Pitch outside

As one might expect, the Kevin Millar backlash has begun in Baltimore.

The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec reports today that the Orioles slugger was a big topic of discussion yesterday in Charm City, where local fans voiced their displeasure over Millar’s appearance at Fenway Park Sunday night, when he threw out the first pitch prior to game 7 of the ALCS.

“It kind of got to me that he identified himself with the Red Sox,” Orioles fan Jon French – who has already created an online petition to have Millar traded – told Zrebiec. “This is the same team that comes to the stadium, all the fans come in and invade the park and treat Oriole fans like garbage. … We’re supposed to be fighting this and having some team pride. It’s not right.”

It should be noted that the Orioles gave Millar the OK to appear in Boston. However, the Sun’s Roch Kubatko’s has this reponse from Orioles manager Dave Trembley when asked about the situation.

“No comment.”

So, this ought to be a fun spring training with the O’s, eh?

As it turns out, Millar – who also opened Fox’s broadcast Thurday night with a pep talk for Red Sox fans – might not have even been the first choice for the job. On ESPN Radio this morning, Mike Greenberg said that the Red Sox contacted the Mets about having Pedro Martinez throw out the first pitch and were subsequently denied by the club. Fellow 2004 hero – and retired player – Bill Mueller did the job prior to Game 6. Dave Roberts has to be the next logical call, but with the backlash Millar is getting in Baltimore, you have to wonder if the Giants might take the safe route and just say no.

“It’s not vindictive or anything,” Millar said. “I’m a Baltimore Oriole, period, and this has nothing to do with anything but throwing out the first pitch. The Orioles aren’t in the playoffs right now, but you still root for your friends to do well.

“If I worry about what everybody said about me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”