masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgDerrek Lee has two RBIs this season, and they both came on April 6, when he hit his only home run of the season. He’s carrying a .206 average that’s been dragged down, in part, by his 2-for-11 stretch in this series.

At least he’s been patient.

Lee has nine of the Orioles’ 42 walks to lead the club in that category.

Is Lee going through an adjustment period after switching leagues?

“I think there’s some of that, too,” manager Buck Showalter said. “I think we lose sight of that, but…Derrek Lee has two RBIs this season, and they both came on April 6, when he hit his only home run of the season. He’s carrying a .206 average that’s been dragged down, in part, by his 2-for-11 stretch in this series.

At least he’s been patient.

Lee has nine of the Orioles’ 42 walks to lead the club in that category.

Is Lee going through an adjustment period after switching leagues?

“I think there’s some of that, too,” manager Buck Showalter said. “I think we lose sight of that, but I see him constantly with Jim (Presley) in the video room. There’s a lot of alert guys in the advance meeting, but he’s really walking through that. And he’s not going to use that as an excuse.

“He’s close. I know he’s a little frustrated, but the thing I like is his calmness and confidence level. He’s still taking base on balls and not letting guys take him out of his zone. And that’s a challenge when you’re not doing the things statistically that you know you’re capable of. You try to get it all back in one at-bat.

“There’s a quiet fire there. Don’t sell his embers short. He’ll flash it in the dugout and in the clubhouse every once in a while. There’s a reason why he’s been successful for a long time.”

Down on the farm, Norfolk lost to Gwinnett, 7-5, in 11 innings.

Steve Johnson, making his second Triple-A start, allowed five runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings. He walked one and didn’t record a strikeout.

Chris George relieved Johnson and shut out Gwinnett on one hit over 5 1/3 innings. Is he the next man up if the Orioles need a starter?

In his last appearance, George allowed four runs and five hits in three innings, with three walks and three strikeouts. Maybe it’s too soon to place the “next man up” tag on him.

Ryan Adams was 4-for-6 today to raise his average to .308. Brandon Snyder went 2-for-6 with four strikeouts. Josh Bell was 1-for-6 with a double and two RBIs.

The Tides went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 runners.