Around the Diamond – O’s 9, Twins 5

Around the Diamond

Here we are with another trip around the diamond. You know the drill, let’s get to it!

Box Score

First Base

Opening Day and baseball is back in Baltimore.  Jake and I both attended this game with our significant others and friends.  In previous years, this was the one game that always had a full stadium with a sea of orange.  It was mentioned that I didn’t seem that into it like I had been in previous years.  I think this is because I’ve come to expect something else for this team and city now.  We experienced meaningful baseball later in the season.  This is not the only time we should expect to see a full stadium and a sea of orange.  Celebrate baseball being back, but not the aspect of this being the only meaningful game for the entire season.

Second Base

Jake Arrieta was our starting pitcher once again this year.  He is our fifth starter and he still strikes me as the same Arrieta from last year.  Arrieta has the talent and ability, but something is missing.  He nibbles at the plate as opposed to dominating hitters with his pitch selection.  Some have suggested that Arrieta needs another pitch, but with two fastballs, slider, curveball, and change-up in his repertoire I’d politely disagree.  I really question Arrieta’s pitch selection and location as a pitcher.  It’s why players like Miguel Gonzalez who have lesser talent are more effective because they seem to know how to pitch.  We’ll see how short of a leash they keep him on or if he’s designated to AAA to try someone else.

Third Base

Before we talking about the obvious story, let’s make mention those players around him including Adam Jones and Matt Wieters.  Both players thus far this season and been dynamic at the plate with the following stats to this point:

Both players have been making solid contact with the ball or getting on base in necessary situations.  Adam Jones has especially been raking the ball and it really makes me question Ron Gardenhire’s decision to intentionally walk Markakis to get to Jones in the 8th.  Sure you’ll be setting up the double play, but Jones has given no indication so far this year of being that player.  He is entering into superstar territory if he can continue this plate approach this year.

Home Plate

Ok, I’ve beat around the bush for too long at this point.  Chris Davis.  Unstoppable force at the plate.  Here are the stats in four games:

Those numbers are unbelievable for any player over any four game stretch.  As we’ve all heard, he’s only the fourth player in history to hit four home runs in their first four games of the season.  He also has the most RBIs ever in the first four games of the season.  When he walked up to the plate in the 8th with the bases loaded, Jake called the shot (along with thousands of others) right before it happened.  Chris Davis is on fire and we all know it can’t last the entire season.   But let’s enjoy the ride as it continues.

Chris Davis – “The Credible Hulk”

Summary

A great way to start the home season opener.  I will be more interested in the next two games to see how much support this city gives to this team moving forward.  Baseball is back Baltimore and not just after a winter hiatus.  It’s here for the entire season with the expectation that we are going to compete the entire season.