Davey Abbott and Randy Costello combined to blow another game last night.  It 
was bad enough that Daffy started Haynes - it was thoroughly stupid to leave 
him in to pitch to Rodriguez (who was already two for two off Haynes) with 
the bases loaded.  
Despite this early mishandling, the Orioles actually led 6-5 in the ninth.  
The bullpen (Corbin, Milchin, Benitez, Orosco, and Mathews) shut down the 
Mariners.  This wasn't good enough for Daffy.  For the bottom of the ninth, 
to face Rodriguez, Griffey, and Martinez (with Buhner and Brian Hunter behind 
them - four right handed batters out of the five), Daffy brought in our 
loser, er closer, Myers, who has sucked since blowing the Boston game before 
the All Star break.  Myers gave up a leadoff single to Rodriguez.  He then 
inexcusably walked Griffey, who was the only left handed hitter in the bunch. 
 Martinez hit into a force at second - the ball took a wierd bounce, caromed 
off Cal's glove to Alomar, and the ump blew the call (Griffey was safe.)  
Buhner popped up in the sac fly situation, leaving the tie run at third.  
Brian Hunter, hardly a world beater, was up.  Daffy went to the mound (Mills 
was ready) to talk with Myers.  Myers obviously listened - NOT.  He walked 
Hunter on five pitches.  No pitching change.  Next batter - Mark Whiten, who 
was 0 for 4 (even Haynes had gotten him out twice.)  Next pitch - gopher 
ball.  Ball game.  The Mariners are now tied with the Orioles for the wild 
card spot, and the Yankees, who had already lost 14-3 to the Angels (the 
panic on WFAN was palpable), were given yet another break by the Orioles, who 
will soon be passed by the Red Sox.
What the hell good is a closer who can't throw strikes or keep the ball in 
the park??  Trade HIM - I'd rather see Orosco, or even Corbin, close.  Myers 
is a bust - just like last season, he's a first half pitcher.
Note:  Since the doubleheader sweep of Oakland, the Orioles are an inept 5-7, 
including three shutouts by mediocre (at best) pitchers.  
--- MsgedSQ/2 3.35
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