Leading Off

Episode 75 hits on a rainy, Orioles off-day. We hate it – rainy days and off-days always get us down. After a disappointing series with the Kansas City Royals (which makes us wonder if the Sunday plan is cursed again), an the O’s will take it to the Pirates and Twins in the upcoming week. We take a quick trip through the Medical Wing (spoiler alert: there’s some talk about Chris Davis’ oblique injury), then it’s on the TWotT:

* Wrigley Field Turns 100 (w/ @jonmorosi)

* Orioles license plates screw early adopters (courtesy of @Orioles)

* New challenge system, with @roarfrom34

* New Yankees Rule? Reactions from @jonmorosi

* Transfer rule is dead, per @Ken_Rosenthal

 

Bullpen

The guys walk through the week’s bullpen performance, and specifically look at the contributions of T.J. MacFarland. The former molestacher put in a clutch appearance, before being optioned back to AAA, and deserves credit for saving the bullpen. Otherwise, it’s been an up-and-down season for the relievers. Jake and Scott talk through the personnel (inculding Troy Patton, who is set to return from suspension), and who might be the best fit for the ‘pen. The discussion takes into account the “right” mix of lefties vs. righties, and who from the rotation is best suited for relief.

 

In Praise of Matt Wieters

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Matt Wieters is pretty good at baseball. Just ask 2009 Orioles fans. That promise may be being realized here in 2014, as the left-handed Matty Backstop has finally put on a show. Jake asks whether the lack in balance between his (unusual) splits has to do with lack of adjustment, or simply a small sample size. Scott mocks, per usual.

 

Fantasy Boss

Jake wins, but it’s time for Scott to pull out the asterisk. Technically, Jake’s pick (Chris Davis) beat out Scott’s (Adam Jones). Concerns over the value of RC27 in terms of small sample sizes makes for a disagreement over the validity of the win.

In the interest of fairness, Jake returns to his roots, and goes to the ‘back of the baseball card’ stat RBI for this week’s Fantasy Boss.

Scott takes Nelson Cruz and Jake selects Adam Jones.

Who will own it?

 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Who had a great week? Who had a tough week? Who made us ashamed to be Orioles fans? Find out in this week’s GB&U. The guys run through their Good, Bad, and Ugly for the week. Be sure to drop us a line and send us yours.

 

Blowing the Save

Most podcasts try to end on a high note – the perfect coda to a quality program. That’s just not our style. Each week, we’ll end on a weak note, blowing the save with an item that didn’t quite fit into the episode, or something they simply need to get off their chests. It’s our version of taking the ball and pulling a Kevin Gregg.

 

Notes and Nags

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