With the trade deadline frenzy behind them and 100-degree heat blanketing Camden Yards this week, most of the Orioles had one goal for today?s day off before welcoming the Yankees to town this weekend: Keep cool.
The Orioles? record since the all-star break hovers near .500, and the final two months of the regular season lie in wait. Nevertheless, the game-time temperature of 102 degrees put a muted mood on many players.
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In a tranquil locker room before the game, several players took their thoughts off the game and discussed their plans for today?s brief, summer recess.
“I want to find a lake or something,” veteran Kevin Millar said. “Maybe jet ski, just hang out. But it may even be too hot (for that).”
Right-handed pitcher Russ Ortiz said he will probably take his family on the museum circuit in Washington, D.C., to stay out of the sun.
“The heat takes its toll, but not on me as much as some of these other guys,” Ortiz said.
For manager Sam Perlozzo, the only solace he?ll have from the heat is the shade surrounding the fairway.
“We have an Oriole golf outing, but I haven?t picked up a club since February and I?m really not anxious to go out there and embarrass myself,” Perlozzo said with a smile. “I might be shooting a 7-iron off the tee and trying not to hit it too far into the woods.”
When the Orioles get back to business, though, they?ll face the streaking Yankees, who went 16-9 in July and rode a two-game win streak into last night?s play.
Left-handed pitcher Bruce Chen is slated to start Friday, Perlozzo said. Chen made his first start since May 31 on Sunday after spending two months working out of the bullpen.
“(The managers) are making their decision, but it doesn?t really bother me,” said Chen, who was sporting his “O?s Bullpen 2006 shirt.” “I know my situation. I know my role. And (the starters) don?t have any shirts, so if they get a shirt, maybe I can get one (of each).”
The likely starters for Saturday and Sunday?s games are Adam Loewen and Rodrigo Lopez for the Orioles and Mike Mussina and Jaret Wright for New York.
