O's From the Booth - O's Over Matched by Verlander Sunday, Blanked By Tigers 4-0

Good evening O's fans.  I have to say that I did not get to see any of the game today but was watching the game cast on my phone.  There is not much to say besides the fact that we just got shut down by the best pitcher in baseball.  The O's offense has been struggling as a whole over the past two months.  Justin Verlander came out today like the all star that we are used to seeing and over matched the struggling O's offense. The Orioles got a good outing from Miguel Gonzales but obviously he had no runs to support him.  When you are opposing Verlander you are afraid to give up 1 run. Gonzales only gave up 3 earned runs and the bullpen gave up 1.  Steve Johnson (son of former O's starter Dave Johnson) made his major league debut going two innings and giving up 1 run, striking out two, and walking two.   The 4 runs were plenty for the Tigers as they blanked the O's 4-0.
     The Orioles also learned today that they will be without their ace Jason Hammel for at least 3-4 weeks and maybe more.  He is due to have surgery on his knee on Monday.  They will have to wait to see how that goes.  We will have to see what the O's do to replace him.  I tell you the truth, I am more concerned about our offense than I am the pitching.  We truly need to get a 3rd baseman, left fielder and a true lead off hitter.  We need to be able to drop Markakis to the two hole and drop Hardy to 7 or 8 in the line up.  We will see what happens over the next few weeks.  I truly believe this team has many holes to fill that are more important than pitching.  Something needs to jump start this stagnant offense.  It was nice to see them battle back yesterday with some late clutch hitting but overall they are just not hitting well at all.   I think if we can get Headley and Victorino it would help this team tremendously.  Victorino would fit in perfectly as he could jump in the lead off spot and play left field.   Headley is only hitting .260 but has only 5 errors on the year at 3rd.  That is the more important part.  It should be very interesting over the next few days and weeks to see what the O's do.  I do not want to sell the farm for anyone but to bring in a few mid range guys that can help would be good.  All we can do is wait and see.   Let's go get the Twinkies in Minnesota tomorrow. Go O's!!!!