The reports of Mets pitcher Hisanori Takahashi being a slow worker weren't exaggerated. It's like watching Steve Trachsel on Quaaludes. Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" was playing over the PA system between innings, and a few of us started singing, "Taka Takahasi." Very mature, I know. We're still tied, 1-1, heading to the top of the fifth. The Orioles tried to play little ball to push across the go-ahead run in the third, with Corey Patterson laying down a sacrifice bunt after Cesar...

Cleveland, OH -- Nats 2B Adam Kennedy made a bad throw to second base and Cristian Guzman in the bottom of the 1st inning for his 2nd error of the series and 8th error of the season in 58 games. The Indians scored a batter later on a sacrifice fly to take the lead 1-0 in the 1st. Jim Riggleman had said before the game he wanted to get Willie Harris and Kennedy at-bats so they can remain consistent in the field. Ian Desmond gets the the night off, but available for pinch hitting and...

Jose Reyes began tonight's game with the 15th leadoff home run of his career, and the first against the Orioles this season. Reyes drove a 91 mph fastball over the fence in left-center field to give the Mets an early lead. Brian Matusz has surrendered at least one home run in his last five starts. He gave up only two in his first eight starts. Corey Patterson tried to duplicate Reyes' at-bat, but he settled for a double off the out-of-town scoreboard in right. He also climbed up the back...

When a pitcher has a record of 0-9 and ERA of 6.23, it seems it would be hard to find some progress that pitcher is making. Those are Brandon Erbe's numbers right now for Triple-A Norfolk. While Erbe has made two starts without giving up a run since May 13th, he has also allowed four runs or more in four of his last five starts. Despite the numbers, Norfolk pitching coach Mike Griffin remains upbeat about Erbe and his progress. "Brandon is learning how to pitch at this level. Brandon,...

Despite scoring just one run last night, the O's offense may be showing some signs of life on Juan Samuel's watch. Over the last five games, the Orioles have produced 53 hits and a team batting average of .291. They have as many sac bunts, five, since Samuel was named interim manger, as they had up until then. In the first 54 games, they stole 18 bases and the O's have stolen four over the last two games and seven in seven games with Samuel, with just one caught stealing. A major...

Alfredo Simon is expected to arrive in Baltimore later today after rehabbing his injured left hamstring in Sarasota. Simon could throw a simulated game tomorrow if pitching coach Rick Kranitz wants to see him face left-handers and right-handers. But he isn't dealing with an arm injury, so the Orioles might decide to skip it. Interim manager Juan Samuel isn't sure whether Simon will come off the disabled list Monday. The club would have to make a corresponding roster move. Koji Uehara is...

For the Orioles: Corey Patterson LF Miguel Tejada 3B Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 1B Luke Scott DH Adam Jones CF Craig Tatum C Julio Lugo 2B Cesar Izturis SS Brian Matusz LHP For the Mets: Reyes SS Pagan CF Wright DH Davis 1B Bay LF Tatis 3B Barajas C Francoeur RF Tejada 2B Takahashi LHP

The Frederick Keys can wrap up the Northern Division first half title in the Carolina League tonight with a win at home over Salem or a Wilmington loss. The Keys magic number is now down to one. The Keys lost to Salem 8-5 last night, but their number to clinch dropped from two to one with Wilmington's loss. Frederick is looking for its fifth first half title in its 22-year history. The Keys last playoff berth was in 2007 when they won the Carolina League championship. Rick Zagone,...

It was the eighth inning last night and Brad Bergesen came running in from center field to pitch. He was going to make his first-ever Major League relief appearance. It just didn't look right, seeing Bergy as a reliever. I am not sure if that's the right role for him. He's become somewhat of the odd man out right now. He's in the pen for a couple of reasons. One, he wasn't pitching consistently well as a starter (16 ER over his last 14 1/3) and two, right now the other five starters...

I guess it's worth repeating. Interim manager Juan Samuel was asked after last night's game whether he's given any thought to moving Miguel Tejada to short. Samuel is giving the same answer we've been hearing, from the front office and former manager Dave Trembley, since the winter. "It never crossed my mind," he said. OK, that's not the exact same answer, but the message is a duplicate. Tejada will not be replacing Cesar Izturis. That wasn't part of the equation when they signed...