While the Orioles' hitting and pitching have been erratic throughout the season, another aspect of their game has been more of a constant.
The problem is that the one thing that has maintained its level is not good. The catchers' ability to throw out opposing baserunners attempting to steal has been something less than satisfactory. While he knows the pitchers play a major role in keeping runners from stealing, manager Dave Trembley has had everyday catcher Ramon Hernandez and backup Guillermo Quiroz going through drills prior to batting practice.
The concern has become greater since 12 of the last 13 opposing base stealers have been successful. Hernandez has thrown out only 10 of 48 runners, while Quiroz caught only three of 16.
"Ramon's accuracy has not been as good as we wanted it to be. ... He's just a little long with his release, and when you're long, you're high," Trembley said.
The manager put the pitchers through drills to keep runners close throughout their time in spring training. Although the catchers have not been up to the task of catching runners, Trembley may have to give the pitchers a refresher course.
YANKEES 4, ORIOLES 2: Jeremy Guthrie endured another game with next to no support from his offense. He allowed three runs, one on Jason Giambi's second-inning RBI single and another on Giambi's long home run in the fourth. The deciding run scored on Derek Jeter's sacrifice fly in the fifth, and Jamie Walker allowed an insurance run in the ninth. The Orioles, who couldn't get a hit in five at-bats with runners in scoring position, got their only runs when Melvin Mora homered in the third inning after a Brian Roberts single.
