masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAs Chris Tillman was walking the second batter of the game, still unable to secure an out and running up his pitch count, the television monitors in the press box cut to Juan Samuel speaking to the media earlier today.

Sportswriters can’t pass up a good quip.

“There’s Juan resigning.”

“He said the team needs a new voice.”

“He’s already lost the clubhouse.”

Tillman loaded the bases with no outs on a single and two walks. He struck out Kevin Youkilis on a 91 mph fastball and retired…As Chris Tillman was walking the second batter of the game, still unable to secure an out and running up his pitch count, the television monitors in the press box cut to Juan Samuel speaking to the media earlier today.

Sportswriters can’t pass up a good quip.

“There’s Juan resigning.”

“He said the team needs a new voice.”

“He’s already lost the clubhouse.”

Tillman loaded the bases with no outs on a single and two walks. He struck out Kevin Youkilis on a 91 mph fastball and retired Victor Martinez on a slow roller to first – with Marco Scutaro scoring to give Boston a 1-0 lead.

Tillman pitched to J.D. Drew with first base open, two outs and Adrian Beltre on deck. We already learned something about Samuel – no intentional walks in the first inning (at least tonight.)

Drew fell behind, 0-2, took a curveball in the dirt and lined a two-run double into right-center field.

Red Sox 3, Orioles 0.

Tillman retired Beltre on a pop up and retreated to the dugout, 38 pitches already on his ledger.

Samuel mentioned before the game that handling the pitching staff would rank among his biggest challenges. It will be interesting to measure the leash he gives Tillman tonight, when he gets the bullpen busy, whether he plays the matchup game, whether he uses every reliever before the seventh inning.

Whether he resigns before the third.

By the way, “T-Bone” Shelby is attending his daughter’s high school graduation, so Jeff Datz is coaching first base.

Sportswriters can’t pass up a good quip.

“Maybe he thought the coaching staff got fired, too.”

Update: We just learned when Samuel will get the bullpen busy. Mark Hendrickson started warming after Bill Hall singled in the second inning, putting runners on the corners with no outs.

Update II: So, about that leash… Samuel jogged to the mound and removed Tillman after Dustin Pedroia’s RBI single with one out in the second. Tillman is gone after 57 pitches with the Orioles trailing, 4-0.