With the Baltimore Orioles coming into Fenway Park for a 3-game weekend set with the Boston Red Sox, I was asked by the folks over at the Baltimore Sports Report to answer some questions about the Red Sox. You can see my answers here.
They were kind enough to answer some questions as well and you can see those answers below.
1. What’s the feeling around Baltimore with the Orioles off to a bad start? Or is it something that you just expect out of them since they’ve struggled the past few years?
I think we knew this kind of start was possible, but we chose not to believe it. This was the year where the O’s started to turn the corner. This was the year that they were supposed to be a .500 team.And then Spring Training happened and Brian Roberts didn’t feel well. And Chris Tillman wasn’t performing. And the numbers weren’t good for many of the players. But it was spring training, and we ignored it. Then Opening Day happened and the closer blew it and then it just gradually collapsed. Roberts went on the DL. Pie went down. Gonzalez went down. Bergesen couldn’t pitch strikes. Tejada hurt himself. And so on and so on.
So, the feeling around Baltimore is frustration. Of course there are a few people that are saying “I told you so.” I think they are few and far between.
2. What are your feelings on Peter Angelos as the owner of the Orioles? Has he done anything right lately?
I think Mr. Angelos has made his mistakes. There was a point in time where he meddled too much. He has made his mistakes and has learned from them. And he has done something right, he hired Andy McPhail to run this team and he has let go. Now it remains to see if it will be a success, but at least there seems to be a tangible plan in place.
3. What are your feelings on when Red Sox Nation takes over Camden Yards when the Red Sox come to visit? It at least has to be good for the local economy?
Oh we hate it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure Mr. Angelos doesn’t mind it. But as a fan, I refuse to spend my money and feel unwelcome in my own house. As for the local economy, I doubt it makes that much difference. The Red Sox Nation has seen an increase its members over the past 8 years due to the success of the team. We have found that a good bit of the population donning the Red Sox gear are just band wagon fans who reside in Washington, Dc, Northern VA, and all around the surrounding area.
I may sound bitter, but I only have the O’s to blame for letting this happen. They have sucked for so long, that their fans don’t want to spend their money anymore. If the O’s were winning, then season tickets would be up and O’s fans would be buying up the rest of the seats.
4. Any bright spots for the Orioles this year? And who do the O’s have in the minor leagues who could help the team out in the near future?
Everybody has been impressed with the poise of Brian Matusz. This kid is good and we can hope that he can only improve for years to come. I have also been happy with Matt Wieters. His decent numbers shine amongst the abysmal stats for the rest of the offense.
The O’s do have some strong pitching in minors. Hopefully, Chris Tillman can regain his form and come back to be a force. The O’s also have a hard throwing starter in Jake Arietta who may be the next minor leaguer to make the big league club. Jake has had a strong start in AAA season, and I would be shocked if he didn’t make the team by the mid-May.
The 2 position players that everyone is watching include Josh Bell and Brandon Snyder. Both have had slow sarts this season, so it seems unlikely that they can provide any help this season.
5. Obviously we know that Mike Gonzalez is on the DL but how has Kevin Millwood helped the ball club?
Millwood has been solid. Yesterday (Wednesday) he pitched a complete game. He lost after giving up 4 runs, but he has had very little run support. Between Matusz and Millwood, the relievers are getting 2 days of breaks each time through the rotation.
