Every time we think perhaps the Orioles have reached “rock bottom,” they just plunge through the floor and reveal that there is somehow, still another, lower, level. After sweeping the New York Mets in a short two-game set at Citi Field, the Birds have now lost five straight. Last night, they wasted eight shutout innings from Dylan Bundy, losing 2-0 to Boston in 12 innings.
Hey girl – not that you need a reminder of how bad this season is, but through 65 games in 1988, the Orioles were only one game worse – 18 wins, 47 losses. #notdrunkenough #pleasegivememorewine #hiccup
— Seductive Tommy H (@SeductiveTommyH) June 12, 2018
This Orioles team is legitimately one of the worst fundamental squads I’ve ever seen. Not just that they have a lousy roster. They do some dumb crap almost every game. Perfect example just now via Adam Jones.
— Dave Cokin (@davecokin) June 12, 2018
(This was about Adam Jones missing the cutoff man in the 12th yesterday on the sacrifice fly that gave Boston a 1-0 lead. Because he missed, a runner went from 2nd to 3rd, and that runner scored on a sac fly just a play later. Would it have mattered? Most likely not at all. But it was still bone-headed, and helped turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-0 deficit. Ross Grimsley was not a fan either:)
O's Jones tries to throw out runner at plate with bases loaded no outs, misses cutoff man on throw to plate. No chance to throw runner out st plate, as he allows runners to go to 2nd & 3rd. Sox get 2 runs instead of 1. Another poor decision. U R better than that.
— Ross Grimsley (@rgrimsley2) June 12, 2018
To some links, I suppose.
The Orioles’ Outfield Defense is Brutal
Let’s stay with that theme for a moment. Jones made a bad play – and he’s made his share of late – but he is, yet again, being asked to cover for some horrendous outfielders on both sides of him. Camden Depot’s Matt Kremnitzer has the gory details (and GIFs) of just how terrible the Birds’ OF defense has been.
Bird’s Eye View Episode 241: Duck and Cover
Jake and Scott join me in trying to find Rock Bottom. They asked O’s fans to give them their Rock Bottom moments, as our season theme of “misery loves company” rolls on.
The Way Buck Showalter Organizes the Orioles Lineup is Confusing
If you’re forced to organize the deck chairs on the Titanic, shouldn’t you at least put them as far away from the listing edge as possible? As Tyler Young points out at Camden Depot, Buck has routinely set the chairs up in a silly, haphazard, and entirely indefensible manner.
Sunday Notes: Mancini a “Thoughtful Slugger”
David Laurila talked to Trey Mancini (scroll down) about getting in his own head, exceeding expectations, and how he quiets the naysayers both internal and external.
Buck said he didn’t want Britton’s first appearance to be a save opportunity. Last night would have been perfect then, right? I guess Buck should have said he wanted Zach’s first outing to be in mop-up duty, because he had several good chances to bring Britton in last night – even “dry humping” him twice – but instead left Mychal Givens out there to wither yet again. Buck has learned nothing.
Today is Dylan Bundy bobblehead day at the Yard. Somehow I’m thinking they might have some left over.