masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgTaking a quick check of the farm before going to bed – I have to get up early and milk the cows – I see that outfielder Lou Montanez went 3-for-3 with an RBI triple in Triple-A Norfolk’s 6-4 win over Durham.

Montanez tried to play last season with torn ligaments in his thumb because he recognized and valued the opportunity that the Orioles laid out for him. He kept swinging the bat, ignoring the pain, until finally forced to the disabled list. He didn’t disappear from view at the first…Taking a quick check of the farm before going to bed – I have to get up early and milk the cows – I see that outfielder Lou Montanez went 3-for-3 with an RBI triple in Triple-A Norfolk’s 6-4 win over Durham.

Montanez tried to play last season with torn ligaments in his thumb because he recognized and valued the opportunity that the Orioles laid out for him. He kept swinging the bat, ignoring the pain, until finally forced to the disabled list. He didn’t disappear from view at the first twinge of discomfort. He didn’t rush into day-to-day mode after diving on artificial turf and coming up with a real injury.

I’m just saying…

Jake Arrieta tossed five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and walking four. He struck out two and threw 42 of his 80 pitches for strikes.

Five scoreless innings are a good thing. The walks and pitches out of the strike zone are not.

Left-hander Alberto Castillo struck out the side for his first save after allowing a leadoff double.

Castillo had a good camp. If there was no such thing as Will Ohman, he’d be on this team.