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Etchebarren has shades of Weaver
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(Joe Mancino/For the Examiner)
Andy Etchebarren has managed or coached on every level of the Orioles farm system and has spent the past three summers as the manager of the Aberdeen IronBirds. Earl Weaver is nearly 20 years removed as the Orioles manager, but his offensive philosophy carries on in the franchise’s Class-A affiliate, the Aberdeen IronBirds. At least for now. As much as Aberdeen manager Andy Etchebarren is dedicated Weaver’s approach, which centers on scoring multiple runs with one swing of the bat instead of trying to manufacture them, Etchebarren is willing to change his strategy. “[Earl Weaver] believed in making 27 outs at home plate and it makes sense,” said Etchebarren, referring to Weaver’s mentality that relies on players hitting home runs, even if it means they strikeout more frequently. Even with Weaver’s mindset, Etchebarren, a former Oriole, recognizes his roster features speedy players adept at stealing bases. “I don’t like the hit-and-run except for certain situations because you could be successful and give up and out.” Etchebarren added, “But I am going to run more because I have two or three guys that I put on their own.” From the season’s outset, Etchebarren made it clear to outfielder Matt Angle and infielder Tyler Henson: He wanted them to steal as many bases as possible. The duo has responded. Angle and Henson have stolen a team-high 13 and nine bases, respectively, entering Thursday night’s game against the Lowell Spinners. “It is nice having the freedom, because I did not have it as much in college as I would have liked,” said Angle, who starred at Ohio State before he was taken in the seventh round of this year’s draft. “It is a good thing knowing that if you get on first base you can steal second and third.” Less than halfway through the IronBirds’ New York-Penn League’s 82-game season, Angle’s 13 steals are seven behind the club’s season record of 20 set by outfielder Jarod Rine in 2003. “I just heard about the record,” Angle said. “Tyler is not that far behind me so we have talked about it here and there.” Angle and Henson’s success have caused Etchebarren to reconsider his approach, as he is considering giving Ryan Adams and Joe Nowicki permission to steal bases without permission. “That is news to me,” Adams said. “If he gives me the green light I am going to steal. I can steal bases, but I have got to get to first base first.” FLYING TO .500 » The IronBirds pulled to 14-14 after winning the first two game of their three-game series against the Lowell Spinners. The Spinners entered the week with best offense in the New York-Penn League, but scored just two runs against the IronBirds entering Thursday. » Zach Britton (2-2) won his second straight start by allowing just three hits in five innings against Lowell on Wednesday. » Outfielder Joe Nowicki belted his first professional home run against Lowell Wednesday, blasting a three-run into the visitor’s bullpen in left field off Nick Hagadone. |
