What A Way To Close Out The Season's First Third

Wow, I don't think series get much better than this one. After taking two of three from the A's (a team that historically tortures them), the Orioles had every reason to be optimistic as they arrived in Kansas City. They had a revitalized offense, starting pitching that was continuing to get stronger, and a manager that finally figured out that the best time to pitch Danys Baez was with a huge lead or a huge deficit. And unlike many seasons of the past (or even many times this season), the Orioles didn't fail to live up to expectations. They walked all over the Royals, at least until Gil Meche came up in the rotation. But to give you an idea of the Oriole dominance over the Royals, Meche has given up only 1 run in 14 innings this season in two starts--and the Orioles won both games! The O's hardly needed the bullpen only needed to throw three innings and did so perfectly (nine up, nine down). While Miggy's power cooled down, he still came through as did several other people throughout the lineup (including Ramon Hernandez with a grand slam).


So, we're at the one-third mark (actually, we will be after one more game). Given the Orioles are about at 500 despite occasional managerial insanity, a shortstop slugger who forgot how to slug, three starters on the DL, and a high-priced setup man who makes us long for Jorge Julio, it's hard to complain. In fact, I'll go as far as to say I am downright optimistic (though maybe part of that is the current winning streak). The pitching keeps getting better and better (save for Baez), the offense is due for a better second half (Gibby & Huff, time to shine), and this team is proving it can battle through adversity. Markakis is the only player in pace to hit more than 20 HRs or drive in more than 90 and there are only two players hitting better than his .260. This offense WILL pick up. Meanwhile, I think Bedard is hitting his stride, Guthrie could turn out to be a real steal (they've been predicting this for years), and D-Cab still has time to step it up. I don't know about Trachsel or Burres, but with Olson in the minors and Penn & Loewen (and Wright?) available at the end of the year, there is depth.


So, will they catch the Red Sox? Well, people don't even think the Yankees will catch the Red Sox. But I do think the wild card may be open and it's not a stretch to think the Orioles could make some noise. Of course, I have to assume that. I wouldn't waste my time with this blog if I wasn't a little optimistic. Bring on the second third of the season...