NEW YORK - Whether 42-year-old future Hall of Famer Jim Thome is in today's Game 5 lineup for the Orioles or sitting on their bench - well, he'd be doing it either way, since he's the designated hitter - he will continue to appreciate the contributions of 20-year-old rookie third baseman Manny Machado. Machado is 2-for-14 in the American League Division Series, but he's homered, doubled and scored the decisive run in last night's 2-1 13-inning thriller over the Yankees. He also made...

Jim Johnson's 51 saves in 2012 were the most in baseball and established a new Orioles record in the category. Despite all that success, Johnson's most memorable regular season moment for me was his first blown save, which demonstrated his resilience as well Buck Showalter's faith in his new closer. Little did I know at the time that it would also serve as foreshadowing for the American League Division Series. Johnson's blown save occurred June 5 at Fenway Park. He allowed a game-tying,...

After Chad Tracy grounded out to end the eighth inning and leave the score tied at 1-1 in Thursday's National League Division Series Game 4, a friend turned to me and asked, "Deep down, in your heart of hearts, you really wanted a walkoff, didn't you?" Who would want anything else? Didn't every one of the 44,392 screaming, red-clad Nationals fans packed into Nationals Park want one? How could everyone watching on TV, listening on the radio or rooting for the Nats in any way, shape or...

NEW YORK - So it comes down to this. Jason Hammel gets the ball this afternoon knowing the Orioles' bullpen is running on fumes, knowing the entire team is attempting to move forward while having its backs against the proverbial wall. Do or die, just like the wild card and Game 4 of the American League Division Series. Win and advance. Lose and go home. "You know, it's obviously an honor to be the one toeing the slab, but it's been a team effort to get here," Hammel said. "It's been a...

It has been interesting to see the national media somewhat surprised at how low-key the Orioles are. They are getting a lot of questions about being subdued as a team and not getting too high or too low. They simply have been that way all year. If fans could have joined Baltimore reporters in that clubhouse after games at times this year, you truly wouldn't know whether they'd won or lost. I think it has become a team trait and a team strength. It helps them shake off tough losses like the...

NEW YORK - My favorite quote from the Orioles' clubhouse tonight was provided by shortstop J.J. Hardy, whose RBI double in the top of the 13th inning broke a 2-2 tie and allowed the Orioles to avoid elimination in the American League Division Series. The Orioles were hitting .208 in the Division Series coming into tonight, and the bats went cold again after Nate McLouth's home run in the fifth inning. "I don't know what it is," Hardy said. "Maybe it's the pressure, maybe it's the...

NEW YORK - The Orioles and Yankees have met 22 times this season and split the games right down the middle. It seems appropriate that they'll play again Friday afternoon with the winner advancing to the American League Championship Series. First pitch for Game 5 of the Division Series is set for 5:07 p.m. in the Bronx. Here's the transcript from manager Buck Showalter's late-night session with the media: Q. After the game, it seemed like a couple of your players were exhausted that we...

When Ross Detwiler reached for his phone after tonight's game, he had 83 text messages waiting for him. Good thing he won't be needed to pitch for at least another few days. His fingers might be numb for a while if he plans on getting back to everyone. Detwiler took the mound tonight needing to pitch the game of his life. He did just that. He's had more impressive stat lines this season. But Detwiler's effort, given the circumstances, should put this outing up there on the list of best...

NEW YORK - Regulation can't hold these two teams. Darren O'Day induced a ground ball from pinch hitter Raul Ibanez to send Game 4 of the American League Division Series into extra innings. He also got rid of a royal pain for the Orioles. The Orioles are 16-3 in extras, with all three losses coming against the Yankees. They dropped two in April, and Ibanez hit a walk-off home run in the 12th last night. Jim Johnson and Pedro Strop are the only true relievers left in the Orioles' bullpen....

Needing a win to keep their season going and a run to end several games of offensive frustration, the Orioles got both tonight. J.J. Hardy's RBI double in the top of the 13th inning lifted the Orioles to a 2-1 win over the Yankees in Game 4 of the American League Division Series. The series is now tied 2-2 and the teams play the decisive Game 5 on Friday at 5:07 p.m. with the winner advancing to the American League Championship Series. As they came to bat in the 13th, the Orioles hadn't...