Orioles @ MindSay

The Kansas City Royals shut down the Baltimore Orioles behind a brilliant pitching performance by Brian Bannister. Bannister pitched 8 innings of shutout ball. He improved his record to 4-4 on the year with the 4-0 KC victory. He walked 2 while striking out 5.

Alex Gordon, Jose Guillen, Billy Butler and Mark Teahen each drove in a run.

The Royals are now 16-21 on the season. They are in 4th place in the AL Central just 3.5 games out of first. 

"I've been with the Orioles for two years and things haven't gone in the direction that we were expecting, so I think the best thing will be a change of scenery," Tejada told The Associated Press in a phone interview in his native Dominican Republic.

Tejada signed a six-year $72 million contract with the Orioles before the 2004 season.

He hit .304 with 26 home runs and 98 RBIs this year, but the team still finished 21 games out of first place in the American League Eastern Division.

"I've done many things with this team and I haven't seen results, and the other teams are getting stronger while the Orioles have not made any signings to strengthen the club," Tejada added.

Tejada's comments came as the Orioles and free agent catcher Ramon Hernandez and the Orioles agreed to a $27.5 million, four-year contract.

Hernandez's deal is contingent on a physical, a baseball official familiar with the negotiations said Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity. The agreement, which includes a club option for 2010, probably will not be finalized until next week, the official said.

The 29-year-old Venezuelan batted .290 last season with the San Diego Padres. He had 12 home runs and 58 RBIs, but his main value is behind the plate, where he has a reputation for calling a smart game and capably handling a pitching staff.

The addition of Hernandez will mean less time behind the plate for Orioles catcher Javy Lopez, who complained of sore knees toward the end of last season. Lopez is eager to spend more time as a designated hitter and at first base.

Baltimore also might trade the Puerto Rican for a starting pitcher, one of the team's biggest needs.

A source close to Tejada, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Tejada would like to be traded to a team on the East Coast, and mentioned the Boston Red Sox as a possible destination.

Tejada would not mention any specific team.

The Red Sox on Thursday traded shortstop Edgar Renteria to the Atlanta Braves for Dominican prospect Andy Marte.

Tejada came to Baltimore after playing seven years with the Oakland Athletics.

As I noted in my last post, I had the great pleasure of doing color commentary for 3 Seattle Mariners games this week.   I got to work with play by play man (and a friend of mine for 10 years) Rick Rizz.   What a great guy.   The Mariners are struggling, they mirror the Phillies in a lot of ways.   Their offense struggles at times, but their pitchers are doing really well this year.   They lack a real ace too, again like the Phils.

Ichiro was fun to watch.  He has so many pre game and in game rituals, it's amazing.   He's such a great hitter and player, that his teammates and everyone else for that matter should follow his stretching and excercise regiment.   The clubhouse was great.

Here's a great article in the Seattle Times, it was fun to do:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2002287782_marinotes25.html

More on my game calling experiences later!

Once again, St. Louis closer Jason Isringhausen gave up two runs in the bottom of the ninth via a two out triple to give the Orioles the win. While pitching a measley 2/3rds of an inning, Isringhausen gave up three hits, two runs, and 1 base on balls.  Meanwhile, he retired two batters, striking out none. 

This is your closer?  If this is the best St. Louis has to put the nail in the virtual coffin then everyone beware, the dead will be walking.  Isringhausen can't seal the deal.  My question would be, why, after last years poor performance, is Isringhausen still the go to man?  One should feel confidence when the closer strides the mound, not fear.  Think Brad Lidge. 

My suggestion to Tony.  Groom Tavarez.  He has the right stuff.  He's a Brad Lidge in waiting.  No doubt.