Last time the Orioles faced the Texas Rangers we saw them leave Arlington, TX after sweeping the Rangers. This time around they were only able to do half of that at Camden Yards, as the O's and Rangers each took two of the four games the teams played this weekend. In the finale, Kevin Millwood was done in by the long ball as Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero each hit three-run homers. After the game Millwood told reporters that he just wasn't making his pitches and hitting his spots.
The day started with a twenty-two minute rain delay, however once the skies returned to a color of baby blue, the Rangers got right to work with Josh Hamilton's three-run homer in the first inning. While Luke Scott and Ty Wiggington each hit solo shots as well, it wasn't enough to bring the Orioles back. On a positive note, Rick VandenHurk (who the Orioles aquired in the Wil Ohman trae) made his Oriole debut; VandenHurk pitched one inning giving up one walk and striking out two. VandenHurk might be a valuable piece for the Orioles through the end of the season, and into next year.
It will certainly be interesting to see how things break down in the bullpen and even into the starting rotation going into next season. Jason Berken and David Hernandez will presumably be penciled into the pen going into spring training, however the Orioles also have players such as VandenHurk who would presuably look to be on the roster as well. Furthermore, you also have the issue of Koji Uehara, who's contract's up after the season. Do the Orioles bring him back? Uehara's had an effective season when he's been healthy, and Buck Showalter even used him on Saturday to close out the game. However his health's been a constant issue in the time he's been with the Orioles. Presumably, there's no reason that the rotation won't be the same, save perhaps for Kevin Millwood who's a free agent. The Orioles could certain offer him another contract, however I would suspect that probably won't happen. So...does Berken or Hernandez get another shot at the starting rotation? Good questions...
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