Orioles prospect Kevin Gausman has had a stressful few days

By Craig CalcaterraNov 20, 2012, 11:32 AM EDT
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Last week Hostess announced it was going to cease operations.  Yesterday, some hope emerged in the form of a judicially-ordered mediation, but it’s still unclear what will happen.

It’s likely that even if Hostess liquidates, their brands and products will still live on with another company.  But that’s cold comfort for addicts.  Addicts like Orioles first-round draft pick Kevin Gausman. Why?  The Baltimore Sun passed that info along over the summer. Go to the 30 second mark:

For those of you who can’t watch that video, know that Gausman eats four powdered mini-donuts before each inning. Not before each start. BEFORE EACH INNING. He prefers Hostess’ powdered Donettes.

This led to consternation last week:

But now that there is hope, he’s happy again:

Phew, looks like his in-game routine will go on uninterrupted.  And in ten years I’ll enjoy writing the “Kevin Gausman is in The Best Shape of His Life” post.

A.J. Hinch: “If it was any other time of the year, [José Altuve] wouldn’t be in the lineup.”

Elsa/Getty Images
By Bill BaerOct 18, 2018, 8:01 PM EDT
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It has been evident throughout the playoffs that Astros second baseman José Altuve’s right knee is bothering him. Altuve battled a right knee issue in July, then banged it up again in Game 2 of the ALDS and it’s been a problem ever since.

Manager A.J. Hinch said that if it were the regular season, he wouldn’t put Altuve in the lineup. Per MLB.com’s Richard Justice, the full quote:

He’s hurt. And if it was any other time of the year, he wouldn’t be in the lineup or wouldn’t be playing. He’d probably be on the DL. … But he’s showing up every day in good spirits, ready to go, giving 100 percent of what he’s got. He should be commended.

Hinch also said of Altuve, “His teammates revere him. The production that he’s doing on one leg is pretty incredible. And he’s trying not to talk about it. And therefore I am.”

During the ALCS, Altuve has hit .250/.368/.313 in 16 at-bats. He has just one extra-base hit but he has racked up three singles and drawn three walks while scoring four runs. Hinch has had Marwin González start at second base Games 3 and 4 and is doing so again on Thursday night in Game 5.