It’s hard to believe that we are only nine games into the 2013 baseball season. The roller coaster that the Orioles have been on to start the season and the overly-critical social media fan base have made these first three series feel like half a season already.
I’ve had the same thoughts as many…. uh-oh.
The bullpen isn’t as strong as last year.
We’ve already lost a bunch of one-run games.
Our starters are struggling.
But when you take a step back you realize… the same could be said for every team right now.
After the first nine games:
- The Orioles currently sit in first Place in the AL East.
- They currently have the fourth best record in the AL.
- They have the best record against their division of any team in the American League.
- They have scored the fourth most runs in all of baseball.
Of all those numbers though, the ones that mean the most to me is this: They won two-of-three against both Tampa and Boston.
This year, the AL East could be the closest ever… and I don’t mean between two teams. No, I mean between all five in the division. When a division is expected to be that close, it could come down to divisional record. Right now, the Orioles lead that category. As they head into New York this weekend, it’s important to once again take at least two of three from the Yankees before coming home to face Tampa.
I think it’s also important to note the start of some of the hitters on this squad. While some struggled (Flaherty 1-for-18, Reimold 4-for-20, Hardy 7-for-35), others have excelled (Jones 18-for-39, Davis 12-for-30 with 6 HRs, Markakis batting .300).
As far as pitching, Darren O’Day has picked up where he left off last year in the bullpen. Jim Johnson has started out well, as has TJ McFarland. I would still like to see this team pick up a starter before the trade deadline. Just one quality starter could really help this squad and take some of the pressure off the guys in the back of the rotation.
And just like Ravens fans like to say “In Ozzie We Trust”, the same needs to be said about Buck. The Orioles Manager has continued to make decisions that matter. He trusted Flaherty in Boston enough not to pinch-hit for him and he came through with his only hit of the season. Buck has proven time and time again that he does his homework and knows what buttons to push. So far, they have helped the Orioles.
I’ve had my moments, like most of us, where I have had the doubts start creeping in. But it’s a long season. And after the year the Orioles gave us last year, we need to remain patient and stand behind this team. They are still fun to watch and are still in first Place… aren’t those the most important things?
