Another 11-7 Start

At the beginning of the season, I said a big component of any success would be the Orioles ability to at least play 500 ball against the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Red Sox. This has been a huge problem in years past and pretty much buries the birds, regardless of what happens with the rest of the league (not that their performance against the NL is ever anything to be proud of). Well, after taking two of three from the Yankees two weeks ago, there was some reason for optimism that maybe--just maybe--the Orioles could hold their own. After this past weekend, the optimism increases.

The Orioles were trailing 4-2 in the eighth inning Friday. From that point till the 9th inning Sunday, the Orioles outscored the Blue Jays 15-3. They outpitched them, outhit them, and continually came through with clutch plays. Whether it was the big hits from Markakis or Chad Bradford's ability to snuff would-be rallies and bail out the Oriole starters, they simply had the flair for doing the right thing at the right time. The Jays, admittedly shorthanded with injuries to Troy Glaus, BJ Ryan, and Reed Johnson, had no answer.

As much as we like to talk about the bullpen, the pitching staff overall continues to do exactly what it needs to--keep the team in the game and keep the ball in the park. The Orioles have given up three HRs in the last two weeks. By comparison, Yankee rookie Chase Wright gave up four HRs IN A ROW!!! In fact, in the last nine games, they have not given up a HR with a runner on base. Just two solo shots. When the opponent isn't hitting 3-run HRs, it makes it a lot easier to stay in the ball game.

Now, let's temper the enthusiasm here. If there's anything that 2005 taught us, it's to not get TOO excited about early season performance. The Orioles started both 2005 and 2006 at 11-7. But here's a difference--no one is playing over their head with the possible exception of John Parrish. The bullpen is pretty much doing what was expected of them. The starters haven't really hit their stride. Tejada only had three RBIs until Saturday. Huff and Gibbons have combined for only 1 HR. Roberts is hitting .213. There's a very good chance this team will get BETTER in the months ahead if they stay healthy. And yet here they sit as winners of 8 of 9. That's big. And even their losses since the Twins series have been close. They've lost by 1,2,2, and 4 (in extra innings). Every game has been within reach and their ability to come from behind gives them an unflappable contest.

I think Perlozzo hit the nail on the head. The Orioles are playing really well right now and they need to ride it out. The question will come when they hit adversity. How does this team handle it? This week will be one that tests the Orioles. They play the Red Sox and A's, two teams that have traditionally beat up on the Orioles in years past--particularly the Red Sox last year. What happens if they fall down? Can they get back up? That's why we watch...