Get your brooms out!!!! After getting swept by the Detroit Tigers earlier in the week, the Orioles returned the favor at the expense of the AL West-leading Texas Rangers, taking a 4 game series, and dare I say, finishing the week at 4-3?? Yea, I just did. So, the O’s head into the All Star break with a little head of steam and hope for a better second half.
Interim manager Juan Samuel has done a nice job with the team after picking up for Dave Trembley. During his time as coach, Samuel has led the team to a 14-20 record, which isn’t anything to brag about, but when you consider Trembley left them at 15-39, it’s a nice improvement.
One wonders, however, if Samuel will remain the manager when play resumes after the All Star break. One of the more impressive wins on the week for Baltimore was the beating they handed the Rangers’ Cliff Lee.
In his first start since being traded from the Seattle Mariners, Lee was roughed up for six earned runs and three homers, as Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Cesar Izturis all took him deep. Even more impressive than the offensive showing Baltimore showcased was the effort put in by Chris Tillman.
Tillman took a no hitter into the seventh inning and picked up his first win on the year. For the young month of July, the O’s are 5-6 and will look to keep that trend going into the second half of the season.
FIRST HALF AWARDS:
Offensive Player of the First Half—This is s tough call, but I would have to lean towards Nick Markakis. I know his power numbers have disappeared (6 HR so far) but he is leading the team with a .310 average and his 28 doubles lead the Majors. His on base percentage is good enough for 5th in the AL at .398. Ty Wigginton had a great start to the season, and if he kept that up, he’d be the offensive player of the first half, but he has been slumping lately.
Pitcher of the First Half—This one is a bit tricky as well, but I’d say this might have to go to Alfredo Simon. His 13 saves lead the team, no matter how exciting they end up. After the way their bullpen started the year, having him bolster down the 9th inning is a breath of fresh air. His 3.24 ERA is a bit high for a closer, but he is 13 for 15 on save opportunities this year. Of the starters, Brian Matusz has been the best of the bunch, but that’s like saying Lindsay Lohan is the most sober person in her AA meetings.
Rookie of the First Half—One of the easier calls (until the next category, and I’m sure we’re all in agreement on that one), this one goes to Jake Arrieta. The young pitcher was called up to face the Yankees and has done a decent job since. So far this year, Arrieta is 3-2 with a 4.38 ERA, and is heading into the All Star break having thrown two quality games in a row.
Mike Gonzalez of the First Half—Yea, I said it. After being brought in to close out games, Gonzalez instead gave us all a reason to close our eyes. After signing a two year deal worth $12 million, Gonzo blew two saves to start the year, and almost blew a third before landing on the DL, where he has been since early April (at least he can‘t blow saves there). He should be back soon (right along with my heartburn) after recently pitching in AA Bowie, so it will be interesting to see how that situation plays out. Personally, I think Gonzo would make a great ball boy.
—by Andy Mindzak
