From The Banner · Andy Kostka · · 1m 10s
Orioles manager admits swing mistake exposed team’s frustration
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz calls a swing decision by Jeremiah Jackson 'shocking' after a Brewers sweep, revealing team’s struggle with consistency.
In brief
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz calls a swing decision by Jeremiah Jackson 'shocking' after a Brewers sweep, revealing team’s struggle with consistency. Orioles' manager blames inconsistent small decisions for poor performance, not player skill. Originally reported by The Banner.
Manager’s frustration
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz called the Brewers sweep 'not winning baseball' after a season of poor playoff chances.
“Like, that’s not winning baseball. That’s not baseball, period.”
Swing decision
Jeremiah Jackson swung at a first pitch after nine pitches loaded the bases, grounding out despite a good fastball in the zone.
“Swinging bases loaded after nine pitches not in the strike zone was shocking”
Manager’s blame
Albernaz said the team’s inconsistency in small decisions has prevented winning more games this season.
“The consistency of doing little things constantly right every single night all the time is the separator”
Past decisions
Albernaz previously defended similar swing decisions, saying players should take shots when pitches are good.
“If he feels like it’s a good pitch to hit, you’ve got to go”
Player’s response
Jackson admitted the swing was 'not the best idea' and should have worked the pitcher instead.
“Probably not the best idea to swing”
Season context
The Orioles are five games out of the final wild-card spot with six games remaining.
“The Orioles are five games out of the final wild-card spot with six games remaining”
Manager’s shift
Albernaz changed his public approach to holding players accountable after the Brewers sweep.
“That’s something you would learn along the way”
Long winter ahead
Albernaz faces a long winter and potential lockout to find consistency for the Orioles.
“The little things, it’s something that we can control”
The key point
Orioles' manager blames inconsistent small decisions for poor performance, not player skill.
