B.J.

Ryan

Ryan, 27, is 3-0 with a 5.76 ERA this season, but he has a 1.29 ERA against lefthanded hitters. No word on what the Royals would offer the Orioles for Ryan.

He was lifted for closer Jorge Julio who gave up the winning hit to switch-hitter Mark Bellhorn. Ryan stormed off the mound and left the stadium without talking to reporters. We suspect this will blow over.

Although Orioles’ manager Lee Mazzilli has had enough of Jorge Julio’s inconsistencies in the late innings, he did indicate that matchups will dictate who will close games from here on in. Ryan is an excellent reliever who has really never been given a prolonged chance to be a closer. It will be interesting to see if the left-hander can handle the role.

The lefty has excellent numbers -- 2.40 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 115/34 k/bb rate in 82 2/3 innings -- so he’s definitely worth a pickup this week. If he handles the job well, he has a chance to go into 2005 with the job.

Ryan has been a trade target before, but the Orioles were always leery of leaving Buddy Groom as the only left-hander in the bullpen. The Twins, looking for a lefty reliever since moving Johan Santana into the rotation, could be interested.

Many scouts have watched the Orioles the past few weeks, and have paid particular attention to B.J.Ryan, Buddy Groom and John Parrish. Baltimore may be willing to part with any of the above mentioned left-handers in exchange for a solid starting pitcher, such as the Angels’ Ramon Ortiz.

The Royals’ Ken Harvey took him deep for the first time since June 30, 2003. Ryan now holds the franchise record for the most appearances without giving up a home run at 81. The left-handed reliever is very attractive trade bait.

Street was given a 3-2 lead to start the ninth but gave up three runs on four hits and a walk. In the bottom of the inning, Ryan gave up a single to Mark Ellis and a walk to Mark Kotsay before Bradley’s homer. In the end, Ryan was charged with his first loss and fourth blown save of the season. His ERA went from 1.06 to 1.57 because of the outing, and the homer was just the second he’s allowed all season.

Ryan stayed in to pitch a scoreless 10th in a tie ballgame. He’s given up two runs and 13 hits in 23 1/3 innings this season.

Ryan has only blown four saves in 31 tries this year and is down to 1.41 for the year.