact that the Orioles didn't make it far into the pennant championship, but they were able to sweep the very team that made it into the final round says a lot. Although the Indians lost.)

Colorado Rockies (Home)
Game 1 WON 3-2
Game 2 LOST 6-3
Game 3 LOST 3-1

Minnesota Twins (Make up of 5/9/16 postponed game // Away)
LOST 6-2

Toronto Blue Jays (Away)
Game 1 LOST 6-5
Game 2 LOST 9-1
Game 3 WON 6-2

Ah, baseball never seizes to amaze me with scheduling. Going from Minnesota to Canada within one day? Impressive.

Major congratulations to the Chicago Cubs on winning the World Series! Gotta give it to the under dog. Taking a look at where the Orioles stand now, they stand at number nine on the list of longest world series droughts. In front of are the Indians, Rangers, Astros, Brewers, Padres, Nationals, Mariners and Pirates. It's a shame because some have had World Series appearances since the year they last won, but are still waiting to get the win.

May/June Games

Okay, so I promised to post the May and June games in their own separate posts on July 1st and July 2nd but I had so minor mishaps (aka procrastination). Well, here they are now!


MAY GAMES
vs. White Sox (this must of gotten carried over from the April games.) LOST 1-7
vs. Yankees WON 4-1
vs. Yankees LOST 0-7
vs. Yankees WON 1-0
vs. Athletics postponed... but made up 5/7- LOST 4-8
vs. Athletics WON 5-2
vs. Athletics WON 11-3
vs. Twins      postponed (okay, looking at this very interesting transition... Orioles went from playing at home to Target Field? I mean Minnesota isn't necessarily the closest to Maryland.)
@ Twins     WON 5-3
@ Twins     WON 9-2
vs. Tigers    WON 7-5
vs. Tigers    WON 1-0
vs. Tigers    WON 9-3
vs. Tigers    LOST 5-6 (What a shame they had quite a streak going for them but oh well.)
vs. Mariners LOST 0-10
vs. Mariners WON 5-2
vs. Mariners LOST 2-7
@Angels     WON 9-4
@Angels     WON 3-1
@Angels     LOST 2-10
@Astros     LOST 2-3
@Astros     LOST 3-4
@Astros    LOST 2-4
@Indians   WON 6-4
@Indians  LOST 4-11
@Indians  WON 6-4
vs Red Sox LOST 2-7
vs Red Sox LOST 2-6

JUNE GAMES
vs. Red Sox WON 13-9
vs. Red Sox WON 12-7
vs. Yankees WON 6-5
vs. Yankees LOST 6-8
vs. Yankees WON 3-1
vs. Royals   WON 4-1
vs. Royals   WON 9-1
vs. Royals   WON 4-0
@ Blue Jays WON 6-5
@ Blue Jays LOST 3-4
@ Blue Jays LOST 6-11
@ Blue Jays LOST 9-10
@ Red Sox WON 3-2
@ Red Sox LOST 4-6
@ Red Sox WON 5-1
vs. Blue Jays LOST 3-13
vs. Blue Jays WON 4-2
vs. Blue Jays WON 11-6
@ Rangers- make up of 4/17 LOST 3-4 (I'm laughing that they played a series at home, then flew out to Texas then flew back home... couldn't there have been a more convenient time?)
vs. Padres LOST 7-10
vs. Padres WON 7-2
vs. Rays   WON 6-3
vs. Rays- make up of 4/9 WON 5-0
vs. Rays WON 8-6
vs. Rays WON 12-5
@ Padres WON 11-7
@ Padres WON 12-6
@ Mariners LOST 3-5

Sometimes I really wonder how MLB figures it out, in terms of scheduling and figuring out when postponed games will be made up.

ORIOLES RECORD (as of July 4th): 47-35, 1st place.

on Manny Machado's suspension (I know this is old news, but the wound is still fresh):
I thought it was awesome, I mean the Royals pitchers are known for that kind of thing which is really no match for Machado's Miami-bred personality (Miami is a pretty crazy city isn't it?). Interesting enough, Yordano Vertura actually got suspended for more games than Machado. But that is because he threw a 99 mile per hour fast ball. That's pretty dangerous.

Upcoming Posts, hopefully for this week:
The fall and setback of major teams: Yankees, and others
Orioles Merchandise/Giveaways-what you get and what they are
More Where Are They Now?, checking in with former Oriole players

Upcoming Events:
Home Run Derby / All-Star Game
Monday, July 11th / Tuesday, July 12th

Petco Park
San Diego, California

Interesting enough they already know where the All-Star Games will be played in 2017 (Miami Marlins // Marlins Park) and 2018 (Washington Nationals // Nationals Park). So this must be some pretty serious business.

Remember to Vote Orange for the 2016 All-Star Game! 

Orioles vs. Rangers

The Orioles' struggle earns them a mark in fourth place, and close to last.

Orioles vs. Rangers
Game 1 LOST 3-5
Game 2 LOST 1-4
Game 3 LOST 3-4
Game 4 LOST 0-6

CURRENT RECORD: 63-68 (Fourth, but almost last place)

The Orioles have lost 11 out of the last 12 games. I am disappointed in how they've been doing since the last few years have show relative hope and promise. The Orioles I guess aren't hitting very much and has shown over these last few games. I hope the best for them in the remaining bit of the season to raise their record to at least third place, but that doesn't look promising considering they're playing the Rays (the team that's currently in third place in the AL East) and that series isn't looking good either. It's even worse that they're playing the yankees next.

On a brighter note...

Today (September 1st) marks the 20th anniversary of when Cal Ripken Jr. played his 2,131st consecutive game.


(Image taken from www.baltimoresun.com)

INJURY UPDATES: 
Miguel Gonzalez due back any day with a right shoulder injury

WHERE ARE THEY NOW:
Jake Arrieta, former Oriole now with the Cubs hit a no-hitter against the Dodgers (who argue against the Cubs' case and claim it wasn't one...)




To be honest the Orioles are probably tired at this point, so even the best of the players are tired out from playing over and over again so I'll give them credit. This year has been hard, due to loosing key players who usually provided support offensively and defensively on alternating days. As of now, everyone isn't the same because they can't rely on those certain players to help them win games. Better luck, next year you guys.

Orioles vs. Royals

Another bad series... no comments other than that.

Orioles vs. Royals
Game 1 LOST 3-8
Game 2 LOST 2-3
Game 3 WON 8-5
Game 4 LOST 3-5

CURRENT RECORD: 63-64 (Surprisingly still third place)


INJURY UPDATES:
J.J. Hardy placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain

Adam Jones will be back any day, with a head/wrist injury (x-rays came back negative... in a reading-he is actually due back to play tonight's game against the Rangers)

Orioles vs. Twins

This was again... a terrible series.

I think the Orioles have given up and accepted the fact that they are not going to beat out the Blue Jays or the Yankees

Orioles vs. Twins
Game 1 LOST 2-15 (Should of spared some runs from that 18-2 Athletics game...)
Game 2 LOST 3-4
Game 3 LOST 2-3
Game 4 LOST 3-4

CURRENT RECORD: 62-61 (Still Third Place, surprisingly)

The heartbreaking part is, that 3/4 of the games played were all fairly close and most cases were that they tied them up or were winning them up until the last inning.

Just saying, Jim Johnson would of never blown a game like that... at least in 2012...



All I can say is that the Orioles will probably not be in the playoffs, which is alright and I don't care if the yankees make it to the playoffs, just as long as they don't win the whole thing. I will have to make sure to block channel 52 (or the yankees channel) because I don't want to see the yankees spilling champagne around and being happy. The team has gone through far enough wins, and gave plenty of heartbreak to other teams. It is very frustrating though, to have your team not win for so long because the same old teams hack up all the wins. Now this isn't from behind the aspect that it's unfair. It's just it gets boring after awhile because you can already predict the season before it happens. That isn't what MLB is. It is about being surprised about the outcome of the season and this year has show that. But it's hard playing in a division where everyone has an equal intent of working hard, yet again the baseball empire that collects all of the money manages to make it up there without a doubt. Not like I am discrediting the players of the yankees, but I want to know what goes on with that team... with the drugs and all (yet again all teams use drugs... but knowing the yankees and their money it would be the best of the best drugs).

Chris Davis is behind old revival, Nelson Cruz in most home runs. Clearly Cruz has been doing good without the Orioles. Man I miss that guy. Cruz could provide support for any close game. He always hit home runs at crucial moments. Davis used to do that, but I think all the home runs he has hit have been in games that were far apart like the 2-15 game of this series. Davis has 34 home runs and Cruz has 37.

WHERE ARE THESE ORIOLES NOW?
To add in part of our continuing saga, we lead the trail back to Jim Johnson who is currently with the Braves. He isn't doing so good, his record is 0-2. He used to be good back in his prime of 2012 and some of 2013, and he is a good pitcher at times which is why great teams like the Athletics (well at least the Athletics of last year) and the Braves wanted him because he's a bargain and he's an okay pitcher.  It seems though his has leaped from team to team, including the Tigers and Dodgers so this proves that those who take interest and give him a salary aren't satisfied with him long. Hopefully he will find his good vibes again, or else he'll be placed on the midnight train going anywhere.

Orioles vs. Mets

Orioles vs. Mets (Camden Yards)
Game 1 LOST 3-5
Game 2 WON 5-4

What a short series...


CURRENT RECORD: 62-58 (Third Place)

Robert Andino Updates (adding on to last post's conversation):

It has been concluded thanks to Roto World, that Andino is still playing under a major league team but only is signed to a minor league contract. But that was as of January 7th, 2014 or when the Pirates resigned him.

Orioles Players that Are With the Cubs:

As mentioned before, the Cubs are a common market for trades with the Orioles. Some of the names including: Jason Hammel, Pedro Strop, Jake Arrieta, and Tommy Hunter. Tommy Hunter, the most recent trade apparently debuted with a save which isn't surprising. Most of these pitchers start well, but finish horribly. But that isn't how it works for Jake Arrieta, who is probably one of the reasons why the Cubs are doing so well this year. He is at his 15th win with the organization. Unfortunately he did no more than win opening day while with the Orioles. However, Hammel seems to be the same as he always was- winning some, but loosing a good majority. His record is six and five. What is interesting enough is, he was with the Cubs in the beginning of 2014 and was doing pretty well (eight and five) and ended up spending the rest of the 2014 season with the Athletics. But he didn't do that much justice for them (his record: two and six) so I guess the Cubs took him back. Now at last. Pedro Strop. He still is up to the same old business of loosing games right and left. Right now he's at one and six.

Coming Up Next: Jim Johnson, Nick Markakis, Nelson Cruz, Mark Reynolds...

Orioles vs. Athletics

Orioles vs. Athletics (Camden Yards)
Game 1 WON 8-6
Game 2 WON 4-3
Game 3 WON 18-2 (Wow...)
Game 4 WON 4-2

CURRENT RECORD: 61-57 (Third Place)

INJURY UPDATES:

Matt Wieters taken off of the disabled list, but Chaz Roe fills his place- on the 15-day disabled list for right shoulder tendinitis (which seems to be all the Orioles injuries lately, from all the other times I've written this blog)

NEWS INSIDE THE YARD (Mainly From the Mets Game That Occurred Yesterday-8/18):

Little girl with a robotic arm threw out the opening day pitch yesterday. She can be seen throwing out the pitch to Manny Machado, with her awesome orange and black hand which featured an Orioles bird on it.

Steve Clevenger played last night's game, meaning probably Wieters is starting back tonight. I write this in the news because it actually is a reminder to all that Clevenger is actually still with the Orioles, and never got traded away.

Speaking of:
Where is Robert Andino now? We all know the infamous 2011 game that the Orioles played again the Red Sox, winning last minute 3-4. It is unclear if he's still playing with a baseball, or is just on a minor league team. It says on Baseball Reference that Andino last played in 2013 with Seattle. More research on this is yet to come. The same case goes with Felix Pie who played with the Orioles from 2009 to 2011 and he also last played in 2013 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. According to Bleacher Nation, Pie signed a contract with the Hanwha Eagles in Korea. I only bring up this topic because of the Orioles playing the Mets. Obviously Curtis Granderson is on their team, and since the Orioles play him for what could be one to two series it can be considered that I forgot him. Same goes for Robinson Cano who seems to have also dropped off the face of the earth, because I never see him participating in Home Run Derbies and of that such. Maybe it was just the publicity he had from the yankees organization...

Orioles vs. Mariners

Orioles vs. Mariners (Safeco Field)
Game 1 WON 3-2
Game 2 LOST 5-6
Game 3 LOST 0-3
Awesome part of Game 3, even though they lost it was actually a no-hit game! (pitched by Iwakuma)


CURRENT RECORD: 57-56 (Uh-oh... Orioles drop down to 4th place... they better get their act together, but I already know they're not going to playoffs/world series)

YANKEES HATE: Ha. Ha. Ha. The yankees move down to second place. They must have thought they were the kings of the world, at one point. All we can hope for more is weakness in their systems... hopefully the Orioles will be able to beat them a few more times and improve their record.

INJURY UPDATES:
Chaz Roe, 15-Day Disabled List, Grade 1 left oblique strain
Matt Wieters, Day-to-Day, Right Hamstring Strain

ORIOLES PLAYERS:
To be really honest, I do not understand why the Orioles try and keep some of these players that seem to be really declining in terms of health and how long they can play. I know you can't really help getting hurt a lot, but there are some like Matt Wieters, and Nolan Reimold who just never seem to show up in the batter's box. What I am saying in terms of this, is that if they end up keeping these players and signing them next year then they should agree to term of something less but not significantly less. Then, the Orioles will probably have some spending money for better pitchers. Matt Wieters, has been on fire in the recent games but has hardly played for a good junk of the season. Reimold has played, but basically alternates days. Those leaves could of had to do with his family, but he was given time off to take care of his child that was born recently. If I call, Reimold was hurt in the past and earlier this year so his health could be partially to blame.

NEXT GAME: Orioles vs. Athletics (Camden Yards)

Orioles vs. Angels

This was a very rough series...

This series was hard to keep up with in part because

Orioles vs. Angels (Angel Stadium of Anaheim)
Game 1 LOST 9-8
Game 2 WON 5-0
Game 3 LOST 4-5


CURRENT RECORD: 57-54 (3rd place)

YANKEES HATE: Hoping the Blue Jays will dominate over the yankees. I am slowly accepting the fact that the Orioles won't be in the world series, but I won't accept the fact that the yankees could play in their billionth playoff game.

NEWS INSIDE THE YARD (Including news from when this series occurred and today):

Orioles acquire Jason Stoffel (right-handed pitcher) from the Astros. In my honest opinion they need to avoid looking for pitchers in the bargain zones, such as Chicago and Houston. Although for some reason, I keep forgetting the Astros are a first-place team. Even the Cubs are doing better than ever before. I mean just because they haven't made it to the world series just yet, doesn't mean you can't celebrate being two places up in the standings. This year has defied all standards, in terms that it's hard to predict the standings of teams.

Oh I never talked about this. Tommy Hunter is gone. Ha. He's with Chicago now. Actually not funny because they're actually quite good this year. At least he'll be reunited with teammates, Pedro Strop and Jake Arrieta.

CURRENT SERIES:    @ Seattle Mariners (Safeco Field)

Orioles vs. Tigers/Athletics

Orioles vs. Tigers (Camden Yards)
Game 1 LOST 8-9
Game 2 WON 8-7
Game 3 WON 6-2
Game 4 LOST 1-6

Orioles vs. Athletics (Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum)
Game 1 WON 9-2
Game 2 LOST 0-5
Game 3 WON 7-3

CURRENT RECORD: 55-52

COMMENTS: I am very, very surprised about how this series turned out but I was even more surprised looking at the Athletics standings. I honestly expected they were in first place, in the beginning before the series was even played. But then I looked, actually right after I finished typing the scores and was surprised when I didn't see them at the top. Only the Astros were on top. Seriously though. I never heard about this. Not on ESPN, MLB Network, or FOX Sports. I know, they never make big announcements about that kind of stuff but sometimes they mention it. I am honestly very surprised, and I hope the best for the Astros who once were a team who would loose 100 games a year.

YANKEES HATE: I don't really have much to say, other then get them out of first place. They're not the only ones. The Cardinals need to be booted out, too

INJURY UPDATES:
Chris Tillman, due back any day with right ankle soreness
Mike Wright, 15-day DL with grade 2 left calf strain


Chris Davis looks to be back on fire, at least the last game against the Athletics could be saying so. Maybe that is he added more fuel to his system (drugs)

Hopefully more news to come as of the end of the Angels series.

P.S. The Orioles didn't get any "big stars" like Justin Upton and I'm mad.

Orioles vs. Braves

ANNOUNCEMENT: BE SURE TO VOTE FOR WHICH TEAM YOU THINK WILL WIN THE AL EAST OVER ON THE POLL POSTED TO THE RIGHT. IT'S GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Orioles vs. Braves (Camden Yards)

Game 1 WON 2-1

Game 2 WON 7-3

Game 3 WON 2-0

The Orioles looked to their once friends, but turned enemies: Nick Markakis and Jim Johnson. Catching up with Johnson, it looks like he's still up to the same thing- ruining close games as he had been doing in 2013. 

CURRENT RECORD: 51-49 (2nd place)

YANKEES HATE: The yankees set the expectations for teams way too high. In a way, they're overachievers, like that one person in school who strives to do better than everyone else by putting in the extra work. Sure, I'm going to credit them for putting in some work and I'm not going to discredit the players for their hard work. It's just they keep pushing the bar higher and higher. It's enough to have to try and beat 27 world series wins, but the wins year-by-year keep going up. Like right now. The Orioles are fairly close to getting a first place notch, if it wasn't for the yankees. They're always what stands in the way between it all. There's rarely a year the yankees are doing bad. Fans of the yankees might consider it brutal that they have been in a world series for a couple of years. Just deal with it, you whiny little fools. You haven't had generation upon generation of fans hoping for them to see a world series win in their life times. The yankees players I swear must be paid five hundred dollars bonus for every home run they hit because I really don't see how they're able to play the way they do. It's sad that there's a corrupt baseball team in what is suppose to be good, competitive fun but I guess someone has to do the crime...

NEWS INSIDE THE YARD: 
Buck Showalter has been with the Orioles organization for five years. Would like to personally thank Showalter for taking a team heading for the slums and turning it into some what of a success. Never would it have been imagined that the Orioles won the AL East title, or even made it as far as they did without your help. Thank you so much for fixing the Orioles, and hopefully they'll be a continued success for years to come!

Orioles lost David Price to the Blue Jays. Yay. There's one more tough pitcher the Orioles will have to compete with. Only this time in the same league. All I'm saying is they better get a jump on Justin Upton or else all my blog entries will consist of complaining over how the Orioles don't jump on things and wait for last minute discounts. If they don't get Upton, they better get someone that's "big named" and can actually play the position to their moneys worth.


NEXT GAME: Orioles vs. Tigers (7:05pm; Camden Yards)

Feels like summer is coming to an end... the next post will be up in August (unless there's any trade deadline rumors/drama, of course)

Orioles vs. Rays

Orioles vs. Rays
(Tropicana Field)
Game 1 LOST 1-3
Game 2 WON 5-1
Game 3 WON 5-2


CURRENT RECORD: 48-49 (Third Place)


YANKEES HATE: Alex Rodriguez turns 40 today. I think today marks the day he should announce his retirement.

Other than than that, I hope that the yankees will get worse from here. I'll probably jink that though, so knock on wood. I would be really happy even if the Blue Jays win the title. Yeah, I don't really like them that much but they're just about the only team in the AL East that I can tolerate. A really surprising fact is that the yankees account for 25% of the wins in world series games of all time. Seriously, that is disturbing in my opinion. It says that the yankees account for 43% of the American League's 58% (the American League has so far won 63 of 109 world series). The Cardinals do account for 10%, for winning 11 world series games but let's face it they're a long way from 27. I get it that baseball isn't always a fair sport, or even if it is by any means at all but there should be a limit as to how many world series a team can win. It seems like a weird rule, but it would positively effect the division standings that are hard to compete against. If you look at the AL East (in the 2000s) all teams there have won three or zero. Sure, there have been weaknesses in the higher powers organizations so that teams like the Blue Jays and Orioles have won, but according to the data stuff like that hasn't happened since 1993 and 1983.


INJURY UPDATES: Matt Wieters, placed on a day-to-day disabled list with back stiffness

Yikes. Really looks like Wieters isn't in good health. The Orioles might let go of him to be honest, as of this winter like they did with Markakis. Hopefully he'll be able to quickly recover from this ailment and be prepared to play for the money's worth. Wishing Wieters, the best of luck and a quick recovery!

NEWS INSIDE THE YARD: 
Note: In the previous entry it said that the Orioles were competing along with the Mets and Padres. The Padres are actually the team that currently has Justin Upton. So, whoops. 

The Orioles have keen interest in Justin Upton, once again and actually began discussing it with the Padres themselves. It is of a greater question as to what could value up to Justin Upton, as well as pitchers Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner that the Orioles have also been eyeing. Hopefully the Orioles will make a move on any of these players, even though this is a rumor. It's about time the Orioles got their hands dirty when it comes to finding gems... too many times have the Orioles settled for smaller gold nuggets simply because they were "cheaper"...


GAME TODAY: Orioles vs. Braves (Camden Yards), 7:05 pm

Orioles vs. Yankees

Orioles vs. Yankees
(Yankee Stadium)
Game 1 LOST 2-3
Game 2 LOST 3-4
Game 3 LOST 3-9


What is very annoying about the yankees is how high they put the standards for other baseball teams of all time, or even just the division their in. The yankees seem to be in their own little world, making up their own rules with how you should look (as in beards-though I think they are allowing some now...) and of course being the only team (so far) to have stripes on their uniforms. They are the exception to anything, including suspensions and scandals. I'm going to assume that such a team that has a fan base paying for high-end tickets, uniforms, and other concessions leads to copious amounts of money, obviously and we all know that more money leads to more corruption. Although most major league baseball organizations make a lot of money also, the yankees are probably at the top of the list because of their location. Let's face it... everyone wants to see a game with the legendary yankees while their down in New York City... it's a tourist attraction. The yankees are very clandestine, and there's nothing more to say than that. I'm not questioning the ability of these players, but how only how much of the truth they're actually telling. I'm not going to picture the Orioles as a great team either, because they have drug problems too and I think every team does and they promptly accept their punishments. I know many players who get the punishment and start using the drug again (RE: Chris Davis-honestly the Orioles should get rid of him) and that's not right either. But what I don't understand is why MLB isn't treating the yankees any different. I think 27 world series wins is superfluous and I don't see why they need the chance to win anymore.


INJURY UPDATES: Steve Pearce placed on the 15-day disabled list on July 22nd, with a Grade 1 left oblique strain


NEWS INSIDE THE YARD: 
Looks like Justin Upton won't be heading to the Orioles, at least as of now. The Mets and Padres are battling it out with money. But however, Shane Victorino (Red Sox) is drawing attention to the Orioles organization.

Orioles vs. Tigers

Orioles vs. Tigers, Comerica Park
Game 1 LOST 3-7
Game 2 WON 3-0
Game 3 WON 9-3


CURRENT STANDING: 46-45 (second place)

DAILY YANKEES HATE: Yeah, I know the morale here has been low but now that the Orioles are doing better (as of now- I don't want to jink it) but today's yankees hate will focus more on Alex Rodriguez's 3,000 hit ball and the person who caught it, who's name is Zack Hample. Apparently this guy has caught over 8,000 home runs (yes he's that kind of jerk). I will give him credit though because he has given some of his balls to little kids, only about three (as far as I know). Yeah, I get it. People want baseballs because they're free souvenirs from when you went to a game, and let's just say they don't sell balls that people hit with bats. They only sell ones that players may of touched, that is if the signatures are real. This guy though it seems is very into the art of catching baseballs as he wrote a book on it. What is more bizarre about this guy is the fact he wanted the yankees to buy the ball from him. Look. I get it. It's the selfishness in us. We all want to keep a ball that has meaning behind it, but sometimes you have to grow up and just give them the ball without getting anything in return, I mean technically the ball is the yankees/MLB property because they paid for it. But I saw on this guy's blog, his "last" hours with the ball as if the ball's like his son that he's about to leave on his own for the first time before college. Hample played hard to get obviously. He said he wouldn't give them the ball, unless the yankees told donated money to his charity. Above all he got one of Alex Rodriguez's bats (which I'm sure he'll sell on ebay), a jersey, and dinner at some expensive place. Sure we're all selfish at times, but there's a point where you start to question it and learn to control it. Yeah, it's cool how this guy mastered the art of catching balls, but you can't just keep all of them.

<<NOTE: I'm not looking upon Zack Hample in a bad way, it's just you might as well be teaching people your techniques has to how to catch balls instead of catching them all yourself. Also, I believe that the 3,000 hit ball he caught shouldn't of been given away with a doubt. No one EVER keeps balls that have a meaning to the player now matter how much you want it or not... And I'm not saying he's lacking heart either, because he has given balls to children. He's only been acting selfish during this situation.>>

INJURY UPDATES: Jason Garcia, Right Shoulder Tendinitis, Sent to Double-A Rehab (will be ready sometime in July)

NEWS INSIDE THE YARD:
Orioles inquired Brewers outfielder, Carlos Gomez but it may not be possible he will be an Oriole as the Houston Astros have taken interest in him as well. Same goes for Justin Upton, who the Orioles have an interest in trading for. The Mets and Astros are also interested as well. Upton would be a great addition to the Orioles organization though.

Cars set on fire during Game 3 of this series. All are fine, but let's just say that some fans probably couldn't get a ride home.

Orioles vs. Nationals

Another terrible series...

Orioles vs. Nationals
Game 1 WON 3-2
Game 2 LOST 4-7
Game 3 LOST 2-3

Current Standings- 44-44  (Third Place)

DAILY YANKEE HATE
These last three series have been horrible. I'm hoping the all-star break will do some justice for the pitchers, because that seems to be the main source of this problem. At this point it seems like the world series is out of the question, but I don't want to be extremely negative because of a one rough patch the Orioles have had, but there isn't really anything good to say about the Orioles right now. I hope eventually some good will come out of this situation and they'll become the team they set out to be in years past. No, not every year is a good year. I am annoyed that the yankees are so indifferent to the fact that they win world series so much that they don't see other fan bases loosing hair just waiting for their team to even be in first place. It might get to the point where the yankees feel bad over other organizations that they will give those teams the trophies. I think it's about time the yankees see the pain that not only the Orioles, but even other teams like the Cubs, Indians, Rangers, Astros... and many more. Yes, I respect the classic yankees because they weren't liars and knew proper manners. The "new" yankees (even the fans) are a bunch of cry babies who hate to see their team left out of a world series for even a series! Yes, the yankees don't actually say anything bad, but their actions do speak louder than their words.

I think I have lost my respect permanently for the yankees (notice how I never capitalize their name), not only because of the brewing hate I have for seeing them thrive but also for a number of things they've done in the past, which is hard to forget. You may have taken Brian Roberts away, but I'm going to take away the dignity which you covered up with spray tans and fake smiles because it's about time someone did.

NEWS FROM INSIDE THE YARD
Manny Machado looks to be on his way to the 2015 All-Star game in Cincinnati. Looks like he won't have to be tired, a flight (the most expensive one) only takes an hour and thirty-five minutes. See you tomorrow, Manny on my television.

Chris Davis has returned to the Orioles lineup today after stomach problems

104- year old fan, Cora Purcell threw out the first pitch at Camden Yards today.


IMPORTANT DATES
Homerun Derby-July 13th, 2015
All-Star Game-July 14th, 2015 (Participating Orioles include: Zach Britton, Darren O'Day, Manny Machado, and Adam Jones)


WISHING THE AMERICAN LEAGUE THE BEST OF LUCK OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS!!

Hoping Adam Jones will be doing what he does best... eating ribs and making excellent commentary during the Homerun Derby!


(Source- www.reddit.com)

(Source- www.youtube.com)

Orioles vs. Twins

This series was well... embarrassing.


Orioles vs. Twins (Target Field)
Game 1 LOST 2-4
Game 2 LOST 3-8
Game 3 LOST 3-5

And apparently they thought this series was going to be an easy win. Yeah. Right.

CURRENT STANDING: 43-42 (second place)
**Again they better win the rest of the games before all-star vacation, because I don't want to see the yankees doing what they always do, triumphing above the AL East and all of the YES (the yankees channel) people will start talking about how they're on their way to the world series but really they need to just stop. The yankees have had their time or chances to win world series. I don't think that it's necessarily fair that they dominate over their standings almost every single year. What aggravates me even more is the fact of for example, last year. The Orioles won over the AL East division standings, which was great even though they didn't make it much farther than that. But obviously baseball gurus get bored during the winter and start thinking up what the standings will end up like. Of course new acquisitions effect this also, the yankees STILL got placed ahead of the Orioles. Remind you the yankees weren't even in the world series/playoffs. What I can't stand about the yankees anymore is how glorified they think they are, but really they're just a bunch of jerks that use drugs (re: Alex Rodriguez). What I'm trying to say is, each year is the same thing over and over again. We need to stop putting spotlight on the yankees organization and maybe give some respect to other teams, not just the Orioles.**

INJURY UPDATES: N/A

NEWS INSIDE THE YARD:
Manny Machado will participate in the 2015 Homerun Derby that will take place on July 13th, or the day before the all-star game. Other players include: Albert Pujols (Angels), Prince Fielder (Rangers), Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays), Kris Bryant (Cubs), Todd Frazier (Reds), Joc Pederson (Dodgers), Anthony Rizzo (Cubs)

NEXT GAME:
Orioles have the day off today (7/9)
But will go on home to Camden Yards and play the Nationals tomorrow (7/10)

It will be the last series the Orioles play before all-star vacation.

Orioles vs. White Sox

Looks like another rough series for the Orioles...

Note: In last series entry, it was written that the Orioles played the Rangers at Camden Yards but that of the series was played at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. 

Orioles vs. White Sox (U.S. Cellular Field)
Game 1 LOST 0-1
Game 2 LOST 2-3
Game 3 WON 9-1


Orioles Current Record (Including one game played against Twins, which was lost 2-4) 43-40
**All I have to say about this, is that the Orioles better get their act together because I don't want to see the yankees in first place, and go to another world series. Personally I think they should be banned from going to them because 27 is enough trophies for one team... It's not that the yankees don't work hard for it or anything, it's just the arrogance and greed behind it.**

Injury Updates:
Jonathan Schoop has returned off of the 60-day disabled list


Inside the Yard:
Adam Jones, Zach Britton, Darren O'Day, and Manny Machado have all been selected to play their respective positions at the 2015 All-Star Game in Cincinnati.


Tonight: Orioles vs. Twins (Target Field, 8:10pm)
Starting Pitchers: Kevin Gausman (I haven't seen any of the Orioles wear such cool glasses since Kevin Gregg), Kyle Gibson (Twins)



       
See a resemblance?
(Sources- www.vebidoo.com , www.baltimoresun.com )

Rangers vs. Orioles

Rangers vs. Orioles (Rangers Ballpark)
Game 1 LOST 1-8
Game 2 LOST 6-8
Game 3 WON 4-2
Game 4 LOST 0-2

CURRENT RECORD: 42-37

Orioles go on to face the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field tonight at 8:10pm EST.

News Inside the Yard:
Delmon Young gets designated for assignment (this means that the Orioles can return him at least 10 days after removing him, or making any of these moves- place Young on waivers within seven or ten days, trade the player, release the player, or place the player into the minor leagues).

The Orioles signed suspended reliever Chris Perez from the Cleveland Indians. Perez "tested positive for a second time of drug abuse- believed to be marijuana. He also made headlines in 2013 when he was arrested, fined and given probation for pleading no contest after a package of marijuana was sent to his house, address to his dog". Chris Perez was signed into a minor-league contract at Triple-A Norfolk, but however cannot play until he has finished serving his 50-game suspension.

June Games

Astros
Game 1 LOST 2-5
Game 2 LOST 4-6
Game 3 LOST 1-3
Game 4 WON 3-2

Indians
Game 1 WON 5-2
Game 2 LOST 1-2
Game 3 WON 2-3

Red Sox
Game 1 WON 1-0
Game 2 WON 5-2
Game 3 WON 6-5

Yankees
Game 1 WON 11-3
Game 2 WON 9-4
Game 3 LOST 3-5

Phillies
Game 1 WON 4-0
Game 2 WON 19-3
Game 3 WON 6-4
Game 4 LOST 1-2

Blue Jays
Game 1 LOST 4-5
Game 2 WON 5-3
Game 3 WON 13-9

Red Sox
Game 1 WON 6-4
Game 2 LOST 1-5
Game 3 WON 8-6

Indians
Game 1 WON 4-3
Game 2 WON 4-0
Game 3 WON 8-0(Make-up of 6/27 rain delay)

(As mentioned earlier, I was waiting to write this post because of the Ranger's series that was yet to be finished. I thought on 6/30 that it was the last game of the series, but it turns out they only played two and it is also a four game series. The Rangers scores will be posted up Friday, July 3rd)

CURRENT STANDINGS*
Orioles 41-36
Rays    42-37
Yankees 41-37
Blue Jays 41-38
Boston    36-48   

*These standings include the two games the Orioles have played so far against the Rangers.

COMMENTS:
I didn't realize how bad the Blue Jays and Red Sox were doing until now. I had heard about the Blue Jays going on a winning spree and some of the games the Orioles played against them went horrible (as in it went horrible for the Orioles, not the Blue Jays). As for the Red Sox, I knew they were doing bad, since the Orioles won against them multiple times but I assumed it wasn't going that since they have a fair amount of good players (including the Orioles' De Aza (who recently got traded over there and I'm a little mad about it))
4

News Inside the Yard:
Dylan Bundy (prospect) is having a hard time pitching due to right shoulder inflammation. Tommy John surgery did occur successfully in 2013, surgery has not yet been discussed.

Jones and Machado are leading the ballots for outfield and third base for the American League. Be sure to vote!


TODAY: Orioles vs. Rangers (Camden Yards) at 7:05pm
Wei-Yin Chen, starting pitcher