Tag Archives: Adam Frazier

Baltimore Orioles blast off second half on Adam Frazier’s bat

Dean Kremer and the Baltimore Orioles picked up right where they left off in the first half last night. The O’s began the second half with a quality start from a starter, which is what we came to expect from Kremer in the first half. In other words, not much has changed! Kremer’s line: 6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K.

However the story of the game was Adam Frazier. He’s taken criticism throughout the first half, some of it justified. but he busted out in this game against Miami, playing a role in most of the Orioles’ runs. And helping the O’s earn only their second win wearing their City Connect uniforms.

Almost predictably, the game began with an hour plus rain delay. Which of course is reminiscent of the Birds’ home stand just prior to the break. But once the game started, it was ON.

And keep in mind, I talk a lot about what speed can do on the base paths. However scouting also plays a role. Cedric Mullins got aboard in the last of the second with a single. He then proceeded to attempt a steal, knowing that Miami catcher Stallings wasn’t the greatest at throwing people out. Coming into the ballgame, he was 6-for-42 on the season in throwing out runners while stealing. The Orioles and Mullins knew this; not only did Mullins adjust that stat to 6-for-43, but he made it to third base on a Sallings throwing error.

Frazier came up later in the inning, and smacked an RBI-single. So the speed of Mullins, combined with the Orioles’ advance scouting (and of course Mullins’ execution), helped to manufacture that run. That’s how the concept of “team” works.

Miami would even the score in the top of the third when De La Cruz hit an RBI-single, reminding many fans that the O’s never seem to win while wearing their City Connect uniforms. But that was short lived, as Cedric Mullins’ solo homer in the last of the fourth put them back in the lead at 2-1. That brought Frazier back to the plate later in the inning, and his solo homer extended the lead to 3-1.

Miami would tighten things up in the eighth on a solo homer by Soler, but no worries – Frazier was coming back to the plate in the Orioles’ half of the frame. And he did so with a runner on base. And that runner, and Adam Frazier, got a free trot home when Frazier once again sent the ball over the fence.

It was also nice to see Brandon Hyde go to Felix Bautista for the save in the last of the ninth. Bautista of course blew the save in this last Tuesday’s All-Star game, sending the American League down to defeat. That’s obviously an exhibition, and meaningless at that. But you’d hate to see that mentally affect Bautista, so it was good for him to get right back out there. And he sent Miami down in order.

The series with Miami continues this evening at Camden Yards. Kyle Gibson heads to the bump for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Miami’s Braxton Garrett. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Don’t be made into the villains

The Baltimore Orioles won perhaps the biggest game of the season to date yesterday in Toronto. It had everything – high drama, disagreements, etc. And by disagreements, I mean controversy.

Toronto starter Alex Manoah barked at the Orioles’ Adam Frazier following a strikeout S he walked back to the dugout. There was seemingly no basis for the rift, and it left a lot of people wondering what happened. I would say this: don’t even ask the question.

The situation from earlier last week with Toronto and the NY Yankees is well documented. And there are plenty of other cases of Toronto players getting in the faces of opponents. Remember the 2015 postseason – Jose Bautista with the bat flip? They’ve had their share of run-in’s with the Orioles over the years also. If you remember, Toronto seemed intent on throwing at Oriole hitters on the night the Birds were trying to clinch the 2014 AL East title. Determined to insert themselves into the story.

That’s no different than Manoah and Frazier yesterday. Or the entire Toronto team against Aaron Judge last week. For years, that team has basically tried to play the heel. They want you to hate them. And they don’t mind fighting if it comes to that. They’re aggressive, and that’s purposely done.

So this is a word of caution to the Orioles, if anything. You know how the saying goes; never get into a fight with a pig, because he’ll beat you with experience and you’ll get dirty. Make no mistake, these are concerted efforts by the Toronto Blue Jays to get under people’s skin.

At a certain point, you have to defend yourself. However Toronto’s always been a team that tries to get under people’s skin. Chirping on the field and in the media about New York stealing signs is a perfect example. But how many bench-clearing brawls are they involved in?! And if they are, is it not convenient that it comes across as they’re the ones defending themselves?

Jose Bautista flips his bat at the Texas Rangers in the post season. The next year he gets slugged in the face. Believe me, both Bautista and his superiors were THRILLED with that result. The other guy gets the perception of causing the problem, and they got under their skin. That’s their modus operandi.

Make no mistake, Manoah was planting a seed yesterday. Their goal is to chirp and scream so much that eventually someone has to do something. And then they get to go into victim mode.

So the O’s should beware of this. Don’t be shocked if someone tries something or says something in today’s game. Toronto’s the schoolyard bully who levies insults at you and when you retaliate, says you threw the first punch. And the sad thing is they’re good at it. THEY caused the bad blood with the Yankees earlier this week. THEY caused the situation with Adam Frazier yesterday. Their hope is that it boils over, potentially causing suspensions to the other guy.

So the Orioles need to remain focused. Unless Toronto does something outlandish, don’t take the bait. Because it’s all part of a plan on their part.

Baltimore Orioles sign IF/OF Adam Frazier

The Baltimore Orioles have signed IF/OF Adam Frazier to a one-year contract for the 2023 season. The deal is for a reported $8 million – this accoring to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Frazier, 31, is a career .273 hitter. This give the Birds an additional veteran presence on the roster.

Frazier’s primarily a middle infielder, but he’s played in the outfield as well. I suspect that many fans will chide this as just the team being cheap and not wanting to sign top-tier talent. However keep in mind that the current regime has a great track record of plugging average players into the mix and seeing success.

Furthermore, Frazier’s a guy who will bring an aforementioned veteran presence to the team. That means something. The Orioles are still a young team, and that sort of leadership in the clubhouse can be important. Especially considering that the Birds have a young buck named Gunnar Henderson in the pipeline as a future big league middle infielder.