Head Kicking
Ricky Romero pitched last night and he had some things to say about it.
“Guys tell me to kind of tone it down a little bit and get that confidence back up,” he said. “But I expect so much of myself and I work so hard to go out there and have long outings and get deep in the game. When I don’t, I kick myself in the head."
“I’m my worst critic and I’m always going to be like that. I’m a competitor. I like to win, I hate losing. It’s just getting back on my own side. Coaches can only do so much and talk to me about it. It’s on me to go out there and do it.”
You know, it's one thing to be competitive and expect a lot of oneself and it's another to beat oneself up. Romero pitched so much better last night. He wasn't as sharp as he is when he's on, as evidenced by the fact that Romero was up over 100 pitches in the sixth. But there was just one walk, which is definitely encouraging. I just don't like to hear Romero beat himself up. I'm soft that way. Another positive was that he worked quickly last night, which is always a good sign.
So relax for now, Ricky. Have a cookie. Also, chop wood, carry water. And don't worry, you won't need to listen to sitar music if you do it.
The Orioles, though they've lost two in a row to the Jays, feel like a different team than the one that used to get kicked around. Peskiness is the way I would describe it. They don't go away and they chipped about at that big lead the Jays had. And Adam Jones and Matt Wieters are stars. Wieters is also the most polite umpire arguer I've seen in a while. Then again, when nothing is thrown, things seem more civilized.
Brett Lawrie had himself a night. People have been hard on him, and it's debatable how much of that is deserved. But with three hits and three RBI to along with a very fun catch in the ninth, I think it illustrates that Lawrie should just tuck his chin and play like he can. And whatever reputation he has garnered will settle itself out.
Aroldis Chapman is a secret ninja.
JP Arencibia was on Cabbie's podcast It's very funny. Mrs. Rodriguez, Maggie and David Price, get your space suits ready.
Mike Trout is magic.
Brandon Morrow goes tonight. If he can bounce back from the awful 2/3 of an inning in Texas, things will be very happy indeed.