Joe Saunders announced as starter for AL WC game.

[Matt P]

Eduardo A. Encina ‏@EddieInTheYard

Showalter announces that Joe Saunders will start for #Orioles tomorrow's AL wild card game.

6.48 ERA in 11 career starts against the Rangers.
9.38 ERA in 31.2 innings pitched at Texas.

[OriolesRedskins28]

From Steve Melewski on twitter:

"Rangers vs. LHP: .285 avg, .446 slug, .793 OPS. Rangers vs. RHP .269 avg, .446 slug and .775 OPS. "

His career stats vs. Texas in Arlington are horrendous on top of that. I sure hope he has a VERY short leash. Would have been a much better option as a weapon vs. lefty hitters/bottom of the lineup in the early to middle innings IMO.

[OriolesRedskins28]

Just read from Roch that Buck wasn't convinced Steve Johnson's knee is completely healthy so I guess Saunders was the only legitimate option.

[birdwatcher55]

Is Hammel ready to pitch if called upon?? We need to do this by committe if necessary. All hands on deck!!

[Matt P]

Is Hammel ready to pitch if called upon?? We need to do this by committe if necessary. All hands on deck!!

Not sure. I've read he would likely start game 1 of the ALDS if they win Friday.

[STrone03]

I am pretty sure Hammel has the green light starting Saturday. Not really sure what the difference between Friday and Saturday but hey who am I??

I am so nervous about tomorrows game. Saunders is the last person on the Orioles roster I want to take the mound. Fly ball pitcher, hitters park, and Josh Hamilton.... screw a short leash! Buck should have him by the collar!

Saunders has made 6 starts at Texas. These starts are going to want to make you vomit on your computer. Scoot your chair back.

0-6 9.39 ERA 1.8 WHIP .318 BAA

On top of that Kinsler is 10-24 with 4 HR's against him. BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
(stats by @stuckey2 on twitter)

Good grief tomorrow is going to be so nerve racking.

LET'S GO O'S!

[Matt P]

Some Rangers hitters vs Joe Saunders:

Ian Kinsler: .417, 10-for-24, 2 2B, 4 HR, 8 RBIs, 3 BB
Elvis Andrus: .400, 2-for-5, 1 BB, 2 SB
Josh Hamilton: .400, 4-for-10, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 1 BB
Adrian Beltre: .280, 7-for-25, 3 2B, 5 RBIs, 4 K
Nelson Cruz: .300, 6-for-20, 1 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBIs, 3 K
Michael Young: .357, 10-for-28, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 4 BB, 6 K
Mike Napoli: Never faced
Geovany Soto: .667, 4-for-6, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBIs, 2 BB

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orio ... ?track=rss

[Matt P]

Also, here's Yu Darvish facing an opposing lineup for the first time:

He is 10-3 with a 3.12 ERA against teams he's pitched against for the first time this season (95 innings pitched). Darvish has 108 strikeouts and 41 walks in those outings as well.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/texas-ra ... t-faced-os

[Rising O's]

O's need to jump out early and put the pressure on Texas to overcome the here we go again feeling of resignation.

[Matt P]

NEVER WILL I EVER DOUBT BUCK AGAIN