Expectation: A clouded view amongst O’s fans

The word expectation is one that is clearly overused in sport. It’s something that all fans have at the start of a season, but only few really believe in. Here’s the actual definition:

Expectation (noun): (1) A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future. (2)

A belief that someone will or should achieve something.

For Orioles fans, after last season, expectation was high going into this year. It still should be, for those keeping score at home. My realization after the first month or so of the baseball season is that I’ve never truly had expectation in the Orioles until this season. Even last year, I watched an incredible playoff run but never actually had that strong belief that anything could or would come of it. This year is way different.

This may seem like I’m telling you something you would’ve wanted to hear before the season started, but in reality, I didn’t realize the level of my expectations until late last week. The O’s were in Oakland for a four-game set against the A’s, and I felt that belief, that strong expectation that things should be going the way they were going.

I no longer go into a game hoping the starter can keep them close and the offense can come through late. I no longer go into a series hoping they can grab a game and maybe steal a series. I no longer hope the bullpen can hold a lead.

I expect starters to always give the team a chance to win. I expect to win every series and to sweep a few on occasion. I expect that when a game is turned over to the bullpen, the game should be won.

With these expectations come realities. That word – reality – is something O’s fans need to get a grip on.

Here’s the definition of reality:

Reality (noun): (1) The world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them: “he refuses to face reality”. (2) A thing that is actually experienced or seen, esp. when this is grim or problematic: “the harsh realities of life.”

Baseball is a game where expectations don’t always meet realities. Look at last year’s Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Do you think that team expected to sign Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson and proceed to not make the playoffs? Take a glance at this year’s Toronto Blue Jays as well. Virtually everyone thought they were a sure bet to make the playoffs, but after a slow start it could be tough.

Your expectations for this Orioles team should be high. They should remain high. The franchise should be held to that high belief that something good will happen to them this year and beyond. We as a fan base were treated to a long dry spell where we couldn’t feel that.

This entire feeling, however, must be quelled after every game or event that doesn’t meet your expectation. That’s the way it’s done in baseball. For those of you who are Ravens fans (and equally as insane as some of the Orioles fans I have interacted with), you are able to move on from a bad loss from Sunday to Sunday because you have six days in between to digest. In baseball, there is no such luxury. The players know this, the manager knows this, but the only part of the equation that doesn’t seem to get it is the fans. You can expect great things, but must learn to move on quickly when reality sets in. If the Orioles have a bad game, the manager shouldn’t be fired, the bullpen shouldn’t be blown up and the lineup doesn’t need to be re-tooled. It was one game out of 162. This is your wakeup call. We all need it. I need it myself at times.

You can, of course, see trends over time, things that may need to be fixed and tinkered with. This is also Buck Showalter’s job. He even got an extension on that job this offseason, because he did such a stellar job at it last season. Everything the man says about his team is true. He believes in the 25 men he sends out there each night and the organization they represent. You as a fan should too.

Jump on board with Buck and his crew. Get behind them without pushing with your phone calls to radio stations, your tweets and your negative thoughts and words. Baseball teams will have things go wrong during a season. Injuries will happen, bullpens will struggle, starting staffs won’t get deep into games, fielders won’t play great defense and hitters won’t hit at times. All of that will happen.

Instead of expecting less, expect more while keeping with Buck’s mantra. Turn the page each day and sleep fast. It’s going to be a fun ride the rest of the season, and beyond.