Gut Check #1 Complete

The gut check is complete and the Orioles split their six games. Losing two of three in Fenway isn't completely unforgivable, especially with the spector of the Mother's Day Massacre haunting the team (the Sox fans call it the Mother's Day Miracle--imagine that). Beating Josh Beckett was impressive. What wasn't was the bullpen performance in the seventh inning. If this keeps up, the Orioles starters may have to push themselves to seven like they were in May or June. Given their pitch counts of late, that's not ideal. In the case of Paul Shuey, that's two straight distrubing outings and you wonder at what point you turn that responsibility over to Cory Doyne, who also had two crappy outings, but might actually be part of this team next year. As for Rob Bell, just some tough breaks. I think he's got a shot to be back in 2008, so I don't think it is horrible to use him. But this team definitely feels the pain of losing Chris Ray just as it did when Danys Baez went down. Dave Trembley has had to do a lot of shuffling and it hurts. Game 2 was definitely winnable and Game 3 should've been a tougher fight. Jeremy Guthrie wasn't getting a lot of calls on the corner, which wasn't helping hims as he struggled. Still, it was really the bullpen that failed in both games. At what point do you call up Jim Hoey again and give him a real chance (as opposed to that cup of coffee earlier this year). Meanwhile, one good development was Steve Trachsel going six innings against the Red Sox and giving up only one run. Of course, one run is exactly how many Garrett Olson has given up down in the minors in three starts since being sent down. How long do you keep him there? There shouldn't be days when I'd rather see Norfolk play than the Orioles.

Now it is on to Tampa Bay, where the D-Rays are much tougher at home than on the road. Then it is back home for the Mariners and the Red Sox. These games at Fenway were the first time since the All-Star Break that the O's have lost consecutive games. Much like we've kept asking whether Jeremy Guthrie would react well to adversity, now the question will be asked of these "new look" Orioles. They've won four of six series and need to win on the road at places like Tampa Bay to have a shot at 500 or more. Then, they can take a crack against the two teams that have beaten them in the second half series this year--but on their turf. Given the improved play the Orioles have had at home, it will be a great test on whether the Orioles can defend against a pair of playoff-caliber teams.