Orioles, 4/29
April 28, 2003
3rd Place in AL East, 12-12
Probable Starters
4/29 Johnson (R) at DET Bonderman (R)
4/30 Lopez (R) at DET Maroth (L)
5/1 Daal(L) at DET Cornejo (R)
5/2 Helling (R) vs KC Hernandez (R)
Latest Team News
Marty Cordova was placed on the DL on April 23rd and the following day he underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow. He is expected to be out 6-8 weeks. David Segui, who began the season on the DL with a broken thumb, is once again sidelined with a strained hamstring. Larry Bigbie and Jose Leon were recalled from AAA Ottawa. Bigbie had a strong spring outing with the O's, leading the team with 15 RBI's. Bigbie was batting .333 before his call up and is expected to see a lot of playing time in LF. Leon was called up for the second time this season. He saw some action at the beginning of the season when Segui was out of the lineup. He was hitting .269 in his time at Ottawa. Expect Leon to see some playing time at 3rd and DH. Catcher Brook Fordyce has been stealing playing time from Geronimo Gil. Though neither are particulary good with the bat, Manager Mike Hargrove believes Fordyce calls a better game. Fordyce started three games last week and the O's came away with three solid pitching performances. Gil's fantasy value will drop way off if the Orioles decide to stick with the platoon. The Orioles will be visiting Detroit for their next series. With the way the Tigers have looked, start your Orioles pitchers this week!
Who's Hot
Jason Johnson: He had a solid pitching performance last week, giving up only one hit in 6+ IP. He improved his record to 3-0 and lowered his ERA (2.55) and his WHIP (1.01)
Melvin Mora: Mora has been the hottest Orioles hitter over the past eight days. Since April 20, Mora is batting .386 with 3 HR, 6 RBI and 8 runs. He has started at 5 different positions this season and if he keeps uo this pace, the Orioles will make sure they find him a place on the field.
Jorge Julio: After early season struggles, Julio has settled down and has collected 6 saves. He should be a solid option for your team if you are in need of saves.
Team Leaders
BA: Hairston, .282
HR: Batista, 5
RBI: Batista, 15
R: Batista, 15
SB: Hairston, 8
W: Johnson, 3
SV:Julio, 6
ERA: Johnson, 2.55
WHIP: Johnson, 1.01
K: Ponson, 23
