You nailed the mood of the Os fans. With those kind of games, it’s a disadvantage to play at home because everyone gets frustrated. So being the visiting team was a huge plus for the Royals. That and the bullpen—not the same bullpen that blew two games the first time the Royals visited Camden Yards this season!
I think just winning or losing is the advantage regardless of where it's played. If you're winning at home, you've got your fans supporting you. If you're winning on the road, you've shut them up. If the Orioles had managed to do anything with their bats, I imagine they would have been very glad to have their fans supporting them, and that they wouldn't felt any better in KC if they weren't scoring and the Royals fans were going nuts.
I do think there is a bit of a cloud over some teams that have made it to a certain point and haven't advanced. The Twins...you could feel it every time they played the Yankees. A certain "here we go again" attitude. That's now hanging over Baltimore. Can't blame them.
* What a fantastic catch by MJ; a great shame he won't be around much longer as he'll never hit.
* Completely agree re: Massey's D and it looks like a leadoff hitter has finally appeared.
* Watching Lugo pitch I keep imagining a palette in his left hand, a brush in his right.
* Was so disappointed when Zerpa faded and am so thrilled that he has Phoenixed.
* So ironic that Isbel's catalyzing hit is nicknamed a Baltimore Chop.
* Hate to be critical of Salvy but good captains do not jeopardize their team's chances with such wild, undisciplined swinging. To get him out with two strikes: just keep it in the same zip code.
* Predict rioting in NY streets if Yanx lose series to KC. Not entirely joking.
* You cannot quit this gig, Mr. B. You bring such pleasurable writing to the plate along with good insights. We need you. Like BWJ, you are just swell.
I should've dropped in a Baltimore Chop! Knew I missed something. I also left out the Melendez catch, but man...these posts run LONG. Plan to get to that tomorrow.
I cannot believe the Royals won those games while scoring three total runs. I keep expecting them to break out of the slump at any time. They've got three hitters at the top of their lineup who are absolutely getting the job done. They just need one or two more guys to get some big hits and things are gonna get awesome.
Thanks, Jim. I can't disagree. But one timely hit is enough, no? Or in the case of Vinnie and Bobby on Wednesday, two timely hits. To clarify, it's enough when you have this kind of pitching. :)
Absolutely love this team, and there isn't anyone on it that will shock me now if they make a game saving catch or a game winning run (maybe its naive, but I still think MJ comes up big at the plate at some point).
How can you not love Massey? He has to be fighting thru tremendous pain, awe-inspiring he can make a grab like that
The advance scouts from NY must have had to scrap everything when Vinnie got that RBI - absolute beast
Do you think Witt threw his arms up like that for a little drag to avoid breaking the meter? Its not like anyone doubted he'd be safe
I, too, am expecting Melendez to crush one in an important spot. Thought he could take aim at that wall in right in Baltimore. Now it will have to be the jet stream flying out to right at the new Yankee Stadium.
Maybe Witt did throw his arms out to slow down! To have that kind of acceleration with out a proper braking system is unwise. :)
You nailed the mood of the Os fans. With those kind of games, it’s a disadvantage to play at home because everyone gets frustrated. So being the visiting team was a huge plus for the Royals. That and the bullpen—not the same bullpen that blew two games the first time the Royals visited Camden Yards this season!
This late season turnaround of the bullpen is why they're here. So many storylines around this team...
I think just winning or losing is the advantage regardless of where it's played. If you're winning at home, you've got your fans supporting you. If you're winning on the road, you've shut them up. If the Orioles had managed to do anything with their bats, I imagine they would have been very glad to have their fans supporting them, and that they wouldn't felt any better in KC if they weren't scoring and the Royals fans were going nuts.
I do think there is a bit of a cloud over some teams that have made it to a certain point and haven't advanced. The Twins...you could feel it every time they played the Yankees. A certain "here we go again" attitude. That's now hanging over Baltimore. Can't blame them.
* What a fantastic catch by MJ; a great shame he won't be around much longer as he'll never hit.
* Completely agree re: Massey's D and it looks like a leadoff hitter has finally appeared.
* Watching Lugo pitch I keep imagining a palette in his left hand, a brush in his right.
* Was so disappointed when Zerpa faded and am so thrilled that he has Phoenixed.
* So ironic that Isbel's catalyzing hit is nicknamed a Baltimore Chop.
* Hate to be critical of Salvy but good captains do not jeopardize their team's chances with such wild, undisciplined swinging. To get him out with two strikes: just keep it in the same zip code.
* Predict rioting in NY streets if Yanx lose series to KC. Not entirely joking.
* You cannot quit this gig, Mr. B. You bring such pleasurable writing to the plate along with good insights. We need you. Like BWJ, you are just swell.
I should've dropped in a Baltimore Chop! Knew I missed something. I also left out the Melendez catch, but man...these posts run LONG. Plan to get to that tomorrow.
As always, thanks!
"Watching Lugo pitch I keep imagining a palette in his left hand, a brush in his right."
Picclugo?
Thanks again, Craig. Always enjoy.
Thank you, Don. Appreciate it.
I cannot believe the Royals won those games while scoring three total runs. I keep expecting them to break out of the slump at any time. They've got three hitters at the top of their lineup who are absolutely getting the job done. They just need one or two more guys to get some big hits and things are gonna get awesome.
Can a team win the World Series by scoring under two runs a game? I'm willing to find out.
One quibble about an otherwise excellent piece: "Timely hitting."
Bobby? Yes. The rest of the team? Yuck.
Stranding 12 runners & 2-7 RISP--with such uncompetitive swings from MJ, Salvy, et al.--is the opposite of "timely hitting."
Thanks, Jim. I can't disagree. But one timely hit is enough, no? Or in the case of Vinnie and Bobby on Wednesday, two timely hits. To clarify, it's enough when you have this kind of pitching. :)
I want to jump in say thank you for your articles. Always entertaining and well written. They go well with my morning coffee.
Thanks Jeff! Glad I can help you start your day.
Absolutely love this team, and there isn't anyone on it that will shock me now if they make a game saving catch or a game winning run (maybe its naive, but I still think MJ comes up big at the plate at some point).
How can you not love Massey? He has to be fighting thru tremendous pain, awe-inspiring he can make a grab like that
The advance scouts from NY must have had to scrap everything when Vinnie got that RBI - absolute beast
Do you think Witt threw his arms up like that for a little drag to avoid breaking the meter? Its not like anyone doubted he'd be safe
I, too, am expecting Melendez to crush one in an important spot. Thought he could take aim at that wall in right in Baltimore. Now it will have to be the jet stream flying out to right at the new Yankee Stadium.
Maybe Witt did throw his arms out to slow down! To have that kind of acceleration with out a proper braking system is unwise. :)