News
September a big endeavor for rookies
Baltimore (54-77) vs. New York (82-48), 7:05 p.m. ET
By Pete Kerzel / Special to MLB.com
08/30/09 6:03 PM ET
BALTIMORE -- Things are about to get interesting for the Orioles, who are 14-29 since the All-Star break, yet will play a major role in deciding who wins the American League East and which team secures the Wild Card. Monday's opener of a three-game series against the AL East-leading Yankees is the first of 18 consecutive contests against top tier teams. After the Bronx Bombers, Baltimore hosts Texas, which is second to Boston in the Wild Card chase. Then it's a five-game swing to Boston and New York before returning to Camden Yards for seven consecutive games against the Rays and Red Sox. "I think the incentive is you know you're going to be playing the best and it's a measuring stick for where you're at," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "It should bring out the best in our players. ... Obviously, those teams have a lot to play for and we want to make sure we play up to our capabilities. We'll see where we're at in comparison." The significance of the beginning of September is not lost on Orioles rookies, many of whom will be experiencing a Major League pennant race -- even if it is on the wrong end -- for the first time in their careers. "We're kind of looking forward to it because we don't want to be the guys who are pushed around, so to speak," rookie reliever Kam Mickolio said. "There are a lot of teams trying to compete for a spot in the Wild Card race and the division race, and we don't want to be the placemat they wipe their feet on." "They're in the front of the league, so I guess we're playing that role of spoilers," first-year outfielder Nolan Reimold said. "We're just looking to build some momentum going into next year, play well. We're just focused on finishing the year strong ... so one day we'll be where they're at now." For now, there's no need for motivational speeches from veteran players designed to ward off late-season complacency, Reimold said. "Everybody knows what's going on. Everybody's aware," he said. "You don't need the veterans to tell you what's going on." Trembley hopes his young players pay attention to what's soon going to be enveloping them. "It probably would reinforce the part of the game that's least understood, and that's the preparation you have to put forth before the game," the manager said. "You know, the margin of error is very small when you're playing the good teams. You can't afford to let down at any time. Mentally, you've got to hang in there all the time. You can't afford to make mistakes and you capitalize on the mistakes the other team gives you. For our players, I think it's a test." Of course, that's not to say Trembley wouldn't prefer to be in the position of the teams Baltimore will soon be facing. "I'd rather be on the other end, but we'll learn to get there," Trembley said. Pitching matchupBAL: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (9-12, 5.26 ERA)
Guthrie threw seven strong innings in his previous start and has won consecutive outings for just the third time this season. The right-hander didn't walk any batters for the first time in 13 starts and for just the fourth time all year. Guthrie also didn't give up a home run for just the second time in 10 starts. He achieved that success in part by keeping his fastball low and working off his curveball. NYY: LHP Andy Pettitte (11-6, 4.18 ERA)
Pettitte allowed two earned runs in seven innings on Wednesday to beat the Rangers and record his 189th win as a Yankee, tying Lefty Gomez for third place on the all-time franchise list. He had a 49 2/3-inning streak without allowing a home run snapped by David Murphy in the seventh inning and has pitched at least five innings in 24 of 26 starts this season. He is undefeated in six starts since July 30, going 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA (38 innings, 11 earned runs) over that span. Pettitte last faced the Orioles on July 20 in New York, allowing one run over 7 1/3 innings with six hits, two walks and eight strikeouts in a no-decision. He owns the all-time highest career winning percentage against the AL East (79-34, .699) among the 199 pitchers with at least 50 AL East decisions. Tidbits
Brian Matusz's victory Sunday was the first of his career at Camden Yards, where he's pitched only twice. ... Reimold's third-inning walk Sunday extended his streak of safely reaching base to a career-best 17 consecutive games. ... Saturday night's rain delay was the 14th of the season for Baltimore, which has experienced a home stoppage against every team in the AL Central. ... When Michael Aubrey grounded out in his lone at-bat Sunday, it marked the first time in seven games with an at-bat this season that he hasn't gotten a hit. Tickets
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• Tuesday: Orioles (David Hernandez, 4-6, 4.24) vs. Yankees (A.J. Burnett, 10-8, 4.10), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Wednesday: Orioles (Jason Berken, 4-11, 6.33) vs. Yankees (CC Sabathia, 15-7, 3.56), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Off-day
Pete Kerzel is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
