As the Orioles close in on the All-Star break and most likely another sub-par .500 campaign, it’s fair to wonder, without football for now, if they can at least make it compelling for their fans as we enter summer.
There have been positive signs with this year’s ball club. The emergence of Matt Wieters and Adam Jones, the early promise of Zach Britton, and the pleasantly surprising season from J.J. Hardy are exciting.
However, the disappointments once again out weigh the good. Injuries to Brain Matusz and Brian Roberts, the lack of power from Nick Markakis, starters throwing way too many pitches, poor defense (see Mark Reynolds), and slow starts by free agents Derek Lee and Vladimir Guererro have stunted the team’s growth.
Optimists love to point out that the Orioles are on a better pace than last yr. Of course they are! They should be better, after a 2-16 start, three managers and a last place finish, anything is an improvement.
Nonetheless, the lack of fundamentals, defense and hitting with runners in scoring position still adds up to another last place formula – the same place they finished a year ago. Those that predicted winning season were delusional. This team won 66 games a year ago, anything in the 80′s would be a monumental jump. Expect some long, hard and hopefully educational days ahead.
The nucleus is being set. This season should be utilized for one thing: experimentation. A lot of big questions remain. Can Roberts ever be effective again? Will Matusz live up to his potential? Is Mark Reynolds the answer at third base? Which young hurlers belong in the rotation? Will Andy MacPhail return next season? We should have a better understanding in the 2nd half – which is what that period of time should be all about.
