Orioles Lose A Heartbreaker to Yankees, 5-4 in 12

Tonight was Wei-Yin Chen's MLB debut.  It started off a bit rocky, as he gave up a leadoff homer to none other then, Derek Jeter.  The home run was followed up by a double off the bat of outfielder, Nick Swisher.  After that first inning came to a close, Chen settled down.  He was economical in his pitch count and was around the plate, evidenced by his 7 strikeouts.  There was one point where Chen even retired 11 straight batters.  Overall, a solid debut for the Taiwanese import.  He walked a batter and gave up 7 hits with 2 earned runs over 5 and 2/3 innings.

The bullpen also gave good performances; Lindstrom, Ayala, Johnson, Troy Patton, and Pedro Strop all were solid.  Our bullpen totaled 8 strikeouts tonight while only surrendering 2 walks.  The Orioles pitching turned in another above average performance.  

The problems started with the offense.  Other than Hardy's home run, the other runs scored were due to Freddy Garcia's wild pitches.  The offense stagnated at a time when runs were desperately needed.  The Orioles were 0 for 8 with RISP and left 8 men on base.  Both of those numbers are unacceptable normally, but magnified when playing the Yankees.   The situational hitting was non-existent tonight, as the Orioles could get NO rally together whatsoever.  Hats off to the Yankees relief core, as they picked up Freddy Garcia tonight and bridged the gap to Mo Rivera at the end.  

My biggest complaint of the night is our defense.  I am not upset with the collective defense, just an individual.  First, I'd like to compliment Matt Wieters, who made some definite game changing plays.  Wieters is always dependable and he totally deserves his Gold Glove for the difference he makes day in and day out. 

 I'm normally not one to call out one player, but tonight, I shall make an exception.  Mark Reynolds single-handedly cost the Orioles the game tonight.  There were three plays I can think of, just off the top of my head, that most other third baseman would have handled with ease.  He gives the opposing team extra outs, which will burn you in the end.  A perfect example was that pop-up in foul territory that he overran.  That "extra out" led to the Yankees scoring what would be the game winning run.  I, along with MANY others have grown quite frustrated with these defensive "lapses".  There is ONE solution and one solution alone; MOVE Reynolds to DH or 1B so we can win some games!!!  Frankly, I want Reynolds nowhere near the field when the game is on the line.  Even if he were moved to 1B, at least he is passable there.  Put Davis at 3rd, or Betemit, or even Josh Bell; just PLEASE do not have Reynolds continuously costing us on defense. That was my rant for this evening, after an all too draining loss.  

PS:  If anyone has a petition for moving Reynolds off the hot corner, please forward me a link.  Much appreciated.