Hey, look at that – a fun series against Kansas City! It only came about 11 months too late, but beggars can’t be choosers, right? After the teams split high-scoring affairs on Friday & Saturday, the O’s took the rubber match on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, again lighting up Johny Cueto, who has been very un-ace-like since going over to the Royals. Breaks my heart.
Now, the Boston Red Sox come to town, just a game behind the Birds for the AL East cellar. So, something to play for.
Watching September Baseball in a Lost Season Isn’t All That Bad
Alex Conway of Camden Chat went to Friday night’s game, and against his basest instincts, decided to try to just enjoy the game for what it was – an evening with friends at the ballpark – rather than being on the edge of his seat living and dying with every pitch. There is certainly something to be said for that. While we’d all prefer a pennant race, “meaningless” games can be quite enjoyable too, if you can get yourself in the right mindset. That said, get out there against Boston – tix available very cheap here.
Everything is Not Always Terrible
Sure, the game didn’t “mean” anything, but there is something to be said for becoming the first team in MLB to have TWO two-grand-slam innings in their history, and doing it against the damn Royals. Jake English of Bird’s Eye View has the highlights, and says that it’s nice to get a little dose of Orioles Magic, even if it is too little, too late.
Fans Learning How to Watch the Team Lose Again
In a piece that dovetails nicely with Conway’s linked above, our own Andrew Stetka, in his weekly MASN guest column, recalls a 2013 piece he wrote here at ESR that referred to a “tax” that comes with winning baseball. It’s tough for many O’s fans (especially younger ones) to see the team go from winning the division to an also-ran, as it brings fears that the awful years of their youth are upon us again.
Which Postseason Path Will the Orioles Take?
Matt Kremnitzer of Camden Depot ponders the question of which way the Orioles will decide to go this winter. Will they dish out a ton of cash to retain as many free agents as possible? (in a word, no) Will they ship off a bunch of pieces to try to restock the farm system and “rebuild?” (doubtful) Will they try to plug a couple holes and give it a go again with many of the same players as this year, minus the big free agents? (likely)
It’s going to be an important winter. Not just for 2016, but for the next few years. Let’s hope Dan & Buck get it right.
