Coming out of their second day off in four days, the Orioles are looking forward to their first interleague games of the season. Because they are hosting the neighboring Washington Nationals, the Orioles pitchers have not had to worry about getting in any batting practice since designated hitters are used in American League ballparks.
Manager Dave Trembley masterfully circumvented the question about whether he likes the idea of interleague play, but he was positive in his remarks about it. "Interleague play is great for the fans: That's what it's all about ... it's a shot in the arm for baseball because it give baseball more water cooler talk," Trembley said. "It lets more people discuss and talk about the game because you're playing your neighbor. Anything that promotes the game is positive.
"I don't think it affects the players one way or the other. It doesn't alter the guys' approach."
Having the game played with the designated hitter means the pitchers don't have to think about batting practice, something some athletic trainers say creates the possibility of injury because they are suddenly using muscles they don't ordinarily use. Trembley doesn't concern himself with that.
"All I worry about with the pitchers is that when they're supposed to bunt that they get the bunt down. Get the bunt down and get off the field. That's it!" he said.
Last year, the Orioles lost all three home games to the Nationals and were 2-4 overall against them. The Orioles were 6-12 in 2007 against National League teams.
