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July 21, 2010 · 16:35

Padre Steve’s Tides and Orioles Report: A Look at Where we Stand

As the Tides get ready for game three of their four-game set with the Syracuse Chiefs there have been some significant personnel moves which involve both the Tides and their parent organization the Baltimore Orioles.  These moves are probably just the start of moves that might take place prior to the trading deadline at the end of the month.  This is the report that I promised back at the All-Star break

To begin in Baltimore the O’s reinstated closer Mike Gonzalez after the completion of his minor league rehab for a strained left shoulder.  They made room on the 40 man roster by moving relief pitcher Jim Johnson from the 15 day disabled list to the 60 day disabled list effectively ending his season.  Johnson has been on the DL since May 28th with right elbow inflammation.  Third Baseman Josh Bell was optioned back to the Tides after going 6 for 19 (.263) in six games for the O’s.  Bell’s return to the Tides will add another strong bat to the order as well as a switch hitter.  On Tuesday the Orioles had optioned Chris Tillman back to the Tides as was reliever Frank Mata on the 19th. While disappointing for these pitchers they are both still on the 40 man roster and their return to the Tides solidifies both the starting rotation as well as the bullpen.

Some Tides are making a difference at Baltimore, especially outfielder Corey Patterson and relief pitcher Alfredo Simon.

In the moves Tides left handed pitcher Troy Patton was recalled to Baltimore after going 6 and 9 with a 4.91 ERA which was 3.44 in the last 18 games. A lot of Troy’s losses came on games where he got no run support or the opposing team was given extra chances through the errors of Tides players.  It the first time that Troy has been at the Major League level since 2007 with Houston.  The move of Patton to Baltimore means that Armando Gabino will be called upon again to make a spot start.

The Tides have 29 players on the roster 3 of which are on the DL so a player will have to be moved to keep the active roster at the 25 man limit.  My recommendation would be Tim Bascom for the time being in order to let his injury heal and to get his confidence back after several outings where he was shelled by the opposition. Pat Egan is another possibility for movement and even potentially Brandon Erbe however I would not want to see that move just yet.  There is the case of Cla Meredith who was sent to Norfolk from the Orioles and cut from the O’s 40 man roster and he has not been effective at all since coming down to Norfolk and my sources tell me that he is extremely frustrated with his situation vice the Orioles.  He could be used to sweeten any deals that the O’s make approaching the trading deadline as I believe that he can be effective at the Major League level despite his struggles here and that a fresh start may be what he needs.  Alberto Castillo has performed adequately with the exception of a couple of bad outings but it is obvious that the 35 year old lefty’s better days are behind him.  Chris George has been solid for the Tides and is good to have in the organization as a left hander and Armando Gabino is the undiscovered gem of the Tides. Gabino has pitched well in starting situations where he is 5-0 and has helped hold the bullpen together in middle to late relief.  Two men that have been up and down between the Tides and Aberdeen which is for all purposes functioning as a taxi squad are relievers Jim Miller and Andy Mitchell.  Both had rough starts to their seasons but have been solid “go to” guys when a starter gets in trouble early in the game and Miller has served well in his natural position of being a closer.  Brandon Erbe has been on the DL and while struggling early has been bereft of run support and as is the case with most of the Tides pitchers victimized by poor defense at critical junctures.  Mike Hinckley appears to have major league stuff but still needs some work as he is inconsistent.  Zack Clark also seems to be solid and except for one bad outing has done well but had almost no run support.  Zack Britton seems to be on the fast track for the majors and I am really impressed by his speed, ball movement and control as well his sense for where he needs to be on the diamond when the ball is in play.  Kam Mickolio has been on the DL much of the year and when he was healthy seemed to struggle. He has major league stuff but something needs to be fine tuned. He has been on the 7 day DL for some time now and since he is on the 40 man roster I wonder if it would not be wise at this point to move him to the 60 day DL if he is not ready in order to free up some room and give him time to heal and get his mechanics right.  He has too much potential just to let go but I wonder about leaving him in the 7 day DL limbo.  Denis Sarfate is another that is overlooked. He has been functioning for the most part as the closer and done well with the exception of one appearance.  He has great stuff with speed, control and good movement throwing in the mid to high 90s with the ability to throw hitters off with an occasional off speed pitch.  Jim Hoey looks to have promise but has not been up long enough to see how he will do in the long run.

Of position players there are a number that have been struggling or injured that might be moved to Aberdeen as a holding measure including Joey Gathright who has not been the same as he was last year when he hit .325 for the Tides.  Joey still hustles and plays hard but there is something in his mechanics that is limiting his effectiveness at the plate.  Nolan Reimold who the Orioles have invested a great deal of hope in is still only hitting .210 after leading the American League rookies in 2009 in home runs. He too had an injury that he does not seem to have bounced back from and suffered from some personal issues that have taken his focus off the game.  He does not seem to have the winning look in his eyes right now and seems to have his head down a lot.  Orioles and Tides fans really want him to succeed so I don’t know what will be the case.  Michael Aubrey has come on strong hitting 5 home runs in the last 6 games while Jeff Salazar, Matt Angle and Rhyne Hughes stay very productive.  Paco Figueroa  and Blake Davis are coming along and Jonathan Tucker shows promise.  Robert Andino has to improve defensively but he has been a clutch hitter with men in scoring position leading the Tides in RBI production.

I think that there are a good number of Tides with major league potential. Of course their disposition depends on what the Orioles do in Baltimore. The trade deadline is approaching and there are a number of players that could be moved whose moves could affect players in Norfolk and Bowie.  In the system the O’s have players that could be used to sweeten deals and would not have to be their big time prospects. We saw this in the move of Ross Wolf to get Jake Fox from Oakland.

The time has come for Andy McPhail and the Orioles to get a new manager, hopefully Buck Showalter and start shedding unproductive or underperforming players at Baltimore and in their minor league system. The teaching of fundamentals at all levels must be reemphasized especially fielding and various reaction drills.  Bobby Dickerson has really done well in changing how the Tides play, there is a lot more heads up play and players that are not on the field seem now to be in the game.  The team is responding to his leadership where maybe they had gotten used to Gary Allenson and did not respond to him as they should have done.

There is work to be done in the Orioles organization and it has to start from the top, a new manager and possibly new hitting and pitching coaches at the major league level. I think that Showalter need to be hired now and not later and that Bobby Dickerson be announced as the manager and not the interim manager of the Tides.

My prediction is that I think that the Tides will finish the season above .500 and I do not see the meltdown of last year happening with this year’s team. I think that they will finish in either second or third place in the division while Durham wins it.

Peace,

Padre Steve+

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July 21, 2010 · 00:09

Aubrey Homers and Drives in 4 Runs but Tides Lose 8-5 to Chiefs

Michael Aubrey hit his 11th home run and drove in 4 in the losing effort

Norfolk Tides First Baseman Michael Aubrey is definitely back in fighting form after being injured early in the season and struggling to get his form back.  Aubrey has hit 5 home runs is the past 6 games and on Tuesday he turned Harbor Park into his park hitting his 11th home run of the campaign and driving in 4 runs in a losing cause.

Tim Bascom was roughed up again for 6 runs in 1.2 innings

The game began badly for the Tides as starter Tim Bascom was shelled in the 1st and 2nd inning giving up 6 runs on 5 hits, one of which was a 2 run home run to Leonard Davis and 4 walks in just 1.2 innings work.  Bascom (2-5 7.39 ERA) who is 0-3 in his last 4 starts giving up 19 runs on 23 hits with 9 walks and 4 home runs in 13.2 innings work with a 12.27 ERA took the loss.  His last win was on June 27th against Louisville where he pitched 6 innings giving up 2 runs but living dangerously giving up 11 hits. It is possible that he could be sent back to AA Bowie to get back his confidence and work on his mechanics and if I was in the Orioles management I would do exactly that.  With Chris Tillman being optioned back to Norfolk today following the beating that he received at the hands of the Rays on Monday the probability of this move has increased.

Tides relievers Mike Hinckley, Cla Meredith, Alberto Castillo and Denis Sarfate pitched the remaining 7.1 innings giving up 2 runs on 8 hits striking out 7 and walking none.

The Tides were held in check for the first 6 innings but in the 7th came alive.  Matt Angle singled to lead off the inning and scored on Robert Andino’s 23rd double of the season.  Nolan Reimold walked to bring up Michael Aubrey who has turned into a home run machine in the past week.  Aubrey belted the ball over the right field wall on a pitch by Chiefs starter Ron Villone who was pulled from the game after the hit.  The Tides threatened in the 9th inning when Jeff Salazar walked with one out and moved to third on a single by Nolan Reimold.  Michael Aubrey came to the plate and drove in Salazar with a sacrifice fly but Rhyne Hughes struck out to end the game.

The Chiefs had 8 runs on 12 hits with no errors leaving 10 on base.  The Tides had 5 runs on 5 hits with 1 error stranding 1 man on base in the losing effort.  Tim Bascom (2-5 7.39 ERA) took the loss and Erik Arnesen (3-5 4.35 ERA) was the winning pitcher.  The teams meet Wednesday with Troy Patton (6-9 4.91 ERA) on the hill for the Tides against the Chiefs Jason Jones (1-4 4.82 ERA).

Up in Baltimore the O’s came back in a see-saw game against the Rays. Down 8-4 in the bottom of the 7th the Orioles tied the game and scored the winning run when Julio Lugo hit a walk off single to score Cesar Izturis with 1 out in the bottom of the 13th inning.  Former Tides infielder Scott Moore tied the game in the bottom of the 12 after the Rays had taken a 10-9 lead.

Until next time,

Peace

Padre Steve+

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July 20, 2010 · 22:21

Tides Win 4-0 over Chiefs: George Shines While Aubrey and Reimold go Yard

Chris George got his 5th win pitching 6 innings of shutout ball

It began with a rain delay and a pitching change but Tuesday the Norfolk Tides defeated one of the best teams in the International League in a convincing manner.  Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez began the game for the Tides to get an inning of rehab work in following the delay.  Gonzalez walked one batter who stole 2nd and 3rd base but retired the side striking out 2 batters and left the game in favor of scheduled starter Chris George.  George had an excellent outing shutting out the Chiefs for 6 innings allowing just 4 hits while giving up a walk and striking out 2 batters.   Relievers Jim Hoey and Pat Egan each pitched an inning of relief allowing a hit and 2 walks between them.  However it was Chris George (5-4 4.07 ERA) that was the show tonight showing again that he provides a stable though often unheralded role on the Tides staff.

Michael Aubrey hit his 10th home run and 4th in the last 5 days

Chiefs starting pitcher Jeff Mandel (4-5 4.80 ERA) pitched very well for 7 innings.  He allowed a run in the 3rd inning when he walked Matt Angel and then on an attempted pick off tossed the ball into foul territory in left field Angle took second and third base scoring the Tides first run on a sacrifice fly by Robert Andino.

Matt Angle prepares to tag up to score on a sacrifice fly by Robert Andino

The scored remained 1-0 in favor of the Tides until the bottom of the 6th inning when with 2 outs Michael Aubrey pounded a drive over the right field wall for his 10th home run of the season and 4th in the last 5 days to extend the lead to 2-0.  It appeared that the game was destined to go into the 9th inning tied as Mandel got Matt Angle to ground out to 2nd and Robert Andino to ground to 3rd base.  Mandel then walked Jeff Salazar to bring Nolan Reimold to the plate.  Reimold has not has a good year though he shows occasional signs that he might be breaking out of his slump.  Tonight was one of those nights. With two outs Reimold hammered a pitch to left field to score Salazar and give the Tides a 4 run lead.  Pat Egan entered to close out the game and walked Kevin Mench but Mench was eliminated when Leonard Davis lined into a double play at first and Pete Orr grounded out to end the game.

Mike Gonzalez made his second rehab appearance in a Tides uniform on Monday

The Chiefs hand no runs on 5 hits with 1 error and left 7 men on base while the Tides had 4 runs on 6 hits with no errors stranding 5.  Jeff Mandel took the loss for the Clippers while Chris George got his 5th win of the campaign.

Nolan Reimold added his 7th home run in the 8th inning to seal the deal

Tonight the Tides have Tim Bascom on the hill going up against Erik Arnesen.  In Birdland last night Chris Tillman pitching for the first time since his one hit shut out in Texas was blown out to the water by the Tampa Bay Rays who scored 8 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks against Tillman.  On  a poistive note on an otherwise dismal day for the Orioles thier relievers held the Rays giving up no more runs and only allowing 2 hits and 2 walks in 6.1 innings striking out 7 Rays.

I’m not there as I have the overnight at the hosptial, so far so good.

Peace

Padre Steve+

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July 19, 2010 · 18:23

Tides Lose 1-0 to Clippers: Andino’s 20th Error Allows Only Run

Zack Clark pitched very well but took the loss for the Tides

Zack Clark deserved a win on Sunday night but did not get one.  Clark allowed just one run in the 2nd inning a run that very well should not have scored. With runners on first and third with one out and Columbus catcher Lou Marson batting Clark got Marson to hit a ground ball to second base setting up what appeared to be a easy double play that would have ended the inning.  Jonathan Tucker playing his first game at 2nd Base for the Tides made the play and threw cleanly to Shortstop Robert Andino coming across the bag. Andino fumbled the ball, Wes Hodges scored and all runners we safe.  It was Andino’s 20th error of the season a stat that makes him the league leader in errors with only Toledo Shortstop Brent Dlugach being close with 19.  Andino has committed 22% of all errors committed by position players on the Tides this year and in many cases those errors have hurt the team giving the opposition additional opportunities to score runs and frequently torpedoing otherwise excellent pitching performances by Tides starting pitchers.

Rhyne Hughes looks on in disbelief at the umpires explanation after not getting an obvious interference call when attempting to advance to 3rd base

The run was the only run scored in the game. Clark worked his way out of a number of jams as did Alberto Castillo (1-0, S3 4.37 ERA) .  The Clippers got 10 hits, 4 walks and had two runners reach on errors but scored just the one run leaving 8 men on base. The Tides made 3 key double plays which squelched scoring opportunities for the Clippers and both pitchers aided by a strong wind coming in from right field kept the long ball at bay.

Clack picked off Eziquiel Carrera in the top of the 5th inning

While Clark and Castillo kept the Clippers from scoring any more runs the Tides offense was shut down by Clippers starter David Huff who until he jumped the gun on the Indians press department by announcing on Facebook that he would start against Detroit Sunday and because he had broken team policy was kept with the Clippers.  Huff (4-0 3.14 ERA) pitched 7 innings allowing just 2 hits while striking out 3 and walking 3 during the game.  The Clippers gave the Tides three gifts in the form of 3 errors but the Tides failed to capitalize and left 6 men on base in a very disappointing night. With the loss the Tides go 3 and 5 against the Clippers for the season.  The Clippers can help Norfolk this week as they play the IL South Division leading Durham Bulls beginning tonight.  The Bulls and Clippers match up well so it should be a good series.

Robert Andino Strikes out in teh bottom of the 8th his 3rd strikeout of the night

The Tides host the Syracuse Chiefs beginning tonight in a 4 game set.  The Chiefs are another outstanding team with the 4th best record in the International League.  Chris George (4-4 4.36 ERA) will take the hill for the Tides and face Jeff Mandel (4-4 4.96 ERA) and though their records are similar George may have the edge as opponents are hitting .255 against him while Mandel’s opponents are .307 against him.  For once as well the Tides match up better offensively in most categories against the Chiefs than their recent opponents while Syracuse has a decided edge in team pitching over the Tides being second in the league in their team ERA. Up at Baltimore the Orioles activated Luke Scott from the DL and optioned reliever Frank Mata back to Norfolk.  Mata who did well for the Tides was roughed up on a number of occasions in pitching 17.1 innings in 15 games with a record of 0-0 and ERA of 7.79.  He allowed just 1 run in his first 7 appearances after being called up on May 26th but in his past 4 games in 5.1 innings has given up 8 earned runs.  Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez remains with the Tides on a rehab assignment after Gonzalez’s extended time on the DL.  Kam Mickolio, Brandon Erbe and Brandon Snyder remain on the DL for the Tides. It should be an interesting series.

Peace, Padre Steve+

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July 18, 2010 · 09:22

Britton and Tides Shut Out Clippers 4-0 while Aubrey Homers Twice

Zack Britton dominated the Clippers for 7.1 innings

Young Zack Britton stepped on the little hill in the center of the diamond to face the best hitting and top run scoring team in the International League, the Columbus Clippers who even on bad nights have rung up opposing pitchers like telemarketers calling at dinner. Tonight the 22 year old lefty from Panorama City California disconnected those heavy hitting telemarketers for 7.1 innings allowing only 5 hits. He was assisted by Armando Gabino who pitched 1.2 innings allowing just a hit.  It was a dominating performance by both Britton who is rumored to be on the fast track to the Major Leagues with a AAA record of 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA and by Gabino who is certainly the most overlooked pitcher in the Orioles system.  By the way Gabino is 5-0 with 2 saves and an ERA of 2.42 and for the year opponents are only hitting .216 against him.

Armando Gabino (5-0, S2, 2.42 ERA) has been the most overlooked pitcher in the Orioles system this year

From where I was I could see the scouts in attendance taking copious notes and paying a lot of attention to both Britton and Gabino. Britton also showed that he sees the entire picture when in the 7th inning following a Josh Rodriguez double created a fielder’s choice which got Rodriguez at 3rd base after a rundown.  The other part of the play after getting the rundown in motion Britton was backing up third base at the end of the play.  Rodriguez was the only Clippers hitter to reach second base and with his elimination the only Clippers threat ended.  The Clippers scattered only 6 hits in the game and received only one walk.

Robert Andino hit his 10th home run and second in the past two days on Saturday

The Tides scored early and while only producing 7 hits were very effective in run production.  Robert Andino hit his 10th home run and second home run in two days in the bottom of the 1st inning.  Michael Aubrey got his 8th home run in the bottom of the 2nd inning.  In the bottom of the 3rd inning Matt Angle reached on an infield single and advanced to 2nd base on a throwing error by Clippers 2nd Baseman Cord Phelps. He went to 3rd base on a Robert Andino single and scored on a sacrifice fly to the right field warning track by Jeff Salazar.   The Tides added a 4th run courtesy of Michael Aubrey who hit his 9th home run and 3rd in the past two days in the bottom of the 4th.

Defensively the Tides played a very solid game committing no errors and turning 3 double plays.

Michael Aubrey “high 5’s” Joey Gathright following his second home run of the evening and third in the past two days

Clippers starting pitcher Josh Tomlin (8-4 2.66 ERA) took the loss giving up 4 runs on 6 hits, three of which were home runs.  Interestingly enough Tomlin has only given up 11 home runs while facing 368 batters in 101 innings. However he has faced Michael Aubrey 5 times this season and given up 3 hits all of the home runs.  I think that Aubrey has Tomlin’s number.  Zack Britton (1-1 1.50 ERA) got the win for the Tides dominating the very powerful Clippers offense.  Armando Gabino (5-0 SV-2 2.42 ERA) picked up his 2nd save showing that he can effectively close games as well as start them or pitch solidly in the middle innings.

In all the Clippers had no runs on 6 hits with 1 error leaving four runners on base while the Tides had 4 runs on 7 hits with no errors stranding 3 runners.  The teams close out this series Sunday at 6:15 with Zack Clark (0-4 5.06 ERA) starting for the Tides against the Clippers David Huff (3-0 4.15 ERA).  The Tides can split their season series of 8 games with the Clippers with a win on Sunday.

Peace

Padre Steve+

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July 17, 2010 · 18:37

Offensive Barrage at Harbor Park: Tides Outlast Clippers 12-9

Michael Aubrey homers in the bottom of the 2nd

On a very hot and humid evening the Norfolk Tides and Columbus Clippers met for the second game of what is a critical series for both teams.  The Tides are hoping to start making up ground in the International League Southern division and working their way back into contention. The Clippers face the situation of making sure that they remain on top of the Western division of the IL.  The Clippers had taken game one of the series by a score of 6-1 on Thursday night behind an outstanding pitching performance by Carlos Carrasco. Despite the weather conditions which were just as miserable as were Thursday’s game it appeared as though two completely different teams had taken the field.  The game was high scoring and pitchers melted in the heat and withered under the offensive barrage of their opponent.  In fact with the exception of the 9th inning runs were scored in each inning of the game.  It seemed that no matter what a pitcher did the result was going to be a hit or walk as there were 31 hits and 12 walks in the game.

The game was one of the most offensively offensive this year at Harbor Park as the teams scored a combined 21 runs had 32 hits and committed 5 errors.  Additionally the pitchers walked 11 and hit 1 with a pitch.  The teams left 23 men on base 16 in scoring position with 2 outs.  Pitchers threw 343 pitches in the game which lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Rhyne Hughes hits one of his two doubles

The game was a see-saw affair.  Columbus got on the board first in the top of the 1st inning with back to back home runs by Jordan Brown and Jared Goedert. The Tides answered in the bottom of the 2nd with 3 runs of their own on a Michael Aubrey double and Rhyne Hughes single as well as 2 Columbus errors and a hit batsman.  The Tides took the lead in the bottom of the 3rd on Robert Andino’s 9th home run to lead off the inning.  The Clippers regained the lead in the top of the 4th inning when Josh Rodriguez hit a single to drive in two runners with 2 outs.  In the bottom half of 4th Paco Figueroa doubled to lead off the inning but was left stranded on 3rd.

In the top half of the 5th inning Columbus seemed to take control, at least for a half an inning as they scored two more runs off Tides starter Troy Patton. Nick Weglarz doubled with two outs and scored on a single by Cord Phelps and following a walk issued to Lou Marson Patton was pulled from the game replaced by Pat Egan who gave up a single to Ezequiel Carrera before getting out of the inning. With the score now 7-4 it looked as if the Tides were on their way to yet another loss. However this was not to be so. In the bottom of the 5th the Tides struck back on a Rhyne Hughes double which scored Jeff Salazar and Michael Aubrey’s 7th home run of the season a two run blast which tied the game yet again.  The Tides took the lead in the bottom of the 6th using some “small ball” scoring 2 runs on 2 singles a walk and a wild pitch.

Jeff Salazar gets a RBI single

But the Clippers were not done scoring 2 in the top of the 7th to tie the game.  It looked like the game would go into the 8th tied but the Tides mounted a 2 out blitz to score two more runs when Blake Davis walked and went to 2nd base on a Matt Angle single. Robert Andino walked to load the bases and Jeff Salazar singled to score Davis and Angle. They would add an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th inning when Rhyne Hughes clubbed his second double of the game and scored on a single by Paco Figueroa.  Denis Sarfate would come on in the 9th for the save ending the inning with an epic 13 pitch battle with Columbus slugger Jared Goedert.

In all the Clippers had 9 runs on 16 hits committing 3 errors and leaving 13 men on base while the Tides had 12 runs on 16 hits and 2 errors leaving 10 stranded.  Neither starter figured in the decision reliever Jim Hoey (1-0 0.0 ERA) making his first appearance in relief for the Tides this year got the win going 1.1 innings giving up a hit but no runs and Denis Sarfate notched his 12th save of the campaign.  Jeremy Sowers took the loss giving up 4 runs on 4 hits with 3 walks in 1.2 innings of relief.

The teams meet tonight amid scatter rain showers which could delay the game with Zack Britton (0-1 2.53 ERA) on the hill for the Tides against Columbus right-hander Josh Tomlin (8-3 2.58) who has the third best record in the International League.

Well I’m off to the game.

Blessings

Padre Steve+

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July 16, 2010 · 13:57

Tides Shut Down by Carrasco and Clippers 6-1

Carlos Carrasco held the Tides to just 2 hits

There was a pitcher’s duel on Thursday night at Harbor Park but it occurred in the 4th, 5th and 6th innings between Columbus Clipper’s starter Carlos Carrasco and Norfolk Tides reliever Jim Miller.  Apart from Miller the Tides pitchers did not show up and without Matt Angle’s lead off single and a throwing error by Clipper’s catcher Lou Marson in the 1st inning the Clippers would have had a shutout.

Jim Miller pitched 3 innings of 1 hit scoreless relief

The game featured Carrasco going up against Tim Bascom and in their previous starts against the opposing team neither had done well leading me to believe that the game had potential to be a high scoring game.  The game started favorably for the Tides as Bascom set the Clippers down in order in the top of the 1st and the Tides scored an unearned run when Angle singled, stole second and advanced to third on Marson’s throwing error. He then scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Aubrey.  The Tides would then go 19 outs without a hit when Rhyne Hughes singled with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th.  A further hit was added by Angle in the bottom of the 9th.

Matt Angle slides into 3rd in the 1st inning

The Clippers did not have a problem with Bascom scoring 3 runs in the top of the 2nd and forcing the Tides to get relievers up in the bullpen.  Bascom threw 40 pitches in that frame giving up the 3 runs on 3 hits which included a ground rule double and a 2 run home run.   Bascom was able to get through the top of the 3rd inning but he struggled giving up another double and throwing 20 pitches driving his pitch count to 75 pitches in just three innings work.  Bascom left the game and Jim Miller entered to pitch three scoreless innings giving up just 1 hit and striking out 3 Clippers.

Columbus 1st Baseman Wes Hodges comes down with a high throw to put out Nolan Reimold

Miller was followed by Mike Hinckley who also struggled.  Hinckley gave up 2 runs on 3 hits walking 2 and striking out 1 in 2 innings of work.  This made the score 5-1 and the Clippers added an insurance run in the 9th against equally ineffective Cla Meredith and save for a double play to end the inning the damage could have been worse.

Interim Manager Bobby Dickerson was on leave and the team seemed to be flat and have little energy.  The Clippers had 6 runs on 11 hits with 1 error and left 7 men on base. The Tides 1 run on 3 hits with no errors leaving 3 runners stranded.  The game was winnable for the Tides until the 7th as Miller held the Clippers and had the Tides offense been able to get in gear likely would have provided the edge in a possible win.  The winning pitcher was Carrasco (8-4 4.10 ERA) while Bascom (2-4 6.15 ERA) took the loss.

In personnel matters Andy Mitchell was reassigned to Aberdeen to make room for Jim Hoey up from Bowie and Josh Bell was recalled to Baltimore as Matt Wieters is now on the disabled list with a pulled hamstring injury.

The teams meet again at Harbor Park tonight with Dan Huff (3-0 4.15 ERA) pitching for the Clippers against lefty Troy Patton (6-9 4.67 ERA) on the hill for the Tides.  As of late Patton has been pitching well winning three of his last 5 decisions with an ERA of 3.68. Huff is back down at AAA after going 2-9 with a 6.04 ERA in 13 appearances for the Indians.

I’ll be there to watch.

Blessings

Padre Steve+

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July 13, 2010 · 01:47

All Star Break Norfolk Tides Wrap Up

Armando Gabino has been an excellent spot starter and middle reliever for the Tides on Sunday he picked up his 5th win against the powerful Durham Bulls

The Norfolk Tides played the Durham Bulls much better in the friendly confines of Harbor Park than they did in Durham last week splitting a pair where they could easily have won both games.  On Saturday the Bulls and Tides played a very even game that had both teams with 12 hits the difference being a 3 run 5th inning where the Bulls had three consecutive singles to load the bases on Tides starter Chris George and despite a double play would manufacture 3 runs against George.  The Tides did not help their own causes despite the number of hits given up by Durham pitchers leaving the bases loaded in the 1st, 3rd and 5th innings.  In all the Tides would strand 14 runners, 9 in scoring position with two outs mostly because the bottom third of the batting order which had recently getting very clutch hits went 2 for 12 with two walks, both hits coming from the bat of Blake Davis.  In addition to Davis Matt Angle, Jeff Salazar and Nolan Reimold all had multiple hit games with Reimold connecting on his 6th home run, a solo shot in the 7th inning off of Bulls reliever Michael Eckstrom.

Andy Mitchell did an excellent job in middle relief in a losing effort Saturday night

A tide pitching with the exception of the 5th inning was very good and even in the 5th inning it was a successive collection of quirky hits that got Chris George in trouble.  George (4-4 4.36 ERA) got the loss going 4.2 innings giving up 4 runs on 8 hits walking 1 and striking out 4. Andy Mitchell gave up 1 run on 4 hits in 3.1 innings of work.  Mitchell needs to be given credit; he has come in on a number of occasions this year and pitched 3-5 innings of solid relief which has saved some of the other members of the bullpen from being used up after multiple games of relief.  Andy has made the transition from starting pitcher to reliever and continues to improve. He is not young anymore but in the right spots he has what it takes to be the man to stand in the gap so to speak to give his team mates in the bullpen badly needed rest.

Robert Andino singles in the 3rd inning on Sunday against Durham

The Bulls as I said had 12 hits with several players having multiple hit games. Among them was Angel Chavez who went 2-4 with 2 RBIs and Joe Dillon who also went 2-4 with two doubles, one each of George and Mitchell and 1 RBI.  Apart from Dillon the Tides pitchers allowed no other extra base hits to the very powerful Bulls offense.  Michael Eckstrom (4-1 2.61 ERA) got the win in relief for the Bulls and Winston Abreu got his 11th save of the campaign.  The Bulls had 5 runs on 12 hits and no errors leaving 9 men stranded.  The Tides had 3 runs on 12 hits with 1 error leaving 14 men on base.

Matt Angle scores a key run in the 7th inning

On Sunday Armando Gabino made a spot start for the Tides as Bobby Dickerson juggled his pitching staff with the departure of Chris Tillman to Baltimore and Chris George and Andy Mitchell both added back to the Tides roster.  Gabino has been very effective both as a middle reliever where he began the year as well as in spot starts and was so again going 6.1 innings giving up no runs and only 3 hits striking out 4 and walking none.  Alberto Castillo pitched an inning of scoreless relief but Pat Egan who game in with 1 out in the top of the 8th was crushed by a hit starved Durham lineup giving up 4 runs on 3 hits and a walk, one of the hits being a 3 run home run by Justin Ruggiano and a ground rule double to Dan Johnson with 1 out in the top of the 9th.  Denis Sarfate came in to get the last two outs, a double play to end the inning and the game.

Chris Tillman and Jake Arietta both won against the Rangers this weekend


Alfredo Simon went from Tides Starter to Orioles Closer

Tides hitters had 8 hits and a walk with the damage to Bulls pitching coming in the bottom of the 3rd inning and bottom of the 7th inning using small ball, a collection of 3 singles, a walk and a couple of fielder’s choice situations which netted the Tides runs.  In the bottom of the 7th it was a leadoff double by Blake Davis as well as singles by Matt Angle and Robert Andino to score two more runs without which Durham may have just won the game despite the pitching of Gabino.  Gabino held the Bulls down but once again the Bulls showed just how good that they are in the 9th inning rally that came close to stealing the game from the Tides.

Gabino got the win and Denis Sarfate got his 11th save of the season.  Bulls starter Carlos Hernandez (6-5 4.09 ERA) took the loss.  The Bulls had 4 runs on 7 hits with no errors leaving 2 aboard. The Tides had 5 runs on 8 hits and no errors leaving 4 runners stranded.

The Tides will not play again until Thursday when the teams return to action following the AAA All-Star Game break; the All-Star game will be played at Coca Cola Field in Allentown PA, the home of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs with Jeff Salazar on the roster for the Tides.  Chris Tillman was also named to the squad but was removed following his call up to Baltimore.

The Tides go into the break with a record of 42 wins and 50 losses in last place in the International League South. They are half a game behind the Gwinnett Braves who are 42-49 and 5 games behind Charlotte who have a record of 45-47.  Right now no one is contending with Durham, the Bull’s leading not only the Southern Division but the International League with a record of 55 wins and 35 losses.  The biggest challenge will be consistence and experience for the Tides as the Orioles still with many injuries to key players will continue to rely on the Tides for replacements the remainder of the season.  However, the Orioles are starting to look better being 12 and 12 since June 15th sweeping a four game set with the Western Division leading Texas Rangers in Arlington in the series prior to the break and it is possible that they could finish the season, even if a losing one with a measure of respectability as the team seems to be coming together with a lot of great performances by former Tides Corey Patterson, Jason Berken and Alfredo Simon.  Additionally Chris Tillman and Jake Arietta both had excellent starts in against Texas having back to back wins for the first time since they played for the Tides.

Tomorrow a look at the Major Leagues as I analyze the first half of the season and prognosticate about the second half that begins after the All-Star break including my post season picks. I have never tried to pick this far out so we will see how good I am.  Don’t forget my record in the 2009 playoffs and World’s Series was pretty impressive, especially my game by game World Series predictions.

Peace, Padre Steve+

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July 8, 2010 · 19:33

Tides Lose 9-4 on Tuesday but Romp Wednesday in 10-2 Win over Braves Patton Gets 6th Win

Troy Patton notched his 6th win against the Gwinnett Braves

The Norfolk Tides suffered a bit of a letdown after taking the last three games of their seven game set against Charlotte on Tuesday night losing to the Gwinnett Braves by a score of 9-4.  Tides starter Zach Britton (0-1 2.53 ERA) gave up 4 runs, 3 of which were earned on 7 hits while striking out 4 and walking 2. The Tides had 9 hits in the game and collected 5 walks from Braves pitchers but left 9 men on base including 6 left in scoring position the bulk of their runs coming in a 3 run 8th inning but it was not enough as Charlotte hitters dominated Tides pitchers in the first game of their four game series at Cool Ray Field.  The Braves were doing the tomahawk chop on Tuesday on the Tides collecting a total of 14 hits while capitalizing on 2 Tides errors and 6 walks.   Mike Minor (2-0 1.42 ERA) got the win for the Braves.

Robert Andino went 2 for 4 but had 4 RBIs

On Tuesday night the Tides struck back and struck back hard. Behind excellent pitching of Troy Patton (6-8 4.67 ERA) who has continued to get better as the season has worn one and finally is getting run support from the offense.  Patton pitched 7 strong innings giving up 2 runs on 4 hits. Walking just 1 and striking out 3. He yielded to Pat Egan who allowed no runs and a hit in the 8th and Denis Sarfate who allowed no hits to close the game in the 9th.  The Braves pitching staff on the other hand was smacked down hard by the Tides hitters. Starter Jo Jo Reyes did a good job lasting 6 innings and giving up just 2 runs on 9 hits striking out 8 Tides batters getting out of a number of jams. However the Braves could not spell “relief” and in the 7th inning Cory Gearrin (0-4 4.80) was blasted for 6 runs on 4 hits including a two run home run by Nolan Reimold and a double by Rhyne Hughes as well as 2 walks. Gearrin lasted but two-thirds of an inning and was relieved by Scott Proctor. Proctor got the 3rd out but gave up a run on 2 hits in the 8th.  Vladimir Nunez came on in the 9th and surrendered another run before getting out of the inning.

Nolan Reimold got his 5th Home run

Besides the Tides pitching the story was the hitting of the Tides. The Tides relentlessly pounded out 17 hits in the game in scoring the 10 runs.  For the first time that I can remember every Tides batter had a hit and a good number multiple hits.  Matt Angle went 3 for 4, Robert Andino 2-4 with 4 RBIs, Rhyne Hughes 2-5 with an RBI, Adam Donachie 3-3 with an RBI and Jonny Tucker 3-4 with 3 RBIs.  Nolan Reimold had a single hit the home run while Paco Figueroa and Blake Davis each picked up hits.

The Tides scored twice in the 3rd inning on a series of singles, but the big damage came in the 7th inning against Cory Gearrin.  Jonny Tucker walked and went to third on a wild pitch. Matt Angle walked and was followed by Robert Andino who singled to score Tucker.  Michael Aubrey came to the plate and singled to score both Angle and Andino taking 2nd on an error by Center Fielder Jordan Schafer.   This brought up Nolan Reimold who belted a home run to left field scoring him and Aubrey.  Rhyne Hughes then doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Adam Donachie.  Tucker doubled to lead off the 8th inning advanced to 3rd on a Matt Angle single and score on a sacrifice fly by Robert Andino. In the 9th inning Adam Donachie doubled and scored on a single by Blake Davis.

All told Troy Patton (6-8 4.67 ERA) got the win, Cory Gearrin (0-4 4.80 ERA) got the loss. The Tides had 10 runs on 17 hits and committed 2 errors leaving 8 men stranded.  The Braves had just 2 runs on 5 hits and an error leaving 5 men on base. The Tides travelled to Durham where tonight they face the division leading Bulls with Zach Clark (0-3 3.06 ERA) on the hill for the Tides and Richard D. De Los Santos (6-4 4.20 ERA) pitching for the Braves.

Chris George was reassigned to AA Bowie and former Tides reliever Ross Wolf who had been traded last month to the A’s AAA farm team the Sacramento River Cats had his contract purchased by the A’s and is now on that major league club. All the best to Ross in Oakland.  Brandon Erbe, Kam Mickolio and Brandon Snyder all remain on the disabled list.

Until the next time,

Peace

Padre Steve+

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July 5, 2010 · 12:34

Tides Rip Knights in Charlotte 8-2 as Hitters Provide the Fireworks while Pitchers Shine

Chris George picked up his 4th win giving up just 4 hits in 7 innings work

The Tides went back on the road to continue an eight game series with the Charlotte Knights following their 7-6 walk off win on Saturday night.  On a warm but comfortable Carolina evening with over 15,000 in attendance the Tides hitters pounded the Knight’s pitching staff and starter Chris George and reliever Armando Gabino shut down the Knights’ offense.

Chris George started the game and was in the zone pitching 7 innings allowing just 4 hits and a run while striking out 5 and walking only one.  Armando Gabino came on for the 8th and 9th innings and was back in form allowing two hits and a run while striking out two.

Robert Andino hit his 8th home run in the 9th inning

The Tides got on the board first in the top of the 2nd inning on a home run by Rhyne Hughes with no one on base; Blake Davis followed with a double but was left stranded when Michel Hernandez grounded out.  In the 3rd inning the Tides struck again. Paco Figueroa walked and took second on a sacrifice bunt by Matt Angle and would score on a 2 out single by Jeff Salazar.  In the 4th inning the Tides picked up another run. Nolan Reimold walked and was put out at second on a force out when Rhyne Hughes grounded to First Baseman Josh Kroeger.  Blake Davis then came to the plate hit his second double in as many at bats to right field scoring Hughes from 1st base.

Michael Aubrey delivered a 3 run home run in the 5th inning

After holding the Knights scores in the 4th inning the Tides blew the game open in the 5th. Matt Angle tripled and Robert Andino walked.  Jeff Salazar grounded out to score Angle and send Andino to second.  This brought Michael Aubrey to the plate and Aubrey took Lucas Harrell’s first pitch and put it over the right field wall to make the score 6-0.  The Knights picked up a run on a leadoff homer by Stefan Gartrell but Chris George got the next three Knights in order striking out two.

Rhyne Hughes homered in the 2nd inning

Charlotte relievers held the Tides scoreless in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings while the Knights picked up their second and final run when Robert Hudson doubled and scored on a fielding error by Tides First Baseman Nolan Reimold.  In the 9th inning the Tides added two insurance runs when Paco Figueroa and Robert Andino homered putting the ball over the Center Field wall.  Gabino closed out the Knights in the 9th inning and the Tides walked away with an 8-2 win.

Blake Davis doubled twice

Chris George (4-3 4.16 ERA) got the win for the Tides while Knight’s starter Lucas Harrell (6-8 4.39 ERA) got the loss. The Tides had 8 runs on 9 hits, 7 of which went for extra bases including home runs by Hughes, Aubrey and Andino.  The Tides committed 2 errors, one of which allowed a Charlotte run and left 5 men on base.  The Knights mustered 2 runs on 6 hits committed no errors and left 5 runners on base.  The teams will meet today with Chris Tillman (7-4 3.07 ERA) taking the hill for the Tides against Knight’s ace Daniel Hudson (11-3 3.57 ERA).

Peace

Padre Steve+

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