For the first time since the April 9th home opener, Brian Roberts' name was in the lead off spot on the Orioles' lineup card. Roberts was activated yesterday afternoon, and appeared in his first game since the beginning of the season. Roberts went 0-4 with a strikeout (lowering his average to .111 for the season), however his mere presence and the stability that he provides in the lineup is a welcome site for the Orioles. In his first at-bat, Roberts took seven pitches from Minnesota starter Brian Duensen. In contrast, Karl Pavano needed only five pitches to get out of the first inning on Thursday night (against the Orioles).
Ty Wiggington's tirade in front of the first base camera well on Thursday got him an undisclosed fine, and a three-game suspension (for bumping umpire Gary Darling). Wiggington is appealing the fine, and will be allowed to play until his appeal is heard. I'm not going to further debate the call at first that started this whole thing, however I do see a bit of unfairness in the fact that the umpire blew a call that led to this issue, and there's no action taken on him. That aside, the O's needed someone to show a bit of fire at some point. Not only has the season been disasterous to this point, but as many fans point out it seems that every close call goes against the Orioles in some way, shape, or form. I don't think for one moment that umpires or the league are out to get the O's, however at some point you have to step up and say something if you feel you're getting shafted. And that's exactly what Ty Wiggington did on Thursday. It's going to cost him some money, and perhaps a couple of games, but the value of that moment to the Oriole team is priceless. Incidentally, I'd gladly chip in a couple of bucks to be put towards the fine, because Ty Wiggington stood up for the Baltimore Orioles, the fans, and the city. If he has our backs, I have his. Plus it would really turn the bird towars the umps!
The Orioles did get their 31st win of the season last night against the Twins, beating them 3-2. Jeremy Guthrie pitched a tremendous ballgame, going seven innings and making one bad pitch on a two-run Joe Mauer homer. Minnesota's a good team, so hopefully now that the Oriole lineup is "whole" again with the addition of Roberts they can start to compete with these teams again. Time will tell, but for the moment...let's roll!
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