Bradford doesn't savor link to Ramirez's 500th
BALTIMORE—It was a conversation Chad Bradford never wanted to have. The Baltimore Orioles right-hander helped make history in the most unwanted fashion Saturday night by yielding home run No. 500 to Manny Ramirez.
Bradford bolted from the clubhouse after the game, but couldn't avoid reporters waiting by his locker Sunday morning.
"Bad pitch. He hit a home run," Bradford said. "I'm just trying to get an out. I'm not thinking about what number. It just didn't work out."
Bradford had yielded only two home runs since May 15, 2006. He was brought into the game specifically to face Ramirez, who drove the first pitch into the bleachers in right-center.
Being linked to Ramirez's entrance into the 500 club was no honor for Bradford, who bristled at the suggestion.
"You can't change it, can you? I don't eat up giving up home runs," he said. "I don't eat that up at all."
Bradford has given up two homers this season, one more than all of last year. He's 2-2 with a 3.12 ERA.
------
TRACHSEL DELIVERS
Steve Trachsel proved Sunday that he can still pitch effectively, even when thrust into the uncustomary job of being a reliever.
Trachsel, who appears to have lost his job in the starting rotation, allowed two runs in five innings during the second relief appearance of his career.
"I just needed to get some consistency going and throw the ball how I know I can," he said. "I have to continue trusting my stuff and keep the communication going with what it is I'm going to do."
His role, and future with the team, remains up in the air. Even though Trachsel now has two relief appearances compared to 417 career starts, the right-hander is willing to remain in the bullpen if that's what manager Dave Trembley wants.
"As long as I know, because I'm all about preparation," Trachsel said. "If I can prepare and know what to prepare for, then I don't see any reason why I can't be successful at doing whatever role they want. ... I'm just trying to figure out a way to where I can be productive with this team."
Trachsel's outing means he won't be used as a starter Tuesday in Minnesota. Trembley on Sunday did not reveal his pick for that start.
------
RAMON STRUGGLES
Ramon Hernandez arrived at spring training in excellent shape and weighing 10 pounds less than last season. He appeared primed for a solid season, but at this point he's batting .222 with only 20 RBIs and is 0-for-5 with the bases loaded.
"I thought he was going to start off gangbusters offensively. I really did," Trembley said. "I think he had a little bit of a setback with the wrist. I don't use that as an excuse."
Hernandez missed time in May with a sprained left wrist, but he wasn't hitting in April, either.
"I think for the most part, watching Ramon, he swung at a lot of bad pitches," Trembley said. "He's been a first-ball swinger. He's got himself into bad counts to hit."
It's not for lack of effort, according to Trembley.
"He's worked very diligently. He's here early all the time," the manager said.
