More with Less

A weekend series in Oakland has been less than a treat over the past few years. In fact, anything against the A's has been a recipe for disaster. But, given the Orioles took two of three in the last matchup and that the A's were struggling offensively, this weekend had quite the possibilities. And, thanks to some killer starting pitching, it paid off. The Dynamic Duo of Bedard and Guthrie came through again. 14 innings pitched and one run on three hits allowed--and one of those hits was a wind-blown pop-up that should've been caught. It's amazing to see the A's struggle as much as they did, but I don't think many teams could've handled what Bedard & Guthrie were dealing. Who would've thought that 3 of the top 5 AL ERAs in late July would be Orioles (Guthrie #2 and Bedard #5). For Guthrie, it was a return to form and arguably one of his best starts of the year. In Friday + Sunday's games, the Orioles let two baserunners past first base combined! One was the Ellis HR that broke up the no-hitter and the other was the runner that took second on indifference in the ninth inning of a five-run game (I think we can let that one slide). Even Saturday's game was winnable and I am still disgusted by the called strike three to Roberts that turned a huge rally into a mild one. Still, Steve Trachsel was the only one that really didn't have a weekend to feel proud of and one has to wonder if he'll be an Oriole on August 1st. With Olson throwing six shutout innings in Norfolk on the same day, it seems like it's only a matter of time. Of course, August 1st doesn't need to be the bewitching day as I am betting he'd pass through waivers, if necessary.

So, the Orioles continue to play solid baseball under Dave Trembley. I have to admit that I wasn't in support of him getting the job, but I may be changing my tune. I feel more confident going into series (though the Yankees exploding bats this weekend are more than a little scary for this coming homestand). With Tejada's return around the corner (admit it--you didn't miss him as much as you expected) and Mora as well, the Orioles could be at full strength pretty soon. Imagine Roberts, Patterson, and Markakis maintaining some level of momentum and a rejuvenated Tejada in the clean-up spot. I know Patterson and Markakis can't continue this forever, but Millar is getting some great RBI opportunities and, while I like Mr. Cowboy Up, I'd feel better giving those to Miggy. A pair of aces. A bullpen that, with the exception of the bases-loaded walk, has been great in the second half. And a modicum of offense which includes some clutch two-out hits. Finally, something to put a smile on my face. Of course, the D-Rays can completely ruin that if they come up and the lineup does what it's capable of doing. D-Cab and Trachsel have been hard to predict, so anything is possible, but Bedard has got an opportunity to continue a great run (23 IP, 1 ER since he claimed he had a tired arm). Seeing as how I'll be in Baltimore to check out games 2 & 3, I'm looking for some home cookin' (and a free Cal T-Shirt).