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Oriole Magic
Some Positivity In Light Of A Loss…
Last night, Baltimore lost to New York 8-0, and there was not much that came of this game at all. Olson, who has been solid since his call-up had nothing as he gave up six runs in 2 2/3 innings. Perhaps he did not have his stuff, or he just was intimidated, but he looked awful.
Of course, Alex Rodriguez, needless to say is back — he hit a homer, and was robbed of a another home run by the umpires (it hit the yellow stairs, but the officials called it a ground rule double).
Right now, the Orioles are one of the biggest surprises in baseball. When it comes down to it, this is Dave Trembley’s team, and he should be (and deservedly so) get the credit — obviously, let’s not forget Andy MacPhail and the moves he’s made; however, I think the guy who has made the most difference is Rick Kranitz and his work with Daniel Cabrera and the young pitchers.
Funny, could you imagine Joe Girardi as manager right now of the Baltimore Orioles? It could have happened.
Back to the team — I’m going to hold my optimism for now. Well, right now, we should focus on seeing the team improve and building up a core of young talent both at the major and minor league level, not focusing on wins and losses. I cannot see Baltimore sustaining their success as summer goes along — they are just too thin on the bench, and as well with their everyday starting lineup.
The pitching staff looks fine, but I’d concerned about the younger guys and if they wilt (like Burres did last year over) a 162 game season.
However, with the Orioles good play, as well a few players who are actually likable along with a commitment to rebuilding the minor leagues, Baltimore’s future looks bright; however, fans should see the forest from the trees — the Orioles will not compete for the pennant this year, or much less make the playoffs.
But, it looks like the culture of the past decade has started to change and that’s a good thing.
Alas, the season has been real fun so far.





2 Responses to “Some Positivity In Light Of A Loss…”
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I don’t think any of us expect the O’s to chase the pennant. We still need to address the average IP of our starting pitchers. That number has to go up. Guthrie and Cabrera are about where you’d want them to be, but the rest of the starting staff is only churning out about 5 per start, if that. Not a good omen.
So I’m wondering… We finished last year at 69-93, which gave us a .426 winning percentage. We’re on pace for an 86-76 season, or a .531 winning percentage. That means that if we want the strongest case for saying the season was a success (more wins always helps, eh?
), we don’t have much room to slip.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Good point about about the innings of Baltimore’s starting pitching. Then again, I’d also say that Trembley has a deep bullpen — nevertheless, you’re right, the starting pitching has to go deeper.
I find the offense more troubling, and that will take time to develop unless we all of a sudden dip into the free agent market.
There are still too many holes to fill, and if MacPhail sticks to his plan, we’ll just have to be patient.
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