Orioles/ Angles. 2nd and 3rd 1 out

I was watching the Orioles Angels the other night and watched something that bothered me. I don't necessarily know if the Orioles mis-managed the play but I certainly know that I would have been more aggressive. I'll paint the scenario and see if you might agree.

The Orioles were leading 5-0 in the sixth inning. They had speed on the bases. The runner at 3rd was Juan Castro (a shortstop with some wheels). Adam Jones (fleet footed centerfielder) was hitting. The Angels recognizing they didn't want to give up any more runs brought their infield in(See Sept. 15th blog).

What to tell the lead runner?

I believe the Orioles have nothing to lose by having the runner at 3rd go on contact. They already have a 5 run lead. They have speed on the bases and speed in the box. Furthermore, there is something else that helps my decision in hindsight. Nick Markakis is on deck.

Adam Jones hits a weak ground ball to the shortstop. It would have been interesting at the plate, for sure. But, the Orioles did not break on contact and the out was recorded at 1st. Nick Markakis then stepped to the plate with the 1B back and in a deep position. If the Orioles went on contact and were in fact thrown out at home plate, at least Markakis would have had the "4 hole" opened up for him as a hitter.

Guess what? Markakis hit a smash that the 1B dove for and gloved deep in the 4 hole.

I watch a lot of Orioles games over the year and Trembley is definitely a conservative manager. Here is a situation that aggressive baseball may have forced a run but also could have bought an extra hit for his 3 hole hitter. And, I never even mentioned the fact that by having a runner on 1st it might prevent an intentional walk to a potential quality hitter.

Then, the next night I witnessed the Mariners and Rangers have the same sitaution. The Mariners were losing and had runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. The Mariners went on contact. They scored the run but that really is irrelevant. What is important is the manager knew that bringing the infield in this situation should not be a deterrent for going on contact. There is simply more to gain by being aggressive here.