Jim Hunter

Gregg getting it done

2011-06-09T22:13:32Z

When I first met Kevin Gregg in spring training in Sarasota, Fla., I was immediately impressed with his demeanor. He was polite, engaging, confident and eager to help the Orioles move up in the standings.

As the season has progressed, Gregg has proven to be effective as the Orioles closer despite "living on the edge" in several save opportunities.

Gregg has his style and he refuses to change his way and give in to hitters. He has tremendous confidence in his ability to get out of a jam, even if he allowed the base runners to reach creating the jam.

Gregg lives on the black of the plate. The middle of the plate is off limits to the best of his ability. And when his command is sharp, the middle of the plate doesn't exist.

To Gregg, it doesn't matter that he has walked 18 batters and allowed 20 hits in his first 25-games. What matters is he has 12 saves, getting the final three outs to close out 12 Orioles wins.

Over the last 18 days, Gregg is pitching his best baseball of the season. In his last seven appearances Gregg has been dominant with seven consecutive scoreless outings.

Here are Gregg's numbers in his last seven games: (0-0) 0.00 (0 runs, three hits, six strikeouts, six walks)

Gregg has also converted all five save opportunities over that stretch and has six saves in his last seven attempts. It's been almost a month since his last blown save on May 16.

Through Wednesday's games, Gregg is right there with the other closers in the American League East.

Jonathan Papelbon - Boston 12 saves /13 opportunities
Kyle Farnsworth -Tampa Bay 13/14
Mariano Rivera - New York 16/19
Kevin Gregg - Baltimore 12/15
Frank Francisco/Jon Rauch -Toronto 12/17

Every closer wants to be successful in every save opportunity. But it's tough to achieve. With just three blown saves in 15 opportunities, Gregg is doing his job. Of the 30 major league teams there are only three closers without a blown save

Joel Hanrahan - Pittsburgh 15/15
Jose Valverde - Detroit 15/15
Ryan Madson - Philadelphia 14/14

Gregg may live on the edge and make some game endings exciting, but he has the ability to get out of jams. He lives on the black of the plate by design and he's doing exactly what the Orioles hoped he would do when they signed him.

It's all about the series

2011-05-04T00:13:34Z

With the Major League Baseball season being a 162-game marathon, every team strives to maintain consistency which hopefully leads first to being competitive and then to being a contender.

And with consistency the goal, every team also has the same approach: Win as many series over the course of the six-month season as possible. Managers for all 30 major league teams follow the edict, "Let's take two-out-of-three and move on."

Take a look at the starts to the last two seasons, and it's apparent progress is being made.

By taking three-out-of-four in their series in Chicago, the O's have won back-to-back series for the second time this season after taking two-of-three from Boston last week at Camden Yards. For the season, the Orioles have played nine series. They have won four, they have lost four, and they have split one.

Having won four of the first nine series might seem modest, but when you look back to last season, the progress being made is obvious.

The Orioles lost their first seven series in 2010 and the result was a 4-18 start. The 2010 O's didn't win a series until sweeping the Red Sox in three games April 30-May 2.

It took the 2010 Orioles 29 series before winning their fourth series of the season. The O's swept a four-game series in Texas just before the All-Star break, and in the 87th game of the season, they were assured of their fourth series victory of the season. Their record at the All-Star break in 2010 looked like this:

Record: 29-59
Series record: 4-23-2

In comparison, this year's Orioles squad was assured its fourth series victory on May 1st in Game 26 of the season.

2011 Record: 13-14
Series record: 4-4-1

The goal, of course, is to win every game. No professional player ever takes the field and is content with a loss. But over the course of the long season, every time a team takes two-out-of-three, it adds another game on the positive side of the record. And if you happen to sweep a series here and there, it pads the won-loss mark.

This year's Orioles team still has work to do. They are searching for hitting consistency with their regular line-up. They are awaiting the return of J.J. Hardy and Brian Matusz. And they play in the most competitive division in the majors.

But they are making progress. And each series victory is another step toward being a factor later on this season.

Feeling fine with five

2011-04-22T18:10:22Z

When the Orioles opened the 2011 season, it was expected the offense would be greatly improved and, as a result, the team would score more runs. Even with the slow start at the plate, I still expect that will be the case. The everyday lineup has too many proven hitters with consistent track records.

But the slow start does highlight the importance of how scoring five runs in a game drastically increases the O's chances to win games.

Let's first look back to last season. The Orioles finished with a 66-96 record. That's a winning percentage of .407. But even on a team that finished 30 games below .500, the Orioles were a competitive team when scoring five runs a game. Last season the O's were 40-16 when scoring five runs a game. That's a winning percentage of .714. And that improved further under Buck Showalter. The O's were 17-3, a winning percentage of .850, after Aug. 3 in games scoring at least five runs.

In the American League East, run production is essential because of the quality of the competition. So far this season the breakdown of the Orioles' record looks like this:

Scoring at least five runs - 6-1, .857
Scoring four runs or less - 2-9, .182

In the last five games - one turn through the Orioles' starting rotation - the starters' combined ERA is 2.94. That is tremendous consistency over a five-game period. But the O's are just 2-3 in those games and the runs scored by the Orioles tells the story.

Sunday at Cleveland - Lost 4-2
Monday vs. Minnesota - Lost 5-3
Tuesday vs. Minnesota - Won 11-0
Wednesday vs. Minnesota - Won 5-4
Thursday vs. Minnesota - Lost 3-1

The O's won both games in which they scored five or more runs and lost the three games in which they scored less than five.

With the Yankees and Red Sox coming to Camden Yards to conclude the 10-game homestand, run production will be critical. I fully expect this Orioles' lineup to break out and consistently score runs. It would be good timing over the next six games against two American League East rivals for that to happen.

Gonzalez settling in as a set up man

2010-09-15T01:04:19Z

The Orioles signed Michael Gonzalez to a two-year contract this offseason. He got off to a shaky start with his new team because he was injured.

Since his return from the disabled list, Michael has had a change in his role. He was signed to be a closer, but has been in more of a set up role recently.

He doesn't think he's at the point in his career where he needs to be a left-handed specialist and likes pitching a full inning.

For the entire interview, watch the video below.

Fox adjusting to a part-time role

2010-09-14T00:58:35Z

Jake Fox is the O's super utility player, but has been rarely used since being acquired from the Oakland Athletics.

Jim asked Jake about staying sharp in his part-time role and how he's adjusted to his role.

Jake thinks his versatility is beneficial to the Orioles.

For more of Jake's thoughts, watch the video below.

Showalter's O's looking for strong finish

2010-09-08T02:30:44Z

There's no question the Orioles are a different team since Buck Showalter took over as manager on August 3.

Showalter has pointed out that he has had the benefits of a healthy roster with key players like Brian Roberts contributing to the success. And while that is accurate, Showalter's contributions to the improved consistency and winning are critical.

With a three-year contract, the players know that Showalter is in charge and he will have a big say in the roster changes that will come this offseason. He expects hustle. He expects attention to detail. And he expects each player to do his best to contribute to each game for the success of the Orioles. He pointed out in his first week when asked if he would name a closer in the bullpen that he is more concerned with the "Win Thing" than he is with the "Save Thing". Team success is what he's all about, and it's what it should be all about to the players.

In the short term Showalter is slowly changing the losing culture. The Orioles are trying to finish strong by winning as many games as possible, especially with so many September games against AL East opponents. That has been a problem for the last five seasons. The Orioles haven't finished with a winning record over the final two months of the season since 2004.

Here's a look at the August-September records the last few seasons.

2009 (20-40)
2008 (16-37)
2007 (19-38)
2006 (22-33)
2005 (23-35)
2004 (32-28)

No one is overlooking the poor record from April through July. The organization knows there is work to be done and it's all ready underway. By taking over the Orioles on August 3, Showalter has two months to evaluate the current roster and determine which players are keepers and where the Orioles need to upgrade.

It's not a coincidence that the Orioles' winning consistency has improved as the starting pitching has improved. If the pitchers feel they are auditioning for spots in the rotation next season, they have responded. And the starters getting deeper into games is in part due to Showalter's patience in allowing them to pitch out of jams. And that has made the bullpen stronger and more effective as well.

There's a lot to be excited about looking forward. And Showalter's impact is already being felt.

Pitch selection, execution key to cutting down on homers

2010-08-26T00:01:37Z

The Orioles' starting staff has given up 10 home runs in their last 12 games, and Kevin Millwood has been victimized this season, giving up a staff-high 26 home runs in 2010.

Jim asked pitching coach Rick Kranitz about the amount of home runs that the O's staff has given up this season, and Kranitz said that pitch selection and execution are paramount to cutting down on home runs.

For the full interview, watch the video below.

Scott surging since the All-Star Break

2010-08-25T00:55:12Z

Luke Scott has been prone to slumps since he's been with the Orioles. But this season, Scott has been more consistent at the plate.

Jim asks Scott what could be behind his improved consistency and if there's been a change in his swing. Scott talks about his approach and the reason for the amount of home runs he's hit this year.

Watch the video below for the entire interview.

The balancing act of developing young pitchers at the big league level

2010-08-06T18:06:12Z

With the abundance of young starters on the Orioles' staff, Jim Hunter talked with Rick Kranitz about developing young pitching at the big league level.

Jim asked Rick about the balancing act between ego and stubbornness, and Kranitz talked about the importance of a pitcher's approach.

Watch the video below to hear one way Kranitz says young pitchers can let the game get away from them and how they can recover from adversity.

Possibilities for the O's leading up to the trade deadline

2010-07-25T20:33:27Z

Jim and Roch recently sat down on the set of O's Xtra to discuss the possibility of the Orioles dealing Luke Scott at the trade deadline, which is fast approaching at the end of July.

Jim also asked Roch about the roster move that sent Craig Tatum to Triple-A Norfolk after Tatum earned the backup catcher spot out of spring training.

And finally, the pair touched on the Orioles' probable role as sellers leading up to this year's July 31 trade deadline.

Some draft talk with Joe Jordan

2010-06-16T21:04:22Z

It's been a little over a week since the 2010 MLB draft and the projections have already been rolling in. One player right in the heat of things is O's first-round pick Manny Machado.

Everyone believes this kid has what it takes to be a talented Major League player, especially O's Director of Scouting Joe Jordan.

Jim Hunter talks with Joe Jordan about Manny Machado and the O's 2010 draft

Arrieta breaks trend

2010-06-16T12:20:56Z

When Jake Arrieta won his Major League debut on June 10 against the Yankees he became the latest pitching prospect to come up to the Orioles from the minors and enjoy instant success.

But when he followed it up with a win in San Francisco to improve to (2-0), he broke a trend by winning his first two big league starts.

Last season Brad Bergesen, Jason Berken, David Hernandez, Chris Tillman and Brian Matusz all made their major league debuts for the Orioles. Bergesen, Berken, Hernandez and Matusz all were winners in their first starts. Tillman, who pitched to a no-decision on July 29, 2009 versus Kansas City was the lone member of the group who didn't win in his first big league start.

Here's how well the five combined to pitch in their first major league starts: (4-0), 2.77 ERA in 26 IP, 10 R, 8 ER, 3 HR

Their follow up starts however produced different results. None of the five lost their big league debuts, but none won in their second starts. Berken, Hernandez and Matusz all lost their follow up starts, while Bergesen and Tillman pitched to no-decisions. Here's their combined pitching line in their second starts, which shows a big drop off in effectiveness:

(0-3), 7.56-ERA in 25 IP, 21 ER, 8 HR

There are a number of reasons for the differences in the first to second major league start, and the most probable is scouting. When a pitcher first comes up from the minor leagues, there is a scouting report on him, but very little video. The hitters are at a disadvantage having never faced a pitcher.

But once a pitcher appears in a big league game, there's video available to dissect and a scouting report filed by a major league scout whose job it is to find trends to try to exploit. It's about adjustments.

That's what makes Arrieta's (2-0) start so impressive. He beat a potent New York Yankees lineup in his first start with an impressive line: 6 IP, 3 ER, 0 HR. He also got out of a bases loaded jam in his final inning, which put him in a position to win the game.

Then in his second start against the NL West contending San Francisco Giants, he was even better. He was dominant. Arrieta pitched one batter into the eighth inning. He allowed 1 run on just 3 hits. He struck out 3 and walked 2. He retired the side in order in four of his seven full innings.

His numbers after 2 starts are impressive: (2-0), 2.77-ERA in 13 IP, 4 ER, 1 HR

He has shown an ability to pitch to contact and shows a poise beyond his limited professional experience.

Jake Arrieta is everything you want to see in a prospect. He earned his way to the big leagues by dominating the International League, and now he is earning rave reviews in the majors.

He's giving the Orioles a boost exactly when they need it.

Pairing up a current star and a Hall of Famer

2010-06-10T16:40:23Z

Eddie Murray and Mark Teixeira recently visited Camden Yards to help promote the 29th Annual Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game. Teixeira talked about his experience having once played in the game, and Murray related the game at Camden Yards to the North-South game he played in as a ballplayer developing in Los Angeles, Calif.

Watch the video beow to hear the pair touch on their own careers, specifically their shared talent for switch-hitting, and how they became involved in the Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game.

Millwood is a class act

2010-05-29T21:40:12Z

When the Orioles acquired Kevin Millwood from the Texas Rangers last December for reliever Chris Ray, they were expecting him to be the leader of an inexperienced rotation and show the Orioles' young starters what it takes to be a consistent member of a major league staff.

Millwood has gone beyond expectations. Now if only the Orioles could give him some support.

Millwood lost his last start in Toronto to fall to (0-5) on the season. But his winless record is misleading. Millwood has an ERA of 3.89. That's the best ERA of winless starters in the American League. He has also been amazingly consistent. Look at his ERA in his five losses versus his six no decisions:

In 5 Losses: 3.89-ERA (34.2-INN, 20-R, 15-ER, 5-HR)
In 6 No Decisions: 3.89-ERA (39.1-INN, 17-ER, 7-HR)

Of the 12 home runs he has allowed, 10 have been solo homers, minimizing the damage. Those consistent numbers suggest a winning pitcher - Not a pitcher still looking for his first win after 11 starts with the Orioles. But something happens in almost every start to prevent Millwood from getting that elusive first win.

In his last start against the Blue Jays, the Orioles' defense made four misplays in the bottom of the first inning that led to three runs. They were plays that should have been made, and if they were Millwood is out of the inning without allowing a run. Instead, the Jays were on their way to a victory, aided tremendously by the Orioles' poor defense.

Then there's the issue of run support - or lack of run support. Millwood's run support average is 2.07 runs per game. That's the worst run support average in the Major Leagues. The most runs the Orioles have scored with Millwood on the mound is three. In six of his 11 starts they have scored 1 or 0 runs. The O's have put him in a position of having to pitch a shutout every time out just to have a chance to win, and that is too much to ask of any pitcher. With any run support he would be leading the Orioles in victories instead of still looking for his first.

And to Millwood's credit, he refuses to place any blame for his (0-5) start on his teammates. Following the loss in Toronto, Millwood was asked about the Orioles' poor defense that led to the three first-inning runs. Instead of agreeing and placing the blame elsewhere Millwood instead took the responsibility by saying, "I just got to make good pitches, and I didn't make enough of them today." That's a statement from a leader, from a winner.

Of all the Orioles' pitchers Millwood has every right to be upset. But he instead absorbs all of the responsibility. He is as classy a player as has ever worn an Orioles uniform. Hopefully the young pitchers on the staff are learning not only how to pitch through adversity but how to react to the adversity.

Millwood has been everything the Orioles could have hoped for - now if only the O's can give him some support.

The mystery of run support

2010-05-05T01:06:43Z

There is no way to explain it, but it is a fact of every team's starting rotation every season. There will be a pitcher who gets tremendous support from his team's hitters, and there will be a pitcher who gets very little. And that support or lack of support obviously goes a long way in a starting pitcher's win-loss record.

Through the first 26 games of the Orioles season, a pattern has developed. The Orioles have only three wins from their starters, the fewest in the majors. Why? Consider that three of the Orioles five starters are among the American league leaders in lowest run support.

Here is a look at the pitchers who are most starving for run support in the AL, with David Hernandez having the "honor" of the worst run support in the league.

1. David Hernandez - Baltimore - 1.63
2. Jeremy Guthrie - Baltimore - 2.15
3. Justin Masterson - Cleveland - 2.36
4. Kevin Millwood - Baltimore - 2.48
5. CJ Wilson - Texas - 2.48

On the Orioles staff, Brad Bergesen has been given the most support overall, and Brian Matusz has the best support of the four starters who have not missed a turn this season. In Matusz's five starts the O's scored 17 runs while he was in the game.

In contrast the O's have scored a total of just five runs while Hernandez was in the game. And three of those runs came in Hernandez's last start. The O's didn't even score a run with Hernandez in the game until his third start.

Kevin Millwood also has deserved a much better fate to begin his season. Despite having the best ERA of all the Orioles starters at 3.15, Millwood is (0-3) because the O's have scored a total of just 11 runs while he has been in the game. The O's are fortunate that as the veteran leader of the staff, Millwood hasn't allowed the lack of support to affect him while he's been on the mound. He knows he can't control it, so he doesn't allow it to be a distraction.

Here's a look at the run support for the Orioles rotation through 26 games:

Bergesen - 5.87
Matusz - 4.99
Millwood - 2.48
Guthrie - 2.15
Hernandez - 1.63

There is a theory in baseball that eventually everything evens out. So I suppose Millwood and Hernandez can look forward to getting their share of support. But it remains one of baseball's big mysteries - who gets the support and who doesn't.

There is no reason other than coincidence that a team will score more for one pitcher than another. And the Orioles' offensive struggles as a team over the first three weeks of the season especially contributed to the overall poor support. To put that in perspective, in the first 26 games, the Orioles have scored two runs or less in 11 games and are 0-11 in those games. That just adds to the frustration.

The number one job of every starting pitcher is to give his team a chance to win when his turn comes up. And for the most part the Orioles rotation has done that. It just makes it easier to do that if the pitcher gets some wiggle room with run support. Here's hoping the Orioles' bats will begin to support what has been a frustrating start.