Reality: The Orioles offense has woke up, but the pitching hasn’t.
Perception: The Birds have scored 49 runs over their last 8 games. However, the Orioles are just 4-4 in those games. The team is finally getting the hits we all thought this team would get with its potent lineup. The bottom of the lineup (sans Lough) is even contributing in key situations. But the pitching is a different story.
Starters are still not getting deep into games, which continues to show that the O’s still don’t have a true #1 starter, and some might even say a #2 either. A true Ace gives their team at least 7 strong innings nearly every time they go out to pitch.
I’m a big fan of Chris Tillman and he definitely shows moments of brilliance. But after 11 starts, he is averaging less than 6 innings per start. That is not good enough, especially from the guy at the top of your rotation. Ubaldo Jimenez, Wei-Yin Chen, and Miguel Gonzalez are all averaging less than 6 innings per game. Bud Norris is the only starter average more than 6 innings per start, but just barely more.
The bullpen overall has pitched well, but they have still had their struggles in certain games. We all knew going into this season that pitching would make or break this season, and it’s proven true so far. They need to get better because there is no help on the way. I just don’t see Dan Duquette going out and selling off the farm in order to bring in a proven arm at the trade deadline.
Reality: The Orioles are winning the close games, which is an indication of a good playoff team.
Perception: Some are beginning to say that this year’s squad is starting to resemble the 2012 Orioles. The O’s are 16-11 in one or two runs games this season. They are 11-6 in one run games, and they are also 5-1 in extra-inning games.
Those are key stats. Every team has a stinker of a game and lays an egg every now and then, but keeping those to a minimum is important. But coming from behind to win like the Birds did in Milwaukee yesterday and winning close games are traits of a real good team. Those are the games you’ll be playing come October, so learn to win them now.
Reality: Baltimore is 26-23 on the season and in midst of 10-game road trip during a very tough June.
Perception: Yesterday was a big win. They committed an error and were down to their last out on the road, but fought back to win. It’s a great way to start a road trip. They remain 2.5 games behind Toronto and a half game behind the Yankees in the AL East.
It’s important for them to win these games. With two more in Milwaukee, the O’s then travel to Houston for 4-games with the worst team in baseball. Then, they face the Rangers for three before coming home to take on the Athletics, before they play every team in the AL East consecutively.
June’s schedule is very difficult, so this road trip is important to get off to a good start.
